My family has never really had to many people that are into guns. The only real exceptions to that are my since passed grandfather, (WW2 vet) my dad, and I. However, there is one gun we could never let go. My grandfathers colt .45 sidearm that he carried with him into battle. What guns do you guys have that either will be a hopeful heirloom, or hold a great sentimental value?
Family heirloom guns....
- Thread starter Spike89
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jnyork
Member
Mine, already posted on another board: http://www.levergunscommunity.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=6690&p=83359#p83359
ForumSurfer
Member
I have a completely worthless heirloom. It is a Spanish copy of a Smith & Wesson. It was used in a family member's suicide. I ended up with it years later after it was returned from evidence. I have no idea what to do with it, nor if it will make anyone in the family mad if I destroy it. It's too creepy for me so I keep it way back in the safe covered. 
Other than that, the only thing older than 50 years is a Stevens 12 gauge single shot that was my father's first shotgun. Worthless, too...but very meaningful sentimentally.
Other than that, the only thing older than 50 years is a Stevens 12 gauge single shot that was my father's first shotgun. Worthless, too...but very meaningful sentimentally.
new_pistol_guy
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I like this family heirloom topic because it makes me realize how important some of my guns are to me. I also really had not been into guns until my father passed away a few years ago and I inherited his collection. So you could say his death sort of sparked a hobby that I will not soon get out of.
To answer is tough because I have many, I will give you the top three. The first is a double barrel Hopkins & Allen shot gun that was my great, great grandfathers. My father was a LEO for 36 years, so his Smith and Wesson service revolver is special as well as his last back-up pistol, a Walther PPK. My dad really liked his Walther and even though I hate to shoot it with a passion(my hand is big and the slide bites it) I will keep it and pass it on to someone else in the family someday.
To answer is tough because I have many, I will give you the top three. The first is a double barrel Hopkins & Allen shot gun that was my great, great grandfathers. My father was a LEO for 36 years, so his Smith and Wesson service revolver is special as well as his last back-up pistol, a Walther PPK. My dad really liked his Walther and even though I hate to shoot it with a passion(my hand is big and the slide bites it) I will keep it and pass it on to someone else in the family someday.
An old beat to death Iver Johnson .22 rifle. My grandfather won it in a paperboy contest. He signed up the most new subscribers that year. He taught my dad how to shoot on it. My dad taught me with it, and I taught my four daughters. Still shoots amazingly well. Might have one more generation left in it...
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I would like to add that it doesn't really even have to be the family firearm. It could just as well be the equipment left by someone in the family (used for shooting, this is a gun forum) an old ammo and accessory bag. I have these as well, all stuff that my grandfather used either as a civilian or as a soldier. Who would have known that those things would last so long!!
IBM M1 Carbine
USG Colt .32 pocket auto
Colt SP1
Winchester Model '97 riot gun (even though it can bite you)
And a whole list of other stuff
USG Colt .32 pocket auto
Colt SP1
Winchester Model '97 riot gun (even though it can bite you)
And a whole list of other stuff
I've got an old Winchester Model 1873 that was given to me by my grandpa when turned 18 and that's the way it's been for at least 4 generations now. I had Cody Firearms Museum do some research and it was made in 1888 so ya it's pretty old lol. It's missing some internal pieces that I've been trying to track down for years now but no luck so far. Would help if I knew what I was even looking for but I don't even know exactly what all I'm missing or what the parts are even called. Here's some pictures. It's a 38 WCF caliber.
This is where I'm missing some pieces
This is where I'm missing some pieces
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WardenWolf
member
The main family heirloom I can think of is an Arisaka 99 rifle that my grandfather picked up on Okinawa in World War II. I've worked it over, cleaned it up a bit, and restored it to operation. He got to shoot it before he died.
Go here. They have contact information on the site. I'm sure they might have some useful information. Other than that, the gun is very rare, and yours is in good shape even if it does need a couple of parts. Its worth restoring. Definitely something you keep.
http://www.rarewinchesters.com/articles/art_73_info.shtml
http://www.rarewinchesters.com/articles/art_73_info.shtml
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
From my deceased father (died in 1996): Smith & Wesson model 30-1 2" bbl
chambered of course, in .32 S&W Long. Dad wasn't really into guns, and this
was his carry piece; bought NIB by me in 1971~!
Not worth a great deal
of money, but its mine.
From me too any other family member: West German .45 ACP SIG-SAUER
P220A; served as my offical duty weapon until my retirement. As it now
stands, the line of sucession includes my daughter, and grand-daughter.
chambered of course, in .32 S&W Long. Dad wasn't really into guns, and this
was his carry piece; bought NIB by me in 1971~!
Not worth a great dealof money, but its mine.
From me too any other family member: West German .45 ACP SIG-SAUER
P220A; served as my offical duty weapon until my retirement. As it now
stands, the line of sucession includes my daughter, and grand-daughter.
oneounceload
member
An NYPD pre-model 10 and a 1st gen, 1st year production Colt DS - those get passed down. Everything else may or may not
RainDodger
Member
I've got a very nice Winchester Model 61, .22LR pump, with an octagonal barrel, from the second year of manufacture (1933). It was given to my Grandfather when he retired from the USN, and my mother learned to shoot with it in the 1930s.
