[SaxonPig]

Of course one aspect of getting old is that one longs to recapture his youth. Recently I began seeking out the guns that I had (or wanted) as a kid but no longer have (or never got).

My first pistol was a Stoeger 22 Luger. I guess I always was drawn to the oddities. It never worked right. Jammed on every shot. The gunsmith at the store where I bought it tinkered with it endlessly without success. They finally gave me another one. It worked, but I felt like I no longer had my first pistol. I sold or traded the Luger away.

Last year while walking a local show I spotted another. I recall mine having checkered stocks and this one's were smooth but otherwise it was the same so I bagged it. Tagged at $225 I offered $200 and we settled at $215. Oh well.

http://www.fototime.com/E5F5194CADB88AC/standard.jpg


I always wanted a Remington Nylon 66. Not sure why, it just appealed to me. Never got one. In recent years prices have really soared on these for some reason. They made millions of them but apparently folks are collecting them. Then about 2 years ago at a nearby show I saw one that was far from pristine. Priced at $130 I told the seller that if he took off $20 I'd take it. He did... and so did I.

http://www.fototime.com/73563156AAE464A/standard.jpg


Yesterday I was perusing the tables at yet another gunshow and spotted an H&R Sportsman revolver. This is another gun that has recently been really going up in value due to collector demand. When I was young I thought this top-break revolver was the neatest thing since sliced bread. Again, never got one. With all the S&W and Colt 22 revolvers I have at home you'd think that this thing wouldn't attract my attention. But the allure of grabbing a bit of lost youth was too tempting. The asking price was $165 but I walked out with it for $150.

http://www.fototime.com/F165E65C3AAE35B/standard.jpg


Now if I can just find a deal on a 4&5/8" Ruger 3-screw Blackhawk (my first revolver).

[9mmepiphany]

I've chased an Anschutz M54 sporter for 35+ years...since I was 18. I finally committed to one when I retired...I'm very happy.

Ignore the shotgun in the picture, also ignore the horrible lighting

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n79/9mmepiphany/DSC_1249.jpg

[Jim Watson]

Isn't it interesting how you have to grow up to appreciate the lowly .22?

It is about impossible to convince an Internet Novice that he would be better off learning the basics with a .22 instead of jumping into the deep end with a loud, hard kicking centerfire.

[Shear_stress]

Isn't it interesting how you have to grow up to appreciate the lowly .22?

It is about impossible to convince an Internet Novice that he would be better off learning the basics with a .22 instead of jumping into the deep end with a loud, hard kicking centerfire.

So true. What first attracts many to guns is not what attracts them to shooting. Most of the people I know who shoot frequently have gravitated toward the .22 or reloading at some point, myself included.

[DPris]

In my case, it's been Colt Peacemakers (3) and the Wanted Dead Or Alive Mare's Leg (one here, another in the works).
The three guns I wanted as a kid all derived from TV shows, and back then, coming from something of an underpriviledged background, I never expected to be able to own a "real" one.
Been fortunate in building up a career that has allowed me to acquire those & other fun stuff.

I'm still looking for somebody who can build me an U.N.C.L.E. Special..... :)

Denis

[T.R.]

I'm STILL searching for an Ithaca model 66 20 gauge in good to excellent shape.

The ones I've handled appear badly neglected. This is a lever operated single shot with above average handling and pointing characteristics.

If you find one and contact me, I'll be very thankful and generous.

TR

[22-rimfire]

The gun of my youth that I really wanted but felt I could not afford was a Remington 541-S. I saw one at a gun show and bought it and have been very pleased with it overall. Of course, since I had the 541-S, I had to buy a 541-T, and a 547 when it came out. That what happens when you get older and as my Dad said "have a little money in your pocket". Guess the Anshutz is next.

Another one I always craved was a Mossberg Chuckster (22 mag). Saw an as-new one at a show and bought it. Shot it a bit and at the time wondered why I needed a 22 mag. Sold it.

[Wishoot]

My father had a beautiful Walther PPK. I always wanted that thing. Unfortunately, by the time I seriously started shooting, he had turned it in to the police to be destroyed without understanding the true value of the gun.

Otherwise, I've always wanted a Browning Hi Power and as of last week, I picked up a very nice 1982 vintage.

[CHEVELLE427]

camp 45

found a few just to high price

44 carbine when i find a good one im a few $$ short

hell to be broke sometimes

[Joe Demko]

After a time, you may find that having is not so pleasing a thing, after all, as wanting. It is not logical, but it is often true.

...as Mr. Spock famously said. I no longer chase the guns of my youth because too many of them turned out to be disappointing. The Whitney Wolverine, H&R Sportsman, and the Ruger Mini-14 were all less pleasing to have than they were to want.

[Rexster]

To an extent, yes. I just had a dealer put a hold on an S&W Model 19-5, and I am eternally looking for a well-preserved S&W Model 581. Both of these represent sixguns I let get away in my younger, more foolish days. I nearly bought an Uzi Carbine from a local dealer not long ago, to replace the one I traded toward a big-bore N-frame snubby that ended up being too big for me to shoot well in DA mode, with my K-frame-sized hands, due to trigger reach. An Uzi Carbine was my actually my first firearm!

