Guns that just make you smile

ligonierbill · May 4, 2018, 10:51 AM

Not necessarily your best, most accurate, prettiest, just puts a smile on your face. Just now (changes with the weather) mine are:

Colt Army Special .41 Long Colt - No major maker does bluing like that any more, and old Sam finally got the double action right.

S&W Model 14 .38 Special - Sam got it right, but not as right as the K-frame.

Ithaca Flues 12 ga - Must use low pressure shells, but breaks clays like it's radar guided. Considering my skill level, must be a special gun. Feels special.

Ruger No. 1 30-06 - Just elegant. Shoots pretty good, too.

What has you smiling lately?

peterg7 · May 4, 2018, 11:08 AM

The one handgun I get the most pleasure from is my .45 Blackhawk convertible.

.45 acp makes me smile because it’s reasonably priced and .45C +p because it’s manly recoil.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

turkeestalker · May 4, 2018, 11:14 AM

One that comes to mind is a full size Colt Double Eagle Mk II in 10mm that I picked up last year.
For the life of me I can’t understand the lack of acceptance of these when they came out.
No, it’s not a 1911, but boy is it a sweet shooting sidearm, potent round too.

muzzleblast... · May 4, 2018, 12:57 PM

For me the "big smile" list includes:

Belgian Browning Hi Power
Smith & Wesson M-27 .357 Mag. 5" barrel
Colt Woodsman Match Target .22LR
Winchester M-52 Sporter .22LR
Winchester M-94 Canadian Centennial .30-30 my grandfather gave me
Browning Auto-5 Light Twelve

There are others, but those are at the top of the list.

aarondhgraham · May 4, 2018, 02:16 PM

You're gonna chuckle,,,
But I love shooting these mouse guns.

Taurus 22-PLY & Taurus 25-PLY

They are surprisingly easy to hit with,,,
They are very natural pointers,,,
And very very reliable.

I always want to strike a James Bond pose when I shoot with them.

Aarond

.

mk70ss · May 4, 2018, 02:37 PM

My Colt Detective Special and all my SAA revolvers.

Scorch · May 4, 2018, 03:07 PM

Winchester 1903
Pre-war Winchester Model 70
Winchester 1885 High Wall
Mauser I.G. 71
Just something fun about shooting old iron.

Lohman446 · May 4, 2018, 03:35 PM

Colt Delta in 10MM. I have Glock 10MMs (soulless things) and if push come to shove have to admit their superiority for my uses. But every time I pull this out at the range I grin.

Hanshi · May 4, 2018, 03:51 PM

My grin widens when I pick up my OM Ruger BH .45 Colt.
The .38spl Diamondback.
Colt Woodsman Sport Target.
S&W 686 no dash.
And my S&W M14.

And can't forget my .45 flintlock rifle.

**Spats McGee** · May 4, 2018, 04:09 PM

Right now, my 22/45 Lite is bringing lots of smiles to this old mug.

gbclarkson · May 4, 2018, 05:29 PM

The Browning Buckmark I bought for my son for his 10th birthday. I'm jealous. I'm trying to justify a 7" barrel Buckmark for dad.

Hitthespot · May 4, 2018, 06:27 PM

I have two. Always wanted a Colt 1911. Bought a Stainless Steel Combat commander a couple years ago. Still makes me smile every time I look at it. It's beautiful. I recently purchased an FNS-9C. I can shoot this pistol better than anything right out of the box I have ever bought. I cannot explain why, it just shoots and accurately. I'm so impressed it might just replace my Ruger SR9C that has a few thousand rounds through it as my CC pistol.

Pics attached.

Eazyeach · May 4, 2018, 07:24 PM

My S&W M&P 15-22 Always brings a smile to my face. But lately my Beretta 1301 Tactical has been making me grin a lot.

Kvon2 · May 4, 2018, 09:29 PM

My 1860 army replica. Every time I take it to the range my hands get filthy and the center of my targets get shot out. Its just so much fun.

