Show and Tell about your Favorite Handgun you Got in 2022

[chaim]

I had to rethink my answer. After yesterday's range trip I'd say my Dan Wesson Heritage 1911. As much as I like my utilitarian Glock 19, I am so much more accurate with any 1911, and the Dan Wesson looks almost as good as my new Gold Cup and is as reliable as the G19 so far (both 100%), unlike the Colt.

 

[sparkyv]

My aging Dad gifted me this Wrangler. His dexterity limits his ability to load/unload it. He'd never even fired it. It's not my best firearm of 2022, but it's really fun, a decent shooter for what it is, and it's sentimental value makes it worthy of this thread,

 

[bangswitch]

They are so much different from each other I can't decide which is my favorite. They are all guns I've been thinking about for several years, 2022 was just a lucky year to find them all.
These two I found on New Year's Day at a local gun show, a BHP in.40S&W, and a S&W M25-5. I've been looking for blued models of each, but hey, take what you can find when they are in great shape and the price is right.
This one I saw in my local gun shop, belonged to the current owner's Dad, who was a career Army Special Forces non-com (retired as a Command Sgt. Major), and had bought the pistol new in 1985. I put the Altamonts on it to preserve the originals. While I was doing the paperwork for it, I noticed a Mosin-Nagant M44 carbine on the rack and bought it too, as I've wanted one to go with my M-N 91/30. And no, I didn't get a discount for a "two-fer".

Last one is a Rock Island Armory GI Model 1911 in .38 Super Auto. It had plain-Jane grips and I replaced them with something prettier:

 

[Riomouse911]

I bought a bunch of handguns in 2022 as well. Of them all, these two are my favorites

Auto; CZ Shadow 2 Urban Grey. Man, these things are smooth and fit my mitts like they were made for them. SA or DA, paper or steel, the gun just hits and hits right where I want it to.

Runners up include several other CZ’s (75BD, P-01 Omega, 2075 RAMI, 97B .45) and a SA-35 that I picked up right before the end of the year.



In the revolver stable, a 6.5” 624 .44 Spl. Is the revolver that I like the best. (Runners up include a S&W Model 37, Ruger Birdshead Wrangler and a really nice Bisley Single-Six .22.)



Stay safe.

 

[Old Dog]

I just realized that for the first year ever (since I started buying firearms), I did NOT purchase a single, solitary 1911 pistol in an entire calendar year. WTH?

Also, I realized that the "favorite" guns (some Pythons and collectible Colts and S&Ws) I bought were all in the last three months of 2021, and during 2022 (a bad, bad COVID year for this guy and his family), all I purchased were basically duplicates and seconds of many guns already in the collection, so really, absolutely nothing new or remarkable.

Brothers, I hereby promise to do better in 2023 as I've clearly been slacking...

 

[shoobe01]

I can't tell. Love love love my Sphinx SDP. Very Swiss (so much so I took this photo of it on my Sig 556/551) so absolutely delightful just to pick up much less shoot:

Also, got it for a (relatively) song, with the complete kit, from another member at the range picnic day swap meet. A good day generally. I might never have gotten away from selective-DA if I had one of these way back when, a delight to shoot. Old school to me for that as well as no RDS, and also just that I have wanted a Sphinx since 1984. It's not an AT-84, but it fills that void.

Or the much more recently purchased from a friend (he is changing to PDPs) M&P5" with the DPP. Also in brown, custom trigger, etc. A very, very, very nice shooting gun. Still waiting for the holster though. Then it'll be my IDPA gun, and the 4.25" J-point one will be only my carry piece, not have to be extra dirtied, emptied monthly or more for range time.

 

[Rodfac]

As a group, it looks to me like we've found some really interesting handguns this past year. I've done some trading as well, and found this S&W M-67-1, a .38 Special, in a local pawn shop. The price was right and the shop ate the state tax, so home it went with me.

I'd been on the lookout for one after shooting friend's here on our farm range six months ago. His shot beautifully and is a no-dash 67 with the original stainless steel sights. That afternoon of pleasant shooting with a gun that was every bit as accurate as my M-19's and M-66, started me on my search. His 67 had the 'pencil' bbl. that reduced the carry weight by a couple oz's, and was comfortable with full duty velocity loads.