I don't yearn for an Ithaca model 37, to replace my first shotgun, but I reckon if one presented itself at a good price, at a time when I had available funds, I would probably get nostalgic, and jump on it. I traded mine away when I became a police officer trainee in 1983, and the Ithaca was not on my employer's list of approved shotguns.

OTOH, I have no desire to acquire another Detonics Combat Master, which was my first handgun. Its reliability made it quite forgettable.

I did buy a Seecamp LWS-32 a couple of years ago, to replace one I let get away in the very early days of that model's production. Of course, I waited until the scalper's prices were history to buy the replacement.

To drift off-topic a bit, I have recently taken up photography again, a hobby that went dormant when the bad economic times of the early-mid-1980's nipped it in the bud. Of course, the current economic hard times have meant I am getting no paid overtime work, so I have to pace myself in purchasing both firearms and photo gear, and acquiring firearms generally involves a painful trade.

[PT1911]

Well, I am 24 but I still badly want a Winchester 87 (or copy of) to go with my Norinco copy of a 97 (Still wanting the original of that one too.

But my God, the originals (even in terrible shape) are horribly expensive!

So, I suppose I will just have to improvise.

Not sure what it is about those two models.

[Prion]

My dream gun as a youth was a Luger. No longer any desire to own one.

Now the girls of my youth........

[Flynt]

Yes, in two ways.

First, I've come full circle with some guns -- replacing guns I had as a kid but got rid of. Circa 1960 my dad ordered an M1 carbine on my behalf through the civilian marksmanship program. Including shipping -- $20. I also saved up $49.95 (plus tax) to buy a Ruger 10/22. For a deer rifle, I bought a .303 British Lee Enfield for $20 from "Monkey Wards." I sporterized her by cutting down the stock and having a gunsmith shorten the barrel and install different sights. I sold these guns to help pay for college.

Years later I regretted selling my guns, so I reacquired an M1 carbine, then added a second and a Garand, just to be on the safe side. I looked at 10/22's for several years but couldn't find one like the one I had (with walnut stock, metal trigger guard, etc.) in decent condition. I finally bought a deluxe model and refitted her with a good trigger guard assembly and Green Mountain barrel.

As a kid I was a big fan of "The Untouchables" and "Combat!" so I also wanted a Thompson and a Luger ($50 at the time, IIRC) but for some reason my dad didn't want a pistol in the house, and the thought of owning a real tommy gun was inconceivable at that time. Many years later, I bought that first Luger -- and ultimately a couple more. Thanks to the wonder of the internet, I also learned that I could get a Federal Form Four license and get a Thompson, which I did.

[K9american]

Just bought a brand new Colt SAA. P1840, CCH/Blue, 4.75 ", .45c.
Pretty ordinary, garden variety Peacemaker.
I suppose you could say I chased and waited about 61 years for this gun.
No disappointment here.
click-click-click-click :cool:

Now for the holster.

[content]

Hello friends and neighbors // Love the Stoger American Eagle Luger .22

It was my first hand gun also, at 11 + 1 with an aluminum frame it was hard to beat as a trail gun on the East coast..
127865

I learned to shoot in the Boy Scouts using the Winchester model 69 and 69A.
Just found those a month ago.127866

When the older Scouts threw a clay piegon for me, I remember missing with the Peep sighted 69A three times and hitting the first time when they gave me the open sighted 69. I was ten so that is a 38 year old memory.

When looking for the other two Winchesters I found the 72A with sling, scope, and a decent blueing for $100.00, hard to pass up.

I'm sure the S&W Models 28 Highway Patrol and 586 are in that catagory as well as Wingmasters,Ruger Sixes,an M1 Carbine and a few others.

BTW my Stoger .22 cost $65.00 used in the 1980's and has fired thousands of .22 lr (mostly Federal bulk) using the same mag,I have not found another mag./// I also have the original grips.

The only problem I have had is with the safety, a small ball fell out.
I found it at the Gun Parts Corporation of W.Hurley NY.12491 ( I believe this might be Numrich Arms Parts now)
This was in Feb. of 1991, no other problem if I stay away from Rem. bulk.

Every young person I have had the Privledge of teaching handgun usage to has started with the Stoger American Eagle Luger .22 with one one round in the mag. It is fairly accurate for a four inch semi-auto.

Nice find usually $300.00 plus around here **if you even see one at all.

[sub-moa]

All but a couple :D, and damn if it didn't cost a small fortune and take years to accomplish that much. Even picked-up period correct copies of previously issued guns :rolleyes:.

Traded/sold far too many just to get what I "needed" or what was newly authorized for carry at the time. There was a divorce in there too which required sale of several high end guns (AUG/FAL/FNC) to avoid living on nothing but Rice Crispies and water ;).

Last pistol I sold was about 20 years ago and I bought that back about 7-8 years ago in one of those "Right of first refusal/Buddy deals"...

Paying for the stupidity of youth ain't cheap :o.

[ChCx2744]

The only dream guns I had as a youth were a few pistols: Beretta 92 (9mm black), HK USP .45 (9mm polymer), Desert Eagle .50 (Chrome or nickel), CZ 75 (Chrome or nickel) and SW 629 with full under lug (Chrome or nickel). The good news is, I've shot all of them and owned 2. Once I can straighten out my financial situation, I'm definitely adding the Beretta 92, CZ 75 and SW629 to my collection.

