My very first handgun

[dingomann]

My gosh Dirty Bert kept that thing in mint condition! Hardly has a turn line. A typical, good story to go with it. I bought my first handgun when I was 14. I had worked and saved until I had enough money for a Model 17 S&W.
When we went to the gun store, they also had a new Ruger Standard Auto. The S&W was $80, the Ruger half that. Dad said to get the Ruger and have more money for ammo so that is what I did. I still have the Ruger and I carried it a lot the first 10 years I had it. It was great for shooting rabbits from the corn picker. About 10 years later I finally got a model 17.

 

[Dirty Bert]

That's awesome!

 

[millerj7]

Welcome to the group! Great story and memories of less complicated times. My first handgun was also a M17...do not remember the engineering change, but assume it was a -3 since it was purchased new in 1971. I could not shoot it accurately (pretty sure it was me and not the gun) and swapped it even for a Ruger Target Model Pistol which was more accurate for me. I have since replaced the M17 in my collection and shoot it well...just wish I had that "First One."

 

[Dewy12]

Love the story. The best part for me is the family aspect. Your uncle and cousin come over to try out your new gun. Your dad takes you to the dump even though it's getting dark. Now that is a family. Not to many stories out there like this now. Thanks for sharing and count your blessings.

 

[luvsmiths]

This is the story of my very first handgun.
I was turning 14 and my Dad asked me what I wanted for a birthday gift.
A real handgun I replied! I had a few bb and pellet guns plus a 22 LR single shot, but nothing fancy. To my surprise Dad bought me a Smith and Wesson 17-3 Masterpiece in 22LR! It was awesome. That night my Uncle Jack and my cousin came over to check out my new S/W.
Well we had to try it, right?
We drove to the local small town dump in two cars. My Dad had a 1969 Mercury Marquis two door in a silver green color with a black vinyl top. If I remember right it had a 429 under the hood.A very cool car I think.
Anyways once we got to the dump its was dark out so my Dad and my Uncle both parked their cars facing the garage with the lights on. Back then you just pulled out the light switch to turn on the headlights and the high beam switch was on the floor (foot controled). I had my new 22 revolver all loaded and ready to try. My cousin had a 410 single shot. Then Dad and Uncle pulled the switch to turn the headlights on and there were all these rats running for cover! Can't say I got one but I sure had fun.
My Uncle gave me a beer afterwards. A Labatt 50! Yum. This was one of the greatest days of my younger life. I still have the revolver and take good care of the old girl. These days when ever I'm shooting at rats with a 22, 12 gauge or even a 454C I think back to that special day.

All you needed was a cigarette too, and you would, have had all three---- Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms!
Your Dad and Uncle Rocked!!

GREAT story!!

 

[csurp34]

...."Think of the children", etc., etc. (Insert several "hand-wringing" emoticons here.)

My standard response to that kind of emotional pabulum is, If even one child's life could be saved, shouldn't everyone be armed?


It never gets old.

 

[Dirty Bert]

Ive been practicing with it for more than a few years and am finally getting the hang of it! Lol. It shoots very accurately. Pretty much the only wear on it is the cylinder face from cleaning stuck on lead built up. What a pain that is.

 

[.455_Hunter]

I too got my first handgun at age 14 in 1990- a pre-war Enfield DAO .38. It's purpose was serious, as we were in the midst of a mountain lion population explosion in the area of our mountain property. It was lots of use over the next 8 years or so, on duty for innumerable hikes, backpacking and camping trips. Still have it to this day.

 

[Old cop]

My first was a Colt Cobra for off duty in '68 @ $85, still have it.