What would express thanks best (read, What would YOU prefer to get)?

[NickEllis]

I've recently gotten engaged (in Italy, on the Riviera.... long story, but believe be it was great), and am making wedding plans. My dad is my best man, and my three brothers are the groomsmen. They are the kind of men that makes the statement "blood is thicker" a foundation to live and die on, and I wanted to show appreciation for that. I racked my brain forever trying to think of good groomsmen gifts that would even come close to showing that. Of course, firearms quickly became involved....

I thought it might be cool to buy each man something along the lines of an old Colt replica peacemaker and present them at the bachelor's party. Presented on a Old Glory for the pop and younger brother, and on the Stars and Bars or 1st National for for my southern minded brother. Mind you, I'm on a rather tight budjet, still in graduate school, about to graduate and about to get married, so buying four firearms is gonna have to take some saving, and some decent prices as well. Does anyone have some suggestions on makes and such? I'm thinking in the $350 range, which I know doesn't leave many options. Or, if anyone has better ideas, let me hear them! But they would, of course, have to be gun related. Old sounds good; true collector's items sound expensive.

Thanks

Nick

 

[Tory]

Wrong Gun

for the "Confederate-minded brother!" There were no SAA's until 1873; eight years after the war ENDED.

Try an 1860 Colt Army or Third Model Dragoon.

 

[CAS700850]

Given your tight budget, you might want to consider one of these options.

Option #1, start haunting the gun shops and gun shows for a group of four used handguns in good shape. If you're lucky, you might be able to find a group of Smith Model 10's, or something like that, in the neighborhood of $200 per gun. If you're buying four, you might be able to get the price knocked down a bit. Then, check into refinishing the guns, and having something sentimental inscribed on the sideplate.

Option #2, talk to you're favorite gun dealer about your situation, and see what kind of deal you can get for four (or five, one for you), guns. Some of the imports, maybe even the Taurus, might be close to your price range.

Option #3, go for the .22 caliber autos. You can get a decent one for under $200, which should help save money.

This is a great idea. Wish I'd had the thought, and the money, to pull this off when I got married.

 

[Stickjockey]

If they're at all into black powder, consider this:

1860 Army clones with starter kits and presentation cases are currently $269.99 per. Get four.

Spring at Dixie Gun Works for the faux ivory grips, and have them scrimshawed with your family crest. $34.95 each + cost of scrimshaw.

They will require a bit of fitting, but it's easy to do with some medium- and fine-grit sandpaper and the ivory really sets off the 1860, IMO.

 

[NickEllis]

great point on the wrong dating, I honestly hadn't thought about that. I actually was looking at some army dragoons the other day just for the heck of it... when I have 10 grand for something like that I'll let you know (and probably end up spending it on something else... for myself! )

Yes, I think that there are some dealers out there that would be willing to cut some good deals on stuff like this. I will of course be keeping my eyes open. I hadn't thought about the refurbishing option, I will have to look into that, wonder how much refurbishing a gun costs.

Great idea on the kit, StickJockey! We aren't into blackpowder much, honestly, but something like that might be just the ticket. I think that would look pretty cool. I will certainly keep that in mind. I like the idea of the scrimshaw, and even have a buddy who does really nice ivory scrimshaw for knives down in Florida, I will definately mention this to him, and regardless of the guns it would be sweet to get grips made.

I'm torn between getting the "set" of four/five for us, or to kinda custom choose guns. For example, I know my dad is big into garands, but has never bought one. I ran into CMP's website last week, and man, it would be cool to present him with on of those. Decision decisions decisions.....

Well, I've got a year (from last week) to pull this together, so there's time. I'll keep my eyes open, post what I find from time to time. And hey, if anyone finds a pretty little set of four(or Lord willing five), PM me! Thanks for the input.

 

[kirkcdl]

Not an older gun by any means,but the Taurus 24/7 is the 2005 NRA Handgun of the Year,in stainless mine looks really nice.You could even take the slides to a jeweler and have some personal engraving done,something along the lines of "To my Dad on my wedding day,thanks for all the support",etc.They wholesale around $300,you could probably get all 4 with engraving for under $1500,if you have any extra money,perhaps some mahogany presentation boxes???

 

[kirkcdl]

OOOPS,wrong key,forgive the double post