This time of year, thoughts can turn nostalgic for those of us that celebrate Christmas or had a birthday the last month of the year. Also, as an older American, perhaps I wax more nostalgically because I have such great memories that span more than six decades. Of course, as an airgunner for a long time, many memories center around that interest/passion.
The initial spark came for me as it did for many others with the Christmas gift of an air rifle when I was twelve years old. I don’t remember being a obsessive and insistent as Ralphie from “A Christmas Story”, however, I do remember pestering my folks and making my case that I could handle the heavy responsibility of gun ownership (and not shoot my eye out!). Believe it or not, I still have that original Daisy Model 1894 “Spittin’ Image lever-action BB rifle in my possession.
A lot of airguns of all different ilk have passed through my hands in the ensuing years. I was fortunate enough to be able to add a number of them to my rather eclectic collection, including an old, nickel-plated Daisy Targeteer model. A spring-powered push-cocker pistol in .118 caliber (lead shot size #6) made at the Plymouth, Michigan plant between 1937 and 1952. The .118 caliber shot produced by Daisy was actually copper-plated steel shot and, of course, is no longer available. In 1957 Daisy updated the model to a BB (.177) caliber having walnut-looking plastic stocks with a thumb shelf. That model was produced until 1978. I have yet to shoot this Targeteer even though it is in remarkable shape with the exception of missing the rear sight. One of these days I will buy a box of shotgun shells containing #6 shot and cut one open for the ammo and give it a try. In the meantime, I am happy enough to have it as a wall hanger.
Another Daisy I acquired sometime in the late ‘60s was the CO2 200 model. My first CO2 powered acquisition, it was a sleek, semi-auto “James Bond” looking number modeled after the Colt Woodsman. James Bond movies were incredibly popular during this time and with this model you could fancy yourself an international spy while shooting it. Made between 1963 and 1976, I remember it being quite a shooter, although it hasn’t been charged up in years, so most likely will need some TLC to bring it back to shooting shape. Someday…
Next up is the “Hahn .45”, a garage sale purchase that I snapped up for a song and it was even in a leather holster! An 18-shot single-action CO2 BB firing copy of the famous Peacemaker made by P.Y. Hahn and then Crosman as the Crosman 45, from 1958 to 1970. It was quite the coup. It closely resembled the Peacemaker in weight and came equipped with cool looking replica staghorn plastic grips. Although I’ve never attempted to fire it, someday I will – “when I have time” – to get into it and replace the seals I’m sure it needs. Ahh, the wishful thinking of an amateur airgunsmith.
One last antique BB gun item to share is the Crosman Model 338 Auto in my collection. In the “Golden Age” I grew up in there were plenty of great war movies and Westerns on the big screen. Those movies showed me the Colt Peacemaker and Walther P38, both of which I found fascinating. So, those were must haves to add to my collection “someday.” As luck would have it, I came across this CO2 pistol in another garage sale and it became mine after giving some paltry sum that I can’t even recall at this point. A close copy of the famed Walther, only the winged piercing screw protruding out of the bottom of the grip gives it away as an air pistol. Again, it went into the collection without an attempt to fire it as, even though it appeared to be in very good shape, I was fairly certain it would need a reseal job. Alas, one more project gun to get to “when I find the time.”
So, the upshot of this trip down Memory Lane is to trigger (pun intended) some memories in you, dear reader, to recall warm thoughts of a favorite airgun from years past. Keep in mind our friends at Airguns of Arizona also have a webpage of pre-owned airguns for sale where occasionally a vintage item may show up so be sure to check there often if you are looking for that special airgun that will give you great memories down the road. Warm Wishes to all of you during the holidays and All the Best in the coming year!
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