Remembering my first handgun

[QuercusMax]

As I was responding to another thread I was reminded of my first handgun, and thought I would write about it here.

As a kid (many years ago), I usually went out shooting targets and varmints on the farm with a Remington 12C .22 pump rifle, but eventually my dad let me use his Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless 32ACP, which was the first handgun I ever fired. After a few brief encounters with the Colt, I entered the working world in the city and I never shot a gun for many years - a shame, I know.

After both my parents passed away my dad's favorite old 1903 needed a home, so for some years now it's been my baby. Back in the 30's and 40's Dad used to carry it in the glove box of his car all the time, "just in case," no different than having a flashlight. One time he drove up into Canada, was asked at the border if he had any (evil) firearms with him - of course he said "yes" - but back in those relaxed days they were happy to mail it back home to him so he could continue on his way. Imagine the same scenario today... Also in those days, Dad would buy dynamite at the hardware store, to blow up stumps on the farm - trusting days indeed, back then.

Also back in those days the 32ACP was considered a low-cost alternative to larger rounds, while today the lowly 32 is passe by American standards, judged to be "mouse gun" size and thus unworthy, not to mention relatively expensive.

Still, I'm very fond of the little Colt. Kinda like a first love - it defines your ideals, and you never get over it. For that reason I still find a single action gun very natural. I try to imagine the world of 1926 when the little Colt was born, and marvel that something of that age is still perfectly functional today, and perhaps better than most modern products. About the only thing that seems dated is the tiny sights - but it's part of the package.

I love my little Colt - my dad's gun. Thus I also like my 1911s, and it's probably why I bought my Kahr MK9 Elite because it seemed like it might be a more modern version of the Colt 1903 - solid metal in a small package.

What's your first love?

[Dirt doc]

I also have my Dad's 32 pocket pistol. I very rarely shoot it.

The first handgun I owned was a S&W mod 19 6" target hammer and trigger. Bought it new when I was in Navy in the early 70's. Wish I still had it.

dirt doc

[muggsy]

As I was responding to another thread I was reminded of my first handgun, and thought I would write about it here.

As a kid (many years ago), I usually went out shooting targets and varmints on the farm with a Remington 12C .22 pump rifle, but eventually my dad let me use his Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless 32ACP, which was the first handgun I ever fired. After a few brief encounters with the Colt, I entered the working world in the city and I never shot a gun for many years - a shame, I know.

After both my parents passed away my dad's favorite old 1903 needed a home, so for some years now it's been my baby. Back in the 30's and 40's Dad used to carry it in the glove box of his car all the time, "just in case," no different than having a flashlight. One time he drove up into Canada, was asked at the border if he had any (evil) firearms with him - of course he said "yes" - but back in those relaxed days they were happy to mail it back home to him so he could continue on his way. Imagine the same scenario today... Also in those days, Dad would buy dynamite at the hardware store, to blow up stumps on the farm - trusting days indeed, back then.

Also back in those days the 32ACP was considered a low-cost alternative to larger rounds, while today the lowly 32 is passe by American standards, judged to be "mouse gun" size and thus unworthy, not to mention relatively expensive.

Still, I'm very fond of the little Colt. Kinda like a first love - it defines your ideals, and you never get over it. For that reason I still find a single action gun very natural. I try to imagine the world of 1926 when the little Colt was born, and marvel that something of that age is still perfectly functional today, and perhaps better than most modern products. About the only thing that seems dated is the tiny sights - but it's part of the package.

I love my little Colt - my dad's gun. Thus I also like my 1911s, and it's probably why I bought my Kahr MK9 Elite because it seemed like it might be a more modern version of the Colt 1903 - solid metal in a small package.

What's your first love?

When my dad was a kid he would take his shotgun to school. After school he would take the street car to the end of the line and hunt rabbits. No one thought anything of it. Can you imagine that scenario today? My first love was a used Winchester Model-12 20ga. pump that I received on my 12th birthday.

[Armybrat]

My Grandpa had one of those Colt M1903 .32 pistols - he gave it to my older brother who still has it.

The first handgun I owned was my Ruger Single Six - bought it new in 1960 - and no telling how many bricks of .22 LR have gone through that pipe. It's still smooth & tight today, although the grip finish is almost worn off:

http://i522.photobucket.com/albums/w349/ScoPro/Guns022.jpg

[MikeyKahr]

Armybrat, I see a set of Bawannas in your future.....

