The P-F Grail Guns Thread [Archive]

RevolverRob

11-07-2018, 02:39 PM

It's windy and starting to get cold here in Chiraq, and I miss Texas and shooting and I want to be reminded of the things in life that are good.

So - provide your list(s) of grail guns. You can define the criteria, but examples are the guns you plan to buy in your lifetime, guns you probably could never afford but want, and the guns you'd buy if you hit the Powerball.

I'm going with the Top 10 I intend to buy in my lifetime.

1) Original Registered Magnum
2) Royal Blue Python
3) 2.5" Diamondback
4) Bowen Custom SA Ruger Bisley
5) SAKO TRG (thinking 6.5CM)
6) 1878 Colt Lightning Revolver
7) Mauser 1896 Select-Fire M712 "Schnellfeuer"
8) SxS in .357 Maximum
9) SxS in .375 H&H Mag
10) Winchester 21 (I'd love a Superlight in 20, but a 12 would be fine)

I'm sure there are others out there, but this is what I'm coveting and looking at GB for a lot of the time. I've already acquired two earlier grail guns on my list (and soon a third). A 3" Colt Detective Special (2nd Issue), a 3913LS, and soon a 2.5" airweight J-Frame (638). I can think of dozens of others I'd love to "have". But the list above, is what I hope to have before I'm dead.

PS: Grail guns can also be crazy things you'd build or customize within your lifetime/if money were no object. Example: Taking a Browning A5 and mounting a Nydar 47 sight on top and attaching a Cutts compensated adjustable choke on the end, after you cut the barrel back to 15" or so (welding that comp on to bring it back up to 18"). Or an M1 Carbine with an Ultimak rail and an Elcan Spectre on top - or whatever.

TC215

11-07-2018, 03:40 PM

Mine:

- 3.5” S&W Model 27
- 3” S&W Model 625
- Some sort of suppressed SBR, like a Mk18 or similar
- 4” blued Python

The “grail guns” that I’ve been able to buy so far:

- 3” S&W 686 CS-1
- Springfield Professional 1911

JRB

11-07-2018, 03:51 PM

Rob, your #1 and #2 are damn good and worthy, that's for sure. Not that I'd kick any of the rest out of my safe for eating crackers (how's that for a malaphor?)

Mine, I think, are something like this:

NFA: (aka not really likely or even possible)
HK MP5/10 (set up as an A2 variant in full 80's style SEF lower with a custom three-lug 10mm suppressor)
Beretta 93R
AS-VAL
Vollmer HK51B
M240B
Remington Defense CSR (SBR bolt gun w/suppressor - it's a god damn shame they don't just sell this publicly with 16in barrels and a sane price tag)
AAC M9-QD suppressor. My first suppressor experience and I absolutely loved it - I'd take mine with a matching Langdon M9 set up for it of course

Non-NFA: (somewhat less unlikely)
The old .22LR Martini-Henry Cadet set up for 50ft indoor smallbore that I shot as a young'n. It was club-owned and sold, never to be found again.
Wilson Combat CQB Elite or Classic 1911 in .45 of course
Beretta 92G SD with a full-boat trip to Wilson Combat (Or a Wilson Brig Tac, or a Langdon 92G Elite LTT)
Sauer Model 80 in .308 or .375 H&H.
S&W Mod 29 P&R round butt with high polish bluing and a 3 to 4in barrel, with a proper custom leather belt & holster worthy of such a piece
HK MR762 w/SPUHR lower set up for Pmags
.408 Chey-Tac M200 complete with NF scope, Kestrel, ABC, etc. (might as well be in the 'not happening' category, but it sure would be cool)

HCountyGuy

11-07-2018, 03:55 PM

Mine aren’t necessarily grail guns rather just some wantsies to use and abuse. Save one in particular:

- P226 NSW edition (Serial NSW 0911). I remember Todd posting about it on Facebook and I’d love to find it to maybe donate it to an appropriate museum or something worthwhile.

mtnbkr

11-07-2018, 04:55 PM

While there are a number of guns I wouldn't mind owning, I don't think I have any "grail" guns that would make me sell plasma or dig into savings to buy. I've got a pretty decent collection of revolvers. I have bolt or SS rifles to cover any hunting need I'm likely to encounter, and multiple shotguns. What I'm lacking is time to shoot and a place to shoot where I don't have a Fudd rangemaster staring over my shoulder. I want a place to shoot like Hickok45 and time to enjoy the facilities, not more guns taking up room in a safe.

Chris

Robinson

11-07-2018, 05:10 PM

Back when I shot revolvers I already owned a couple of my "grail" guns but that stage is way behind me now.

A Winchester 1886 .45-70 was a grail gun for me way back when but my hearing problems have ruled that out.

Already owned a CZ bolt gun with full forestock and classic ghost ring sight. That was a bit of a grail gun before I attained it.

I still love 1911s so I will limit my short list to those.

A gun I would realistically like to own in the next decade is an Alchemy Prime. It checks so many of my boxes and is currently not priced way out there. Still hard for me to justify the cost right now when I already have nice 1911s that work. It would not be a safe queen (don't have any of those).

A gun I would love to own but never will is a Jason Burton 1911 patterned after the Pachmayr Combat Special. Colt base gun, blue over hard chrome, Bomar style rear sight, regular slide cuts, 25 LPI checkering. Yes I would shoot it. A lot. Ain't gonna happen though.

Screwball

11-07-2018, 06:01 PM

A .45 Luger from Lugerman... really the only grail gun I have.

