Life is too short to go through it with out a pretty gun

[imfuncity]

I'm a think'n my "experienced ones" are fine for me and the "eye candy" is fine for you other guys.

BUT, it's probably worth mentioning that I do subscribe to the concept "life is too short to go through it with out a pretty gun"!

The reality of that is I'd have to give up many "lesser ones" to get that ONE pretty gun. Then there is the which one would that be? Do I restore my original 1901 Win 1894? Or the 1900 Win 1885 (that now has a SS 219DW Douglas barrel)? Or my 1907 M8? Or do I go with a Turnbull Open Range...? Or a new...?

Plus, where do I show it off? Or even display it? (Liability and theft issues aside.) At my age, not too many folks beating a path to my door. And for some silly reason the family thinks there are other things to discuss then guns. (I've tried to point out the fallacy of their thinking but pretty soon I find that I and my guns are alone - at least they haven't reversed the lock on my door YET.)

[imfuncity]

So what’s your fanciest? And since they are rarely the same, what is your favorite-ist? (My apologies to any grammarians in the crowd.) Do I need to say pictures, Please?
I'll start off with a short gun.

As indicated, I do not yet have a fancy one but this is my old reliable. Literally found under the seat of a car: retired Official Police with the local police department’s number on the frame, Rampart Colt has a lot of thumb wear, and the muzzle is naked from the holster, other then that 99%. It is my most accurate, always goes bang regardless of the ammo (can’t say that about any of my Smith’s, that’s why they are going to the gun-doc), and it always goes to the range with me… when it is not still "on duty" close to my most valuable possession – my bride of 40yrs.

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[45guy]

Beauty must be in the eye of the beholder, because you just sent the prettiest gun I own.

[imfuncity]

Indeed.

[45guy]

Call me crazy all you want Mitch but I'm in love. It's rare that I don't feel compelled to get down to business with refinishing, but I LOVE this thing.

[DWalt]

What caliber is the Savage? Is it a takedown model?

[45guy]

Just a good old solid frame .30WCF.

[sting75ray]

Call me crazy all you want Mitch but I'm in love. It's rare that I don't feel compelled to get down to business with refinishing, but I LOVE this thing.

Nice looking Savage. Dad had an old 99 in 22 HP. I found the stock in one of his boxes after he passed away and it was split all to hell. Glued and clamped it all back together and the refinished the wood. Dropped it off yesterday for a bluing job. Can't wait to get it back and see how it turned out.

[Sarge756]

Imfuncity......Yep I`m with you with the family that thinks I talk about guns too much.Is there really anything else to talk about? Religion and politics are out cause that will just turn into an argument.So why not have a pleasant conversation about the historical aspects of all those great guns that grace my home? LIFE IS TOO SHORT to go through it without a pretty gun.These 99`s are some of my favorites. The one with the lighter toned stock is a 99R with a Bishop restock I did about 30 years ago.It is a 300 Sav cal with Weaver K3 and is the go to gun for me.It is the one that whether I`m tired,cold,hungover or whatever it puts the round right on target. Not for sale ever.As my President said "from my cold dead hands". The middle one is a 250-3000. This came from Paul Jaegars shop in Jenkingtown and has a B&L Balvar 8 in Loopy adjusto-mounts. The eyecandy that really performs.Dead accurate and yes I do hunt with it.Goes to the stand in fitted case and only comes out when shot is taken. The last one is a 99 Shortrifle in 303 Sav. This one was restocked by Doug Turnbull before I bought it. I added the Redfield peep but may put one of my last Alaskans and Stith mounts on it in the future.
Joe

[sighthound]

Classics, that Turnbull restoration is outstanding, the lines from butt through forearm are perfect and the checkering of wrist cheeks and forearm perfectly balanced, work of a master. The 1899s, way ahead of their field, when I look at todays black guns I have to wonder what has happened to our sense and appreciation of art and design. Jerry

[rem81auto]

Here's my favorite. I shoot Sporting Clays and hunt with it alot ... it will never be for sale .... 12 bore Prussian made by H. A. Lindner 1890's * imported by Charles Daly.

