The Story Behind Your First Handgun: Do You Still Have It?

[Alan]

I'd love to hear about your first handgun! Do you still own it? What memories do you have attached to it, or have you moved on to something else? Feel free to share your stories or even a picture if you have one!

 

[MMC0311]

My first handgun was an Argentine Colt 1911 that my father and I built. When my father passed, I gave it to close mutual friend of ours. The first handgun that really grabbed my attention was a 3.5" pre -model 27 S&W. I do not currently have it in my possession as it is being engraved by Phil Quigley. Persinger made some custom grips for it. I am hoping to get it back soon. I have one photo of it with some Grasshorn magnas.

 

[DMK]

I don't have my first handgun, but I have one of my firsts. It's a Model 36 I bought in 1978.

 

[Lt Choate]

Well, my first handgun was a Beretta 92FS that I bought back in the mid-eighties. And yes, I still have it.

 

[BKLooney]

If I remember correctly my first handgun was an H&R .32, that old revolver was given to me somewhere around '75/'76. The first handgun I ever purchased myself was a Charter Arms Bulldog .44 Special in 1977. Both have been gone for many (many) years, the old H&R wasn't a bad revolver even though that .32 was pretty anemic, but I still miss that Bulldog. Would love to find a '70s era Bulldog in great shape to add back into the collection.

 

[Terrier]

Mine was a blued Ruger Blackhawk with a 6" barrel. It was the second gun I ever bought, and that was in 1984.

Still have it and would never part with it. Some years ago when I was doing a lot more shooting, I could easily put 6 rounds in a silver dollar sized ring at 25 yards, offhand. Not so much anymore, but I still love that pistol!

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[Lynchburgsam]

Well, my first handgun was a Beretta 92FS that I bought back in the mid-eighties. And yes, I still have it.

My first as well. John McClain in Die Hard had me hooked. I eventually sold it since those things are actually huge from a carry standpoint but for learning I think it was a great gun!

 

[Lt Choate]

My first as well. John McClain in Die Hard had me hooked. I eventually sold it since those things are actually huge from a carry standpoint but for learning I think it was a great gun!

Yeah, I had mine before that movie was out, but I truly love shooting it.
We all acknowledge the functionality and lay out of the 1911 and rightfully so, but the Beretta 92 is pretty iconic, as well.

 

[Alan]

My first was a Taurus .357, I still have it. I've shot it a hand full of times. I don't usually sell my guns, but it does just sit there and is now a safe queen.

 

[eforest99]

My first handgun was a Raven Arms .25 ACP. Pretty pathetic firearm, but it's all I had for years and years. We called them Saturday night specials back in the day, this was 40 years ago. It got me out of a bad situation once without having to pull the trigger! Just drawing it was enough, thank the Lord!

38 years ago, six very large drunk guys forced my pregnant wife and I off the road in our little truck, screaming at me that I had cut them off (I had done nothing except for trying to avoid them, as they were driving obviously impaired). They surrounded our vehicle and said they were going to teach us both a lesson. My wife was terrified and weeping, I got out and faced them, drawing on them at the same time. I told them I may not take them all down, but I would get at least 2 or 3 of them, to get back in their vehicle and leave. They did! I had never fired the pistol, not knowing if it even worked...

A .380 ACP mouse gun, 9mm in S&W M&P and Beretta, and .40 S&W Beretta these days, and highly practiced. And no, I do not have the Raven 25 anymore...