Too bad I don't have anyone to pass it down to... because I've got some others to pass on also...
Too bad I don't have anyone to pass it down to... because I've got some others to pass on also...
essayons21
Member
Most of my heirlooms came from my grandfathers, both of who were career military men from WWII to post-Vietnam. They include, a bringback 1918 Erfurt Luger, which was most likely used by German Police during WWII. Good shape, all matching except the magazine.
Also a Savage M720, a WWII contract build Browning Auto-5. It had its barrel chopped, Cutts compensator added, and was used for bird hunting for many years by my granpa, uncle, and father. At some point it was put away wet (noone will admit who did it) and the finish destroyed. When I got it, I had it reblued and some minor repairs done by a smith who specializes in antique firearms restorations. I'm sure it has no value, but it is a cherished heirloom and I still use it for clays and dove hunting.
Also have my dad's Marlin 39A takedown .22LR, and my mom's savage stevens falling block single-shot .22. That little single shot is the perfect gun to start new shooters on.
I'm also getting ready to marry the only child of a man who's gun collection boggles the mind, and for some reason he seems to like me, so maybe there will be a few more added over the years. Last christmas he gave me one of his "extra" 1848 colt pocket model.
Also a Savage M720, a WWII contract build Browning Auto-5. It had its barrel chopped, Cutts compensator added, and was used for bird hunting for many years by my granpa, uncle, and father. At some point it was put away wet (noone will admit who did it) and the finish destroyed. When I got it, I had it reblued and some minor repairs done by a smith who specializes in antique firearms restorations. I'm sure it has no value, but it is a cherished heirloom and I still use it for clays and dove hunting.
Also have my dad's Marlin 39A takedown .22LR, and my mom's savage stevens falling block single-shot .22. That little single shot is the perfect gun to start new shooters on.
I'm also getting ready to marry the only child of a man who's gun collection boggles the mind, and for some reason he seems to like me, so maybe there will be a few more added over the years. Last christmas he gave me one of his "extra" 1848 colt pocket model.
A few, none really valuable, except to me:
My granddad's 1890 Winchester 22 short only. My great granddad had seven boys. He ordered seven brand new Winchesters from Sears in the 1920s for them.
My dad's single shot Springfield 22 rifle, given to him (used) by his dad in 1939 for his 12th birthday.
Dad's favorite shotgun, a Remington Model 10 Trap Grade.
"Grandpa's elk medicine" A pre war Winchester Model 70, rechambered to 300 Win Mag by my dad in 1963. I already passed this one along to my son.
My granddad's 1890 Winchester 22 short only. My great granddad had seven boys. He ordered seven brand new Winchesters from Sears in the 1920s for them.
My dad's single shot Springfield 22 rifle, given to him (used) by his dad in 1939 for his 12th birthday.
Dad's favorite shotgun, a Remington Model 10 Trap Grade.
"Grandpa's elk medicine" A pre war Winchester Model 70, rechambered to 300 Win Mag by my dad in 1963. I already passed this one along to my son.
I have an old Winchester 94 rifle that was used in the range wars in Wyoming back at the turn of the last century, and a Colt's Thunderer that was given to me by the last train robber in Wyoming.
I also have a DW Razorback with the my old badge number as the serial number and grips engraved with my badge.
I still have the S&W model 58 I carried on duty for many years. My son and my grand son will get them all when I am done with them.
I also have a DW Razorback with the my old badge number as the serial number and grips engraved with my badge.
I still have the S&W model 58 I carried on duty for many years. My son and my grand son will get them all when I am done with them.
Hatterasguy
Member
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M1 Carbine, served grandpa well in the Pacific, and he didn't let her go when he got back.
4 Lugers, 2 -.9mms, and 2- .30s, Model 11 Remington shotgun, (worthless), but I like it, Mauser pre '98 in 8 mm, quite a few other taped up rifles, and shotguns...you always new which ones were my Grandfathers, as they were the ones with black tape on 'em...
Ohio Gun Guy
Member
I only have a few rifles from when I was a kid that have sentimental value, but there is one lurking in my Fathers gun cabinet I've been letting him know I wouldnt mind getting a hold of..... My Grandfathers .30-06 Remington (Super Grade?) 60's era rifle and scope. Still looks great. He died when I was young 2-3 so I didnt know him, but have heard lots of good stories. I would like to see my son end up with it some day.
lvfd01
Member
Mint S/42 Luger brought back from WWII by my uncle who went in on D-Day and was there till 1946, Winchester M-1 carbine that belonged to my Dad, and an Marlin bolt action 22 that was my first gun.
Lorenzo Rojo
Member
Heirlooms
Winchester 1895, made in 1906, in .30-40 Krag
Winchester Model 61 Pump-Action Takedown .22
.410-44 Caliber Shotgun from 1915
My dream heirloom-to-be would be a Winchester 1892 made befor 1900.
Winchester 1895, made in 1906, in .30-40 Krag
Winchester Model 61 Pump-Action Takedown .22
.410-44 Caliber Shotgun from 1915
My dream heirloom-to-be would be a Winchester 1892 made befor 1900.
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