I am likely going to do a CZ Scorpion/SIG MPX/PTR MP5 as a SBR, and hopefully a suppressor. Wouldn’t consider it a grail purchase, definitely something NJ residents can only dream of (braced pistols tend to be over the weight that turns it into an “assault weapon.”

Trooper224

11-07-2018, 06:17 PM

I'm well set for working guns, so no grails there. As I'm getting older and moving out of LEO work I find myself thinking more and more on pleasure guns. For me that really means vintage revolvers of one kind or another. As such, my list would contain the following, some of which I once owned and wish I had back.

Nice, minty blued, 6.5" S&W 29 from at least the early 70's. Had one but it was well used before me with a bit too much finish wear for my liking.
Stainless, 4" S&W 629, just to round out the finish options.
An S&W triple lock in .44 Special.
S&W 4" 25-5 in .45 Colt, because I never should have sold that 625 Mountain gun back in '97.
Colt Python, any finish or barrel length, just because I feel stupid for getting rid of the one I had years ago.
6" Colt Diamondback in .22lr, because I should have kept the one I had. (see a trend here?)
S$W 1006 in 10mm, for no other reason than just because.

Anymore, the high end, modern custom stuff really doesn't appeal to me for some reason.

Baldanders

11-07-2018, 06:34 PM

Top 20 firearms if I switch bodies with Jeff Bezos:

1) 5" Registered Magnum

2) 5.25" MR-73

3) 5" Blued Korth .357

4) 6" Stainless Python

5) "Artillery" Luger with buttstock/holster

6) EM-2 with plenty of .280 ammo and spare mags

7) M16A1 with 1st gen Starlight scope just like Dad had in Camh Ranh Bay

8) Chinook-mounted Minigun just like Dad got to use to chop trees in the jungle

9) M1 carbine with M3 infrared scope

10) Automag in .44AMP

11) P7M13, ah heck make that a P7M7

12) Korth 9mm Semiauto

13) MP5

14) P90

15) Glock 18

16) Holland and Holland double in .275 Rigby, fitted for me

17) Freedom Arms .454

18) Early model Thompson with drum mags

19) Insane, bespoke, engraved to Jack O'Connor's standards, with a lighter colored wood my color-blind ass can appreciate boltgun in .25-06 Ackley Improved with the best scope made

20) Smith m39 with ASP conversion

Screwball

11-07-2018, 06:39 PM

S$W 1006 in 10mm, for no other reason than just because.

They are nice... but parts are scarce, and magazines are crazy priced now.

I had mine converted to decock-only by a gunsmith on S&W Forum. Milled the cut found on TSW slides, and installed the assembly with the return spring. Can always go back, if I wanted. But that took all of my guns with slide mounted controls and removed the safeties...

Add in the 15 round FBI magazine and a custom extended slide release (another guy on S&W Forum used to put them out)... only other things I’d want would be conversion barrels for it in .40 and .357 SIG.

Trooper224

11-07-2018, 06:45 PM

They are nice... but parts are scarce, and magazines are crazy priced now.

I had mine converted to decock-only by a gunsmith on S&W Forum. Milled the cut found on TSW slides, and installed the assembly with the return spring. Can always go back, if I wanted. But that took all of my guns with slide mounted controls and removed the safeties...

Add in the 15 round FBI magazine and a custom extended slide release (another guy on S&W Forum used to put them out)... only other things I’d want would be conversion barrels for it in .40 and .357 SIG.

You're far more into it than I am. I just want a stock 1006, widgets aren't necessary and only one mag would probably do.

Screwball

11-07-2018, 06:55 PM

You're far more into it than I am. I just want a stock 1006, widgets aren't necessary and only one mag would probably do.

Think I’m into like 10 or 12 magazines... got the bulk when under $50 each. Only good thing would be if I got another 10mm in the series. Considering a 1066, but not until I move... and likely would have the slide milled for the decocker.

Now, they are getting upwards of $100... if not more.

RevolverRob

11-07-2018, 06:56 PM

16) Holland and Holland double in .275 Rigby, fitted for me

Years ago now, when I sold guns for a living, we had a Weatherby Vanguard Sporter come into the shop in .257 Weatherby Magnum which had a 3-round 100-yard test target with it that you could cover with a dime. I'd never heard of the caliber and started looking into it, learning all about the .257WM which itself was made to improve on the .257 Roberts (based on the .275 Rigby case) and all the various wildcats associated with it. I ended up totally falling in love with that rifle and .257 Roberts and WM and I should've bought the damn thing. I just had no need for it (still don't) and was in college then, so I never bought it.

Maybe I need to add another grail on my list. A nice custom bolt in .257 Roberts or WM?

ETA: I also absolutely NEED a Coonan and a Smith M52 wadcutter gun. In fact, I almost bought an M52-1 a few months ago.

Baldanders

11-07-2018, 07:03 PM

ETA: I also absolutely need...a Smith M52 wadcutter gun. In fact, I almost bought an M52-1 a few months ago.

Gee, I forgot #21 on my list, silly of me.

Trooper224

11-07-2018, 07:06 PM

Think I’m into like 10 or 12 magazines... got the bulk when under $50 each. Only good thing would be if I got another 10mm in the series. Considering a 1066, but not until I move... and likely would have the slide milled for the decocker.

Now, they are getting upwards of $100... if not more.

For what those mags go for now, you could sell them and buy a new gun.

Trooper224

11-07-2018, 07:06 PM

ETA: I also absolutely NEED a Coonan and a Smith M52 wadcutter gun. In fact, I almost bought an M52-1 a few months ago.

Well, who doesn't need one of those?

Screwball

11-07-2018, 08:00 PM

For what those mags go for now, you could sell them and buy a new gun.

