Remember Your First Handgun? Do You Still Have It?

[Alan]

I'd love to hear about your first handgun. Do you still have it in your collection? I remember mine like it was yesterday, and I have mixed feelings about where it ended up. Share your stories or any photos if you have them!

 

[Quark]

Nope. I think it was a Ruger .22lr auto with a bull barrel.

 

[montanamanx]

Mine was a 25acp Beretta tip up barrel & I still have it. I have the box but no directions. I have not shot it in years but it is in one of the gun safes somewhere.

 

[Phillz]

My first was a Glock 19, bought it right after turning 21. I still have it today and can't let it go, I've got tons of memories and range time behind it

 

[Robster]

S&W model 19 with a 6" barrel. Given to me by my brother. I gave it to my son with the stipulation never to sell it.

 

[Quark]

Ya I kind of wish I's never sold my Model 19 with the 6" barrel too.

 

[chav0_12]

Mine was a Springfield XD subcompact in 40S&W. I got rid of it a long time ago. I replaced it with a compact with night sites. I don’t miss that little 40.

 

[CurtisMac]

Yep, still have mine. Ordered it new in 1982, this is the last year the nickel Python was available. Mid year they switched to the stainless option. This is one of my favorite handguns, and I have a few. Still have the factory box and all the paperwork as well.

 

[Quark]

Nope do not still have the first handgun I ever owned. It was an original Dan Wesson with interchangeable barrels in .357 mag. A 6" barrel for hunting and a 4" barrel for police work. I sold it foo but can't remember what for. Maybe the S&W Model 19 I wish I had kept.

Nice Colt Python. Even though the new ones might be more reliable still can't beat the old ones.

 

[Alan]

That nickel finish still looks incredible after all these years. Having the original box and paperwork on something that old is rare enough on its own. Ever put a round count estimate on it or has it mostly stayed a safe queen

 

[CurtisMac]

That nickel finish still looks incredible after all these years. Having the original box and paperwork on something that old is rare enough on its own. Ever put a round count estimate on it or has it mostly stayed a safe queen

Maybe twenty rounds down the pipe? Mostly a safe queen. I bring it out and fondle it when I need to feel good. The nickel finish looks better up close, it's deep and flawless. So glad I kept it all these years. Myself and my friend bought two of these at the same time, unfortunately, my friend and his wife lost their lives in Tyler, TX when their house burned down and all his firearms went down with them. I had his Colt Ultra Ten in my possession at the time, which is another handgun I would never sell. Original hard case and paperwork with it also.

 

[CurtisMac]

Another pistol that I am very proud to own, is a 1986 S&W .44 Magnum 629-1 that was pulled by S&W and designated to be "factory" engraved. S&W purposely left their logos off the revolver to fully engrave, then installed Rogers grips and scrolled the engraving to the contour of the grips. It was sold in a wooden case, which I no longer have, but a few originals are still available. I am currently waiting on the factory letter to support the authenticity. A gentleman who worked for S&W told me that the absence of the S&W logos on each side of the revolver and the stamp marks under the grips, indicates that this was definitely a pistol marked for factory engraving. Anxious to get my letter in hand!

 

[Alan]

Maybe twenty rounds down the pipe? Mostly a safe queen. I bring it out and fondle it when I need to feel good. The nickel finish looks better up close, it's deep and flawless. So glad I kept it all these years. Myself and my friend bought two of these at the same time, unfortunately, my friend and his wife lost their lives in Tyler, TX when their house burned down and all his firearms went down with them. I had his Colt Ultra Ten in my possession at the time, which is another handgun I would never sell. Original hard case and paperwork with it also.View attachment 36

Man that's a rough story to carry alongside a good memory. Glad you've got his Ultra Ten looked after with the case and paperwork intact, that kind of thing matters more than the resale value ever could.