[jack1653]

Hi Guys,

I don't know how I missed these postings. All of you have posted some real beauties and I am impressed. I will have to jump in and send some pictures also. Am I limited to just one? It is difficult to pick just one but I will try and go easy on imfuncity who will have to do the posting for me.

Regards,

jack1653

[Sarge756]

Well, as we say down south that Linder 12 bore is" some purdee piece of shootin gun".I went through a few of mine to post some photos.This one would be the all around gun for anything that walks or flys.It is an Imman Meffert combo two barrel set built on a Merkel action. 16ga overunder and 270Win over 16 ga.The scope in claw mounts is a Nickel Supra 3X .I have a set of "fourtenner"inserts so it would be good to go for squirrels to deer.Hunted doves with it last season and was a joy to shoot.I even hit some! The cartridge case was my creation.
Jack, I`m looking forward to your post with photos. Show us your favorites. Joe

[sighthound]

Sarg756, Another example of fine German sporting arms, a classic gallery of great art is building, Jack, am sure you can run with the big dogs here, can't wait to view your post, Jerry

[imfuncity]

I'm waiting for your ONE Jack!

[imfuncity]

45Guy - OK you're crazy... did you get started on that 99 you are in love with? (and that I was pleased to get rid of!)

Sting75ray - you have revived a sleeper... so where are yours pictures?

Sarge - Purdee indeed, all around. I'm on Turnbull's mailing list, am tempted monthly but... I still have not found THAT ONE to cash 'em in for. Speaking of Turnbull, how 'bout some close-ups of his 99?

SightHound - when I look at today's black guns I have to wonder what has happened to our sense and appreciation of art and design (and pride) - well said and can in fact be applied in a lot of different directions.

Rem - That is mighty fine looking, for a "shooter"!! Not sure I could do that.

[imfuncity]

I'm embarrassed to say I had forgotten about these until this thread was revived.
On the back of the first picture Sighthound/Jerry has written:
7x57 Mauser, Redfield Mounts, Weaver K 2.5, Myrtle - Built during Lassen Gunsmith School 1948-50.
He may not now claim that this is his prettiest (or best work) but if it's not, I'd sure like to know what is?

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[imfuncity]

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[81police]

Jack,

your "F" grade made my jaw drop, AGAIN!

[Sarge756]

Imfuncity......Closeups of the 99 Shortrifle stock. I`ve done a bit of checkering so have a critical eye when viewing another`s work.The checkering has perfect lines and is pointed up evenly throughout the panels.It appears a simple pattern on the grip at first glance but it takes a skilled hand to do the rollover and keep the lines even and straight.I hope I gain the confidence to give a pattern like that a try.
The black guns have their place I guess, though they don`t do much for me.Other than a couple Glocks I had as duty weapons and a Benelli M1, I don`t own any black guns or AR types.I read the forums and publications and it worries me that the popularity of these type weapons is causing a split amonst traditional collectors/ shooters and the black gun crowd.We need to be careful about disparaging other gun owner`s preferences.We need to hang together or we might all hang seperate.Just a thought. Joe

[imfuncity]

Came into the game late but I understand the traditional vs. black gun debate, and the rope necktie party. I do have "some black rifles". Got mine after my boy did his time with the Army in Baghdad, he convinced me of their value and utilitarian purpose. But, when it comes to fun to shoot and what accompanies me to the range, they are not usually in attendance - unless, he is along also.

[sighthound]

Sarge is correct about about the dangers in being critical of others choices and I stand corrected, my intent was to imply the artistic design, engraving, inlays and other embellishments of earlier times is more pleasing for " A prettiest gun", however, from a functional stand point, I most certainly would want a black gun if I were ever called again in defense of my country. General George Patton is often quoted as saying the Garand M1 is the best battle weapon ever devised and todays rifles are even better, the M14 with detachable magazine was a tremendous improvement over the M1. If you have ever tried to insert a new clip in an M1 with cold gloved hands you know what that is like. Unfortunately, freedom is not free and every generation is called to secure and preserve our freedom and deserve the absolute best of weapons in order to do so. Jerry