[SharpsDressedMan]

I had a firing P-38 with the correct grips and a precise replica flashhider ala "Man from U.N.C.L.E." a few years back. The grips were not strong enought to handle recoil of live ammo, and firing without a front sight annoyed me. It looked good, but it had to go. Never could stand to part with the $2000 plus for the goods from a guy fabricating all the hardware, as working guns have been available recently. That was probably my MOST desired childhood lust of a gun. Then there was Sgt. Saunders Thompson........

[LHRGunslinger]

Seein as I'm only 21 I'd say yes. Yes I am. I'm lookin to get a sweet deal on an S&W Model 3 reproduction and oddly enough I want a Nylon 66 as well.

[parisite]

As a kid I would always go into our local gun store and drool over the High Standard .22 pistols. Of course they were way out of my/our price range. When I decided to get back into firearms several years back, I caught the HS bug again.
I know what you mean SaxonPig.

I have the Nylon 66 Mom gave Dad for Christmas in 1960 right after they first came out.:)

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o182/bendebval/hscollection1.jpg

[clutch]

Replying to original poster.

My first purchased firearm was a Stoeger Luger also. It needed work as in trips back to the gun shop. I still have it. Added an over travel screw back in my young gun butchering days. It still shoots, only have one magazine though.

The nylon 66. Uncle had one, it was fun. He made a home made aperture sight for it. Shooting that got me ready for my introduction to the M16.

I remember just before heading off to Marine boot camp stopping by his place and noticing his rabbits were all loose. Well I ran though the woods and managed to catch a few of them. Uncle made it home and I told him about his rabbits getting loose. He said he was going to butcher them that night anyway. Soooooo, I turned them all loose, got the Nylon 66 and caught them a bit quicker that time. :)

Now grandma had a very tired Stevens Visible loader, often known as Miserable Loader. It worked fine for her though uncle often had to file another nail down to replace the firing pin that had broke a long time ago. Grandma and grandpa lived in a Victorian style house that was a fixer upper. To make ends meet they partitioned it off into three living spaces and it paid for itself with the proceeds from renters.

Pigeons liked to roost on the eves and leave scat on the porch. Grandma did not like that. So every once and a while she would tell the upstairs renter to stay out of the front room as she capped some pigeons with some cb caps. Grandma was deadly.

Now grandpa had the same Pigeon problem but his was at the Pennsylvania railroad maintenance shop. Big tall brick building that cars got worked on in. Pigeons flew in the open windows and sat up in the superstructure and voided on the men, the work, and their lunches. Periodically, the men would tell grandpa, Les, you gotta do something about the damn birds.

So on Sunday when the shop was closed, grandpa and me would head out with the Visible loader and some CB caps and do Pigeon control.

This was back in the 60's. Now either one would have been surrounded by a swat team if today.

I have a Visible loader. Was supposed to be in great condition, not so hot when I got it in the mail on a crffl license. Outside it is decent, bore was wasted. I've relined it, need to cut the last .005" or so of chamber now that I have a head space gauge and finish this project. Probably this winter, it is still nice outside in my part of paradise.

Oh my first owned firearm is a 7.7 Jap, Type 99 uncle gave me. I had it re-blued, put a recoil pad on it. Damaged the chamber when I was beating a squib out in my earlier days. Not sure if the chamber is chromed. If it isn't, I could fix it by commissioning a 7.7 improved reamer or just let it sit in a corner, testament to my earlier days of learning how to work on my guns.

Thanks for reminding me of pleasant times. I'll read the rest of the thread now.

Clutch

[cambeul41]

For me, buying a Red Ryder BB gun at a yard sale brought back so many memories from -- could it really be -- 60 years ago.

[Dr.Rob]

A good friend of mine inherited an Iver Johnson Supershot Sealed 8 22 cal revolver in excellent condition. I had looked at such relics with disdain in my youth but as an adult that is one seriusly well crafted piece of machinery. I've been half heartedly looking for one ever since Tommy got his.. never seen one as nice as his. They rarely are valued over $200.

Had a Nylon 66 for a while as a kid, but liked the Marlin 995 I got later, better.

Dad's Marlin 39A Mountie is going to be my brother's some day... that's a rifle I grew up shooting too, and one I'd love to add to my collection. Ditto to his model 24 Winchester shotgun. After opening day of doves this year I have a hankering to get myself an old double... it need not be a Winchester it may be a Stevens or a Savage, just a plain jain workin' man's gun. I have busted a lot of clays with dad's Winchester and it's just... easier than with a pump gun.

Part of me still lusts for an AutoMag. I blame Don Pedleton.

I have more wants than cash.

[Mike OTDP]

+10 to Jim Watson's comment. If I shoot cartridge at all, it's .22LR.

[M2 Carbine]

Anyone else chasing the guns of their youth?
I did for a while but finally I got a couple.:)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v135/Bell406_206B/BuckM1USMC.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v135/Bell406_206B/M1bayonet.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v135/Bell406_206B/CMPM1.jpg

[lbmii]

In college around between 1986 to 1990 my friend and his Dad and I would go shoot his Dad's 357 revolvers. Of the three brands the Ruger Six series was my favorite by a large margin. So fast forward 20 + years when I decided to get a revolver the choice was a new in the box 357 Ruger Speed Six made in 1985.

