Author Topic: Prettiest gun in your collection? (Read 3320 times)

Quadzillabill · « **on:** October 05, 2003, 11:09:19 AM »

After picking up a new Browning 1885, I'm struck by its beautiful simplicity. Suitable for framing, but made to be shot.

What's the best looking rifle in your collection - single shots, bolts, whatever - and why do you like it?

TopGun · « **Reply #1 on:** October 05, 2003, 02:26:07 PM »

Sorry, I can't choose just one. :grin: First is my Winchester M54 30'06 all origininal in NRA Excellent at 99%. The bluing is like a mirror, the walnut is nicely figured and only has 1 little ding near the grip. It has the safari rear sight and the original Redfield peep. It is classic rifle that was only made 2 years in the 1930's. :eek: My 2nd is my 8MM Mauser guild rifle with stunning dark figured walnut, double set trigger, and an original German, fully adjustable aperature sight. There is only 1 minor flaw (crack) in the pistol grip that can barely be seen. :grin: 3rd is my big game hunter custom 35 Whelen on a 1903 Springfield, gorgous walnut that gets replaced with a glass stock when I hunt with it, topped with an old Redfield scope. :? All three are classic hunting rifles, classic lines, and two of them just pretty-up my safe, the Whelen is my favorite hunter. A man can't have too many fine rifles!! :shock:

arty · « **Reply #2 on:** October 06, 2003, 08:59:40 AM »

my browning 78 in 22-250. its got the darkest wood on any ive seen and with a long old weaver k12 its just the prettiest old rig. and it shoots just as nice.

onesonek · « **Reply #3 on:** October 06, 2003, 02:41:06 PM »

Well, if you don't mind, I'll answer this with alittle slant. Because I don't own it yet! But every time I go to my bro-inlaw's gun shop, he says I have an embarrassing drool. :lol: When I look at, and handle the Ruger #1 RSI he has there. I have, and have had more than a few #1's. Yet, never a RSI, but I still I THINK it's the prettiest rifle built. If he don't sell this one soon, it'll be mine.

jeff · « **Reply #4 on:** October 07, 2003, 02:54:08 PM »

A custom Stevens 44 1/2, fancy fiddleback maple stock, built by Paul Shuttleworth of SingleShotrifles.com Chambered for 218 Mashburn, 30-40 Krag and 38-55 Winchester. Shown is one of three Lyman Super TargetSpots (one for each barrel).

oneb · « **Reply #5 on:** October 08, 2003, 06:56:29 AM »

My Ruger #1S in .45-70 with its custom tiger maple stock is the prettiest I own. But it is not my favorite -- the .280 1B accrurized by BCRW rules.

Double D · « **Reply #6 on:** October 08, 2003, 12:11:56 PM »

either my I. Hollis Miniature Martini in 218 Bee....

or the I.hollis Martini in Westley Richards Musket No. 2

The prettiest part of these rifle is that I paid less for them than what a Ruger or Browning cost. Well at least I did 2 years ago. I see similar models have gone up this year.

hillbill · « **Reply #7 on:** October 11, 2003, 08:07:01 PM »

prettiest rifle in my collection has to be my win hi-wall in 32-40. the stock is solid, oilsoaked to almost black, but scratched on every inch of it. the metal is in good shape but worn with little bluing left anywhere, but not a sign of a rust pit. the bore looks like a bad dirt road from a century of blackpowder but dont let it fool ya, with right load of 4198 and a 165 grn jacketed soft point it will easily shoot a yote in the head at 50 yrds. at 100yrds it probably drops a foot or so but hell i cant see that far anyway anymore without a scope. from its crescent buttplate to its german silver front blade sight i love it because it was my grandfathers and his fathers before him. the only gun their family owned dureing the depression. ill never forget the story my grandfather told about his hired man useing it to shoot a goose out of the air. he aimed at the first goose in a hi flying v and killed the last goose on the tail end! beat that for a CHRISTmas dinner story!

gewehrfreund · « **Reply #8 on:** January 29, 2004, 07:17:30 AM »

That would be a toss up between three:

Ruger #1S 218 Bee (early pre-production example)
Kimber 82 LH Custom Classic
Simson & Sohn 222 Rem SS break open

RonF · « **Reply #9 on:** January 29, 2004, 08:01:03 AM »

It's a tie for me, too. A Browning 1885 like the originator of this thread, and an early T/C Contender built up into a .223 carbine by Frank Kendrick of Texas Contenders, with a stunning piece of Fajen walnut in the butt stock and forearm. My 1968 vintage Contender is in there, too - OOPS! that's a handgun!

RonF

ajj · « **Reply #10 on:** January 29, 2004, 10:07:27 AM »

My heavy-barrel 38-55 C. Sharps Highwall replica. But I must add that if I had Double D's Martinis and he had his foot in a bucket of s**t, we'd both be stepping out.

