Unless you’re incredibly wealthy (like TheCollectorofFirepower guy on YouTube with a million dollar gun collection), I’ll bet you still have your eye on a gun or two that you yearn for. I am not talking about another simple production pistol. I am talking about a “bucket list” of guns you’d like to acquire someday.
I have one. It’s mostly made up of guns that are so far out of my price range I can only dream about them. I’m at a point in my life where I’ve done pretty much everything that I ever dreamed of doing. So, my bucket list is made up of items I’d like to acquire so I can pass them along to other family members to enjoy when I’m gone. Some of them would rather have automobiles or maybe Rolexes. However, since I’m immersed in the gun business, it’s only natural for me to dream about guns that are way cool and just out of reach of my current resources.
I’m putting them in categories so you can visit the categories as they may or may not be important to you, and let’s compare. You may have some great guns in mind I haven’t thought of. Likewise, I might turn you on to something really cool that you haven’t thought of. Here we go, starting out with what I call cowboy guns.
Cowboy Guns
Colt Single Action Army
I have some Italian-made clones that are really cool, but it sure would be nice to have the real thing. Third Generation models can be found for $2,500 to $3,000. Originals are $25,000 and up. The Colt Single Action Army (also known as the SAA, Model P, Peacemaker, or M1873) was adopted as the standard-issued pistol of the U.S. Army from 1873 until 1892. The Colt SAA has been offered in over 30 calibers and various barrel lengths. Its overall appearance has remained consistent since 1873. Colt cancelled its production twice but brought it back due to popular demand.
Cimarron Model 3 Schofield Revolver
The top-break revolver became desirable because it was easier to load while on horseback than the SSA. Major George Schofield originated the .45 caliber cartridge that was shorter than the Colt cartridge, making it easier to load while on horseback. The Cimarron replicas that I’ve seen aren’t in .45 Schofield, but you can load Schofield cartridges into pistols chambered for .45 Colt. I see Cimarron Model 3s chambered in .45 Colt and .44-40. I’ll keep my eyes open for one that’s just right historically.
Cimarron 1875 Outlaw Revolver
All the cowboys didn’t carry Colts. This particular “Outlaw” model is a clone of a Remington model that Frank James carried. Watch carefully when viewing old cowboy movies, and you’ll see a number of these in use on both sides of the law.
Marlin 1895 GBL .45-70 Government Lever-Action Rifle
You’ve seen both old and new versions of this rifle. The new Marlin company has introduced one recently. The Marlin 1895 Guide Gun Lever-Action Rifle incorporates a big loop lever and .45-70 Government chambering, making it a capable and quick-handling brush gun. The rifle has adjustable sights, a hammer block safety, and weather-resistant, brown, laminate wood stock. The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope bases. The threaded barrel, with factory-installed thread protector will accommodate a muzzle brake or other barrel accessories. You may recognize it as the rifle dinosaur tamer Chris Pratt carried in the movie Jurassic World.
Cimarron Slotter & Co. Sharps .45-70 Rifle
There were several rifles taming the West besides those made by Winchester. The Sharps rifle was a large caliber, single-shot rifle designed by Christian Sharps and in production from 1848–1881. This example made by Pedersoli is a beautiful example. Folks that collect old tractors or some such would understand why I would want one of these. If you’re just a shooter, it probably wouldn’t make much sense to you.
Pedersoli’s example represents a falling block, single-shot rifle in .45-70 Government caliber. It has a 30-inch octagonal to round barrel. Double set triggers are set within a color case-hardened receiver. The high grade maple stock is set off with a color case-hardened pistol grip cap and butt plate. The barrel is blued and there is a brass engraving plate on the receiver. The gun is 47 inches long overall and weighs 11.4 pounds.
Chiappa 1860 Spencer Carbine
Here I am with another Old West example. The Spencer rifle gained fame after being adopted by the Union Army during the American Civil War. A manually operated lever-action fed from a tube magazine in the buttstock, the Spencer rifle was a vast improvement over the muzzle loading rifles being used during the war.
Chiappa Firearms reproduction is manufactured from precision CNC parts precisely joined to beautiful, hand-oiled walnut stocks. Color case finish receivers are joined to precision rifle barrels with a blued finish. This is the one it was said about during the Civil War, “They can load that thing on Sunday and keep on shooting throughout the week.