[Tin_Man]

I've got my old Remington Speedmaster sitting in the garage. I loved that thing growing up. I pulled the trigger group out years ago to clean and I was never able to get it back in. I'm looking for another one... :*(

[Sauer Grapes]

Lucky for me I still own all the guns from my youth. My father bought me an Ithaca mod. 49 single shot 22 when I was 7 or 8. The coolest thing about the little carbine was the fact that it ejected the empties 5' in the air. Other than that, it really wasn't anythng special. But I still have it and it hasn't been shot in over 40yrs. I've been thinking lately about selling it to someone with a youngster who would enjoy it as I did.

[Hardtarget]

What I'm doing is chasing the guns I SHOULD have bough in my youth. When I 12 to 18 years old...most of the mil-surps were CHEAP! Problem is...I'm a lefty. All those cool old rifles are right bolts. Just could not see how little that would mean at this time of life! At 60 years, I've picked up a few...still a few more I need. I'm chasing those because I've never let a gun get away from me...they have a permanent home when they come to my house.

Mark

[chicharrones]

I still want one of these, but have only seen one at a gun show a few years ago. Of course I already blew my wallet's worth before seeing it. :(


http://www.fototime.com/F165E65C3AAE35B/standard.jpg

[theotherwaldo]

I'm rather halfheartedly pursuing a group of rifles that I had and lost in my youth. There was a Remington Model 12 and a heavily modified MAS 36 that I only kind-of owned, since Dad couldn't legally own firearms. Then there was the Mauser 98 and the 03-A3 that were my own guns, relics of WWI bought for a total of $25 at the auction where I worked. I never even got to fire these last two.

All were stolen from me during a disastrous Spring Break trip to the Rogue River during my high school senior year.

Right now I'm considering picking up a Mauser of some sort to replace the one that I lost so long ago. And maybe the others as well, if they were to pop up. I dunno. If I do, I bet that I'll at least get to fire them at least once!

[hardluk1]

Still have my 22's . First two were from dad. A colt huntsman and a rem. 510p. Thats about 42 years ago. Both real nice still today.

[hardworker]

Don't have to. The only guns I've ever got rid of are a single shot 20 gauge that tried to break your shoulder when you shot it and an old muzzleloader that was a PITA to load.

[huntsman]

Of course one aspect of getting old is that one longs to recapture his youth. Recently I began seeking out the guns that I had (or wanted) as a kid but no longer have (or never got).

I grew up putting my hands on some pretty descent guns (I have), my old man didn't have many but he had quality.

As a kid highly influenced by gun adds in the outdoor mags I wanted a Colt Diamondback in .22lr(don't have) a Browning BSS(I do have) and a Superposed(don't have) that's about all I can remember, unless you count the Winchester M21 I lusted after when I was a twenty something.

[welldoya]

When I was really young, around 6 or so, I used to drool over my uncle's K-22. As soon as I had a job and could afford it, I bought one. Still have it.
I also used to drool over Colt Woodsman's. I now own a sport, a target and a Match Target.
I used to want a Single Six when I was a kid. I now have one.
I guess the only one that I used to want but don't now have is a .44 magnum Blackhawk. When I was in college, all my buddies who weren't in college and had jobs went down and bought one. I couldn't afford one so I have wanted one ever since. Just can't justify the caliber.
T.R., I saw a nice Ithaca 66 for sale on a local fishing forum about 2 months ago. I started to buy it but didn't really need it. I'm pretty sure it sold. He was only asking something like $150 for it. I'll double check.

[FROGO207]

When I was 3 or 4 my grandfather had me shooting his Underwood 30 carbine with some help. Some 50 years later I have inherited that same rifle. I think that all of the firearms that I have been given or acquired over the years are still in my possession. SELL ONE!!!!!!:what: So far have been spared the need to do that any time I have been in financial straits. :cool:

[markboss]

My dad had a Winchester model 61..pump action .22...What a great gun!!
When he passed away it was one of the things that I always wanted to have...
I shot it about 6 months ago..still feels great...

[mack]

I have owned or own all the real dream guns of my youth.

But I did look at the toy dream guns of my youth - ages 5 to 12, when I got my first bb gun. What I found looking for those old toy guns of my youth was that they now cost more than most real guns. So, I decided not to pursue that course.

[MrOldLude]

I still own the guns of my youth.

[justashooter in pa]

chasing the guns i couldn't afford in youth. some have come down in price dramatically. bought a 1924 winchester model 12 in 16 gauge this past weekend with significant mother of pearl inlay and takedown for $200. couldn't have touched it for less than $500 20 years ago. the guys that worshipped them have just done gone and died off.

[Stevie-Ray]

Not really chasing, but if I found a Mossberg 352, the first real gun I ever fired, for the right price, I'd snatch it up in a heartbeat. Even as an adult, I really love that gun.

[sophijo]

Just today picked up a Parker just like my Granddad's! Just in time for birds too!

[jrhines]

Winchester Model 42, didn't need the money but the stock had been cut down. Still catching hell from my oldest son...