Then I got no magazines...

OlongJohnson

11-07-2018, 08:09 PM

The last one I bought was pretty much a grail gun, and the more time passes since it's made its way to my safe, the less my general itch to shop for gun things needs scratching. I'm still surprised how effective that's been.

There are a few that I'd regard as sporting equipment, if I started specific sports where they were the optimized technical solution. That's not what I understand this thread to be about.

There are a few realistic ones I'd like to have, just because they are neat, but they wouldn't do anything I need or want to do better than stuff I already have, so I'm unlikely to spend the money that would be necessary to acquire them:

Browning Buck Mark Silhouette Unlimited
Browning Buck Mark Hunter Stainless
Browning Medalist
Browning BAR MkII Satin - semi-polished, smooth sides without the cheesy wanna-be custom fake engraving. Not sure whether I'd rather go .30-06 or .338WM. Also not sure whether the Benelli R1 in .30-06 wouldn't be a better choice.
Marlin 444 in stainless
A few more Marlin 1894s
Chiappa 1892 Alaskan Take-Down in .357
Custom-build long-range gun on the 6mm Remington AI cartridge, probably using a long action to support use of the longest bullets

S&W revolvers:

M27, 3.5-inch, because it's the coolest looking
M27-7, 4" and 6.5" barrels, just because. Unfortunately, quality had already dipped when they were built, and it might need to be sent to a great revolversmith to have the top strap recut, and possibly a polish and reblue, depending on the specific example. Doing all that would make it a money pit while reducing its value, which kinda moves it to the Mega Millions category.
M627-5; it's a 4", short-shroud barrel, stainless, 8-shot. Awesome set of features, pretty hard to find. There was an apparently solid example of one of these recently that I passed on, which says something about how badly I want it.
Rob is invited to come back to Texas and go shooting with me, so I can try out his 2.5" 642. If it's everything he says, maybe I'd go for one of those.

If I won Mega Millions, I'd definitely look for an M2 and try to find some way to regularly get a silly grin with an M249. I suppose with enough money I could start some entity that was licensed to own one. Other than that, I'd probably just get most everything I already have turned into an awesome version of itself, assuming that wouldn't violate any applicable concepts of custodianship (i.e., customizing stuff I have because of its historical/niche interest as much or more than because of its function). And I'd move out West, maybe look for a way to become Lost River's neighbor. I'd probably buy more motorcycles than guns.

Joe in PNG

11-07-2018, 08:35 PM

The current top 10:
Handguns:
-Sig P210
-S&W Model 27 4"
-S&W Model 25 .45lc 3" RB
-FEG Tokagypt 56
-Colt 1908 .25acp
-Colt 1911 .38 Super
-Dan Wesson Vigil Commander 9mm (planning on getting one this summer, but we'll see what all the medical expenses do to my budget)
-Steyr-Mannlicher Model 1905
-Walther Model 9 .25 acp
-CZ 97 .45acp

Long guns:
-Colt SP1
-Swedish M38 Mauser
-SIG STG 57
-SMLE #1 MkIII
-M1 Garand
-PPSh 41
-M3A1 Greasegun
-MG 42
-FAL
-Browning SA-22

Arbninftry

11-07-2018, 08:55 PM

I would love a mint FNC
and a Novak Hi-Power

theJanitor

11-07-2018, 09:07 PM

Pachmayr Combat Special
Swenson Colt
Bill Wilson Colt 1911
Wilson 3" M66
Heinie 1911

They will be had someday

Spartan1980

11-07-2018, 10:59 PM

1) S&W Registered Magnum in a barrel length from 4.625 to 5.375"

2) 6" Royal Blue Colt Python (I have checked this one off my list)

3) Sig P210 (Swiss made)

If I won the Powerball:
All things NFA but a Thompson SMG and M60 would probably reside at the top.

Totem Polar

11-07-2018, 11:43 PM

I dunno... the list can change with my mood. But we can start here:

1. Colt 1877 bulldog gatling gun repro
2. Bespoke Express double in 45-70 (several makers; you know the suspects)
3. Bespoke Express double in 30-06
4. Bespoke SxS in 12 gauge
5. Mark Morris 5" 1911
6. Mark Morris hi-power
7. Burton/heirloom “HiTS package on my 3" 65-3 round butt
8. Gary Reeder "Outlaw” vaquero in .44spec
9. Grizzly Custom "Backpacker Scout" lever SBR, w/1x6 LPV
10. Steyr SSG 69 (glass to be determined)

Toonces

11-07-2018, 11:51 PM

ETA: I also absolutely NEED a Coonan and a Smith M52 wadcutter gun. In fact, I almost bought an M52-1 a few months ago.

Drive a few hours North with a bottle of decent or better Highland Scotch and you can shoot the hell out of my M52-2. Bring your dog as well.

Age, general crankiness, and becoming slightly jaded have been effective at reducing my grail gun list. It used to number many dozens. Still on it are:

Hammerli 212
Sauer Model 80 or 90 (preferably short action)
Pre-64 Winchester Model 70
English double rifle
English or Italian sidelock SxS shotgun
Hand crank Gatling gun
Something, or two, with a giggle switch

1slow

11-08-2018, 12:07 AM

Westley Richards Droplock .577 Nitro Express Double Rifle

Colt Monitor

.577 Bland Webley Pyrce revolver, think big bore top break DA revolver.

Burgess Folding Shotgun

China lake 40mm pump action grenade launcher

12 bore Double Barrel Howdah Pistol

HCM

11-08-2018, 12:16 AM

NFA
MP-5 - I’ve shot them enough to know the only thing more fun to shoot is the P90 but 9mm is cheaper than 5.7
M-3 grease gun - way under rated
Galil SAR or South African Equivalent.