WyMark · May 4, 2018, 10:29 PM

Is "all of them" a valid answer? Whatever I happen to take to the range that day really makes me smile.

The BHP maybe most, but the GP100 too. The Model 14 and the 1937 both make me grin ear to ear. Knocking down 6" tall steel silhouettes at 35 to 50 yards with my SP101 .22 makes me giggle like a little kid. Hitting pigeon fragments at 100 yards with my Henry .38/.357 and spinners at 400 yards with my .223 RAR make me smile too.

MagnumWill · May 5, 2018, 12:21 AM

For me, definitely the M1 Garand. And yes, one case of Garand thumb did not put a smile on my face that day, but I look forward to shooting it every single time. It has so much soul, and shooting in our High Power match with it just feels right.

armoredman · May 5, 2018, 01:47 AM

My CZ 527M/CSR. Gets a lot of looks, and is light, handy, fun and accurate. I have fun dinging the steel at 150-175 yards from the standing position with iron sights while some of the tactical Tommy's are prone with scoped uber tactocool rifles shooting steel at 100 or less. Always brings a smile to my face.

ballardw · May 5, 2018, 02:59 AM

Winchester 92 in .25-20

Wag · May 5, 2018, 09:54 AM

Ruger #1 in .357 magnum - I love seeing that block drop and push a round in
Beretta 92fs - Just a dream to shoot.
Sig P220 - Another dream to shoot!
Winchester Model 94 - That cowboy feel......... Mmmmmm.

--Wag--

RedHoundTargets · May 5, 2018, 03:08 PM

My pre 64 Winchester 94 in 30-30 always makes me happy. After that I just like a somewhat beat up Ruger Super Blackhawk just to smile

FrankenMauser · May 5, 2018, 03:31 PM

Rossi 62SAC "Gallery". Always a favorite.
One of the most recent acquisitions - probably the most recent - a Marlin 1894 in .44 Mag.

But, overshadowing everything else for a while now...
The Marlin/Glenfield 336/30A built from the parts box, using a .30-30 barrel reamed to .307 Winchester.
Reject, damaged, ill-fitting, and take-off parts from other projects somehow turned into an ugly but sweet-shooting machine, with a little finesse and patience.

K_Mac · May 5, 2018, 06:14 PM

I would agree with those who've said all of them! My carry gun is an SR9c that I shoot more often than any handgun I own. It is comfortable in my hand and I am very confident with it. That makes me happy. The long gun that makes me happiest is an old Enfield #4 that is as ugly as sin, but still shoots good and has many stories to tell. I don't shoot it often, but it makes me smile every time I do.

sparkyv · May 5, 2018, 06:42 PM

My ugly as sin SW 22A-1 that shoots lights out with no mods!

cslinger · May 5, 2018, 07:44 PM

Generally my revolvers, all of them but I really dig these.

And you all will laugh but this here “BB GUN” always tickles my fancy.

hot chili powder · May 5, 2018, 07:47 PM

My Ruger/Talo 44 mag Birdshead grip Vaquero gives me the grins!!

May 4, 2018, 11:14 AM	#3
turkeestalker Senior Member Join Date: February 2, 2015 Location: Cottleville, Missouri Posts: 1,115	One that comes to mind is a full size Colt Double Eagle Mk II in 10mm that I picked up last year. For the life of me I can’t understand the lack of acceptance of these when they came out. No, it’s not a 1911, but boy is it a sweet shooting sidearm, potent round too. __________________ Vegetarian... primitive word for lousy hunter!

May 4, 2018, 02:16 PM	#5
aarondhgraham Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2009 Location: Stillwater, OKlahoma Posts: 8,638	You're gonna chuckle,,, You're gonna chuckle,,, But I love shooting these mouse guns. Taurus 22-PLY & Taurus 25-PLY They are surprisingly easy to hit with,,, They are very natural pointers,,, And very very reliable. I always want to strike a James Bond pose when I shoot with them. Aarond . __________________ Never ever give an enemy the advantage of a verbal threat. Caje: The coward dies a thousand times, the brave only once. Kirby: That's about all it takes, ain't it? Aarond is good,,, Aarond is wise,,, Always trust Aarond! (most of the time)

May 4, 2018, 02:37 PM	#6
mk70ss Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 2008 Location: Tennessee Posts: 1,598	My Colt Detective Special and all my SAA revolvers. __________________ Say when.....

