Last year I posted two lists of My Favorite Things (Part 1 and Part 2), and while I’m not going to redo the blessed things — as I said I wouldn’t — there are a couple of substitutions on the list, mainly because the items are no longer available or I’ve found something I prefer. Here’s an example:
which has been replaced by the CZ 600. But upon reflection, I think I’d rather go with this one:
Anschutz 1761 DHB Classic — $2,985
Yeah, it’s kinda spendy for a .22 — but it also comes in .223 Rem, for those extra-special varminting excursions — and the quality thereof is matchless. Remember, this list is all about beauty and quality.
Interestingly, as I peruse both lists, I find that all the items are as alluring as they were a year ago. But as I suspected may happen, I’ve found an alternative for a couple:
I know I said they were scarce, but sheesh. “Unobtanium” about covers it. But here’s one that is available, albeit at a Silly Money price:
1964 Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider — $104,000
And while the exterior is lovely, it’s the interior that gets me all a-twitter:
None of that stuffy wood nonsense here: if that doesn’t scream “FUN!!!” at the top of its lungs to you, you’re deaf and we can’t be friends. And as with most cars sold at E&RClassics, this one has been completely resto-modded and restored to what it should have been back in the day, but wasn’t. A hundred grand is spendy, mind, but let’s not compare it to today’s “exotic” sports cars, shall we? And as an added bonus, there is not a single computer chip or electronic transmission device anywhere to be found, which means your Spider won’t be a Spyder, either. (I know, I know: I should be ashamed of myself.)
One more, for fun:
Now I have nothing against the 686, no sir not me. But I think I prefer this one over it:
S&W Mod 48 .22 Win Mag — $1,100
Blued steel, long barrel, chambered for my favorite rimfire cartridge… sorry, I need to get something to wipe the drool off my keyboard. Second-hand, they run about $700-$800, depending on condition.
Those are pretty much all the changes I’ve run across, so far.
Feel free to browse the links and make some suggestions of your own.
My favorite rifle is the Ruger 10 / 22 stainless carbine. One of the most affordable rifles to purchase and use. Very reliable. And a company that will actually treat you well and fix issues if you have problems or any kind. (Good luck with warranty on a Smith & Wesson product.) Ruger actually fixed or replaces problems guns in a timely manner.
Vehicle – Toyota, Subaru or Honda. Preference towards Toyota. Currently have a RAV4. Great vehicle. If I could have any vehicle from Toyota I’d really want a 2010 to 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser or an old school Toyota Pickup truck. “Modern classics” (cars from about 1990 to 2015) are great vehicles but some of the most popular models are getting harder to find in good condition and sellers want lots of money for them. After Toyota my second favorite would be the Subaru Outback and third would be the Honda Ridgeline.
My Favorite revolver is the Ruger GP100 4 inch stainless 357, original model with the full underlug under the barrel. While the match champions are nice and I would never say no to one, I like the plain original model with the full underlug under the barrel.
(Though I want to add a 10MM GP100 Match Champion to my collection at some point, but they are like 1,000 dollars plus tax.) 357 does it for now.
Runner up to the GP100 357 – I agree with Kim about the 22 WMR. Great round. I really like the Ruger Single Six 4.62 in blued convertible revolver (22 LR & 22 WMR). My second favorite revolver.
Number three favorite revolver for me is the Ruger LCR. Basic. Polymer lower. Recoil is stout on the 38 and 9MM models. They are lightweight work well.
I’ve kind of wanted a 4 inch Colt Python however the prices are fucking insane! 1,500 ? Though Rugers are now around 900 to 1100 (or more for some specialized items like the Alaskan). Speaking of which, back around 2019 a dealer near me had a used mint condition Ruger Alaskan for 850 bucks. I should have taken cash money down that second and picked it up. Now they are 1,400 or 1,500 MSRP new and used ones go for 1,000 or more and they are NOT rare but they are harder to find. Alaskan is a cool gun. Full size super redhawk frame with a 2.5 inch barrel. Ruger also has it in 454 Casull caliber that can also shoot 45 Colt as well.
