Talk Among The Guys

Starting Fast

The new magazine gave them plenty to talk about. The April issue saw a feature on celebrities called “My Favorite Gun.” The first column was on Adlai Stevenson, Democratic presidential candidate in the 1954 election. His gun of choice was an Ithaca 37 shotgun. Pat said, “Did you see the story on handgun hunting? It was by Al Goerg — do you pronounce it “Gorg” or “George”? With spring coming on and the gophers out, the farm gun rack now held their new/used .22 rifles — Mike’s Remington 550, Pat’s Winchester 74, both semiautos, and Artie’s bolt-action Winchester 69. “Artie just has to be different,” Mike said and Pat nodded agreement.

The May issue really got them going. It had a story on testing for a new military rifle, featuring the T-48 (the FN-FAL) and T-44 (the M14). Pat and Mike were aghast. Replace the M1 Garand that had served so well in WWII and in Korea? “They’ll regret this madness, mark my words,” Pat said as Mike nodded agreement.

The June issue featured a spirited defense of the Colt Single Action by Mel Torme, popular singer, entertainer and noted collector of Colt revolvers. TV westerns had revived interest in classic single actions. In July, Colt announced they would reintroduce their single action. The July issue also had a story on Winchester’s new rifle, the lever action model 88. Suggested retail was $123.95, $3 more than the model 70. July also saw the opening of Disneyland, not that either Pat or Mike cared, but it did give them powerful leverage over their kids.

When Mike gave Pat the October issue, he commented, “I sure like this guy Francis Sell. He writes from personal experience. Be sure to read his story on hunting waterfowl with a 20-gauge. Lucky has a used model 12 20-gauge at his store I might buy.”

The December issue told the story of Frank Hamer, famous lawman of the southwest, who passed away in July of 1955. It was one of several police-
oriented stories they had passed on to their father, Pat Sr., a peace officer for over 25 years.

December, 1955. Mike was at Pat’s house in town helping set up the new console with 23″ TV and record player. Over coffee Pat commented, “By the way, I got a hint from my kids they’re getting me a GUNS Magazine subscription, so your kids won’t have to. You can borrow the magazines after I’ve read them.”

“I think this could be the beginning of a beautiful Christmas tradition.”

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