May 4, 2018, 03:07 PM	#7
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	Winchester 1903 Pre-war Winchester Model 70 Winchester 1885 High Wall Mauser I.G. 71 Just something fun about shooting old iron. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

May 4, 2018, 03:51 PM	#9
Hanshi Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 2017 Posts: 239	My grin widens when I pick up my OM Ruger BH .45 Colt. The .38spl Diamondback. Colt Woodsman Sport Target. S&W 686 no dash. And my S&W M14. And can't forget my .45 flintlock rifle. __________________ Young guys should hang out with old guys; old guys know stuff.

May 4, 2018, 10:51 AM	#1
ligonierbill Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2007 Posts: 2,450	Guns that just make you smile Not necessarily your best, most accurate, prettiest, just puts a smile on your face. Just now (changes with the weather) mine are: Colt Army Special .41 Long Colt - No major maker does bluing like that any more, and old Sam finally got the double action right. S&W Model 14 .38 Special - Sam got it right, but not as right as the K-frame. Ithaca Flues 12 ga - Must use low pressure shells, but breaks clays like it's radar guided. Considering my skill level, must be a special gun. Feels special. Ruger No. 1 30-06 - Just elegant. Shoots pretty good, too. What has you smiling lately?

May 4, 2018, 11:08 AM	#2
peterg7 Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2017 Posts: 316	The one handgun I get the most pleasure from is my .45 Blackhawk convertible. .45 acp makes me smile because it’s reasonably priced and .45C +p because it’s manly recoil. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

May 4, 2018, 12:57 PM	#4
muzzleblast... Senior Member Join Date: April 16, 2015 Location: Obwat, TN Posts: 285	For me the "big smile" list includes: Belgian Browning Hi Power Smith & Wesson M-27 .357 Mag. 5" barrel Colt Woodsman Match Target .22LR Winchester M-52 Sporter .22LR Winchester M-94 Canadian Centennial .30-30 my grandfather gave me Browning Auto-5 Light Twelve There are others, but those are at the top of the list.

May 4, 2018, 03:35 PM	#8
Lohman446 Senior Member Join Date: April 22, 2016 Posts: 2,192	Colt Delta in 10MM. I have Glock 10MMs (soulless things) and if push come to shove have to admit their superiority for my uses. But every time I pull this out at the range I grin.

May 4, 2018, 04:09 PM	#10
Spats McGee Staff Join Date: July 28, 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 8,821	Right now, my 22/45 Lite is bringing lots of smiles to this old mug. __________________ I'm a lawyer, but I'm not your lawyer. If you need some honest-to-goodness legal advice, go buy some.

May 4, 2018, 05:29 PM	#11
gbclarkson Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2014 Location: None of yer business, sonny Posts: 440	The Browning Buckmark I bought for my son for his 10th birthday. I'm jealous. I'm trying to justify a 7" barrel Buckmark for dad.

May 4, 2018, 07:24 PM	#13
Eazyeach Senior Member Join Date: January 14, 2014 Posts: 706	My S&W M&P 15-22 Always brings a smile to my face. But lately my Beretta 1301 Tactical has been making me grin a lot.

May 4, 2018, 09:29 PM	#14
Kvon2 Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2016 Posts: 757	My 1860 army replica. Every time I take it to the range my hands get filthy and the center of my targets get shot out. Its just so much fun.

