30 years ago today, I got my first gun. It was a Colt Python; 6"; Blue steel.
When I went to the gun store one week after my 21st birthday (coincidence - I was unaware you have to be 21 to buy a gun), 8/19/1983. I was looking for a 38 Special with a 6" barrel. I knew nothing about guns; I just knew I wanted one. As it turns out, they no longer made long barreled 38's - you have to move up to a 357 Mag if you wanted a longer barrel, the salesman explained to me.
So I started looking at the 357's. Well it only took a couple seconds to gravitate to that beautiful Python on display. The price tag of $449.99 - about $150 more than the next model - didn't deter me. I bought it on the spot.
15 days later (15-day waiting period in California at the time), on 9/3/83 - 30 years ago today, I picked it up, took it up to my friends property and shot my first large caliber handgun ever.
And so the obsession started.
Fast forward one year: I owned 4 more guns and was reloading my own ammo lol. I preferred the grip of my Smith 686 and since it was stainless, I knew it was more durable; hence, my Python became a safe queen. Something told me to take good care of it.
I haven't fired it in at least 26 years. After this writing, I'm off to the range to do just that. It's going to be a pleasure.
When I went to the gun store one week after my 21st birthday (coincidence - I was unaware you have to be 21 to buy a gun), 8/19/1983. I was looking for a 38 Special with a 6" barrel. I knew nothing about guns; I just knew I wanted one. As it turns out, they no longer made long barreled 38's - you have to move up to a 357 Mag if you wanted a longer barrel, the salesman explained to me.
So I started looking at the 357's. Well it only took a couple seconds to gravitate to that beautiful Python on display. The price tag of $449.99 - about $150 more than the next model - didn't deter me. I bought it on the spot.
15 days later (15-day waiting period in California at the time), on 9/3/83 - 30 years ago today, I picked it up, took it up to my friends property and shot my first large caliber handgun ever.
And so the obsession started.
Fast forward one year: I owned 4 more guns and was reloading my own ammo lol. I preferred the grip of my Smith 686 and since it was stainless, I knew it was more durable; hence, my Python became a safe queen. Something told me to take good care of it.
I haven't fired it in at least 26 years. After this writing, I'm off to the range to do just that. It's going to be a pleasure.