This one is a LEO turn-in, with a butter smooth DA and light SA trigger pull. Accuracy is all that I could have hoped for...with some proven personal handloads, it holds its own with my Smith .357's, and doesn't require the careful scrubbing of the cylinder chambers to remove the .38 Spl. length cartridge gunk in the longer magnum throats. It came from Louisville KY's Police dept. when they rearmed with Glocks two decades ago.

Here's the gun as I've set it up for my use. The grips are now Altamont Ropers, which are a bit thin at the tops for use on a M-19 or 66 with stout loads, but just right with .38 Specials. Originally, I bought it with S&W target stocks that I've never liked as I find them just too thick at the top for my hand/grip technique.

With ~200 rounds through it, I've found two that really click. Both are hand cast from wheel weights & sized 0.358". Lyman's Thompson designed LSWC 358156 GC works well with or without the GC, and chrono's at 844 fps with 4.0 gr of Bullseye, ~ duplicating the police duty load. The other is also a Lyman mold; a wadcutter, 358091, sized the same and driven by 3.5 gr of Bullseye, it has a muzzle velocity of 774 fps. Both are comfortable for a full afternoon of shooting and don't lead up the forcing cone or the bbl. They're are as cheap to shoot as currently purchased .22 LR.

Best regards, Rod

​

 

[Gary W. Strange]

I bought a few firearms in 2022. I found a nice High Standard, Hamden made 4 1/2” Victor, that is a real gem. I like it a lot, but my favorite is a grail gun, I have lusted after since I was a young kid. A Colt third series 4 1/2” Match Target Woodsman. I found, what I would call a 99% one, since it doesn’t have a box. There is no blue wear, dings or scratches anywhere on it. I remember as a young boy, 10-12 years going to the hardware store, in town and looking at the guns. There was everything dreams were made of. Browning Auto 5s, Browning rifles, in rimfire and center fire. Just all kinds of neat stuff I wanted. There was, on occasions a Colt Woodsman, in the handgun case. There was this exact Colt Match Target Woodsman in there for a while. I would look at it, sometimes get to hold it, depending on who was working and dreaming I could own it. I just knew I could save my yard mowing money and buy it. Big dreams for a boy. Then I went in one day and it was gone. I teared up at the thought of someone else having the nerve to buy it out from under me. The man behind the counter could see my disappointment. He told me, it was not the last one that would ever be made. I didn’t know who bought it, but I was mad at them. As time went on, a wife and babies stopped me from getting one. I did manage a Woodsman sport, but just being out of college, new in my field, wife, baby, car and house payment, I had to sell it. I sold it because I knew it would sell fast. I regret selling it, but managed to find another one a few years back. I now have a Woodsman Sport and finally a Match Target Woodsman. I am going to try my best to to hold on to these. Have thought about having them buried with me. I reality, I have a Grandson that really likes them and loves for me to tell him about them and my exploits of doing everything I could to have one, when I was a boy. I think they will be in good hands, when I pass on. It sure is nice to relive boyhood dreams, in later years. It keeps me young at heart.

 

[jag1954]

This is the one that completed the trifecta for me, MR DE1911 in 10mm. Simply put, a great smooth shooter. [

 

[Tinman357]

My only purchase was this gently used Wilson XTAC in .45acp. Wanted a high end 45 for a long time. Smooth, accurate, and 1800 rounds of trouble free reliability.



I've got my eye on a minty S&W 34 4" for 2023. Saw one as a younger man, always wanted one.

 

[Space Ghost]

These right here.



Always wanted a matching pair of something.
Finally found them. 2 each S&W 686 with 4" barrels. Both tuned up with Wilson Combat springs.
One day they'll get XS big dot night sights.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

