Well, after many years of buying and shooting and selling many firearms (about 90% of my posts are in the Classifieds), I have finally gotten to a point where it seems I will have difficulty parting with the three finalists. Each have a history all to themselves, as well as a history for me. Before I describe them, I will give you a few looks.
Enjoy!
1. The Smith and Wesson Model 15 Combat Masterpiece (1961 Vintage)
There is nothing more classic than the Smith & Wesson K-Frame .38! The bluing and craftsmanship on the older guns speaks a language all its own! I came across this beauty at my local gun store (Blythe's in Valparaiso, IN) among a handful of other classic revolvers. This pistol came complete with target grips and the wide target trigger. The hammer and trigger are color case hardened and everything just screams quality. It is iconic and is a joy to hold, to shoot, and simply to admire for its simple statement to the world.
2. The Colt Python- 6-inch Barrel- Royal Blue (1979 Vintage)
This revolver has become quite popular as of late considering the masses who enjoy "The Walking Dead" and want to feel the same zombie-slaying power in their hands as the main character of that iconic series. The sexiness of this revolver is unrivaled. Purely and simply, it is gorgeous. These are no longer made and reflect one of the last production guns produced by craftsmen whose hands did the work in a world where computers would one day dominate along with "the bottom line." They will never be made again to any standard even approaching what I behold before me. There is no way they can recreate this mythological animal ever again. The tooling is gone, the craftsmen are dead, and the company is in deep decline.
3. The Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special 1911 (2014 Vintage)
I have realized in my firearms journey that I am not primarily a rifleman. I tend to buy nice rifles, kit them out, zero them in, put them in the safe, and sell them. Just my way. I do, however, love handguns. When I began my journey into firearms back in 1997 or so, I used to subscribe to American Handgunner magazine. Inside each magazine, there would be, without fail, an advertisement of Les Baer Custom displaying many of their wares. At that time, the Thunder Ranch Special, designed with input from Clint Smith of Thunder Ranch/ Gunsite fame, was fairly new and advertisements would feature photos of Clint "aiming in" around a barrier with his Thunder Ranch and that image of a man and his 1911 became etched into my mind. I always wanted one, and upon selling my last rifle project off, I decided to plop down the money and grab one. To say it is beautiful or accurate or well made would be an understatement similar to saying Obama is a bit out of his element as President of these United States. It is, quite simply, the best 1911 I have ever held in my hands. When one feels the fineness of the hand cut checkering or of the hand fit slide/ frame, it is quite obvious why they cost what they do.
These three guns reflect an appreciation that comes from having purchased, held, shot, and sold countless firearms over almost two decades. I have come to appreciate blued steel and wood over plastics and rubber. I yearn for iconic quality over practical tactical. I have gratitude for the masters who can sit at a bench and turn steel and wood into functional art.
And I am sure I am not alone. Clarity comes with grey hair. Hope you enjoyed a glimpse into my world.
Vanguard.45
Enjoy!
1. The Smith and Wesson Model 15 Combat Masterpiece (1961 Vintage)
There is nothing more classic than the Smith & Wesson K-Frame .38! The bluing and craftsmanship on the older guns speaks a language all its own! I came across this beauty at my local gun store (Blythe's in Valparaiso, IN) among a handful of other classic revolvers. This pistol came complete with target grips and the wide target trigger. The hammer and trigger are color case hardened and everything just screams quality. It is iconic and is a joy to hold, to shoot, and simply to admire for its simple statement to the world.
2. The Colt Python- 6-inch Barrel- Royal Blue (1979 Vintage)
This revolver has become quite popular as of late considering the masses who enjoy "The Walking Dead" and want to feel the same zombie-slaying power in their hands as the main character of that iconic series. The sexiness of this revolver is unrivaled. Purely and simply, it is gorgeous. These are no longer made and reflect one of the last production guns produced by craftsmen whose hands did the work in a world where computers would one day dominate along with "the bottom line." They will never be made again to any standard even approaching what I behold before me. There is no way they can recreate this mythological animal ever again. The tooling is gone, the craftsmen are dead, and the company is in deep decline.
3. The Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special 1911 (2014 Vintage)
I have realized in my firearms journey that I am not primarily a rifleman. I tend to buy nice rifles, kit them out, zero them in, put them in the safe, and sell them. Just my way. I do, however, love handguns. When I began my journey into firearms back in 1997 or so, I used to subscribe to American Handgunner magazine. Inside each magazine, there would be, without fail, an advertisement of Les Baer Custom displaying many of their wares. At that time, the Thunder Ranch Special, designed with input from Clint Smith of Thunder Ranch/ Gunsite fame, was fairly new and advertisements would feature photos of Clint "aiming in" around a barrier with his Thunder Ranch and that image of a man and his 1911 became etched into my mind. I always wanted one, and upon selling my last rifle project off, I decided to plop down the money and grab one. To say it is beautiful or accurate or well made would be an understatement similar to saying Obama is a bit out of his element as President of these United States. It is, quite simply, the best 1911 I have ever held in my hands. When one feels the fineness of the hand cut checkering or of the hand fit slide/ frame, it is quite obvious why they cost what they do.
These three guns reflect an appreciation that comes from having purchased, held, shot, and sold countless firearms over almost two decades. I have come to appreciate blued steel and wood over plastics and rubber. I yearn for iconic quality over practical tactical. I have gratitude for the masters who can sit at a bench and turn steel and wood into functional art.
And I am sure I am not alone. Clarity comes with grey hair. Hope you enjoyed a glimpse into my world.
Vanguard.45
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