If "you" refers to my close friends and relatives, none would be surprised to see a photo of me holding any firearm I own. However, no firearm I own has been modified or accessorized (is that a word?) to be display my "signature". With small hands, I use slim grips on 1911's. With short arms, I shorten the buttstocks of rifles and shotguns. But "signatures" - Nope. No person I know associates me with any specific firearm.
YOUR gun
- Thread starter SundownRider
- Start date
If "you" refers to my close friends and relatives, none would be surprised to see a photo of me holding any firearm I own. However, no firearm I own has been modified or accessorized (is that a word?) to be display my "signature". With small hands, I use slim grips on 1911's. With short arms, I shorten the buttstocks of rifles and shotguns. But "signatures" - Nope. No person I know associates me with any specific firearm.
chris in va
New member
Nobody goes with me to the range, but I'd have to say my 97b represents my character.
SundownRider
New member
I guess what I am looking for is a firearm representation that is me, while at the same time evoking imagery that is associated with that firearm. For example, the Colt Single Action Army is a representation of America's frontier, and all the associated values that go with it. A 1911 is a representation of America's fighting spirit, and all that goes with that.
Am I making this clearer, or am I just managing to confuse myself and should just go buy a new gun and get over myself?
Am I making this clearer, or am I just managing to confuse myself and should just go buy a new gun and get over myself?
larryh1108
New member
Maybe a way to start is to tell us who "you" are? Mabye putting who you are will start the process by putting it into words. If your signature gun is you, who are you?
When my eyes started saying bye bye my signature guns got barrels that were shorter and shorter and my shooting ranges became closer and closer.
At 20,my signature gun was a four inch barrel RG 38 special revovler,which actually was a great gun except it sprayed me with loads of lead.
At 28, my signature gun was a 357 midnight blued dan Wesson six inch heavy barrel shroud revovler.
At 38 it was a four inch heavy barrel Smith Model 10 which I still own.
At 52,it's a two inch barrel Taurus Model 85 Ultralight I carry with me everyday.
At 55,it will likely be a 9mm Walther PPS.
My guns are all bought considering cost of ammo and realistic expectations of my ability to fire them accurately at close ranges anymore.
Whether,"it's me" does'nt even come into the picture.
At 20,my signature gun was a four inch barrel RG 38 special revovler,which actually was a great gun except it sprayed me with loads of lead.
At 28, my signature gun was a 357 midnight blued dan Wesson six inch heavy barrel shroud revovler.
At 38 it was a four inch heavy barrel Smith Model 10 which I still own.
At 52,it's a two inch barrel Taurus Model 85 Ultralight I carry with me everyday.
At 55,it will likely be a 9mm Walther PPS.
My guns are all bought considering cost of ammo and realistic expectations of my ability to fire them accurately at close ranges anymore.
Whether,"it's me" does'nt even come into the picture.
aarondhgraham
New member
From 19 years old to 60 years old,,,
It's been the same handgun.
I own 31 handguns,,,
I shoot most of them regularly,,,
But I keep going back to my first love,,,
I'm a devotee of the 4" Model 15 Combat Masterpiece.
It was the first handgun I received training on,,,
It remains my favorite handgun of them all.
Aarond
It's been the same handgun.
I own 31 handguns,,,
I shoot most of them regularly,,,
But I keep going back to my first love,,,
I'm a devotee of the 4" Model 15 Combat Masterpiece.
It was the first handgun I received training on,,,
It remains my favorite handgun of them all.
Aarond
Nakanokalronin
New member
I've owned 80+ firearms throughout the years. My first gun (which I still have) was a GP100, the second one was a 1911. From the first time I shot the 1911, I knew it was perfect for me. I've tried many many different handguns out there and own quite a few non-1911s still but if I asked anyone I knew what my favorite gun was, they would answer, a 1911. 
Kreyzhorse
New member
My gun is a Springfield 1911 TRP. There are many like it, but this one is mine.
In all seriousness, find a gun you like and shoot well. That should be your signature gun even if it isn't the gun that you thought it would be. I always figured my S&W 686 was my signature gun but it just didn't work out that way.
In all seriousness, find a gun you like and shoot well. That should be your signature gun even if it isn't the gun that you thought it would be. I always figured my S&W 686 was my signature gun but it just didn't work out that way.
9ballbilly
New member
I've owned and used many firearms over the last three decades and agree with the other guys about it changing with age.
For me It's a blued Ruger speed-six 2 3/4" bbl .38 (circa 84/85). I bought it NIB a few years ago, added a set of Badger custom grips, and never looked back. It's not the only handgun I own but it serves as my nightstand gun and gets carried enough that A couple of close friends notice when I carry something else. From the moment the dealer handed it across the counter to me it just felt right.
For me It's a blued Ruger speed-six 2 3/4" bbl .38 (circa 84/85). I bought it NIB a few years ago, added a set of Badger custom grips, and never looked back. It's not the only handgun I own but it serves as my nightstand gun and gets carried enough that A couple of close friends notice when I carry something else. From the moment the dealer handed it across the counter to me it just felt right.
Attachments
Mike Irwin
Staff
I knew it the first time I picked up a Smith & Wesson Model 19.
I also knew it the first time I picked up a Savage Model 99.
That's going on 40 years ago now for both, and I still know it.
I also knew it the first time I picked up a Savage Model 99.
That's going on 40 years ago now for both, and I still know it.