Non NFA

Winchester model 54 take down 30 WCF with a receiver sight

Q Fix in 6.5 CM

Colt python 3” stainless or nickel

S&W 686 mountain gun

S&W “Wolf and Karr” triple lock 44 Special

Bigghoss

11-08-2018, 03:05 AM

I'm not much into rare or valuable collectibles personally just because I'm lazy and don't like taking care of stuff and being delicate with things. So my grail guns are kinda boring.

Benelli M-4
"Alpha" AK clone
HK USP45
Dan Wesson stainless Specialist 9mm
.50 AE Desert Eagle
Barret M107A1
Wilson Combat Centurion Tactical
Beretta M9A3
Beretta LTT Elite III
Marlin 1895SBL
Sig MK25
M1 Garand
Beretta PX4SD
Glock 40
Ruger Vaquero .45acp
9mm AR15 pistol
Magnum Research BFR in .45-70
Wood stocked bolt action .30-06 hunting rifle

Grail guns I've acquired:
Ruger P97DC
Hi-Power
Springfield Operator
Glock 17
Ruger Security Six 2.75" stainless
Savage 99
Marlin 336
Mas 36
Lee Enfield no. 4
Mauser K98 (actually it's a Yugo M48 but close enough)
7mm Mauser carbine
M1 Carbine
S&W 4506-1
S&W 4006 TSW CHP edition
Ruger 10/22
Ruger GP100
S&W 625 .45acp
Finnish M39
Schmit-Rubin (Settled for a k11 carbine)
Glock 21
AK pistol
AR pistol
Dissapator AR15

I'm probably forgeting several

WobblyPossum

11-08-2018, 06:26 AM

If money was no object, I would get an MP5 and a bespoke 1911 from Heirloom Precision. Because money is an object, I might one day get a Wilson Combat EDC X9 and it would probably be the rarest and most expensive gun I ever own.

Bucky

11-08-2018, 06:54 AM

I’d love an MP5 with integral supressor.

Some guns I probably could buy, but can’t justify them in my mind.

P88 Compact
P7M8
4” Python (I did finally get a 6”)
Korth 3” revolver (a friend of mine has one, and oh so sweet).

Too expensive list.
Short barrel Python
ASP or Devel Smith
P7M7

JDM

11-08-2018, 10:30 AM

HK MP5/10 (set up as an A2 variant in full 80's style SEF lower with a custom three-lug 10mm suppressor)

Save for the SEF lower. Make mine single shot/2 RD Burst/Full

Swoon

BigD

11-08-2018, 11:57 AM

RevolverRob

11-08-2018, 12:07 PM

It's not in my nature to spend a lot of money on things that aren't "practical" (although I've been known to stretch the definition of practical) so all of my weapons are either used for sport or hunting and if decide I "need" something I go ahead and buy it. I don't have a list of grail guns but I'll go with a ...

Manurhin MR73.

That's a solid choice. And though it is absent from my above list, it is certainly one of the "Top 15".

Now for a gun, I'll probably never have unless I hit the Powerball.

A C-Company Walker Colt (https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/75/3172/historical-and-rare-walkers-c-company-marked-us-contract-colt)

45dotACP

11-08-2018, 01:01 PM

Powerball guns:
-A Ferguson Breech-loading flintlock.. because Louis L'amour
-Walch .36 caliber 12 shot percussion revolver because same
-Registered Magnum
-Griffin and Howe Pre-64 Model 70

Guns too expensive for me that I want:
-Custom 1911s from WC to Jason Burton
-Colt Pythons/Diamondbacks/Anacondas
-Double rifles of every sort
-Perazzi or Krieghoff shotguns
-Blueprinted precision rifle and high dollar scopes

Guns I will probably buy in this lifetime.
-Pre-lock S&W wheelguns (definitely want a K-22)
-Custom tuned Ruger wheelguns
-1911s between the Colt and Les Baer price levels
-some working class precision rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor...probably a Tikka t3 CTR with a Vortex Razor
-A varmint gun to explode prarie doggos
-A Vang Comp 870

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

MistWolf

11-08-2018, 01:27 PM

- Smith & Wesson Model 41. The finest 22 LR pistol I've ever had the pleasure of shooting.
- Luger artillery model. I so lusted after one, growing up. One of the most beautiful firearms I've ever laid eyes on.
- Full auto M14. I don't care. I want one.
- Full auto AR. I have a plan...
- Colt Anaconda in 45 Colt. Because I was stupid and passed up a brand new one offered to me for the exorbitant sum of $300.
- S&W N frame in 45 Colt and a 5 inch full under lug barrel.
- Clean Remington O3A3 in C stock.
- international Harvester M1 Garand, in particular, the one my father carried in the Marine Corps.

RevolverRob

11-08-2018, 03:08 PM

Powerball guns:
-A Ferguson Breech-loading flintlock.. because Louis L'amour

You can build a replica these days, with the proper tapered bolt screw - http://therifleshoppe.com/catalog_pages/english_arms/(513).htm

~1800 bucks buys you the kit, you still have to build and finish it, yourself, but it would be worth it. Maybe I'll buy myself one of these as a graduation present when I finish my PhD. Because...Louis L'amour.

Stephanie B

11-08-2018, 04:25 PM

Two Bullseye guns: S&W 14 & 25, 6”.

A M25 4” in .45 LC.

A M68, just because.

A 40 watt pulsed plasma rifle.

