Gift Idea

[Guillermo]

Here is the deal

I have a year to acquire the right gun for my daughter's graduation gift.

It would be great if I could limit it to a thousand dollars but that is not required and it can include gunsmithing.

She already has a blue pinned 4 inch Smith & Wesson Model 19.

Before you accuse me of being a doting father...she works. Buys her own "non essential" items (like shoes). Takes honors classes and has a 4.42 GPA at an outstanding parochial school. Does her own laundry, helps with other chores. She asked me if we could put flags on veterans graves this Memorial Day. The other day I asked her mom what she was doing and she said "cleaning the kitchen and singing".

She is very special and has earned a pretty cool gift.

As she has a great 357 I am thinking about 22 long rifle revolver. Something that she can plink with for years. Teach her kids to shoot with.

She loves my Colt revolvers. (Detective Special 3rd release, Diamondback 2.5 and Python 4 inch which she will inherit so none of those are appropriate)

I am torn between a Diamondback revolver 22lr or something like an Officer's Target Model in 22.

If I go with the latter I can do a trigger job or a small tasteful engraving.

Brainstorming time.

Don't limit yourself to the 22.

Throw me all of your crazy ideas.

 

[BullfrogKen]

I think a .22 is a great idea. Diamondbacks are very nice pieces, and would serve as a great commemorative gift.


Although a S&W Model 17/18 in .22 rimfire would work great as a training companion to that Model 19 for a little less money. Not much, maybe 20-25% of the price of a Diamondback.

Colt made both Troopers and Lawman in 22 rimfire as well, the Trooper being the adjustable sight version of the fixed-sighted Lawman. Those you could find for slightly less that the Smiths.

 

[David E]

A 4" Nickeled .22 Diamondback would be COOL !

(I'd like a 6", but it might be too heavy for her)

 

[Guillermo]

I'd like a 6", but it might be too heavy for her

I didn't mention as I was already bragging too much, but she tall & athletic. 5'10" post player.

She is not much for nickel but that can change.

Unfortunately a nickel DB is probably out of reason for a high school graduation. As I expect that she is going to become a medical doctor, maybe then.

She is a history buff so something older might be appropriate.

And as Ken mentioned, a model 17/18 is an awfully nice gun. Maybe not as dramatic but in the long run...

(thank you for commenting David E and letting bygones be just that)

 

[Guillermo]

Had not thought of the Trooper in 22. Interesting.

Awfully heavy frame for such a mild cartridge. Like a N frame 22

 

[gbw]

She sounds like a kid of whom you are surely right to be proud.

.22 is the best choice IMO. Diamondback .22 or S&W M18 .22, or Browning Medalist w/ case and stuff.

Have it engraved to her from you and mom, and why. She will treasure it, and as it becomes a revered family heirloom over the generations it may become as close to earthly immortality as any of us might ever hope to get.

 

[Old Fuff]

If she's a history buff - and a Texan as well - you might consider a Ruger Super Single Six (the model with adjustable sights). As the revolver wouldn't be so expensive you'd have money left over for some custom work (stocks, engraving, action work, whatever.)

 

[Guillermo]

her history buffness leans towards WWII

She would LOVE a Remington Rand 1911 but they run too high

HMMMMM....a 1917?

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I would have to agree a S&W M17/18 would make a very good companion to her M19.

 

[Radagast]

Model 18 Classic, as it's one you can buy new and would be a companion for her Model 19.

 

[tuckerdog1]

Freedom Arms 252, or model 97 in 22LR. The 252s come up for sale now & then. I don't recall seeing a 97 in 22LR for sale ( except new from the factory, which would blow the budget ).

Tuckerdog1

 

[blindhari]

Try googling Gallery of guns. This may help narrow selection. If it was my daughter's present ( and it was a little while back) the ruger super single stainless comes to mind. Alittle lighter and shoots 22lr and 22 mag. I made an extra pair of rosewood grips, then had them laser etched with her name. I had her name engraved inside on metal of grip frame where it could not be seen without taking off grip. Took her down to local leather shop and had her fitted for a semiwestern holster, crossdraw with pigging strain loop and leg ties. It shoots cheap, encouraging her to practice a lot. I have seen her take a cottontail running. One of a kind rig, Under $1000 for the whole setup and it should last a lot longer than I do.

blindhari

 

[Guillermo]

I have seen her take a cottontail running

that is not easy to do with a handgun

good shootin!