I bought a few firearms in 2022. I found a nice High Standard, Hamden made 4 1/2” Victor, that is a real gem. I like it a lot, but my favorite is a grail gun, I have lusted after since I was a young kid. A Colt third series 4 1/2” Match Target Woodsman. I found, what I would call a 99% one, since it doesn’t have a box. There is no blue wear, dings or scratches anywhere on it. I remember as a young boy, 10-12 years going to the hardware store, in town and looking at the guns. There was everything dreams were made of. Browning Auto 5s, Browning rifles, in rimfire and center fire. Just all kinds of neat stuff I wanted. There was, on occasions a Colt Woodsman, in the handgun case. There was this exact Colt Match Target Woodsman in there for a while. I would look at it, sometimes get to hold it, depending on who was working and dreaming I could own it. I just knew I could save my yard mowing money and buy it. Big dreams for a boy. Then I went in one day and it was gone. I teared up at the thought of someone else having the nerve to buy it out from under me. The man behind the counter could see my disappointment. He told me, it was not the last one that would ever be made. I didn’t know who bought it, but I was mad at them. As time went on, a wife and babies stopped me from getting one. I did manage a Woodsman sport, but just being out of college, new in my field, wife, baby, car and house payment, I had to sell it. I sold it because I knew it would sell fast. I regret selling it, but managed to find another one a few years back. I now have a Woodsman Sport and finally a Match Target Woodsman. I am going to try my best to to hold on to these. Have thought about having them buried with me. I reality, I have a Grandson that really likes them and loves for me to tell him about them and my exploits of doing everything I could to have one, when I was a boy. I think they will be in good hands, when I pass on. It sure is nice to relive boyhood dreams, in later years. It keeps me young at heart.

View attachment 1126269 View attachment 1126267

Simply stunning!

 

[King Medallion]

Well now, lets see. Of the 4 guns I bought last year, 3 were handguns, 1 of which I still don't have in hand yet as the FFL is out of town, tomorrow I hope. I reckon the favorite is the Springfield Armory Ronin in 45ACP.

But... I was able to buy back from a friend my Sig 229. But I still like the 1911 better.

 

[Gary W. Strange]

Simply stunning!

Thank you:

 

[Gary W. Strange]

I bought a bunch of handguns in 2022 as well. Of them all, these two are my favorites

Auto; CZ Shadow 2 Urban Grey. Man, these things are smooth and fit my mitts like they were made for them. SA or DA, paper or steel, the gun just hits and hits right where I want it to.

Runners up include several other CZ’s (75BD, P-01 Omega, 2075 RAMI, 97B .45) and a SA-35 that I picked up right before the end of the year.

View attachment 1126102 View attachment 1126100 View attachment 1126099 View attachment 1126098

In the revolver stable, a 6.5” 624 .44 Spl. Is the revolver that I like the best. (Runners up include a S&W Model 37, Ruger Birdshead Wrangler and a really nice Bisley Single-Six .22.)

View attachment 1126103 View attachment 1126104 View attachment 1126105 View attachment 1126106 View attachment 1126107

Stay safe.

I bought a 4” model 624, made in 1986, some years back. It is one of my most favorite center fire handguns. At some point, I plan to add a 6 1/2” 624. Prices on the 1980’s run of 624’s are going up. I don’t see them going down, because once they get in a collectors hand, they stay there. The number being sold is getting fewer and fewer. Your 624 looks very nice. You will enjoy it, no doubt.

 

[Riomouse911]

I bought a 4” model 624, made in 1986, some years back. It is one of my most favorite center fire handguns. At some point, I plan to add a 6 1/2” 624. Prices on the 1980’s run of 624’s are going up. I don’t see them going down, because once they get in a collectors hand, they stay there. The number being sold is getting fewer and fewer. Your 624 looks very nice. You will enjoy it, no doubt.

Nice!

I was searching for a 4” 24 or 624 because I love the look and feel of the 4” N frame. Then, when I saw that a) they are both rather scarce and pricy on the sales sites and b) a 4” N frame .44 Spl would pretty much duplicate my 4” .44 Mag 629 Mountain Gun, so the 6.5” called my name.

Great caliber and a great gun!

Stay safe.

 

[357 Terms]

Bought two, both intended as carry options.

LCR 38, and a 3in EMP.
Nice little firearms.

 

[aaaaa]

I bought a lot of handguns in 2022 and many are favorites, but perhaps the most awesome is this one, a .44 Magnum Interarms Virginian Dragoon SA:

 

[Ru4real]

Two favorites from 2022 under the Christmas tree reflecting the lights.

RIA Tac Ultra 10mm long slide. 16 in mag, 1 in pipe. S&B 180 JHP factory at 1200 or 155 Barnes HP handloads at 1400 fps. Same POI.