[DHass]

Weapons that influenced my youth:

Nazi Luger (War movies)
Mare's Leg 1892 Winchester (Josh Randall)
PPK with silencer (James Bond)
Full auto Thompson, gangster style not military (gangster movies)
45-70 Gatling
Nickle, ivory gripped, 7.5 inch SSA (B westerns)

[jnyork]

Lander, Wyoming in 1948-49 was a small, remote ranch town of about 2500 people where the Great Depression was just starting to end. As a nine year old boy, I would spend my 15 cents at the Saturday matinee and then go hang out at my favorite place, Spaldsbury's Saddlery and Sporting Goods. What a wonderful place it was: odors of new and old leather, new and old horse blankets, pipe smoke, original Hoppes and gun oil, occsionally a faint whiff of whiskey. Glass cabinets full of old Colts and Smith&Wessons. Racks full of Winchesters, Remingtons, Marlins, etc. More racks full of surplus Krags, Springfield bolt guns and trapdoors. Fishing gear too. Spitoons and sawdust on the floor.
One day a brand new Winchester 67 Youth appeared, price only $13.00 IIRC. I had some Christmas and birthday money squirreled away and conned Dad into spliting the cost. I didnt have to sign for it but Dad had to come down and carry it out for me.
I spent the next 3 years or so potting tin cans, stray crows and riding along behind Dad on old Poppin' Johnny, terrorizing prairie dogs. I learned to shoot with that gun.
At age 12 or 13 I got the hots for a new Remington model 512 at Spaldsburys, so I traded in the 67 on it This was in about 1952. Never looked back until much later in life.
In 1982, my Air Force career at an end, I moved back to Lander to start a new life. Every once in a while I would go to a gun show and see a Model 67 Youth and get a lump in my throat, longing for the days of my childhood and kicking my self for ever trading off my very first gun.
About 3 years ago my wife and I stopped at a yard sale put on by an older fellow here in town. He had some guns on a table and there it was, a Winchester 67 youth in very good condition. Got to chatting him up about it and asked him the history of the gun. He said he got it for his little son but the kid never took an interest in it, so it had been in the back of the closet for the last 50 years. I asked him where he got it, he said he bought it used at Spaldsburys in about 1952!! I gave him his $100.00 and ran for my truck , shaking like a leaf!
I cleaned it up and took it to the range to shoot a few cans, which I did, but it was difficult, I kept getting some smoke in my eyes.
My very first gun is back with me, and holds a place of honor in my safe. Life is good.

[youngda9]

^^ Now that's a great story jnyork, thank you so much for sharing it.

[Kleanbore]

No, I have kept most of the ones I liked, with the exception of a Garand, a Krag, a Winchester Model 61A, and two Colts (SAA and Officer's Model Match).

I learned to shoot with Springfield M2, and I finally acquired one a long time ago.

It seems that with the exception of some "new" model 1911s, all the guns I really like are old, and most are out of production.

[MinnMooney]

No.

I either still have the "Guns of my youth" or have given them to my kids & grandkids.

Besides, I actually prefer more modern guns.

[1KPerDay]

Ignore the shotgun in the picture,
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n79/9mmepiphany/DSC_1249.jpgI can't... it's too cool. :cool:

I'm still looking for my copy of the first gun I ever fired, a browning BL-22. My first handgun was a S&W first-gen Sigma .40, which I sold to a buddy. Great gun, bit ugly, but always worked.

[Ala Dan]

Hey Sax My Friend-

The only handgun I ever got to shoot as a youngster was a 4" round butt
Smith and Wesson model 34-1; while between the ages of 7-10. Nowdays,
I own a pristine 2", square butt, factory nickel model 34-1; so I guess you
can say, that I own a variant of the original gun that I shot as a youngster.

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

I would like a 2" 5 screw S&W M&P. I had a toy one as a kid, it was a tie in pice to the 1950s version of "Dragnet".

[content]

Hello friends and neighbors // Congrats jnyork that is the find of a lifetime.

Until I was 15 we could not afford firearms, other than my Dad's Marlin bolt action 12ga.
My "chasing firearms from my youth" were the firearms I longed for but could never quite purchase.

Many were borrowed from an older family member (with children of their own to outfit) or provided by a friends Dad.

Thanks to them all.

[Jonah71]

I would like to have the Stevens bolt action single shot .22 that I hunted with when I was 10-12. Most acurate firearm I ever had. (but of course I had much better vision too)

[ninja45]

I grew up in the Philippines and I always wanted to shoot my dad's Beretta .22 pistol (cannot remember the model). Being young and according to dad, not ready for primetime yet, I was forbidden to even touch said pistol. When dad was away to work, I will take it out of its hiding place and killed many imaginary bad guys with it. I was about 9 yrs old then. One day, I took it outside the house, loaded the mag with one round and proceeded to shoot at a low hanging fruit of a banana tree. The pistol went BOOM in my untrained ears and I saw a small hole formed in the center of the "heart" of the banana tree. I was ecstatic, my first ever "bullseye!" I didn't see my little sister, who is the family spy, behind me who was watching the whole episode. She told me, "Uhhh, you are in touble." Of course, she told on me as soon as dad walked in the door from work. I got the beating of my life! But to this day, I thought it was all worth it! That little Beretta .22 was sold to my father's friend. When I joined the Navy and got my first credit card, a Beretta Model 70S .22 pistol was my first charged purchase! I trained all my new pistol shooters on that little .22. Telling them "Aim for the heart..." (while whispering in my head "of that banana tree") ;-)

[Oldfalguy]

Luger for sure- had one sold it, would like another with the .22 conversion
An Olympic grade Browning bolt gun, cost too much and I don't hunt anymore.