May 4, 2018, 10:29 PM	#15
WyMark Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2011 Location: Wyoming Posts: 647	Is "all of them" a valid answer? Whatever I happen to take to the range that day really makes me smile. The BHP maybe most, but the GP100 too. The Model 14 and the 1937 both make me grin ear to ear. Knocking down 6" tall steel silhouettes at 35 to 50 yards with my SP101 .22 makes me giggle like a little kid. Hitting pigeon fragments at 100 yards with my Henry .38/.357 and spinners at 400 yards with my .223 RAR make me smile too.

May 5, 2018, 12:21 AM	#16
MagnumWill Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2009 Location: Central Colorado Posts: 1,001	For me, definitely the M1 Garand. And yes, one case of Garand thumb did not put a smile on my face that day, but I look forward to shooting it every single time. It has so much soul, and shooting in our High Power match with it just feels right. __________________ Those who hammer their swords into plow shares will plow for those who didn't...

May 5, 2018, 01:47 AM	#17
armoredman Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 5,297	My CZ 527M/CSR. Gets a lot of looks, and is light, handy, fun and accurate. I have fun dinging the steel at 150-175 yards from the standing position with iron sights while some of the tactical Tommy's are prone with scoped uber tactocool rifles shooting steel at 100 or less. Always brings a smile to my face.

May 5, 2018, 02:59 AM	#18
ballardw Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2008 Posts: 1,411	Winchester 92 in .25-20 __________________ -+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ All data is flawed, some just less so.

May 5, 2018, 09:54 AM	#19
Wag Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2010 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 988	Ruger #1 in .357 magnum - I love seeing that block drop and push a round in Beretta 92fs - Just a dream to shoot. Sig P220 - Another dream to shoot! Winchester Model 94 - That cowboy feel......... Mmmmmm. --Wag-- __________________ "Great genius will always encounter fierce opposition from mediocre minds." --Albert Einstein.

May 5, 2018, 03:08 PM	#20
RedHoundTargets Member Join Date: January 7, 2018 Location: Connecticut Posts: 36	My pre 64 Winchester 94 in 30-30 always makes me happy. After that I just like a somewhat beat up Ruger Super Blackhawk just to smile __________________ Red Hound targets. Steel targets made in the USA. www.redhoundtargets.com

May 5, 2018, 03:31 PM	#21
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,424	Rossi 62SAC "Gallery". Always a favorite. One of the most recent acquisitions - probably the most recent - a Marlin 1894 in .44 Mag. But, overshadowing everything else for a while now... The Marlin/Glenfield 336/30A built from the parts box, using a .30-30 barrel reamed to .307 Winchester. Reject, damaged, ill-fitting, and take-off parts from other projects somehow turned into an ugly but sweet-shooting machine, with a little finesse and patience. __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

May 5, 2018, 06:14 PM	#22
K_Mac Senior Member Join Date: September 15, 2010 Posts: 1,850	I would agree with those who've said all of them! My carry gun is an SR9c that I shoot more often than any handgun I own. It is comfortable in my hand and I am very confident with it. That makes me happy. The long gun that makes me happiest is an old Enfield #4 that is as ugly as sin, but still shoots good and has many stories to tell. I don't shoot it often, but it makes me smile every time I do. __________________ "Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do." Benjamin Franklin

May 5, 2018, 06:42 PM	#23
sparkyv Senior Member Join Date: May 2, 2015 Location: Deepinnaheartta,Texas Posts: 318	My ugly as sin SW 22A-1 that shoots lights out with no mods! __________________ μολὼν λαβέ NRA Life Member

May 5, 2018, 07:44 PM	#24
cslinger Senior Member Join Date: July 14, 2002 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 2,045	Generally my revolvers, all of them but I really dig these. And you all will laugh but this here “BB GUN” always tickles my fancy. __________________ "Is there anyway I can write my local gun store off on my taxes as dependents?"

May 5, 2018, 07:47 PM	#25
hot chili powder Member Join Date: October 16, 2014 Location: Green Bay ( Titletown) WI Posts: 27	Vaquero=Big grin My Ruger/Talo 44 mag Birdshead grip Vaquero gives me the grins!!