S&W 586 no dash silhouette sight for 50, 100, 150, 200 yards. 8-3/8” barrel. Hogue Kingwood grips. Handload 180gr cast at 1400 fps.

View attachment 1126605

 

[Old Dog]

Okay, I'll post one since I did buy one in 2022 after buying the first one in the fall of 2021...Like some said once, "One is none, two is one." I'd picked up the 6" already, then found another 4" and am waiting on my 3"

 

[Gary W. Strange]

Nice!

I was searching for a 4” 24 or 624 because I love the look and feel of the 4” N frame. Then, when I saw that a) they are both rather scarce and pricy on the sales sites and b) a 4” N frame .44 Spl would pretty much duplicate my 4” .44 Mag 629 Mountain Gun, so the 6.5” called my name.

Great caliber and a great gun!

Stay safe.

I have a 4” S&W 629-4. The 4” 624 has a complete different feel and balance. A mountain gun would handle the same. Something about a S&W N frame, with a tapered barrel. They just look and handle good, to me. I would love to find a model 27 3 1/2”, 4” or 5”. The 3 1/2” being the best looking of the bunch. I guess 44 Special would be my favorite revolver round. I grew up reading too much Elmer Keith, Skitter Skeleton, Sheriff Jim Wilson.

 

[Charlie98]

I really haven't been in the handgun market for a while... I have everything I need... as opposed to everything I want. But... a serviceable 5" 1911 has been on the list for a while, and a friend of mine had a gently used, but abused, Kimber Custom II two-tone he was looking to offload. The previous owner to him Bubba'ed it up a little, but he did some work on it so it's 100% now... although it will carry the scars forever. Now that I have it, I'm not a big fan of the two-tone look... I would have preferred all blue or all stainless. Oh, well.

Custom II top, with it's 2 4" mates below...

 

[Rodfac]

I have a 4” S&W 629-4. The 4” 624 has a complete different feel and balance. A mountain gun would handle the same. Something about a S&W N frame, with a tapered barrel. They just look and handle good, to me. I would love to find a model 27 3 1/2”, 4” or 5”. The 3 1/2” being the best looking of the bunch. I guess 44 Special would be my favorite revolver round. I grew up reading too much Elmer Keith, Skitter Skeleton, Sheriff Jim Wilson

Another of my "Grail" guns...a 4" M-24 or 634. As I recall, didn't the 624's have a recall for cylinder heat treating? At any rate, Rio's comment that his M-29 Mountain Gun fulfills that itch...a 4" bbl'd .44 with a pencil barrel. To date, I've satisfied mine with a M-69, though the 'tube' does seem a bit long...but its light weight makes up for the longer bbl. IMHO.

Since you mentioned the M-27 in 3.5", 4" or 5"...here's one of mine, and in my eyes, the 5" bbl. makes it the best looking of all the Smith "N" frames. It carries well in a high rise OWB, ie. it does not stick me it the short ribs when mounted on tractor, 4x4, car or truck. But another 1/4" would have precluded carry in the foregoing. Skeeter Skelton's writings, back in the 70's, piqued my interest in that bbl. length for the M-27, once calling it his favorite length in a Smith...strong praise, then and now, for sure.

My M-27, 5" is the most accurate of all my .357/.38's. And its only short coming that I can think of is the short cylinder (when compared to say a M-19/66), which requires me to crimp in front of the driving band when loading Lyman/Keith's 358429, the LSWC 170 gr. In all of my guns, that bullet is a real treasure for accuracy and smack, but the nose section is just too long to allow crimping in the designated groove for the M-27. Here's the pic of mine....Best Regards, Rod

​

 

[Archie]

Hmm...not sure which I like best:

Model 13-4 .357 Magnum with 3" barrel
View attachment 1125509

Not hard for me. I've been looking for such a revolver.

 

[Archie]

Found one or two for my small bore collections. Of note a Colt M1903 Style 1. I am rather proud of that one.



But probably the happiest is a rather pedestrian revolver.

It's a S&W M 10 heavy barrel with pinned barrel. And the owner had the good taste to put Herrett Shooting Star grips on it. Finish is not collector quality, but it was most likely a working arm. Much like your humble correspondent.