Now I have too many of other (cough) and need to thin the herd-
Just a reality check that I can't take them with me.

[SSN Vet]

Being a WWII history nut from a very early age...

The two prize weapons for my scale models would be my inspiration....


an MP40 Schmeisser, and an M1A1 Thompson...

unless I hit the Power Ball, I don't think I'll be pursuing either of these "guns from my youth" :rolleyes:

[PX15]

SaxonPig:

Seems like you and I have a similar interest in a couple of firearms in particular.

The H&R "Sportsman" in the photo below was a gift to me from a friend (senior citizen) who has since passed away.. He owned it since the late 1940's, and as an officer in the Army he drug it to and from Germany and Korea more than once.

I had Nylon 66's in decades past (I'm 67), but always felt the call for another one. I bought the one in the photos below a couple of weeks ago off GunBroker.

Best Wishes,

Jesse


http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a73/Laserlips/100_7406.jpg


http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a73/Laserlips/100_2178.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a73/Laserlips/100_2167.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a73/Laserlips/100_2163.jpg

[parisite]

jnyork, your post #46 in this thread I enjoyed reading more then any other in a very long time. It took me back to that old store in which I've never been. Thanks for sharing.

[Malamute]

JNYorks post was truly enjoyable to read.


I do miss my old Navy Arms Model 66 carbine in .22 cal. I had removed the fore end, as it seemed more like a Henry than a 66, having no side loading gate. I have no idea how many rounds I shot through it, but for a while I was buying a 2500 rd case a month. I also, for a short time, had a Navy Arms 73 carbine in 22 cal. It was one that I regreted selling right off. Heavy for a 22, but a very cool gun for a fun shooter.

I'd like to find another pre-new model Single Six with the fixed sights.

I sure miss my nickel Colt SAA 44 spl I had in my early 20's also.

[Fishslayer]

I made an offer last week on an H&R Sportsman 9 shot top break .22. When I was a youngun I REALLY wanted one of those! Alas, not to be. I'll try again in a few months. I think it'll still be there.

The only other one that comes to mind offhand is a Browning Hi Power. The first time I laid eyes on a picture of one I was in love! And 13 + 1!:eek: Well, unless one shows up at an incredible price (unlikely) probly won't happen either. Kinda like the M92 if I was gonna get a wondernine. Now that I'm all grown up I kinda prefer the .45ACP... ;)

I DID buy a 10/22 to replace the one that was stolen back in the '70's...

[CFD20]

Actually I am, the problem I have is I can't remember make and model. If anyone can help, it'd be much appreciated. I had a .22LR that was a single shot bolt action. Each time you opened the bolt the safety automatically set it self. The safety was located on the rear of the bolt, it had to be pulled back and turned to set it. Again, if anyone can help, I would be very grateful!!

Thanks

[PX15]

Fishslayer:

This H&R "Sportman" was given to me in 2007 by a friend (now deceased.) He said he bought it used from a U of Kansas basketball player who needed money for school back in the late 1930's early '40's.. :)

Jesse

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a73/Laserlips/100_7409.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a73/Laserlips/100_7410.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a73/Laserlips/100_7406.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a73/Laserlips/100_2185.jpg

[huntsman]

I just added this, only a year younger than me ;)

[HGUNHNTR]

No I'm not. Most of the guns I had as a child sucked.

[22-rimfire]

There are few threads that I read each and every post. This one has come back from a three month sleep. Good to wake it up.

As a kid (pre-21), I could afford very little, but working summers in factories starting at age 15 I slowly bought a few things. I never even looked at handguns as I always viewed them as too expensive and having limited utility to me. After college, life changed a lot and I started at first adding to the utiliarian needs. Colts became my thing. My one friend had Smiths and we competed; Colt vs Smith and Me vs Him. That was fun. I have lost the desire to compete as for the most part if I really want something (within reason), I buy it. But it always was not like that.... I remember how it was and we need to remember when we are giving advice....

The Heritage Rough Rider threads come to mind. If I were new to handguns and 21-22 today with the same life's experience to that point, I'd buy one in a second because I really didn't understand or appreciate the difference between a Rough Rider and a Ruger Single Six, or Charter Arms Pathfinder or Taurus 94 and a Smith M17/617. You learn and you need to give the younger folks time to learn as the journey is a lot of the fun.

Most of the guns of my youth were not "great" or expensive guns, but I learned to shoot them poor triggers and all.

[hans471]

You guys have mentioned some fine guns, and some not so fine, and brought back lots of good memories. I have the first gun my father used to teach us kids how to shoot with. Remington 514, single shot bolt action. I just can't let go of it. I pick it up and its 6AM on a Saturday morning and we are headed to the woods for some squirrel meet. Oh.....back to the thread:

I had the .22 Luger, and yes, it was a POS that broke a lot. Sold it for that reason.

