It’s been a while since I’ve bought a gun with no purpose

Other than the sheer enjoyment of pleasure plinking and informal paper punching. No aftermarket sights, grips, scopes, not even a holster planned. Not a hunting gun. Not bought to impress Doug, making his eyes widen with wondering delight. I’m just going to enjoy and shoot it, for me.

I’ll admit the pressure felt after reading some of Mr. Taffin’s articles. A sweet relief upon point of purchase (forward that to Mr Uberti!). I love the civil war and post period guns. All the charm of a sleek cap & ball but no nasty smoke or slowed loading. It’s not a Richards Mason conversion but a 1872 open-top Colt SAA. The fact it came chambered in .38 Colt (ok I’m lying a 1/10”, .38 Special) is perfect for my intent and I won’t be tempted to explore outside of its reasonable use.

I traded a shotgun to acquire it and since I’d had it a while that puts me into this new revolver at $300 cash all in. (My has it really been that long?!) Good guns are an appreciating investment, usually. The front and rear sights are small but good. Floating hammer mounted firing pin and a real .358 diameter bore, not .375. This piece sports a 1851 Navy brass grip frame akin to an OM Ruger but points like a 1860 Army or 1861 Navy. Those long snouted guns have the later steel grip that’s longer and reminds me of a Super Blackhawk. The varied subtle features of all those old irons are a delight to explore.

I’ve got a box of HBWC just waiting for a time like this.