Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

Nice. Last time I shot a .410 it was a Marlin bolt action maybe back around 1974.

1905 M&P that I had parkerized..

Not exactly sure how I came to own this gun. I think it was my grandfathers that I received when he passed. I have been unable to find any real information about it. I believe its a revolver made by Otis A. Smith. According to my research he manufactured these between 1870 and the 1890's. As you can see from the pictures it is fairly extensively engraved.

It's only 70 - 100 years old but it IS the oldest gun I own...



1906 Model H&R .22RF

punchie wrote:I don't know that these are the oldest but here are a couple of the handguns

The top is a 45 Colt 1902 Alaskan/Philipines and the bottom is a 41 Cal Colt Thunderer

Hey punchie I am guessing you know the history of the alaskan already. I am half filipino and really really would like to get my hands one of those guns.

I like to think I have the stamina of a moro.

I think that to have a filipino american with the 1902 alaskan (phillipine) in his hands is one of the better things that could happen in the states today

For those of you who dont know the story I really like the way this article was written:

http://www.morolandhistory.com/Articles ... t%2045.htm

Oh does anyone have any tips on how to ID another 1902 alaskan? Are there no serial numbers on that model?

Hi All,

This without a doubt IS my oldest weapon. This Arisaka Cavalry carbine was manufactured around 1913 -1914 at Tokyo Artillery Arsenal ( the old Koishikawa Artillery Arsenal ). It is considered a 1st variation due to the bayonet housing having 2 close side retaining screws. First variation production spans the period of 1912 to 1932 and approximately 56,900 were made.
As has been noted it was issued and in use till the end of WW2, this is noted by the worn left side of the stock from cavalry use, and the fact that the mum was removed by grinding typical of surrendered arms after Aug. 1945.
Thanks!

Time for some vintage porn!

Had a heck of a time trying to get good shots to do it justice...
This is my Great-Grandfather's .32 Boggs Rifle, always been in the family. The tales my Dad told us about Boggs and his accomplishments jibe with other folklore I've run across, with the minor variations inherent with word of mouth.
On his 70th birthday, Great-Granddad took his double-bit axe and pinned a sheet of paper to a fencepost. He picked up this rifle, turned and strode thirty paces then turned and fired offhand splitting the ball on the axe.
He also picked up a broomstick, and holding it in his fingertips, proceeded to jump through - forwards and backwards! He passed on in 1936.
The West Virginia hills of that time period bred some hard men, no doubt.


Those circles on the muzzle are the only markings I have found. Don't know just how old she is, but would guess 1860's or thereabouts.
If you're interested...http://potbellytales.blogspot.com/2007/ ... g-man.html

That radicaly dropped butt looks like it would be strange to shoot!

Heyyyyyy...I recognize that!

Guys - the photos (with all due respect to my brother's photography skills) do not do her justice. When you look at this gun, you realize that you are in the presence of a real piece of history.

smc331 wrote:Heyyyyyy...I recognize that!

Guys - the photos (with all due respect to my brother's photography skills) do not do her justice. When you look at this gun, you realize that you are in the presence of a real piece of history.

Obviously a real bit of history there and a beautiful weapon to boot. Here's a link for proof marks that might help identify those circles. Not sure, but you may find something in there helpful.

https://store.bluebookinc.com/Info/PDF/ ... fmarks.pdf

herohog wrote:That radicaly dropped butt looks like it would be strange to shoot!

I used to think when I shouldered it, "Damn that would hurt if it had any kick to it!" Then one day I mounted it out on my arm, just north of the hump of my biceps, and it was the most natural feel in the world. The big drop comb just fell right in place.

Reminded me of those mountain fiddlers that played in the crook of their arm instead of on their shoulders...

I've got older, just no pics right now.

Nice double barrel. What kind is it? Do you know anything about the history?

Unmarked period copy of S&W #1 .22 Short (1850s-1870s)

I have inherited my grand father's gun collection which was mostly WWII milsurp rifles, a 1911, a nambu pistol, some bayonets and a pair of really nice Japanese Katana's. He served in WWII and Korea and retired as a Colonel. He and I were very close and since I was the only grand child to serve in the Army and the family gun nut he gave them to my mother to hold for me until I settled down and had a secure place to keep them. My favorite rifle is a BSA Lee sporter in .303 brittish. I don't know a lot about the style of rifle but I was told during my research that it was a sporting rifle and not a converted milsurp and quite rare. I had the gun inspected at Dominion Outdoors in Fishersville to determine if it was safe to shoot and the gunsmith told me it was in great shape for it's age. I hope to use it on safari in Africa one day and to pass it on to my son.

This is a shotgun I am still trying to find info on. So far I know it is a Belgian made, post 1896 weapon. It needs some careful cleaning but the engraving is fantastic. If anyone knows some info on this make or history I would really appreciate it.

Here's a pdf with proof marks. Might help you track that shotgun down.

https://store.bluebookinc.com/Info/PDF/ ... fmarks.pdf

My oldest gun was manufactured about 2007, so I don't have a lot to contribute beyond saying this is a great thread.

Runcible wrote:My oldest gun was manufactured about 2007, so I don't have a lot to contribute beyond saying this is a great thread.

'sOkay - here's to hoping your guns stay in the family for years to come!

I'm not sure what my oldest gun is. Probably a musketoon I inherited. I have a bunch from the Napoleonic period but they're hard to pin an exact date on.

firstcavapache64 wrote:My favorite rifle is a BSA Lee sporter in .303 brittish. I don't know a lot about the style of rifle but I was told during my research that it was a sporting rifle and not a converted milsurp and quite rare. I had the gun inspected at Dominion Outdoors in Fishersville to determine if it was safe to shoot and the gunsmith told me it was in great shape for it's age. I hope to use it on safari in Africa one day and to pass it on to my son.

A good place to go for info on BSA sporters is Gunboards - their Enfield section has some very knowledgable collectors.

BSA made sporter Lees from around the time of the second Boer War up through the start of WWII (with a break for WWI, of course). All kinds of variations, since they could be had as factory customs.

I collect military Lees but the sporter guns are some beautiful pieces.