 

[David E]

Colt made the Diamondback in blue, too.

The S&W Model 18 or 17 would indeed be fine choices, as well.

One gun I lusted after for quite awhile was the S&W Model 63 4" (I settled for a blue 34 at a great price)

One gun that would be cool is the S&W Model 632. They made a couple configurations of this gun, but the one I'm talking about is the adjustable sighted 4" version chambered in .32 H&R magnum. Basically a .32 magnum 63, but I haven't seen one since 1993.

I've always thought that'd be an ideal trail gun.

On a more modern note the current 632 in .327 magnum.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...57768_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

Or, the Performance Center 3" Model 60

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...57895_757775_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

 

[pikid89]

unless your stuck on a revolver i might suggest a Ruger MKII Target...have a smith turn the bull bbl into a slab side where you could engrave whatever you want

or

as far as revolvers go perhaps the Ruger SP101 in .22 LR

 

[NMGonzo]

Single six in .22 would be the the ticket.

 

[Hawk]

With apologies for overlooking that this is, after all, the revolver forum...

"Special gift", to me, leans heavily toward a USFA Woodsman. Provided Davidson's can adequately explain "on allocation" to your satisfaction.

It'd be a bummer if everything came together a day late.

http://www.usfirearms.com/cat/woodsman.asp

It'd be nice if it could be shipped and personalized in a timely manner.

 

[Guillermo]

Hawk

The kiddo is going to inherit some nice 22 pistols. A Smith and Wesson model 41 from the 50's is the nicest, plus 2 Buckmarks and a Ruger Mark I.

That said, knowing her love of history and the military I wish that I had thought of buying her a WWII 45 like a Remington Rand before they got silly price-wise

This being the "brainstorming" time (and thank you for your input) I have spend today considering a 1917 revolver.

 

[Publius1688]

I have a Colt Officer's Match in .22, and have to give it a plug here.
It's a wonderful pistol for plinking, and for teaching other folks to shoot, too.

 

[Guillermo]

I am so torn.

She gets a BIG smile on her face when she plays with the 2.5 Diamondback or the 4 inch Python so I am thinking Diamondback 22.

But this is the same kid that was disappointed when her 70 page report on the US Presidents was due because she loved studying history so much.

A Colt Officers with the funky front sight or a 1917 would also speak to her.

I am glad I am starting early and really appreciate the input.

 

[Lorenzo Rojo]

+1 for the Bull Barrel Ruger. This is a classic pistol that is unbelievably accurate. I loved the idea of having the barrel flattened on one side and engraved. Now, it is true she has all the .357 she will ever need with the Model 19. But for a thousand bucks, you could get her a Python. If I were in your shoes and wanted a .22, I go for the Ruger Target. If I wanted to get her something unforgetable, I'd get her a Nickel 4" Python.

Whatever you pick, dad, it will be great.

 

[BullfrogKen]

A .22 rimfire Diamondback would certainly be a great commemorative piece.

 

[David E]

Unless she has long fingers, it'll be difficult for her to shoot the 1917 double action.

 

[BullRunBear]

Doesn't seem like bragging to me. She sounds like an extraordinary young woman and someone to be proud of. (And 5'10"? Where were these tall girls when I was in high school a million years ago? )

You mentioned some of the guns she uses or will inherit but no single actions. For something different, what about a Single-Six with custom and personalized grips in a fitted presentation case? It's accurate, economical to shoot, it has the 22mag cylinder if that matters, good for small game if that is a factor, and will last forever. And it would be an ideal teaching tool for her own kids when the time comes.

Just to complicate matters. Given her interest in history, would a WWII battle rifle, '03A3 or Mauser 98 with correct accessories, interest her? Just a thought.

Good luck with the search. Please let us know what you decide on.

Jeff

 

[vaupet]

if you say WWII and revolver, I say Nagant or Webleyfor something out of the ordinary