[Barth]

https://www.t-mobilepictures.com/myalbum/photos/photo05/ad/6a/48882277cde6__1313264906000.jpg

[getsome]

My first handgun was a brand new blue 4 inch S&W K22 .22 long rifle revolver that my grandmother bought for my 15th birthday...That revolver was beautiful and very accurate and I kept it in my car while at highschool...Can you imagine a kid doing that today...:eek:

The gun was later stolen in an apartment burglary along with a real nice Winchester .22 magnum lever action rifle that would hit a match at 50 yards...I hope whoever took them gets boiled in hot oil....:75:

[O'Dell]

My first handgun was a Browning HP 9mm. I bought it just out of flight training and carried it the rest of the time I was in the Navy. I still have that pistol packed away somewhere - I need to look for it.

[Bawanna]

My first was also a Ruger Single Six 22 with the extra Magnum cylinder. I sold it once but bought it back a month or so later and I still have it.
My first defense carry gun was a Colt Agent which got stolen many years later. I replaced it with a Colt Cobra 2" which I also still have.

I've regretted selling just about everyone I ever sold.

[cgff]

First pistol was a colt .25 given to me by my brother which dad had left for him, My brother is a bit older then me, He could not have it while traveling/stationed overseas. So I ended up with it. That colt was given to my father by his Dad (My grandfather) when he was shipping out overseas. That Little .25 has been to europe and back, been in the family for 3 generations.

First pistol I bought was a S&W 686

[QuercusMax]

First pistol I bought was a S&W 686

I started with a Colt, but the 686 is very near the top of my current wish list!

[WMD]

I have one of those 1903 Colt 32's. It was given to me by my wifes grandfather (ex chief of police in his town). I do not carry it due to its age but it shoots great.

My first gun was a Ruger MK I semi-aut 22. I bought it brand new at the local Army Navy store for soemthing like $32.50. (That should give you an idea of my age.... :D) I think I paid an extra $4 for wood grips. I have since then gone through a couple of Rugers MKII's and am now upgraded to a slabside. I could not hit crap with my first Ruger but all others have been deadly.

[yqtszhj]

I Had a rifle ever since I was a kid but my first handgun was a 4" stainless colt .357 after I got married. What hand cannon. Next one was a colt .380 which I still have, treasure, and I think I will never part with it. All steel and hits POA every time.

[JimC]

My first handgun was a slightly used S&W K-22 purchased by my Father due to me not being old enough (16) to purchase it.
Date was July 8, 1962.
Price $59.00 with new gun warranty from LGS.
I had a part time job and payed if off on time.
I do wish that I had never sold that gun. :(

[QuercusMax]

After hearing so many people say "I wish I had never sold that gun," I am going to learn from their experience and thus am making this note to self: Don't sell any guns !!! ;)

[O'Dell]

After hearing so many people say "I wish I had never sold that gun," I am going to learn from their experience and thus am making this note to self: Don't sell any guns !!! ;)

Don't say that! You might accidently buy a Taurus some day.

[Barth]

Don't say that! You might accidently buy a Taurus some day.

LOL!

I've bought 8 handguns over the years (let's not count ok?).
Anyway, the usual drill is lots of research, then actual range time,
prior to a purchase.

The one time I broke that golden rule "shoot before you buy",
is the only gun I don't still have today.

H&K USP/45 compact.
Ordered from H&K specifically with NS, stainless slide, no external safety and a decocker.

It's a super gun.
But ergonomically, for me, it's like an ex wife, water and oil, fire and ice, or other unmixy things.

Shot it twice.
Sold it for what I paid for it to a range officer.
Learned my lesson

[TheTman]

My parents bought me a Heritage Rough Rider .22 (I think thats what it was, kind of a small framed single action .22) for Christmas when I as 16 or 17. I forget which it was because one year it was a Marlin .22 rifle that looked a lot like an M1 Carbine, only with a 10 shot tube magazine.
Unfortunately the pistol was stolen several years later. And I let the rifle get away in a pawn shop. The first handgun I bought was a Star M30 9mm, back when double stack 9's were all the rage. The selling point on that gun was that someone had put 100,000 rounds throught it with no damage to the frame or slide. That impressed me. It's not a bad shooter and has been adopted by various foreign agencies as their sidearm, but it stovepipes a little to frequently for me to carry, but does serve as one of my hidden guns.

[O'Dell]

LOL!

I've bought 8 handguns over the years (let's not count ok?).
Anyway, the usual drill is lots of research, then actual range time,
prior to a purchase.

The one time I broke that golden rule "shoot before you buy",
is the only gun I don't still have today.

H&K USP/45 compact.
Ordered from H&K specifically with NS, stainless slide, no external safety and a decocker.