Stephanie B

11-08-2018, 07:26 PM

- Clean Remington O3A3 in C stock.

I have a Remington 03, one of the ones that they made before shifting to 03A3 production.

okie john

11-08-2018, 07:54 PM

I've owned a number of my grail guns, but I find that their appeal slips away very quickly after I get them home.

Okie John

El Cid

11-08-2018, 08:37 PM

- Beretta M12S
- S&W M76
- Stoner M63

I used to say the Steyr GB but knowledgeable members here convinced me it would not be worth it.

HCM

11-08-2018, 08:43 PM

I've owned a number of my grail guns, but I find that their appeal slips away very quickly after I get them home.

Okie John

Some yes, some no.

My 5” pre -27 just gets better and cooler.

ragnar_d

11-08-2018, 10:00 PM

Grail guns for me . . . tough one, it would be a long and distinguished list. I always joke that if I ever won the lottery, my gun collection would look like a combination of Reed Knight's museum, the Forgotten Weapons catalog, and the island of misfit toys.

But a few of my grail guns:

LASD Remington 81 in 35 Rem with the 15 Round Magazine (http://www.ponyexpressfirearms.com/products/remington-model-81-police-gun-l-a-sheriffs-department-rifle/)
S&W 632 Pro Series (https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/archive-model-632-0)
A "proper" O/U shotgun (Got to shoot a Kreighoff K-80 O/U and loved it, on that level)
An example or two of all the Night Guard revolvers (http://www.gunblast.com/SW-Nightguards.htm)
A full up M110K1 setup
Full M110 Kit, as issued, KAC marked
MP5/10
Full Stoner 63 Kit in all configurations
Stoner 86/KAC LMG
HK21
A proper 2.5-3" .357 Revolver "barbecue rig"
A Lemat (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeMat_Revolver)
Nickel/Stainless Taurus PT100/101 (Don't string me up, it was the first handgun I ever shot when I was still in middle school and I'd like to have one for nostalgia, especially considering the path it lead me down!)
Robar QR2-F in "chocolate chip camo" (Was the cover gun on the first issue of Guns & Ammo I ever bought) (http://www.thejumpingfrog.com/?page=shop/flypage&product_id=1364626)
One thing I actually want to do before I'm 50 or so is to create a display in my office of an example of an "issue" rifle and sidearm from every major US conflict from Concord to Mosul and everything in between.

FNFAN

11-08-2018, 11:44 PM

I'd be hard pressed to pass on an old model 4" Colt Trooper .357 or a Gen2 ASP but my Grail is a LAV smithed 1911.

MistWolf

11-09-2018, 01:04 AM

I have a Remington 03, one of the ones that they made before shifting to 03A3 production.

Steph, you have some great pieces in your collection.

Stephanie B

11-09-2018, 06:41 AM

Steph, you have some great pieces in your collection.
That was shit-ass luck. Back in the day, I bought it out of a Shotgun News ad for Remington 03A3s, because my dad had a heavily-bubba’d one; I wanted a milspec one. Used it for whitetail season several times.

It wasn’t until several years ago that I found out that Remington 03s (not 03A3s) were not terribly common.

Trooper224

11-09-2018, 08:02 AM

That was shit-ass luck. Back in the day, I bought it out of a Shotgun News ad for Remington 03A3s, because my dad had a heavily-bubba’d one; I wanted a milspec one. Used it for whitetail season several times.

It wasn’t until several years ago that I found out that Remington 03s (not 03A3s) were not terribly common.

Bought one of those myself, in a pawnshop about twenty years ago for $100. Those were the days.

Duelist

11-09-2018, 09:16 AM

.577 Bland Webley Pyrce revolver, think big bore top break DA revolver.

Like this?
32193

One of my Grail things is to get that restored to shootable condition. The cylinder stop is worn down, and it is missing a grip screw that will have to be sourced somewhere. Be nice to find some leather for it.

I have the 3rd Gen S&W pistols I want, except maybe a 4506 or 1006. I had a 3913LS with box and soft bag, but traded it for my 28-2. That N-frame was a grail purchase. But so were the 39-series 3rd gens. I just found I liked the 3913 better than the LS. I still have a 3913, 3953, and 4516, so I’m good for them, I think. A CS9 and 5906 would be cool, but I’d have to have truly disposable income to justify it.

I have a nice Beretta 92 - which I wanted more than the 5906, because of my Army years and Die Hard. So it was a grail item, and I use it. A grail thing for it would be to sent to Wilson for refinishing.

Glock 19x. Becaus reasons.

A silver plated, engraved sidelock SxS Italian shotgun would be a Grail item.

A royal blue Python would be a nice to have, but not a burn.

A pre-64 Winchester model 70, in .270 Winchester.

A serious long range rifle, with a Nightforce scope.

Joe45

11-09-2018, 09:38 AM

Duelist

11-09-2018, 11:38 AM

You can build a replica these days, with the proper tapered bolt screw - http://therifleshoppe.com/catalog_pages/english_arms/(513).htm

~1800 bucks buys you the kit, you still have to build and finish it, yourself, but it would be worth it. Maybe I'll buy myself one of these as a graduation present when I finish my PhD. Because...Louis L'amour.

Because .... Louis L'amour, I now own a cap'n ball revolver.

Bigghoss

11-09-2018, 12:56 PM

I checked the bfr 45/70 off my list earlier this year. It's by far the least practical gun I own.

You mean you don't enjoy hunting bison with a handgun?

RevolverRob

11-09-2018, 01:20 PM

Because .... Louis L'amour, I now own a cap'n ball revolver.

Louis L'Amour is almost the exact reason I own an 1851 Colt Navy replica.

