My dad died; here are his pistols...

[Idaho45guy]

My biological father was an amazing marksman, renowned big-game hunter and fisherman, and a horrible father.

But, he was my father so I continued to have a relationship and help him with things as he got older.

He died last Saturday at 80 and tragically in a house fire that started at the head of his bed.

I am the sole heir and named executor of the estate. Police finally released his property today and I was able to access his safes and inventory his collection. He had been selling many firearms lately that he could no longer shoot due to two strokes, so only about 22 rifles left. I still have to clean and record the info on those.

My dad was on the USMC Pistol Team, but ironically, did not like pistols. I knew he had a couple of 1911s and a Colt Woodsman, but also discovered a Ruger Mark II Target with a 2x Burris scope...

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And this neat little S&W .22 revolver...

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And a S&W 29-3 Dirty Harry special...

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And a Kimber Pro Crimson Carry II...

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I know a little about the Ruger, a little about the 29, but nothing about the S&W .22. I assume the Kimber is a solid gun, but I know they had their issues in certain years. I plan on keeping all of the pistols as I can find a use for them.

The rifles and shotguns, however, are harder to justify keeping. Some are worth 5 figures. I will probably sell a few to help finance my new home.

[Lloyd Smale]

ive got the full size version of that kimber and its one of my all time favorite 1911s. its the gun that is hid next to my recliner in the living room.

[Nobade]

My dad had one of those 22/32 kit guns also, just like yours. That was the one he gave me pistol instruction with so many years ago. He insisted I learn to shoot a pistol one handed and I thought that was silly when it was so much easier to hold it steady with two hands. Lots of memories there.

[BK7saum]

Is that a model 18 s&w .22? i have one about like that, like new, that is a fun gun to shoot.

[dverna]

Sorry for your loss.

[NSB]

Sorry to hear about your loss. Sounds like you are a good son.

[contender1]

My condolences on your loss,, even if the relationship was strained.

Keep the guns you know some of the history on,, and as noted,, sell some to help finances.

But the guns shown,, the Ruger MKII is considered by many to be the pinnacle of the MK series .22's. The Burris scope, is a jewel as well.
The S&W M29-3,, is a classic, and desired by many. But they actually do shoot very well.
The S&W .22,, I don't have as much knowledge on those,, but older Smiths like that seem to really "fit" the hands & perform quite well on the range.
The Kimber,, it can be great or terrible. I have a few Kimbers,, and my first one had issues, was sent back, issues continued, and I finally had a custom gunsmith re-work my issues & it has become an excellent shooter. Then I have the Ultra Compact II, and out of the box it has been just fine.
Take it out,, shoot it with a few hundred rounds to see how it does.

[Rapier]

Sorry to hear you acquired a collection, the hard way, with the passing of your father.
In the event of a death, I recommend folks give themselves at least a year after they get all of the guns cleaned and oiled, to let them and the guns rest while they make up their mind what to keep and what to dispose of, so they do not make a mistake due to any self imposed pressure to sell or trade.

A very cheap look up on gun values is to join Gun Broker, then go to the completed auctions (home page, upper right corner, Advanced, compleated auctions). Do not use listed prices. Use the completed sales and with the most bids. This will give you pictures, descriptions and actual sales. Value=what someone is willing to pay.

[hc18flyer]

Very sorry for your loss. I understand relationship issues between Son's and their Fathers. Looks like he had really good taste in guns. I have a Ruger Mk 2 target, less the fancy grips and scope. Take some time to figure out what you want to save.
hc18flyer

[Thumbcocker]

Condolences. The Ruger Mark II target is just like the one i had for many years. Mine never had a scope but I had young eyes then. That gun taught me to shoot. It was accurate enough to squirrel hunt with. I wish I had never parted with it.

The Smith .22 appears to be a J frame frequently referred to as a "kit gun" from the days when "kit" meant your gear or stuff. Those little guns make old shooters and woods bums go misty eyed with nostalgia. They are little jewels that just beg to go along on outdoor activities. I have a stainless one that has taught many ladies and youngsters the basics of pistol shooting. They are accurate enough and not intimidating. Sometimes it is a challenge getting them out of the hands of the ladies. A kit gun with an ammo wallet of .22 long rifle is a recipe for a fun day in the woods. (With hearing protection).

The guns you have say a lot about their owner. It looks like you got the "never sell" guns that were kept even when physical limitations precluded shooting them. You are probably holding a lot of memories there.

[MrWolf]

Sorry to hear about your Father. I totally understand that situation. Seems you will get the pick of a few nice guns and his passing will help with you getting a new place. Not how you would have liked things to end, but he is helping you. Good luck.
Ron

[shdwlkr]

Sorry for your loss. My dad died years ago and I still miss him he was a wealth of knowledge. Mom followed dad just a few months later.

[rintinglen]

My condolences on the loss of your father. I understand all too well how a man can be a rotten father but otherwise a good man. My own sire was a jerk as a father.

That small 22 is either a model 34, or, if made prior to 1956, a "22/32 Kit Gun." They are wonderful trainers for children and women, heavy enough at 24 ounces to feel like a "real" gun, but light enough for some one who struggles with a gallon of milk to handle and shoot with ease. Most are superbly accurate from the bench. I now have a stainless model 63 which is one of my "never sell" guns.

