Got a new snubbie!

[86er]

It is often funny how things come full circle! Three years ago my good friend Ray died from cancer at a young age. Ray was a unique individual as he was confined to a wheelchair most of his life from leg paralysis. In spite of that he was the luckiest and unluckiest guy you've ever heard of! He survived being struck by lightning, getting shot with two bullets, bit by a rattlesnake, bit by a recluce spider, hit by a car while he was in his wheelchair and rolled his Jeep over! Once he took a job running a tractor in a crop field. He was trying to pick something up that fell on the cab floor when he fell out of the door. He couldn't pull himself up with limp legs hindering him and he was stuck out in over 105 degree sun in a bare field for over 5 hours until someone found him unconcious. He had broken his leg in the fall but didn't know it because he couldn't feel it anyway! Cancer finally got him. He enjoyed shooting sports and shot competitively in shotgun events. He had a CCW and always had two or more handguns on him. One gun in particular is a S&W Model 442 (38 Spl) pre internal lock model. He had the revolver engraved by Charles Lee (ex-Purdey) with Purdey rose and scroll and his signature Rockin-R symbol. Charles Lee is a mentor of mine when I was apprenticing to be a gunmaker, and the Rockin-R fits fine with the R in my last name. Ray's sister is the executor of his estate, and she would never part with any of his stuff all these years. Even though the keeper of the guns was Ray's best friend and Ray had designated the handguns to go to me his sister wouldn't let them go. Finally today she agreed to sell this one to me. I paid more than a new one is worth, but the sentimental value for me is high and the engraving has value too. It did come with Crimson Trace laser grips that I do not want (they are for sale in the classified section). I was told I was getting this gun 3 years ago and the keeper of the guns spoke with Ray's sister a few times a year about letting me take them. Well, it cost me some money but this revolver is finally with me where everyone of Rays friends said it belongs! Good timing as I just started seriously looking to purchase one. I'll post pictures as soon as I can!

[1894c]

a great gun from a dear friend--doesn't get any better than that. I'm glad Ray's sister allowed you to purchase the 442--money is only money--good memories are priceless (nuts...I sound like a sticken' greeting card, better re-read the warning on my man-card)...thanks for the post and the back-ground of your friend...made my day... :)

[JerryB]

Glad for you Joe!!!!!

[shooter]

Congrats! Guns that have a lot of sentimental value are priceless. I'm sure it's worth whatever you paid for it.

[madman4570]

Sounds like you got a great piece that every time you look at it you will have fond memories.
Maybe that sister knowing you actually paid more for that gun than what it's worth(to the normal guy)might realize just how much you cared for Ray. Who knows, maybe she will think about that and honor Ray's wishes with the other handguns he had.

[Blaine]

I know you'll treasure it.

[Rusty]

Congratulations Joe, carry it in good health. I pray you never need it.

[Ben_Rumson]

WICKED COOL

[Pitchy]

Congratulations

[O.S.O.K.]

Congrats! Good thing you're not supersticious... Wow, Ray sure had the luck!

And were's the pics????

[kimwcook]

I know you'll treasure it.

Without a doubt. A treasure.

[LeverBob]

Come-on 86r...give up the pics Pard.

LB

[bdhold]

we'll wait for photos with bated breath.

[2571]

Worked with another cop forever. 10 years of age difference between us; different races. We'd meet cops who knew us as a team thru reputation but would call us by the other guy's name.

He retired & moved to Costa Rica. Visited him @ Cristmas x2.

He got killed in a hold-up there. Left me his service revolver & his off-duty gun in his will.

Think I'd sell 'em all before I parted with either of those two pistols.

[Streetstar]

Congratulations Joe, carry it in good health. I pray you never need it.

x2

[pokey]

Congratulations Joe, carry it in good health. I pray you never need it.

x2

and another.

[1894c]

Worked with another cop forever. 10 years of age difference between us; different races. We'd meet cops who knew us as a team thru reputation but would call us by the other guy's name.

He retired & moved to Costa Rica. Visited him @ Christmas x2.

He got killed in a hold-up there. Left me his service revolver & his off-duty gun in his will.

Think I'd sell 'em all before I parted with either of those two pistols.

Sorry for your loss--nothing closer than an LE partner...I know that wives and family are close too, but when you defend that that thin blue line with another who has your back...well...

[olyinaz]

That's great news that you now have your dear friend's pistol. Nothing better than a gun with memories attached! I can't wait to see some pix!!

Oly

[2ndovc]

Way cool Joe!

jb

[Twodot]

Smith 442's are nice.
Everyone should have at least one.
..

[PackinPreacher]

Congratulations, sir. I just added an S&W 642 (no lock) to my collection. It has no story or sentimental value like yours but I'm thrilled with it nonetheless.

[Ysabel Kid]

Can't think of a nicer way to honor your friend than to care for one of his prize guns, make sure it gets use and shoot it as he would have wanted it shot.