My father has passed.
 

My father passed away on August 16th, 2016. At 8:00 A.M. He was getting dressed, collapsed and he was gone. He was seventy-two. No warning. He was scared of a long drawn out illness so this is what he wanted. He was a Vietnam veteran and served as a police officer for approximately twenty-four years (1970-1994). I got the call an hour after his death. I left work, we packed a few suitcases and took off. I live in western Idaho which is approximately a five hour drive from where my parents live in Eastern Idaho.

Right now very busy. Mom told me to take care of dad's gun collection and all of the various accoutrements. I spent five hours last night sorting things out and I'm still not done. I have picked out those pieces that I want; M1 carbine, M1 Garand, Winchester Model 1300 riot-gun, Mauser 98K rifle, U.S. M14 rifle - not a Springfield but a genuine M14 semi-auto only, Colt Combat Commander from 1973 with the all steel frame, S&W Model 65 - one of his service revolvers, S&W Model 4516, Beretta 92FS, S&W 686 - 4"barrel, and a S&W Model 4586 which he carried the last four years he worked as a state trooper and was presented to him when he retired. My son is going to get Dad's Colt Officers Model which he had Cylinder & Slide work on about twenty years ago and my daughter wants the Ruger 10-22. That's it. Just a plain old Ruger 22 carbine, but she associates that little plinker with grandpa I guess. So much stuff. Reloading equipment, ammo, stocks, leather gear, carrying cases, parts and pieces. Then there are all the photographs and hats and coffee cups. He even held onto the program from my high school graduation back in 1986 as well as every single school issued ID card I had from 7th grade to 12th grade. Every one. Memories are everywhere.

I'm really sorry to hear that. Stay strong.

Sorry to hear that Brother. You will be in Jackie's and I prayers. Glad he went quickly.

Sounds like you will have quite the gun collection to remember him by and so glad your daughter will have her plinking rifle.

I treasure my Granddaddy's dove gun.

My condolences, buddy.

We're all here for you.

Thanks guys.

That sucks. You have my condolences, dude.

Sorry to hear it. At least you have lots to remember him by.

Thank you Nyles. I'm home now and the guns are in my safe. It took some maneuvering, but they're now secure. All of them have been recorded and entered into my ledger. My father wasn't a big one for recordkeeping when it came to his firearms, but he paid for me to go to college. Not gifted in the math or science I choose history. One of the great liberal art fields and stresses reading and writing. Though not destined to have employment in a lucrative field I at least learned the importance of documentation. So all of dad's guns are now recorded. Though I wish the circumstances were different I am awash in firearms.

Sorry to hear of your father's passing. take care.

I'm sure you do. Love to see them when things are more settled for you.

Yes, please. We'd certainly appreciate that. I like to think of a Man's guns as his legacy to be appreciated.

Late here but also real sad to hear of your father's passing, JC. That's rough. Especially going over all that stuff and everything. But sounded like a good man and a good dad. And, yes, seems he went as he wished, I understand where he was coming from there.

Anyway, sounds like you've stayed firm though the whole ordeal which I admire. Definitely remember to cherish all the good times and memories. Among them those items of course. Best to you and your folks.

Condolences; your dad had pretty good taste btw

I'm sorry man.
I don't know what else to say as nothing would really sound right. :(

My father's S&W 4586 that was issued to him brand new in 1991 when Idaho State Police switched to semi-autos. It was presented to him as a retirement gift in 1994. It's now mine. See the holster wear? I've taken it to the range. It was never meant to be a safe queen. Within the next couple days I'll post photos of the other handguns.

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/...1/PC270002.jpg
http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/...1/PC270003.jpg

The special order Model 686 that Smith & Wesson made for Idaho State Police to commemorate that organizations 50th Anniversary (1939-1989). Came in a wood presentation box. Dad was very proud of this revolver. Never fired and it never will be. That's how he wanted it.

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/...psryuh9a2v.jpg

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/...psytgo75n5.jpg

Here is the Smith & Wesson Model 65 (357 Magnum) that dad actually carried from 1979 - 1991 (when ISP switched to the S&W Model 4586 auto pistol). It was a worker bee and I have already taken it to the range and fired it. It's meant to be used.

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/...pshauvo63t.jpg

Among the pieces that I have inherited on dad's passing is the Colt Combat Commander that he purchased in 1976 from a fellow state trooper. Manufactured in 1974 it started life as a blue steel model. In 1978 dad sent it off to Texas and had a hard chrome finish applied which still looks great after thirty-eight years. I started shooting in 1980 and this was one of the first handguns dad started me out on. I have very fond memories associated with this Commander, but nothing perfect. In the case I have never liked the nubby little grips safety tang and I'm a lefty. A few years ago I mentioned this to dad and he told me that one day his guns would be mine (both of us figured it would be many more years) and I would be able to do what I want. So I'm sending the Commander to a competent local gunshop , that I've dealt with before, to have an beavertail safety and an ambidextrous safety put on. I'm also considering changing the sights. I'll hold onto the original components, but I'm not worried about ruining the collectability since dad took care of that way back in the seventies with the hard chrome finish - which I have always liked. I'm just modifying it to suit me. It's a keeper and will eventually go to one of my kids and they can do with it what they want. Sorry about the photos. I had to use my wife's old Kodak.

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/...pslarpa9fg.jpg
http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/...psmwykiw9r.jpg

Colt Officer's Model ACP Series 80. This was easily one of dad's favorite handguns by far. He purchased it new in 1988. He put a lot of money into it and shot it so much that he actually went through a barrel in the mid-nineties (after he retired). However I never cared for it, but with dad's passing I just didn't feel right getting rid of it. It was my wife's idea to see if my son would want it. Marc was thrilled to get it. A compact, short barreled 45 Colt appeals to him and it was grandpa's gun which makes it even better. I took him to the range and he put a couple boxes through it. Loved it. Dad would be happy that Marcus appreciates it and I'm happy as well. Right now Marcus is away at Coast Guard basic training (Cape May, New Jersey) and then he has a four year enlistment. I'll hold onto it until he can either have it sent to him or when he gets out (he might end up in a anti-gun state). The important thing is it's staying in the family. However I cleaned it today. Next time Marc gets that chore. :rolleyes:

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/...psp4izmmrw.jpg

Beautiful pieces! I really like the Idaho logo on the 4586! The RCMP 3953s and 5946s have something similar on them, but they'll never be available to collectors. Glad your son will get and appreciate the Officer's Model, I'm sure that would please your dad. I actually don't think period customization is a deal-breaker on collectability - I once played with a Police Positive with a 1930s era King conversion vent rib barrel and I'd have bought it in a heartbeat!

I actually like some older pieces that have had skillful conversions done. I have no doubt that if dad was here he would tell me that the Commander is now mine and to do what I want to it. Dad had no trouble converting his guns. He sent that little Officers Model down to Kings to have work done on it.

I concur, wonderful pieces, I really like the commemorative 686, a work of art I think. The rest are good too, I very much like the 4586 and Model 65 with their bit of wear on 'em. True duty guns. Legit. Especially with that Idaho logo on the auto, neat stuff. I like you prefer the chroming on the Commander as well. Conversions depend sometimes, but I too generally have little issue with them. Anyway, good of you to share sir!