For many of you I wonder if the guns simply fell out of the sky into your hands, or were gifts. Certainly something made that particular model stand apart from the rest.
A Ruger #1, a Marlin 1895, A Handi Rifle, a Trapdoor Springfield, all chambered in 45-70. Each is very different, but in some respects very similar in that they shoot a cartridge that though very powerful has limited range. They all share the history of that cartridge as well.
The poll choices were as much to illustrate that point, not to limit ones choices so much, but to represent things that may go into ones decision making.
Many seem to have appreciated the rugged, dependability and utility. To me that would come under tool, the " it was for sale part "may have hung some of you up.
For example I own a few SIG handguns, they are tools, very dependable I see mechanical genius in the design but by and large they are tools. Going forward though I won't likely want any more of them, single action revolvers are really starting to appeal to me. Both the historical significance and the beauty are driving this. I also own a Tikka lite rifle, an AR-15, A Beretta Neos, a Marlin .22 auto, and a Knight KBR ML. They all have polymer stocks, are pretty modern in looks and design. Each is supremely functional. But to be honest, functionality and cost effectiveness is about the only appeal they have to me. I also own an 1895 Marlin, a percussion lock .50 muzzle loader, and a Super Grade Winchester Model 70. Those guns are functional but they are handsome guns, nicely figured wood, classic lines, superbly finished ( well I built the ML so that is debatable ).
So for pure functionality I pretty well have the bases covered. now days I am drawn to guns that are interesting from a historical aspect primarily and beauty as well I suppose. On my Santa list are Garand, a Blackhawk, a Savage 99, and both a Winchester 88 and 100.
Poll