Prized Heirlooms

[andrewdl007]

It’s been interesting seeing how popular older guns are especially when Ive seen responses to queries about inherited firearms. It made me wonder how many of you all have a prized family heirloom. I know some people have family flintlocks while others have newer keepsakes. In my case, I am blessed to have a firearm to remember both my grandfathers by. From my mother’s father, I have a French .32 he brought back from serving in the 20th Armored Division in World War II. From my father’s father I am blessed with a 1936 16ga. Winchester 21. It is the greatest shotgun I’ve ever used (I actually kind of stole this one from my father who doesn’t understand how it skipped generations and became mine). I never knew either of my grandfathers so it is nice to have these guns that I can use and enjoy and feel a connection to the past. So I was wondering if anyone wants to share their prized heirlooms and the memories they hold.

 

[Cmdr. Gravez0r]

In my family we have

A Marlin that my Grandfather owns, will eventually become mine or my brother's
A Browning pistol. Not sure what type but it is an automatic, has 1912 stamped on it. It was my great-uncle's carry weapon during WWII. (ID help anyone?)
A marlin 22 bolt action, not sure what make but it is almost 60 years old I believe--belonged to my great-grandfather.

 

[ilbob]

I have my dad's 22 rifle. he used to shoot it at the indoor range they had at the high school he went to. i went to the same high school and also shot on that range. sadly, the range is now gone, as is the rotc program there.

i also have a jap bolt action rifle he got in the navy. when the aircraft carrier he was on went into Tokyo a few months after WWII ended, every sailor on board was offered one of the rifles as a souvenir. AFAIK, it has never been fired.

 

[chris in va]

My friend's mom passed away recently. For years she kept a 1952 S&W model 36 tucked under her mattress for protection, with the 'blessings' of the police department. Her husband was a chief of police in the suburb she resided in.

It was given to me (reluctantly I might add) and I will cherish it for a long time.