I use mine as a woods-walker and have hunted ground squirrels with it. I'll be honest, save for a big bear, or a PCP-stoned tweeker, there is little that I fear if I am carrying mine.

[Green Frog]

My condolences in the loss of your father. I lost Dad several years ago after a couple of years of declining health and several months of severe decline. You be you, but I would advise taking it slow selling off his guns. They’re still a connection to who he was (for better or worse) and once they’re gone, you’re unlikely to get them back. OTOH, the market for good, high end guns seems strong right now, so selling them wisely makes sense.
Best wishes,
Green Frog

[Murphy]

My condolences to you and your family on the loss of your father.

Murphy

[Idaho45guy]

Thank you for the kind words and the insight on the pistols.

The rifles he had left ranged from a Ruger camp carbine in .44 mag to an Al Biesen built Model 70 that was a tribute to Jack O'Connor and used to take a Grand Slam.

He also has a Shotgun owned by Jack O'Connor. Those firearms are worth the most, but will be kept in the family and passed down.

The Model 70 built by Jim Zahm is just too beautiful to let go.

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Jim testified to the Warren Commission...

https://www.jfk-assassination.net/russ/testimony/zahm.htm

[Jal5]

He sure had a good eye for some great firearms. Unless you absolutely need the money now I would hold off for a while on selling any of them. You might come up with an alternative plan given a little time. Condolences on your loss.
Joe


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[MTtimberline]

That model 70 by Jim Zahm is a beautiful rifle.

[45workhorse]

Sorry for your loss!

[stubshaft]

My condolences on your loss.

[Kosh75287]

Condolences on your loss, Sir.

[elmacgyver0]

Sorry for your loss.

[Sig556r]

So sorry for your loss…

[Chill Wills]

Is your father Darrel? Or am I confused?

[Rich/WIS]

My condolences on your loss. Check the serial number on the 22, if a J prefix it is the Mod 34 and should be stamped under the yoke. An M18 will have a K prefix and a model number as well. Older guns did not have model numbers but the J or K prefix is the giveaway.

[Tall]

I would say any / all of those ought to be very reliable. My Kimber 1911 is as reliable as death and taxes. The Ruger 22 is likely the least valuable, a dealer would probably offer $300 for it. The dealer would then try to sell it for $500. The Smith Model 29 is probably most valuable. A dealer would offer you $1200 and then turn around and mark it for sale at $1650.

[No_1]

Sorry for your loss.

[WRideout]

Sorry to hear about your father. My father-in-law, rest his soul, was not much for empathy but was really oriented on duty. I suspect your dad was the same. My FIL also a Marine, WWII vet.

Really nice collection. Some are almost too nice to shoot.

Wayne

[Idaho45guy]

Is your father Darrel? Or am I confused?

Yes.

[MT Gianni]

Sorry for the loss of your father.
I can't tell from the picture if your S&W 22 is a J frame or a K frame. If you open the cylinder it should be stamped on the frame. Either the 34 4" or the 18 4" are wonderful shooters. S&W revolvers are at a high right now, though the advice if you think the price is high is to consider that you might just have bought early. Either of the models mentioned might be listed on an internet auction sight for $800-$1000. They had a practice of being built with tight chambers and ejection was difficult on some guns. The permanent fix was to ream the cylinder the temporary was to shoot it and brush often.
I think the Mark II may be the best of the Ruger autoloaders. If I were to sell the ruger, I would pull the scope and mounts and sell them separate. I was the only bidder on one with a red dot a few years ago. It had 5 mags and sold for $100 less than those with iron sights. New irons cost me $45 shipped. Be sure to plug the holes with plug screws.

[txbirdman]

The hammer and the grips look like those of a J-frame to me.

[Frank V]

I am sorry for your loss.

[FergusonTO35]

Sorry for the loss of your father. That S&W 22 looks like a J frame to me, and probably worth alot more than the more common K-22. I would really research it before putting a price on it. Of course, it's such a nice little gun that you may want to keep it. The new S&W equivalent is going to set you back close to a grand if you can even find one.

[slim1836]

Another one sending condolences your way, prayers to you and family members.

Slim

[Idaho45guy]

Sorry for the loss of your father. That S&W 22 looks like a J frame to me, and probably worth alot more than the more common K-22. I would really research it before putting a price on it. Of course, it's such a nice little gun that you may want to keep it. The new S&W equivalent is going to set you back close to a grand if you can even find one.

I'm definitely keeping it. I love the old Smiths but could never justify spending the money for one. Now I have two and can't wait to find time to shoot them.

[Thumbcocker]

I'm definitely keeping it. I love the old Smiths but could never justify spending the money for one. Now I have two and can't wait to find time to shoot them.

They are sweet little guns. Sometimes there is a learning curve because they can be muzzle light. Also,depending on your hand size., the grips can be skimpy. Mine wears pacmyers. Well worth the effort to get to know the little guy.

[FergusonTO35]

I'm definitely keeping it. I love the old Smiths but could never justify spending the money for one. Now I have two and can't wait to find time to shoot them.

Excellent choice!