A very special .38

[Cucuy]

This was my Dad’s favorite revolver. Nothing apparently special, just a run of the mill 2nd generation that he bought as a young teenager. He liked to tell the story of how he wanted one in .357, but couldn’t get a hold of one at the local fountain shop/pharmacy/gun store. They did get this one in .38 and he bought it even though he was a bit disappointed that it wasn’t the magnum. Years later he bragged about the .38 being more valuable and he planned this all along… He was always more of a collector than a shooter, but this was one piece that received a lot of use (it doesn’t show because he took especially good care of this one).

This past Friday marked the second anniversary of his passing. A few months before he died, he drove all the way from Western Pennsylvania to my place in the very southern tip of Texas to deliver our collection. Maybe he knew. I had planned on shooting this particular revolver but once per year to celebrate his life and all that he gave me. Despite our genetic similarity, we were very different. He was into cars and antiques; I was into nature and sports. He was very extroverted and flamboyant; I’m much more reserved. We had more than our share of cat-dog moments. Our one common ground was our appreciation of firearms. Shooting and collecting was our time together. The shooting tribute seems like the appropriate thing to do.

I have never shot this revolver. The first anniversary was spent taking care of my Mom, so no tribute then. This anniversary was spent taking care of my newborn, my wife, and my firstborn – I haven’t smelled burnt powder in weeks. I apologize for purging on complete strangers, but I figured y’all are the only one’s who would appreciate the story. In editing the old website’s copies, I saw many family shooting references. At too young of an age, I’m the patriarch of my small family, my kids are too young, and my real life friends wouldn’t understand.

This post represents this year’s tribute. Range report next year!

[salvo]

Thats a very special Colt, thanks for posting!

[turbo]

A very .38 special...SPECIAL.

[maxcactus]

No need to apologize at all, Cucuy. It's the personal stories about people and places and events that are attached to sixguns that make them so interesting. After all, when you watch Antiques Roadshow, it's the "provenance" of a piece that really sets it apart from others of it's kind, even if the piece in question is rather plain-ish. I'm sure a lot of the guns Skeeter Skelton wrote about were plain Jane variety tools, but the people and stories attached to them are what made him and his tools so interesting to read.

On top of all that, I don't think a man could leave any more meaningful physical possession to his children then a cherished and well cared-for firearm. In fact, I think it almost requires the recipient of said piece to exercise the item on occasion in memory of the deceased. What would your father want you to do with it? I bet he’ll be smiling from ear to ear once you finally have the opportunity to test drive the sixgun he thought enough about to drive all the way to South Texas to deliver to you personally!

I certainly appreciated your story. We look forward to your range report next year.

Max.

P.S. Please don't ever call us "strangers" again. We're sixgunnin' kin!

[henrybowman]

Cucy,

That was a GREAT story. Thanks for sharing.

I lost my father-in-law 3 years ago May. He built a 10/22 for me that is almost boringly accurate. It'll put 10 shot under a quarter at 50 yards all day long. I dont shoot it much any more but my 10 year old is just getting big enough to hold a full size rifle. The Ruger will be passed on to him one day. As for my father in law, I am fortunate to have met him. He was a tool and dye maker then moved into estimating for newsprint and magazines. He started me on my true shooting passion. He never liked the larger calibers that I enjoy but all the same, he was a great influence on my life.

My fater is still alive and kicking. I cannot imagine losing him. He's one of the best friends that I've ever had. I hope to be that friend to my son some day.

Take Care
and Thanks Again !

[the priest]

good thoughts by all and a fine read Cucuy. thanks for sharing gents.

[redberens]

That story made my day. Thank you for sharing.

[Shakey]

Thanks Cucy. That was a great story.

Not only did I enjoy it, but it reminded me that it's been a long time since I shot the S&W 1917 .45 ACP that I got from my grandfather. Think I better remedy that pretty soon.

[rigby]

Thanks Cucuy,you're right I think we all understand and share some very common experiences.

[papa]

Brothers in Arms for sure!

Great story thanks,

Papa

[AxeHandle]

When I stumble upon nice old guns like this in gun shops I always wonder about their history... I'm talking about guns that were obviously treasured and hopefully shared with loved ones. I like to think that they have wonderful stories of fathers and sons and friends and foes hidden in their deep polished blue... It is part of their magic... Thanks for sharing..

[smokeeater2]

Great story and thank You for sharing it with us. I think firearms from family are treasured more than anything else I can think of. The guns that belonged to my Dad are my most valued possessions and every time I handle them it seems like He's still with me in some way.

[Charger Fan]

Definitely a great story & a fine lookin' gun. Thanks for sharing.

[tarfu]

a sweet piece , all the more so for the special caliber...

[nobearsyet]

I agree, the stories associated with the old sixguns (and what stories I'm sure the beaters could ) are almost (and at times moreso) interesting as the sixguns. That gives me an idea, why don't some of us post some stories about some of our most cherishes sixguns (stuff we did with them that caused them to earn some of their beauty marks) and I would like to compile them into a book? Maybe I might get John to edit it for us? Of course everyone that submits a story will get a copy on me if I get enough to get it published. I'm sure there are other folks that would love to read them