When I first turned 21 I was out trying to get a feel for what my first handgun purchase was going to be. I must have handled a couple hundred different guns at shops all over town. Then it happened, I picked up of a HK USP Compact in 9mm and fell in love. It felt like an extension of my arm, fit perfectly in my hand and I just knew right then I had to have it. Well, 13 years later it's still my favorite handgun and I still feel the connection with it. MANY others have came and went but it's still here by my side, I'll take this one to the grave with me. 
Now....wish I cold find a woman as good as my USPc.
Now....wish I cold find a woman as good as my USPc.
I love single action revolvers, but the one platform I cannot seem to get away from is the 1911. I've had and traded a beaucoup of them but they just keep winding up back in my holster... No amount of Glocks, XDm's, etc. has ever killed the passion, so I quit fighting it. It's a lot like that beautiful woman that you know you shouldn't get involved with, she has her flaws, but you just can't help yourself
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Split personality here (just talking handguns, given the forum)
- Revolver: pair of Ruger New Vaquero .44 Specials: SS "Sheriff model "just because"/general carry, and a blued 4-5/8" for woodsin'/campin'. Were I to have to choose one, the Sheriff tied with its companion .357 Montado--and I'm not normally a stainless or super short barrel fan--but this (pair) just flat "works." Wait, I just picked two again--Oh well! Both represent a slick, relatively compact package, and made mine even more by being custom tuned and grip'd ....AND,
- Pistol: I've had and enjoyed a fine .40 S&W for years, but I still don't identify with this particular example as my "signature," (mine's a little chunky of grip for my smallish hands for one thing)...but something I don't have that has "spoken" to me a long time and I need to eventually act on - is a 1911 bobtail Commander--the new(ish) alloy DW Guardian in .45 looks particularly intriguing, or perhaps given a slightly more robust budget, the DW Valorbob.
- Revolver: pair of Ruger New Vaquero .44 Specials: SS "Sheriff model "just because"/general carry, and a blued 4-5/8" for woodsin'/campin'. Were I to have to choose one, the Sheriff tied with its companion .357 Montado--and I'm not normally a stainless or super short barrel fan--but this (pair) just flat "works." Wait, I just picked two again--Oh well! Both represent a slick, relatively compact package, and made mine even more by being custom tuned and grip'd ....AND,
- Pistol: I've had and enjoyed a fine .40 S&W for years, but I still don't identify with this particular example as my "signature," (mine's a little chunky of grip for my smallish hands for one thing)...but something I don't have that has "spoken" to me a long time and I need to eventually act on - is a 1911 bobtail Commander--the new(ish) alloy DW Guardian in .45 looks particularly intriguing, or perhaps given a slightly more robust budget, the DW Valorbob.
MrDontPlay
New member
For me I guess it's my engraved .357. I carry it every day, and sleep with it on the nightstand, even know there's a shotgun under the bed. I just love the look of a snubnose .357 and if I'm not mistaken it's 1 of 1000 so I don't see anyone else with one.
If I lost everything I think I'd be living on the street packin my engraved 357 and it wouldn't be for sale.
If I lost everything I think I'd be living on the street packin my engraved 357 and it wouldn't be for sale.
It'll probably continue to change with age and experience.
While I've certainly felt an affinity for different types of handguns over the course of my life, I've long since decided there isn't ONE particular make/model/caliber that suits all my needs, let alone all of my personal preferences.
I can't imagine having a particular handgun represent "me". Not in my eyes, and certainly not in the eyes of someone else.
I've often listened to other firearms instructors over the years comment upon how they were surprised I'd be using/carrying some different make/model/caliber of handgun than they expected. It's generally seemed most of them thought I'd always be using one or another with which they'd seen me do particularly well ... and it just happened to be one with which they had a personal affinity, or a distinct preference for, themselves.
Task at hand, anticipated circumstances, physical use limitations, carry method choice and/or requirement, recent experience, emphasis on training & experience ... even a passing mood. Choose whatever reason or justification suits you.
It's just a handgun.
Of course, if you're a person who has a favorite type of footwear which which you identify, sunglasses, timepiece, hat, etc ... why not a firearm?
Suit yourself.
While I've certainly felt an affinity for different types of handguns over the course of my life, I've long since decided there isn't ONE particular make/model/caliber that suits all my needs, let alone all of my personal preferences.
I can't imagine having a particular handgun represent "me". Not in my eyes, and certainly not in the eyes of someone else.
I've often listened to other firearms instructors over the years comment upon how they were surprised I'd be using/carrying some different make/model/caliber of handgun than they expected. It's generally seemed most of them thought I'd always be using one or another with which they'd seen me do particularly well ... and it just happened to be one with which they had a personal affinity, or a distinct preference for, themselves.
Task at hand, anticipated circumstances, physical use limitations, carry method choice and/or requirement, recent experience, emphasis on training & experience ... even a passing mood. Choose whatever reason or justification suits you.
It's just a handgun.
Of course, if you're a person who has a favorite type of footwear which which you identify, sunglasses, timepiece, hat, etc ... why not a firearm?
Suit yourself.
SundownRider
New member
I tried a different approach the other day. I asked my close friends and family what they thought, since their perceptions of me might be different than those I have of myself.
The answers ranged from tactical shotguns to a S&W .460. The common theme seemed to be it had to make a big boom and create a big hole.
Wonder what that means about me? ;-)
The answers ranged from tactical shotguns to a S&W .460. The common theme seemed to be it had to make a big boom and create a big hole.
Wonder what that means about me? ;-)