I had the Nylon 66. It was a slick fun gun but sold it and bought a Ruger 10/22 in 1976 and found it (honestly) to be a far better rifle. Still have that Ruger just as I bought it, scope and all. (did you young guys know that at one time you could buy an all steel scope that was actually made in the USA?)

I let an Anschutz go in 1970 when I needed some money. I had bought it in Germany and brought it home. It was all hand checked and had the double set triggers. 22 Mag. Beautiful but I was young, stupid, and broke. Kicked myself in the butt many times but I was hungry. I could afford a new Anschutz now but won't buy one. I would however, buy back the one I let go if I could.

OH, the S & W model 14 (What a beauty!), the S & W Chief's Special (Early version of CC pistol for me), the AMT Back-Up, there are more. I would chase them but its like running into old girlfriends. You know at one time they were "Hot" but you also know you broke up with them for good reasons.

So, while I miss many of the guns from my youth and I admire the ones you guys have pictures of here, I guess for me there is no going back. But it is fun to remember them....just like the old hot chicks!

[Tomcat47]

Ahhh! Reminiscing...... How sweet it is. :)

I kept my first two guns, still following me around.
Ranger 22 bolt action
J.C. Higgins 20 Guage

I miss alot of others! and like chevelle427 it just became a financial thing!
Then when find nice replacements your broke and when you got money falling out of your pockets, you cant find one!

And hans471 I picked up an old Neglected Chiefs Special today. It was so awesome to hold it, I couldnt leave gun shop without it. Also reminded me of an airweight .22 I had. (CS Pics here) http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=563583

And then all this reminds me of George Jones....The One I Loved Back Then (corvette song).....

Oh, she was hotter than a two dollar pistol
she was the fastest thing around
Long and lean every young man's dream
She turned every head in town
She was built and fun to handle,
Son, I'm glad that you walked in
She reminds me of the one I loved back then
Well I handed him my keys and said, here take her for a spin
The old man scratched his head, then he looked at me and grinned
He said son you just don't understand it ain't the car I want
It's the brunette in your vette that turns me on

:cool: mentions everything....corvette, pistol, brunettes......:D

Happy new year everyone...keep on reminiscing! :)

[Sniderman]

Chasing the guns of our youth?

Yes. I would love to have the Winchester model 68 back.
A quote from my grandfather,,,
"If you need more than one shot, well, you just cant shoot!"

[SaxonPig]

Unfortunately my home was burglarized in 1986 and all of my guns were stolen including all of the ones with sentimental value. So now I am sort of replacing memories.

My very first gun was a Remington 581 and I found one that had been extensively modified by the gunsmith/owner.

http://www.fototime.com/9ACFA29DB2BDC74/standard.jpg


The Luger given to me by my mother as a 21st BD present was also stolen and I found another 1918 DWM just like it (but of course it's not the same).

http://www.fototime.com/D75CB06DD9903D5/standard.jpg


I replaced the S&W Model 27 & 29, the Python, a couple others and I am still looking for the rest. Some will never be found, like a new condition Remington Model 30S. But I keep trying.

[ol' scratch]

Well, sort of. I really want an M1900 Bulgarian Luger, but can't afford that one. The particular pistol I am talking about I have researched since I was 12-years-old and it IS a TRUE Bulgarian with matching numbers.

I wanted an Ithaca Mag 10, but settled on the Remington SP 10. VERY close and got the vote of approval from dear old dad.

I have a number of milsurps including Garands. My grandfather had one that fascinated me. It now resides with the rest in the safe.

I wanted a Star 9mm, but bought a .45 1911. Very close, I guess.

[DC3-CVN-72]

when I was in the 7th. grade [1978] my frend nick brought a copy of G&A to school. on the cover were 2 colt pythons, both were blue. the one with the 6in. bbl. had a scope on it & was sitting on top of a log. The other one had a 4in. bbl. no scope, & was leaning up agenst the log. My frend nick said " My dad just got the big one with the scope ! " I said " WOW, that"s cool ! " To this day I think that the colt python is the best looking revolver of all time ! About 5yrs. ago I was able to find a grate deal on a LNIB colt python, blue with a 4 in. bbl. I will have a blue, 6in. bbl. colt python one day. :)

[JohnD13]

I'm another who found a Red Ryder BB gun...for my Grandson, at a flea market. And then I saw the Savage Model 23A, .22 caliber, just like the one I learned to shoot with. It's been a good year!

[CZ-100]

My dad gave me a Winchester Model 131 .22 cal bolt action rifle when I was 5, in 1970, I still have it today.

My kids learned how to shoot with it also.

[351 WINCHESTER]

When I was 12 Dad gave me a Remington 514. I learned to shoot quite well with that old single shot. Someone stole it out of my 65 Scout on afternoon. The following Christmas I asked Dad for another one and he got me a Remington tube fed bolt gun (don't remember the model), but it wasn't the same. He took it back and got me another 514 which I still have, but it was't as good as the first one.

[CajunBass]

I'm STILL searching for an Ithaca model 66 20 gauge in good to excellent shape.

T.R. my first gun was an Ithaca 66 "SuperSingle" 20 ga youth model with a 26" modified choke barrel, and a recoil pad. I remember finding that gun under my parents bed about a month before Christmas. I'd sneak in there several times a day and as carefully as any safecracker, slid the box out, and open it. I didn't dare take it out, but I'd just stare at it. I was pretty sure it was for me, since I didn't think my sisters would want it.