And this thread + Louis L'Amour is why I'm increasingly thinking my winter project is going to be a Kentucky Rifle kit from Traditions. :eek:

Which reminds me, for the Louis L'Amour fans - the Lost Treasures (https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Louis+L%27Amour+Lost+Treasures&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3ALouis+L%27Amour+Lost+Treasures) reissues are quite fun. I've been buying them for my father, they include notes, edited out chapters, alternative endings, etc. Sort of a "DVD Extra Features" of Louis L'Amour novels. His son, Beau, has been editing them from his father's notes and a few unpublished novels are making their way out in this series.

Drang

11-09-2018, 01:45 PM

You can build a replica these days, with the proper tapered bolt screw - http://therifleshoppe.com/catalog_pages/english_arms/(513).htm
OMG.
Wheellock pistols...
Scottish steel frame pistols. (Wonder what it wold take to get them to do a left handed version, read somewhere they often came right and left...)

Joe45

11-09-2018, 02:48 PM

You mean you don't enjoy hunting bison with a handgun?I'd give it a try if given the opportunity.

It just amazes me that the cylinder alone on that gun weighs as much much as my G19. I probably have rifles that weigh less than the BFR.

Duelist

11-09-2018, 03:45 PM

Louis L'Amour is almost the exact reason I own an 1851 Colt Navy replica.

And this thread + Louis L'Amour is why I'm increasingly thinking my winter project is going to be a Kentucky Rifle kit from Traditions. :eek:

Which reminds me, for the Louis L'Amour fans - the Lost Treasures (https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Louis+L%27Amour+Lost+Treasures&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3ALouis+L%27Amour+Lost+Treasures) reissues are quite fun. I've been buying them for my father, they include notes, edited out chapters, alternative endings, etc. Sort of a "DVD Extra Features" of Louis L'Amour novels. His son, Beau, has been editing them from his father's notes and a few unpublished novels are making their way out in this series.

Just bought one of my favorites: Down the Long Hills.

See you guys later, I'm gonna spend time I should be using for homework re-reading something my dad introduced me to decades ago.

ragnar_d

11-12-2018, 11:11 AM

I'll add one that I forgot in the original list. A 1988 "Iditarod" edition S&W 629. They're marked 1 of 1000, but I've heard less than 600 made it into the wild. I wouldn't have even thought about it but it would be about the perfect "family gun" as everything on it sums up my family. I'm the family gun guy (who is quickly developing an affinity for big bores and revolvers), my mom is into sled dogs and the Iditarod, my brother was born in '88, and my dad is a Dirty Harry fan . . . so win win all around there.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181112/cfd157ead041760549f5aecb76f04cb6.jpg

Sent from my fruit based pocket computer using Tapatalk

Disclaimer: I work in the firearms industry as a designer and engineer. My posts do not represent the opinions or positions of my employers, past or present.

1slow

11-12-2018, 11:25 AM

Like this?
32193

One of my Grail things is to get that restored to shootable condition. The cylinder stop is worn down, and it is missing a grip screw that will have to be sourced somewhere. Be nice to find some leather for it.

I have the 3rd Gen S&W pistols I want, except maybe a 4506 or 1006. I had a 3913LS with box and soft bag, but traded it for my 28-2. That N-frame was a grail purchase. But so were the 39-series 3rd gens. I just found I liked the 3913 better than the LS. I still have a 3913, 3953, and 4516, so I’m good for them, I think. A CS9 and 5906 would be cool, but I’d have to have truly disposable income to justify it.

I have a nice Beretta 92 - which I wanted more than the 5906, because of my Army years and Die Hard. So it was a grail item, and I use it. A grail thing for it would be to sent to Wilson for refinishing.

Glock 19x. Becaus reasons.

A silver plated, engraved sidelock SxS Italian shotgun would be a Grail item.

A royal blue Python would be a nice to have, but not a burn.

A pre-64 Winchester model 70, in .270 Winchester.

A serious long range rifle, with a Nightforce scope.

Thank you for posting that. Ross Seyfried's article on the Bland years back was interesting.

OlongJohnson

11-12-2018, 11:38 AM

I'll add one that I forgot in the original list. A 1988 "Iditarod" edition S&W 629. They're marked 1 of 1000, but I've heard less than 600 made it into the wild. I wouldn't have even thought about it but it would be about the perfect "family gun" as everything on it sums up my family. I'm the family gun guy (who is quickly developing an affinity for big bores and revolvers), my mom is into sled dogs and the Iditarod, my brother was born in '88, and my dad is a Dirty Harry fan . . . so win win all around there.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181112/cfd157ead041760549f5aecb76f04cb6.jpg

That's cool. That is my favorite configuration of 629. The vet who cared for my family's animals always went North in support of the Iditarod each year. Might have to keep an eye out for one of those, especially since my understanding is that that series doesn't generally bring a significant premium above standard models in equal condition.

Duelist

11-12-2018, 12:38 PM

Thank you for posting that. Ross Seyfried's article on the Bland years back was interesting.

My Pryce Webley is engraved “I. Hollis & Sons, London”

I purchased it at a gun store on a calm day in Kabul, Afghanistan about 16 years ago.

mtnbkr

11-12-2018, 12:50 PM

My Pryce Webley is engraved “I. Hollis & Sons, London”

I purchased it at a gun store on a calm day in Kabul, Afghanistan about 16 years ago.

How did you go about bringing it home?

Chris

Duelist

11-12-2018, 03:16 PM

How did you go about bringing it home?