Prince of Wales · « **Reply #11 on:** January 30, 2004, 06:16:31 AM »

For me it`s the Browning B-78 in 25/06. Beautiful wood with grain running both directions and 26" tapered octagon barrel. Have it dressed with Browning braided horse hair silng, Leupold 6X42 M-8 scope and black Uncle Mikes recoil pad. Without a doubt it would be my last rifle to go.
I got it in a straight across trade for a #1 also in 25/06 w/Bushnell Sportview 3-9. Best of luck. POW

choppa · « **Reply #12 on:** January 30, 2004, 11:10:42 AM »

I havnt got anything in the league of you guys, but I reckon my Ruger#1
stainles/laminate in 375H&H is the prettiest I have, even non-shooters have commented on its looks :grin:

Bullseye · « **Reply #13 on:** January 30, 2004, 05:26:02 PM »

That would have to be my Contender Carbine in 223 that I just finished tonight. Bought a Stainless frame last summer, bought an unfinished walnut stock that was shaped and the same size as an Encore but inletted for a Contender in December and got a 23" bull barrel for Chrismas. Just put the butt pad, sling swivels, grip cap on that pretty glossy stock tonight. Topped it off with a nice scope. Ready to see if it will shoot now.

newfalguy101 · « **Reply #14 on:** January 30, 2004, 06:28:19 PM »

the prettiest rifle in my "collection" would be probably the first gun I ever bought, are you ready for this?? A Marlin M-60, for the simple fact that every time I see that rifle I see it as my entry into the wonderful world of guns.

Other than that I dont own any real "high-end" guns.

I do have a couple other guns that are nice looking, a Marlin bolt .22 and I really like the wood furniture on my SAR-3.

T.J. McSuds · « **Reply #15 on:** February 01, 2004, 06:26:40 AM »

Winchester 94 w/ custom shop stock. I have a better pic but could not find it.

Tom

http://photos.groups.yahoo.com/group/idpa/vwp?.dir=/&.src=gr&.dnm=BBQ.jpg&.view=t&.done=http%3a//photos.groups.yahoo.com/group/idpa/lst%3f%26.dir=/%26.src=gr%26.view=t

dozer · « **Reply #16 on:** February 02, 2004, 07:51:04 AM »

An 1885 Browning BPCR with AAA factory wood (got really lucky on that one). Bought it new 4 years ago.
Doz

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #17 on:** February 03, 2004, 03:49:04 PM »

My Shiloh Sharps Montana Rough Rider in 45-70.

marlinman93 · « **Reply #18 on:** February 07, 2004, 02:38:01 PM »

I'd say it would probably be either my 1881 Marlin Schuetzen rifle, or my original Stevens Schuetzen rifle.

Duesouth · « **Reply #19 on:** February 08, 2004, 12:10:46 AM »

Marlinman, You got too many guns.

snkirsch · « **Reply #20 on:** February 08, 2004, 01:20:01 AM »

My Stevens 44 1/2 it was professionally restored in 1960 it has a gold receiver and chrome lever and she is accurate.

marlinman93 · « **Reply #21 on:** February 08, 2004, 08:47:48 AM »

Duesouth,
No such thing as too many guns!

BruceP · « **Reply #22 on:** February 08, 2004, 02:42:44 PM »

I'd say it's a close race beween my Browning lowwall .22 hornet and my C Sharps 1875 45/70. The browning has better wood. Nicer wood would put the Sharps back in the lead. Hmm, I might have to look into that. Oh by the way keep this kinda quiet guys my computer is only a few steps from the gun safe and I wouldn't want the others to get jealous. :wink:
BruceP

bull b 25-06 · « **Reply #23 on:** February 11, 2004, 09:39:40 AM »

It would have to be my Ruger M77 VT MARK II stainless(low glare) HEAVY BARREL TARGET GREY (LAMINATED) .25-06. This last fall was the first time i had ever seen this rifle,and when i did i was hooked. Mine also sports a LEATHERWOOD 6.5x20-50mmA.O.(with bullet drop compensator). This scope is the european style optics,which allows rangefinding at any power you choose.I like this rifle so much sometimes i get it out just to look at it.Also my wife thinks i'm nuts for doing so,but I don't care I think it is just a guy thing.Not only is this my best looking, but also the most accurate i've ever shot.Well I had better end this I'm starting to drool.Later bull b 25-06

Hondo64d · « **Reply #24 on:** February 23, 2004, 02:30:37 PM »

My Browning Low Wall in .260 Rem. By far, the most beautiful rifle I own. Started out not shooting as well as I would like, but lately, for some reason, it is doing better. Has averaged 1.183" for the last 15 three-shot groups with that many different loads.

John

TopGun · « **Reply #25 on:** February 25, 2004, 06:21:43 PM »

Well now I have another one. :oops: It is a matt finished Encore frame, Stainless matt 26" Bull 223, Topped with a Simmons 6.5 -24 x 42 AO matt target scope, classic hand-rubbed oiled, thumbhole stock and forend by E. Arthur Brown, sitting on a harris bi-pod. I shot it on Sunday and looks is not all it is. It is a fantastic shooter. sub 1/2 MOA at 100yds. 1 group had all three shots touching in one timey little clover leaf. :wink: :shock: :eek:

Leftoverdj · « **Reply #26 on:** February 26, 2004, 02:43:13 PM »

Stevens 44 .25 Stevens with the Chicopee address. It's in 95%+ condition with an excellent bore and full bright case colors. Pretty good for near 100 years old and it might be the best one left outside of a museum.

jrcanoe · « **Reply #27 on:** February 27, 2004, 07:28:03 AM »

Can't say about the prettiest but by Far and away the ugliest gun I have is a M6 scout from springfield armory but it matches the the ugly truck it lives in perfectly.

smoke810 · « **Reply #28 on:** February 27, 2004, 02:18:10 PM »

My prettiest is my newest! A Stevens model 414 Armory that is as close to NIB as you will find unless you take it out of the box.

DG :grin:

marlinman93 · « **Reply #29 on:** February 27, 2004, 05:22:01 PM »

Gorgeous setup Smoke! I love those vivid case colors!