USAF_Vet
Member
I have a few. Start off with my Arisaka type 38, pre WWII manufacture, that my steps dad's father brought home from Japan. Its my only connection to a great man who I never had the opportunity to meet. USAAF Tail gunner on a B-17, shot down over Europe, ended up on a hospital ship. Next time he set foot on dry land, it was on the island of Tarawa to gun for more bombing missions into Japan. After the war, he was stationed as an occupier in Japan, where he acquired the rifle I now possess. He transitioned into the USAF, where he retired as one of the first Chief Master Sergeants to acquire the rank. Story is his retirement was effective the day his son, my step dad, was commissioned as a 2nd LT in the US Army.
The rifle hadn't been fired since the war. But cleaned up nicely (there were cobwebs in the barrel) I bought some ammo, new factory manufacturer hunting rounds, but waited to fire it until my step dad's birthday that year.
The rifle performed flawlessly, and hasn't been shot since. I may, however, allow the wife to take it out deer hunting this year. She's going up north, while I'll be stuck down in the shotgun only zone.
The other guns I have that are not going anywhere are the first respectable pistol I purchased, my S&W 469, my great grandfather's Remington model 11 (sadly now only a wall hanger, broken and missing pieces) and my cheap off brand (Ever Best) single shot 20 gauge.
I stand to inherit several more shotguns and a few rifles and a Single Six, most of which will also stay in the collection.
The rifle hadn't been fired since the war. But cleaned up nicely (there were cobwebs in the barrel) I bought some ammo, new factory manufacturer hunting rounds, but waited to fire it until my step dad's birthday that year.
The rifle performed flawlessly, and hasn't been shot since. I may, however, allow the wife to take it out deer hunting this year. She's going up north, while I'll be stuck down in the shotgun only zone.
The other guns I have that are not going anywhere are the first respectable pistol I purchased, my S&W 469, my great grandfather's Remington model 11 (sadly now only a wall hanger, broken and missing pieces) and my cheap off brand (Ever Best) single shot 20 gauge.
I stand to inherit several more shotguns and a few rifles and a Single Six, most of which will also stay in the collection.