Mother May I Said Yes

dh1633pm · Sep 16, 2021

While I was in the Air Force and afterwards I owned a variety of pistols. When I moved back to New York, I sold them. Told myself I could do without and for twenty odd years I did. Still don't own one.

Last year my Dad who is now 88 asked me to get my permit so I could start transferring some of his pistols to me. So I started the process. Now well over a year later, judge (mother) approved (may I) an unrestricted permit. Golly gee, it only took forever.

Members here are never shy for good recommendations. What should I buy first? Wife said I had to wait until the kitchen remodel was done. We are starting the actual work next week, so it won't be too long.

My Dad promised me pick of his collection for the first one on the permit. Going to choose the 1911 Gold Cup. Slightly modified. I have what is needed to load 9, 44 Mag, 45 Colt, and 357. I guess I will need to gather up some 45 ACP Brass and dies. Bullets I have plenty .

I open the floor to suggestions.

jarhead127 · Sep 16, 2021

Do you intend to be a collector or a shooter? I live in the country so the world is my shooting range. 1911 Gold Cup is a heck of a start. IMO, everyone gotta have a little .22lr for plinking/target and a big wheelgun (like .357) would go great with a 1911. BTW, thank you for your service!

Armored farmer · Sep 16, 2021

Excellent choice.

dh1633pm · Sep 16, 2021

I will be a collector. In my younger days funds wouldn't allow it. These days that isn't so much a problem.

Legionnaire · Sep 16, 2021

Congrats on the unrestricted permit! Quite an accomplishment in NY State. My permit was initially issued with the "Hunting and Target Shooting" restriction; took me well over a year to get the restriction removed back in the 1990s. Onondaga County?

As far as your question goes, I'd start with a 4-inch revolver in .357 magnum. I'm not a collector, so I'd look for a second-hand GP100. Were I a collector, I'd look for a pre-lock S&W.

dh1633pm · Sep 16, 2021

I live near Syracuse.

dh1633pm · Sep 16, 2021

My dad has a Ruger Blackhawk and a S&W 686 in .357.

Speedo66 · Sep 16, 2021

Congrats, I know it takes a while. When I retired after carrying a gun for NYS for 40 years, my local court, Westchester Co., took 6 months, the legal limit, to issue me a carry permit. Once I had that, NYPD issued me one the same day.

Don't forget, your upstate permit, unfortunately, is not valid in NYC.

Sounds like you made a good choice for your first gifted handgun!

WestKentucky · Sep 16, 2021

Depending upon the vintage of the 686, that might be the one to grab. The older ones feel better and seem smoother, likely simply due to the age and a bit more use to deburr the innards.

jarhead127 · Sep 16, 2021

dh1633pm said:
My dad has a Ruger Blackhawk and a S&W 686 in .357.

.357's my all time fav pistol cartridge + 686 my all time fav revolver. Mine is long gone + I still kick myself.

dh1633pm · Sep 16, 2021

You have a good point WestKentucky. I couldn't take that one from my dad. He keeps it near all day. He is an excellent shot with it.

whughett · Sep 16, 2021

Armored farmer said:
Excellent choice.

Yes but it can be a difficult pistol to master for an average shooter. After thirty years I’m still trying.

Mr. Hill · Sep 16, 2021

How about a new Colt Python!

dh1633pm · Sep 16, 2021

I've had my eye on a Python since forever.

Jimbo80 · Sep 16, 2021

First off don't buy the stuff your Dad has and concentrate on what you like. Being money is not your biggest issue, I would start with the higher priced items first. Collectible guns don't get cheaper over time.

dh1633pm · Sep 16, 2021

Good advice Jimbo. Thanks..

whughett · Sep 16, 2021

Well I just turned 80. Still buying stuff and the wife knows if I go first, everything is hers except the guns knives and related stuff all that goes to three sons and while I’m not sure of transfer processes here in RI or Florida there are no registrations. Here in Rhode Island a hand gun safety course is required to buy a hand gun. Hunter safety also qualifies and all three son’s have those.

Mr. Hill · Sep 16, 2021

And do buy some guns that you can shoot and are fun.

bannockburn · Sep 16, 2021

dh1633pm

A Colt Gold Cup would be a great start as would a S&W Model 686; two iconic classics. Likewise with a Ruger Blackhawk. I would also go with a decent .22, something like a Ruger Mk.IV Target or an older S&W Model 17. Since you reload for the 9mm. For a 9mm. might I suggest a Browning Hi-Power as both a fun to shoot pistol and certainly as a collectible gun as well. Speaking of a collectible, another icon comes to mind: a Colt SAA in .45 Colt!

dh1633pm · Sep 17, 2021

Will do Mr Hill.

Buzznrose · Sep 17, 2021

I guess I’m wondering what your father has and why you’d need to buy any. Where are his guns going when he departs this world? If to you, you’ve been blessed!

Maybe buy a .22 if you like plinking, but based on the info you have provided, I’d probably not add to the collection unless you have an heir to pass on things.

Take care,

dh1633pm · Sep 17, 2021

My dad is in great shape. He will live to be a hundred. So can't count on that. He has a lot of nice pistols. In calibers .22, 32 ACP, 380 ACP, 9 MM, 45 Colt, 45 ACP, 357, 44 Mag and 400 Corbon. I was promised one but he may transfer more as he see's fit. I am very clear to him to do what he wants with things. Just in .22, Blackhawk, S&W Model 41 and 22a. In 32 has has a Colt and a Manurhin. In 380 a Walther PPK and a Manurhin. In 9 mm a Hi Power and a Luger. 45 ACP a Gold Cup (customized), In 45 Colt a Blackhawk, in 357 a S&W 686 and a Blackhawk, in 44 he has a Blackhawk and a Redhawk, and the 400 is a 1911. He has a Thompson with about three barrels.

dh1633pm · Sep 17, 2021

I have a son and two daughters. Also a soon to be son in law.

bassjam · Sep 17, 2021

If you don't have a strong desire for anything in particular I'd just shoot that 1911 and let your interests take you from there. Going off of strangers suggestions to an open floor is a recipe to have a gun either collect dust in your safe or sell it for a loss.

That being said, I'm of the opinion that anyone who wants to be a good shot with a handgun should own a target style .22 handgun. Browning Buckmark, Ruger MK series, S&W Victory, and/or a S&W 17/617.

Buzznrose · Sep 17, 2021

I didn’t mean to infer anything, and it’s great that your father is strong and healthy at 88! I too hope he makes it to 100+!

I guess my main point is that since you live in NY, firearms don’t transfer very fast or easy from my knowledge. It’s not as simple and him giving you a gun, like I can do here in Texas. I have relatives in NY. They are amazed we can just walk into a store and buy a gun and walk out.

Passing on gun collections can be a joy but it can also be chaotic. By the time I hit 70, I’ll have made my intentions known who gets what, and probably given away a lot of my guns and gear. I may retain possession if it’s something I use a lot, but I don’t want there to be any burden on my family to distribute my guns. Unless I meet an early demise, they will be gifts long before I’m departed and meeting my Maker face to face.

Best wishes to you and your family.

Mother May I Said Yes

Contributing Member

member

Member

Contributing Member

Contributing Member

Contributing Member

Contributing Member

Member

Member

member

Contributing Member

Member

Member

Contributing Member

Member

Contributing Member

Member

Member

Member

Contributing Member

Member

Contributing Member

Contributing Member

Member

Member

Similar threads