Chris

JAG had an ATF certification form for importing stuff like that. Had a date they had to be manufactured prior to and so forth. Most of the guys in my unit brought home an Enfield musket or something like that. Fairly simple process - they encouraged us to do it, actually. Put a little money into the local economy, take home a unique souvenir to pass on to your kids.

Not buying that all original, fully functional PPSh was a sad day.

HCM

11-12-2018, 04:10 PM

JAG had an ATF certification form for importing stuff like that. Had a date they had to be manufactured prior to and so forth. Most of the guys in my unit brought home an Enfield musket or something like that. Fairly simple process - they encouraged us to do it, actually. Put a little money into the local economy, take home a unique souvenir to pass on to your kids.

Not buying that all original, fully functional PPSh was a sad day.

32309

mtnbkr

11-12-2018, 04:40 PM

farscott

11-13-2018, 03:09 PM

bac1023

11-24-2018, 05:54 PM

bac1023

11-24-2018, 06:14 PM

My grails are mostly "fun guns".

1) American AR-180 because full-auto .22 LR is just cool and I have a full-auto rated suppressor.

2) Holland & Holland Royal O/U in 28-gauge because bird hunting.

3) Holland & Holland Side-by-Side in 12-gauge just because it balances like nothing else. Who cares that it costs as much as a nice home?

4) SIG P210-7 in .22 LR because I love accurate rimfire guns and Swiss craftsmanship.

5) S&W 952-2 with the six-inch barrel because it is the most accurate 9x19 pistol of my experience.

I'm a huge fan of the old Performance Center S&W's and I'd agree on the accuracy of the 6" 952-2. However, the model to its right and on the far right is the 6" PPC9. I found it to be even more accurate than the 952.

Its a shame S&W doesn't build this sort of thing any longer. They are spectacular pistols. :)

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/924/AWKTtc.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/poAWKTtcj)

Lester Polfus

11-24-2018, 09:27 PM

S&W 2nd Model Hand Ejector with the barrel cut back to 4" . The correct caliber would be .455.

S&W 1917 with the barrel cut back to 4" with the front sight on a band around the front of the barrel.

I'd need a BHP and a Webley to go with them...

WobblyPossum

11-24-2018, 09:58 PM

I’d like to add a 3.5” S&W Registered Magnum to my list.

Rex G

11-24-2018, 11:04 PM

I think I may have my grail guns. It helps that I avoid looking at GB, and have stopped looking at forums that are about general firearms.

1. “African” rifle: Once upon a time, my wife and I spoke of an eventual African safari, or an potential extended stay in Africa, perhaps based upon her volunteer work, or perhaps contract work involving forensic anthropology, as she is one of the most-experienced death scene investigators in the USA. I have read Hemingway, Ruark, Manners, Bell, Boddington, and others. Therefore, my lefty Winchester Model 70, Safari Express, .375 H&H, was seen as a starter rifle, with a custom “stopping rifle” being considered. Well, we have aged-out of living too adventurously. Living near my wife’s cardiologist is now a priority. So, no “stopping rifle” is likely to happen, and my existing Model 70 will represent my high-water mark for powerful rifles. It is plenty big enough for walking among North American predators, if I want to take it for a long walk.

2. Bear Revolver: Ruger SRH Alaskan, .454/.45 Colt. Got it. For a while, these were difficult to find, as demand exceeded supply. We are photographers, with increasing interest in nature photography. This is a truly practical grail.

3. Really Nice Shotgun: I never settled upon a favorite fancy shotgun, so, my Benelli M2 seems nice enough. Another practical grail.

4. High-End 1911: I have them. Les Baer TRS, Monolith, and a Premier II ‘smithed by Harrington. More practical grails.

5. Nice Single-Action Revolver(s). I have several, 3” to 7.5”, made by U.S. Firearms, the company that scared Colt into making better SAAs. I bought a couple of these after retirement, specifically as gifts for myself. I think this little collection may have stabilized, but I might be tempted again.

I had one Colt SAA, but it was soaked during Harvey. It had been bought in “shooter” condition, so the soaking was not a tragedy, though the grips were ruined. I disassembled the Colt, soaked it with protectant, and left it, until I could return home to finish salvage. Unfortunately, the Colt had disappeared by the time I was released from nearly a week of continuous duty. So, I might eventually replace the Colt SAA, if I decide I need one of my SA sixguns to be an actual Colt.

This does not mean I have stopped buying guns; just that I have no active grail quests.

bac1023

11-24-2018, 11:36 PM

I’d like to add a 3.5” S&W Registered Magnum to my list.

Great choice!

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/921/aUewoz.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/plaUewozj)

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/924/OAI68V.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/poOAI68Vj)

Dorsai

11-24-2018, 11:45 PM

Grail gun, fantasy gun, call it a Venn diagram with a lot of overlap. My list will jump back and forth. I have a desire for old guns that really existed and ones that should have, i.e. what I would have designed, built, and adopted had I been in charge in 1905, etc. And I'll start there.

1) Lee-Enfield No4 action to start, chambered in 7x57mm Mauser. 19" barrel and a fore-end like a No. 5 "Jungle Carbine". American style full pistol grip buttstock instead of the English style. Full size rubber buttpad, not the No.5 style. Winged front sight protector and a longer birdcage flash hider. Garand style M1 10" bayonet. Parkerized finish. I'll have two made, one with just iron sights, one with with a scout style scope.

2) A really nice 1896 Mauser C96 Broomhandle in 7.63 or 9mm. Just because they are really cool.

3) A couple of really nice Lugers.