It's a super gun.
But ergonomically, for me, it's like an ex wife, water and oil, fire and ice, or other unmixy things.

Shot it twice.
Sold it for what I paid for it to a range officer.
Learned my lesson

I'm seldom in the position to "shoot before I buy" unless it's a gun I previously owned, but with thorough research, it nearly always works out for me. I had a SS HK USP 45 compact and liked it very much. It was stolen in February, and I replaced it with an HK 45C, because it is suppose to be slightly more ergonomic. It is, but I never had a problem with the USP. In fact, I still have a FS USP 40 that's my HD weapon and the only gun I keep [well hidden but accessible] outside the safe. It's perfect for the job because, it's totally reliable, is the only hi-cap I own with 14 round mags, and it has night sights. It's also a bit large to carry.

[Barth]

I'm seldom in the position to "shoot before I buy" unless it's a gun I previously owned, but with thorough research, it nearly always works out for me. I had a SS HK USP 45 compact and liked it very much. It was stolen in February, and I replaced it with an HK 45C, because it is suppose to be slightly more ergonomic. It is, but I never had a problem with the USP. In fact, I still have a FS USP 40 that's my HD weapon and the only gun I keep [well hidden but accessible] outside the safe. It's perfect for the job because, it's totally reliable, is the only hi-cap I own with 14 round mags, and it has night sights. It's also a bit large to carry.

I'm fortunate having two large gun shop/ranges in town that have a large selection of rental guns.
$10 bucks per gun or $25 for the whole case!
Was able to rent a Kahr P40, P9 and K40, putting a box of 50 through each, before buying my MK40 Elite.
Lucky I guess.

As for guns, I just don't shoot H&K, or Beretta, well.
They are fine, reliable, accurate guns.
But in my hands I can't hit the side of a barn.
Most guns I'm pretty good with naturally.

Probably could learn to shoot them well, but why?
so I just stay away

I rented a P7 and a 92F years ago and was shocked and disapointed
in my performance with those guns.

I'm fine with; Colt 1911, Glock G20/36/19/27/33, Kahrs, Sig Sauer P220/P229/P239, S&W 629/640/342, Ruger Super Redhawk...

[QuercusMax]

As for guns, I just don't shoot H&K, or Beretta, well.
They are fine, reliable, accurate guns.
But in my hands I can't hit the side of a barn.
Most guns I'm pretty good with naturally.

Probably could learn to shoot them well, but why?
so I just stay away



It's really interesting how there are so many combinations of guns and people that work well or don't work well. Good thing there are many guns for us to choose from.

I have had a similar experience to Barth, except that my Berettas feel good to me. Don't have any H&K's, but have a very positive experience with some rental S&W's which are now high on my wish list. Also really love my Browning BuckMark and my Kimber & Colt 1911s. I still struggle with my MK9 Elite as I have reported elsewhere, but am still doggedly trying to do well with it.

I like the variety, thus like the learning. And thus I like hearing the experience reports of others here. Thanks guys.

[Bawanna]

I too get along fine with Beretta's. I remember when the HK USP's first came out, I thought I just gotta have one of those but I couldn't find one to hold, I came really close to just ordering on line sight unseen. I held off and after several months of I gotta have one fever found one at a gun show. The minute it hit my hand I knew it was all wrong for me. Just too clunky, too many long levers, just not right for me.
They do absolutely run and guys swear by them, just didn't blow my dress up.
For some sick reason I don't get along too well with Sig's either which is sad. I had a Sig Pro 40 and it just didn't mesh well with me. I do have and have had for a long time a hankering for a 220, the melted down one SAS? With a DAK trigger. I held one of those years ago and it seemed pretty right. Given the loot I'd probably try to make myself get along with one of those.

Guns that I don't get along with are extremely rare. Usually if it goes bang we're a good fit.

[O'Dell]

I'm fortunate having two large gun shop/ranges in town that have a large selection of rental guns.
$10 bucks per gun or $25 for the whole case!
Was able to rent a Kahr P40, P9 and K40, putting a box of 50 through each, before buying my MK40 Elite.
Lucky I guess.

As for guns, I just don't shoot H&K, or Beretta, well.
They are fine, reliable, accurate guns.
But in my hands I can't hit the side of a barn.
Most guns I'm pretty good with naturally.

Probably could learn to shoot them well, but why?
so I just stay away

I rented a P7 and a 92F years ago and was shocked and disapointed
in my performance with those guns.

I'm fine with; Colt 1911, Glock G20/36/19/27/33, Kahrs, Sig Sauer P220/P229/P239, S&W 629/640/342, Ruger Super Redhawk...