I remember pulling that gun out of the box that Christmas morning. There was a box of Sears brand shells there with it. I went out on the back porch and fired a load of 7 1/2's down across the yard. Then I pulled that empty shell out, held it to my nose, and breathed in that heavenly aroma of just fired shotgun shell. I still do that from time to time.

My son has that gun today. His newborn son will get it somewhere down the line.

I always wanted a Model 49 22 to go with it, but my mother was afraid of rifles. I finally got one a few years ago.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b292/CajunBass/000_0032.jpg

So yes. I suppose I am chasing the guns I always wanted when I was young. I remember spending hours pouring over an old copy of the "Shooters Bible" and wishing.

The Ruger Bearcat, the H&R 999 Sportsman, Model 19, 15, and 10, Ruger 77/22, Marlin 39a were all guns I first encountered either in that Shooters Bible, or the pages of Guns and Ammo.

[Nautilus]

I for the most part have all of the "guns of my youth" because I've never sold any of the ones I had. On the other hand there is one rifle, despite my considerable collection that I can't believe I haven't purchased over the years.

When I was a kid my grandfather used to bring me in to a gun shop. They had in the middle of the room a spinning gun rack that had rim-fire rifles including 4 Rossi 62 Pump 22's. I drooled over those rifles, something about the pump action attracted me to them. I remember my grandfather saying "when you are a little older you'll have a .22 of your own." I was probably 7 at the time. on my 10th birthday my father gave me his Ruger 10/22. I loved that rifle and still have it to this day, but I still want one of those little pump 22's.

[rust collector]

Ah yes, Shooter's Bible. What a fascinating collection of information. I spent many hours poring over those fancy illustrations of fine old guns.

I finally met up with the Ithaca 49 I had wished for, in a pawnshop a couple years ago. It's been great fun to shoot and share with my niece and nephew.

I recently found the gun favored by Jack O'Connor. That pre-64 featherweight in 270 Win takes me back to another time and place, in search of mountain sheep or Sonoran mule deer.

We can't buy happiness now and only thought we could then. Still, these artifacts bring back many happy memories. Now we can use them to make happy memories for kids and kin.

[avardcurt]

Chasing the guns of my youth? Of course. I too sold my guns for money to go on dates and such. However, I always had that thought in the back of my head that I shouldn't have sold my gun "collection. I do have my very first gun. A Marlin 39A that my Dad bought used for me. I added a Weaver V22 scope and a leather sling and have shot thousands of rounds through it.

My first pistol I can't say the same for. That would have been my Colt Peacemaker .22 with both barrels. I even had a good looking black dyed leather belt with loops and tie downs. I had added some faux Stag grips with the silver Colt medallion on it. I loved that gun and used to take it hunting bull frogs with a buddy of mine who had one too. Alas, my college days saw me take that beautiful gun to a pawn shop and sold it for money to party with. Just another dumb move on my part 35 years ago. It has now reached the top of my "replacement" list with the Stoeger following close behind.

My first shotgun wasn't really "mine". It was my Mom's. A Western Field single shot .410 bolt action. I did take my share of ducks and even a couple of geese with it before Dad got me a Remington 870 Wingmaster with a plain barrel in "Improved Cylinder". He shortly after ordered a 30" Full Choke Vent Rib for it to go duck and goose hunting. Thank goodness I still have it!

And it comes now to the Stoeger Luger .22 that, it seems we all had, and have ventured out to find those replacements now that we are older. Mine was a 6" and had the checkered grips, was the alloy frame and, though it too was sold for some unknown amount of money long gone, I still have the holster it came with and the spare magazine. Like others, I have begun my search to replace this pistol, as I have with all the other pistols, revolvers, and rifles, too many to mention here, but the usual fare of "guns of our youth". And though it's taking more money to replace those that have been long gone, the passion of owning them again and the excitement of the search makes it worth while, that those extra dollars are putting them back in the stable again.

It's been a long journey, but I'm just about to finish the buy-back list (while adding new and just as exciting guns) to that ever increasing collection. Yet, when I see older guns that may have caught my young eye all those years ago but were too expensive even then, those too may find their way into the safe for the first time now.

Life is good.

[Blackrock]

I have replaced almost all of the guns I lost in a Divorce back in 1980. Still looking for a Remington 788 in 22-250. I finally found a Winchester 9422M a couple weeks ago. Also an Argentine Mauser 7X57 would be nice.

[DammitBoy]

As a young man growing up in the D.C./Alexandria, Va area who caught the gun bug early, I would spend nearly every weekend in downtown Alexandria at the Interarms gun store/warehouse.

It was located down by the potomac river, on a dead end street. A rickety old wooden two story building with a huge warehouse behind it. You had to climb up two flights of wooden exterior stairs to gain access to the motherload of militaria available for sale there during the 70's.

I'd have to spend a fortune and a lifetime trying to collect all the firearms I lusted for in that shop...

[davidfletcher]

I'm 19 so I do not have any "guns of my youth" but I would like a S&W29 and a Savage Mod.99. I may not be 50+ but I know the good stuff when I see it.