4) Nighthawk Browning Hi-Power

5) Another fantasy gun along the lines of a Mauser Broomhandle chambered in .30 Carbine, using Carbine magazines of course. Mostly 15rd mags. Maybe select fire with a folding stock like the Czech Skorpion PDW. The grip would be shaped like a Walther P38. Not sure of the barrel length, but a birdcage flash suppressor, maybe a muzzle brake. Internal rotating bolt lockup. Pic rail on top of the receiver and an Aimpoint RDS. Han Solo blaster on steroids.

6) Smith & Wesson Model 27, 5" barrel.

7) T-26 "Tanker" style M1 Garand in .308.

8) Bushmaster ACR with a properly profiled barrel instead of the heavy POS that is standard.

9) Galil SAR.

10) Sterling L2A3 SMG. Plus another one modified to put the charging handle on the left side of the bolt instead of the right.

11) Erma (Schmeisser is INCORRECT!) MP40 SMG.

12) Uzi SMG.

I guess that will do for now.

theJanitor

11-25-2018, 01:37 AM

Good to see you here, Dorsai

OlongJohnson

11-25-2018, 10:30 AM

Unfortunately, the Colt had disappeared by the time I was released from nearly a week of continuous duty.

WTF? That is so wrong. There are parts of this town that are hateable.

Rex G

11-25-2018, 11:17 AM

WTF? That is so wrong. There are parts of this town that are hateable.

There was no forced entry into our home, so I have not presumed criminal activity. We did our own clean-up, and I think it may have been mistakenly tossed out, by a family member, during the extended time I had to stay on duty. (I had hastily disassembled it, soaked it in protectant, and left it inside a container.)

revchuck38

11-25-2018, 11:42 AM

My grails are mostly "fun guns".

1) American AR-180 because full-auto .22 LR is just cool and I have a full-auto rated suppressor.

2) Holland & Holland Royal O/U in 28-gauge because bird hunting.

3) Holland & Holland Side-by-Side in 12-gauge just because it balances like nothing else. Who cares that it costs as much as a nice home?

4) SIG P210-7 in .22 LR because I love accurate rimfire guns and Swiss craftsmanship.

5) S&W 952-2 with the six-inch barrel because it is the most accurate 9x19 pistol of my experience.

I was in Iraq in April 2003 on a Sensitive Site Exploitation (SSE) team. One of the sites we exploited was the home of Barsan Hussein, IIRC he was Saddam's step-brother. The places we had hit before had already been stripped to the walls, even the window frames were gone. His house was untouched, so naturally we tossed it. :) He was a gun collector, had a metric shit-ton of various firearms in there, from captured Persian K98s on up. Included were a matched pair of H&H 12 gauge SxSs. And three custom P210s. And an engraved S&W M60. And an MP5K that I wanted to take with me and turn in when I rotated out, but nooooo, not allowed. Everything was inventoried, and then tossed in the back of a deuce-and-a-half. I wanted to cry. :(

Stephanie B

11-25-2018, 06:36 PM

Mine was a 4" Model 28. I passed on one when the NYSP guns were released to the used market. I've regretted that for years.

But last summer, I bought a 4" 686-1, which is, to my mind, good enough.

TDA

11-25-2018, 09:48 PM

I have a 3.5 inch model 27. All the way to the cash register I could hear Tamara in my head telling me “buy the gun, not the story!” but the gun had a really good story. I bought them both.

Baldanders

11-26-2018, 06:01 PM

You have great tastes. Korth built some incredibly fine handguns over the years.

I've slowly accumulated a few...

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/921/zyLsSF.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/plzyLsSFj)

Mostly, I have Life-Sized Potato's YouTube videos to fuel desires for things beyond my reach.

But hell, that's only about 20k in firearms you have there, right? If I can just persuade myself to eat ramen and drink swill beer for the next two decades, maybe I can get those four as a retirement present.

Thanks for sharing and enjoy!

bac1023

11-26-2018, 06:28 PM

Mostly, I have Life-Sized Potato's YouTube videos to fuel desires for things beyond my reach.

But hell, that's only about 20k in firearms you have there, right? If I can just persuade myself to eat ramen and drink swill beer for the next two decades, maybe I can get those four as a retirement present.

Thanks for sharing and enjoy!

Thank you sir

Prices are a bit ridiculous. The Autopistol was first introduced in 1988 with a price tag of $6750, which is a great deal today let alone 30 years ago. Today they bring a good deal more than that on the used market, as less than 300 were ever built. The old revolvers have been steadily increasing as well over the years.

While I didn't pay this since I've owned most of them for quite a while, you're looking at $30-$35K today for the four of them. That's even if you can find them. The semi auto is very elusive. My two revolvers were built in 1976 (3") and 1985 (4"). You can see the round barrel on the earlier model. Korth went slabside in the late 70's to quiet the folks accusing it of looking too similar to a Colt Python. My two autos are from 1988 and 1989, which were the first two years.

Baldanders

11-26-2018, 06:40 PM

Thank you sir

Prices are a bit ridiculous. The Autopistol was first introduced in 1988 with a price tag of $6750, which is a great deal today let alone 30 years ago. Today they bring a good deal more than that on the used market, as less than 300 were ever built. The old revolvers have been steadily increasing as well over the years.

While I didn't pay this since I've owned most of them for quite a while, you're looking at $30-$35K today for the four of them. That's even if you can find them. The semi auto is very elusive. My two revolvers were built in 1976 (3") and 1985 (4"). You can see the round barrel on the earlier model. Korth went slabside in the late 70's to quiet the folks accusing it of looking too similar to a Colt Python. My two autos are from 1988 and 1989, which were the first two years.

So I`m looking at 35 years of Ramen and Keystone? 😁