Lost my dad... decided to finally shoot his engraved Model 15

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1KPerDay

1KPerDay

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Original discussion (10 years ago!) here...
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=180916
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=252794

My dad passed away on 7/5 at 86 years old, and as a tribute to him I decided to finally shoot his "unfired" engraved Model 15-2, which he gave me about 15 years ago. I've gone back and forth about whether I should shoot it but I think I made the right decision. It's a sweet shooter and is just a beautiful piece of craftsmanship. He appreciated fine machines of all types and got me started in guns, motorcycles, skiing, airplanes, and cars... not to mention jazz and classical music and a dozen other things. Rest in peace, dad. Thanks for everything. :cool:

Pics and video below if interested.

https://youtu.be/KMX2TbqrW9I


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Model15-2.jpg
Model15-1.jpg
 
No right or wrong decisions there. I'm glad you have it and fond memories of your dad. It sure is pretty.
 
He appreciated fine machines of all types and got me started in guns, motorcycles, skiing, airplanes, and cars... not to mention jazz and classical music and a dozen other things. Rest in peace, dad. Thanks for everything.
Click to expand...

What a great dad! You are fortunate indeed.

And that is a dandy piece, there. Even though you mention the cost of the pearlite, they work, and create an even-greater look.

Great post. Great pictures. Thanks.

:)
 
Condolences on the loss of your dad, been there and done that. While the engraving is nice and all what I see as more important is every time you shoot that gun your dad will live on in your heart. That has been my case with an O3A3 from my dad and an AR 10 from a very special brother-in-law. Somehow it isn't just the gun but where it came from if you know what I mean.

Ron
 
Sorry about your dad man. That isn't easy.

I think you did right shooting that gun. It's a family heirloom, meant to be enjoyed, never to be sold, and since your daughter's a shooter and winning matches already, you know who to pass it on to.

Boy, I'm not usually into engraved guns, but that one is sweet. Very nice.
 
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1K, when I first read your post I came away with the incorrect assumption you'd lost your father about the time he gave you this Smith, hence my post being devoid of any condolences since I had assumed so much time had passed... forgive me. Allow me to correct that now by saying that when the sun sets here on the west coast this evening, I'll light a vintage Coleman lantern in honor of your dad.

Another reason I may have glossed over your recent loss is that my father predeceased yours by exactly two months: May 5th this year. He was 87. Our most recent conversation was just two weeks before, and it was a good one. Some of his remarks made me smile. I didn't realize it would be our last.

You have my complete sympathy. Thanks again for your post.

:)
 
My condolences on your loss. My dad left me his three Smiths (a 60, a 66, and a pre-18), guns I grew up shooting. None of them are engraved, though . :)

As great as they are, I'd rather have my old man back....
 
Beautiful gun, what a nice memento of your dad.

I also applaud your decision to fire it, even if it shows a bit of wear after your outing it'll only add character.
 
It is your gun now , and you have increased it's value to YOU by shooting it as a tribute to your late father.

I admire your decision.
 
Very sorry for your loss, and I can understand your mix feelings. My Father just passed 7/23. If your Dad was like mine and it sounds like he was, he would want you to enjoy it as it was meant to be. Shot, God Bless you and your family at this time.
 
My condolences. My old man and I are pretty tight, so I do not look forward to the days without him. I only wish I had spent the first 18+ years of my life actually listening to what he was trying to teach me. It took me having a kid of my own to grasp that.

However, it sounds like your dad was a good one. One that passed on a love and knowledge of some real knowledge both tangible and invaluable.

That's a fine looking shooter. There is no wrong answer to your question, but I believe it is never a bad thing to do something out of tribute to a loved one.
 
Your father had a true masterpiece!

Now as to what to do... If you intend on keeping it in the famliy (and I would!) then yea, shoot it a bit.

If you intend to sell, keep it mint.

That gun, to me, should be passed down the family line. Shot some by all the family and kept for CENTURIES.

Deaf
 
Most sincere condolences, I lost my dad in 2010 and do miss him, as I know you miss your dad. He had, and now you have a very beautiful revolver.
STW
 
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I lost mine a few years ago and I still think of him every day - but by now it doesn't hurt to do so.

I admire your decision. You made the right call. :)
 
That is probably the nicest M15 I have ever seen.

Even though your loss is terrible I'm a little envious and happy for you guys who had your father with you so long. I lost my dad over 30 years ago when he was only 55. That's way too young. Even after all this time there is still a small piece missing in my life. I'm very sorry for your loss.
 
1KPerDay

Sorry to hear of your loss. I can't think of a more fitting tribute to honor the love and great memories you have of your Dad than to put that Model 15 to use. Thanks for sharing your story with us.
 
1KPerDay,

I'm sorry to hear of your loss. That is a fine tribute and I think there's no doubt you made the right decision.
 
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