And for us working class stiffs who shop at w Wally World, my favorite generic brands are there. Great Value, and others that they have. While I hate Walmarts bullshit woke policies the one local to me still has plastic bags (unlike the grocery stores who are either bring your own or pay for a paper bag). So between the free plastic bags and the less expensive generic brands, Walmart is my go to for the majority of shopping though I do venture into the grocery stores for some things. (Walmarts pre packaged chicken salad is fucking terrible and no human should ever be subjected to that dreadful shit). I like the grocery store in store made rotisserie chicken salad. 10 bucks a pound but it is real chicken and good Mayo mixed up together. (Seriously though fuck the woke assholes who decided to get rid of the free plastic bags).
Nothing screams nostalgia like a metal dashboard, eh?
Not keen on the red interior though, would prefer black or maybe even a tan-camel.
As far as those 2 wheel guns go, they are in 2 categories so I want 1 of each. No, make that 2 of each. 1 each in blue and 1 each in stainless. And throw in a Python, stainless with wood grips and 6″ barrel, I mean, if we’re dreamin’ and droolin’…
What about a Colt Anaconda as well?
2 of them.
1 new production 4 inch in 44 mag (comes in stainless only which is good with me)
1 classic production from the 90’s 4 inch in 45 Colt.
For a 22lr rifle, I like my wife’s Ruger 77/22. I have a No 1 Mk III* that was converted to a 22lr trainer that is really fun to shoot but isn’t quite as accurate.
Hard to beat a good revolver. The GP100 and the S&W 686 are a toss up for which one is better. I think the trigger might be a little better with the 686 but the GP100 won’t have any trouble breaking in and becoming good. As much as the 686 and GP100 are stout workhorses, I like my S&W model 66. It’s a little lighter and I usually shoot more .38 special +P loads out of it. I suppose if I had to pick one, I’d go with the 686 since it will handle the heavier loads.
The 22WMR is a great little cartridge. Unfortunately the prices are simply too high. I would have loved to have a kit gun in 22WMR but unfortunately it just wasn’t available. I picked up a S&W model 63 in .22lr. That does the trick rather well.
22 Hornet. A coworker of mine had a Savage rifle that was chambered in 22 Hornet. Ammo for that is harder to fine. We got some ammo from Hornady (GREAT company by the way. I can’t afford to buy all of my ammo from them, but they make DAMN good ammo and the owner is a great person and they have donated to 2nd amendment causes to protect rights).
The 22 Hornet chambered bolt action Savage Rifle I tried, the recoil was more than a 22 Mag (WMR) but nothing horrible at all. The sound was light lightning going off, almost like a crack noise. Awesome little round.
I stick with the 22 Mag only due to being able to find 22 mag, and I know when I get older, even though 22 Mag is the same cost or even a little more than 9MM is some cases, as I get older I will be able to handle the recoil.
Which reminds me… I need to pick up a rifle as some point in 22 Mag, maybe a nice Ruger Bolt action American rifle. Those are nice inexpensive rifles. Would be a nice compliment to the Single Six Convertible.
Damn JQ, you are making me want to spend money on an expensive hobby!
I can’t do a red interior. It hurts my eyes.
*
I prefer stainless over blued on firearms. It is easier to clean. My S&W 65-2 is my current favorite pistol. I have my grandfather’s bolt action Ted Williams 22LR that was made by Winchester. I had the barrel drilled and a new 22LR sleeve installed back in the 90’s. I also have a stainless 10-22. The bolt action is the goto 22LR.
I didn’t want to be the first to burst Kim’s bubble, but the red interior in any vehicle, it just looks like something you would see in a movie from the 60’s or 70’s that has a vehicle where a cartoonish pimp character like Albert Popwell is driving it.
And the problem with that is…?
Cue the music
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=R83ZHnJ5QwE&pp=ygUTV3dmIGdvZGZhdGhlciB0aGVtZQ%3D%3D
Black with Red Interior was a very popular option on XK-120 roadsters, especially in Hollywood.
something that keeps nagging me:
these ridiculous prices are the result burnt-out bearings
the ones found in the presses that print the U.S. dollar
I have an Anschutz 1717 rimfire in .17 HMR. The craftsmanship is superb in all regards, the action and trigger are smooth as silk and on a still day it’ll easily make one hole groups at 100m.
I highly recommend Anschutz rifles.