I don't have any guns now that I don't shoot well,well, well for me, except the LCP. [look at that - I got three 'wells' in a row] The LCP is just so small and has no sights to speak of. I currently have 2 SIGS, [have had many] 2 HK's, 2 third gen S&W's and an M&P, 4 1911's, 2 Kahrs, and the LCP. I'm just the opposite with the Glocks and Hks. The HK's work great, but Glocks don't point right. If I close my eyes and point a Glock generally at the target, I'm always 3 or 4 inches high. Then I have to **** my wrist at an unnatural angle to put the sights on. Also, except for the 36, the grips are too thick for me.

Oops, the forum police caught me again - make that "bend".

[O'Dell]

I'm fortunate having two large gun shop/ranges in town that have a large selection of rental guns.
$10 bucks per gun or $25 for the whole case!
Was able to rent a Kahr P40, P9 and K40, putting a box of 50 through each, before buying my MK40 Elite.
Lucky I guess.[/I]

My LGS and range has about 50 rental guns, all Glocks, Kahrs, and machine guns.

I have never owned a Beretta and have only shot a 92 a few times. It was Okay, but I wasn't especially impressed and thought it was too big for a 9mm.

[O'Dell]

I remember when the HK USP's first came out, I thought I just gotta have one of those but I couldn't find one to hold, I came really close to just ordering on line sight unseen. I held off and after several months of I gotta have one fever found one at a gun show. The minute it hit my hand I knew it was all wrong for me. Just too clunky, too many long levers, just not right for me.
They do absolutely run and guys swear by them, just didn't blow my dress up.
For some sick reason I don't get along too well with Sig's either which is sad. I had a Sig Pro 40 and it just didn't mesh well with me. I do have and have had for a long time a hankering for a 220, the melted down one SAS? With a DAK trigger. I held one of those years ago and it seemed pretty right. Given the loot I'd probably try to make myself get along with one of those.



You just sorta eliminated my two favorite companies. I've been shooting SIGs for over thirty years, had nine or ten of them, and never met one I didn't like. I thought that they were all fine shooters. I've only been buying HK's for a couple of years and I've had three, two currently, one stolen. I'd put the HK's slightly above the SIGs if not for one thing. Down deep in my heart I like all metal guns. I suppose that's one reason I'm so fond of the 3rd gen S&W's.

Kahrs are sorta in a different category for me. For a deep concealment pistol, when you can't cover a holster, I don't think they can be beat. Also, the CW40 just clicked with me and has become my favorite carry gun, because of it's size and weight and the fact that I somehow shoot it well.

[Bawanna]

You just sorta eliminated my two favorite companies. I've been shooting SIGs for over thirty years, had nine or ten of them, and never met one I didn't like. I thought that they were all fine shooters. I've only been buying HK's for a couple of years and I've had three, two currently, one stolen. I'd put the HK's slightly above the SIGs if not for one thing. Down deep in my heart I like all metal guns. I suppose that's one reason I'm so fond of the 3rd gen S&W's.

Kahrs are sorta in a different category for me. For a deep concealment pistol, when you can't cover a holster, I don't think they can be beat. Also, the CW40 just clicked with me and has become my favorite carry gun, because of it's size and weight and the fact that I somehow shoot it well.

I sure don't question the quality of Sigs or the HK's they just don't feel good to me. I'm sure they'll run unil the cows come home and then some. If they were the only guns on earth I'd have 12 of each and be happy as a clam in hot butter, just not a good match for me. I know I'm wierd.

[Barth]

I know I'm wierd.

So you've joined the club too? LOL

[O'Dell]

So you've joined the club too? LOL

I always thought that being weird was a prerequisite for posting here.

[Bawanna]

I always thought that being weird was a prerequisite for posting here.

Well if diahrea of the post count is any indication, I'm over qualified and thus extremely weird.

[QuercusMax]

I have never owned a Beretta and have only shot a 92 a few times. It was Okay, but I wasn't especially impressed and thought it was too big for a 9mm.

I have a 92FS that I got a while back, before my recent 1911's. Not sure why I have it, really. I agree - it is really big for a 9mm, but part of that is the price to be paid for the double stack mag. It also made me discover that I don't like DA/SA guns. When I open the cabinet to pick out something to shoot, my hand always picks up a 1911, a .22, or my Kahr.

[muggsy]

My first handgun was a used High Standard H-D Military .22LR. Target pistol. It came with an even coat of light rust and a broken recoil spring. I replaced the recoil spring and had the gun reblued. It was one of the most accurate pistols that I've ever owned.