LoboGunLeather
US Veteran
Oldest son had a birthday recently. While visiting with him he mentioned an interest in a good .45 pistol and wanted my recommendations. I think that is a fine thing for a 49 year old man to want, but at the time my mind drew a blank. We spoke about a few pistols I have owned and relied upon, but I had no real strong recommendations for him.
Thinking about it for a couple of days, the thought occurred to me that a "good .45 pistol" might just be one of the originals. Packed up one of my WW2 originals (Remington-Rand, 1944 production, all original, 90%-plus finish) along with a 1944 Enger Kress M1916 holster, 1944 pistol belt, 1944 mag pouch with two spare WW2 mags, and a 1944 Carlisle wound bandage with first aid pouch. Makes a very nice display, to which I included an original box of Evansville .45 ACP ammo dated 1943.
Started researching FFL dealers in his area to ship to, then thought that I have never seen his new (6-year old) house, and the great-grandkids are still growing like weeds, so I decided to deliver the package personally.
Planning a road trip of 1150 miles (Pueblo, CO to Manchester, TN) requires some thought and preparation. I figured as long as I was making the trip I would take along a few other old timers for the boys (son and grandsons) to have some fun with. Dug around in the safe and found:
1. Colt Model 1917 US Army .45 caliber revolver. All original, 70% or so finish with some patina. Nice historic WW1 artifact. After all, the young man indicated an interest in a good .45 but didn't specify a semi-auto or revolver, so I figured I could cover all the bases.
2. Older (1970 or so) Marlin Model 39A .22 rifle. Who can't use a really good .22 hunting rifle, especially when they own a huge chunk of Tennessee woods with critters everywhere?
3. Original 1850's Pennsylvania half-stock cap-lock sporting rifle, saved from an auction sale and restored to firing condition. I have eaten a couple of meals taken with that old rifle, and it is a beautiful piece of the gunmaker's art.
4. One of my two Civil War production Remington New Army revolvers, .44 percussion, all original and fully functional.
Left home last week, nice drive southeast to Amarillo where I had lunch with an old friend. On to Oklahoma City for the night. Next morning on to Memphis, where the local VFW welcomed me to a spaghetti supper. Then on to son's country home in south-central Tennessee.
Spent a few days visiting, including some shooting with the antique guns. All the boys were thrilled, especially with the historical significance of some of those old guns. Did a lot of good eating, spent some time slogging through rain-soaked woods on son's property, got to meet my older grandson's wife for the first time, enjoyed playing great-grandpa to a 4 year old and an 8-year old.
Whitetail deer visible in the woods from the house every morning and evening. Some of the biggest squirrels I have ever seen raising a ruckus around the oak trees all day long. A very pleasant visit.
Long drive home the past couple of days. Well worth the trip! Life doesn't get much better than passing along a few of my little treasures to younger folks who will use and cherish them.
Thinking about it for a couple of days, the thought occurred to me that a "good .45 pistol" might just be one of the originals. Packed up one of my WW2 originals (Remington-Rand, 1944 production, all original, 90%-plus finish) along with a 1944 Enger Kress M1916 holster, 1944 pistol belt, 1944 mag pouch with two spare WW2 mags, and a 1944 Carlisle wound bandage with first aid pouch. Makes a very nice display, to which I included an original box of Evansville .45 ACP ammo dated 1943.
Started researching FFL dealers in his area to ship to, then thought that I have never seen his new (6-year old) house, and the great-grandkids are still growing like weeds, so I decided to deliver the package personally.
Planning a road trip of 1150 miles (Pueblo, CO to Manchester, TN) requires some thought and preparation. I figured as long as I was making the trip I would take along a few other old timers for the boys (son and grandsons) to have some fun with. Dug around in the safe and found:
1. Colt Model 1917 US Army .45 caliber revolver. All original, 70% or so finish with some patina. Nice historic WW1 artifact. After all, the young man indicated an interest in a good .45 but didn't specify a semi-auto or revolver, so I figured I could cover all the bases.
2. Older (1970 or so) Marlin Model 39A .22 rifle. Who can't use a really good .22 hunting rifle, especially when they own a huge chunk of Tennessee woods with critters everywhere?
3. Original 1850's Pennsylvania half-stock cap-lock sporting rifle, saved from an auction sale and restored to firing condition. I have eaten a couple of meals taken with that old rifle, and it is a beautiful piece of the gunmaker's art.
4. One of my two Civil War production Remington New Army revolvers, .44 percussion, all original and fully functional.
Left home last week, nice drive southeast to Amarillo where I had lunch with an old friend. On to Oklahoma City for the night. Next morning on to Memphis, where the local VFW welcomed me to a spaghetti supper. Then on to son's country home in south-central Tennessee.
Spent a few days visiting, including some shooting with the antique guns. All the boys were thrilled, especially with the historical significance of some of those old guns. Did a lot of good eating, spent some time slogging through rain-soaked woods on son's property, got to meet my older grandson's wife for the first time, enjoyed playing great-grandpa to a 4 year old and an 8-year old.
Whitetail deer visible in the woods from the house every morning and evening. Some of the biggest squirrels I have ever seen raising a ruckus around the oak trees all day long. A very pleasant visit.
Long drive home the past couple of days. Well worth the trip! Life doesn't get much better than passing along a few of my little treasures to younger folks who will use and cherish them.