Modern Handguns
When looking at the first three in this list you might get the impression that I’m a Colt fan. Actually, I’m more intrigued by the history of these guns than I am the workmanship, but both are impressive and will leave a legacy to be passed down.
Colt Python, .357 Magnum, 4.25” Barrel, Stainless Steel
Colt is famous for revolvers named after snakes. I don’t need them all, and I’m not particularly enamored with the idea of shooting .44 Magnums, but I would like a couple of .357 Magnum snake guns. The first is a Python with a 4.25-inch barrel.
This legendary double-action revolver features modern stainless steel alloys and a redesigned rear target sight. A recessed target crown, user-interchangeable front sight, and walnut grip with the iconic Colt medallion make this a gun to both shoot and show off. The Python is chambered in .357 Magnum and accommodates 38 Special cartridges.
Colt King Cobra .357 Mag Revolver 3-inch Barrel
Hogue Grips, Brass Bead Front Sight, Stainless Steel… The King is back! Colt’s King Cobra is reincarnated as the 6-shot .357 Magnum big brother of the Colt Cobra double-action revolver.
Sporting a heavy-duty frame, 3-inch barrel, and brushed stainless steel construction, the King Cobra secures a new place in the legendary heritage that makes Colt double-action revolvers some of the hottest collectible firearms today. And at an affordable collector gun price, this is one that might actually make my bucket list collection, while I’m still able to enjoy it.
Colt Competition
To round out my wish list for old Colts, I’d like a Colt Competition .45 ACP with a 5-inch barrel. This one is a .45 ACP semi auto that holds eight rounds, has G10 grips and a blued finish. The Colt Competition 1911 Series 70 Government Model features the legendary Series 70 firing system that was used in all Government models prior to WWII. Additionally, this model features a Novak-style rear sight with a fiber-optic front sight along with a skeletonized trigger. The G10 grips are blue, and the steel slide and frame featuring a blued finish.
CZ Shadow 2 Orange Semi-Auto Pistol
The CZ Shadow 2 Orange is chambered in 9mm Luger, and features a 4.89-inch barrel, 17-round capacity, aluminum orange grips, and a black finish. I’ve just gotta have a CZ, and this one has attracted me for a while.
CZ pistols are used by twice as many top-level competitors versus any other manufacturer. And, with that popularity, enter the CZ Shadow 2 with a higher beavertail and undercut trigger guard. The majority of the reciprocating mass is centered on the bore. The increased weight at the dust cover/rail helps to keep muzzle rise down. The steel frame and slide with its Nitron finish really helps to set off and define the bright orange aluminum grips.
Shadow Systems DR920
I’ve admired these custom guns for a while. Last year, I got to shoot one at a writer’s conference. Now, I understand why they are in such demand. The DR920 Elite is designed and engineered with performance and reliability under extreme conditions in mind. Ergonomics such as the aggressive texture on the frame, the undercut trigger guard, extended beaver tail, and recoil control ledge work together to increase control of the pistol and mitigate recoil.
A Picatinny accessory rail allows the mounting of lights or lasers. The DR920 Elite uses a passive 3-safety system to prevent unintentional firing of the pistol. Serrations on the front, rear and top side of the slide provide excellent gripping surfaces when racking the slide, doing a chamber check or clearing a malfunction. The slide is machined from 17-4 stainless steel which has superior corrosion resistance and durability. There are also weight-optimizing window cuts in the slide. The match-grade barrel has traditional rifling with a 1:10 twist to ensure the best results with a wide range of ammunition. The tritium front sight and serrated rear sight are made of steel for exceptional durability.
Wilson Combat EDC X9L 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol
Wilson Combat builds each gun by hand. It has quite a few models from which to choose. This is my best guess about which one I’d prefer. Wilson Combat redefined the defensive handgun with the EDC X9, a modern hybrid which consists of Wilson’s EDC 9 1911 slide assembly mated with its all new high-capacity X-frame.
The X-frame is machined at Wilson Combat from T6-7075 aluminum and accepts a high-capacity magazine with a grip that is smaller in circumference than a standard 1911 while retaining traditional 1911 controls. The EDC X9 15-round, double-column magazine was developed jointly with Mec-Gar — an industry leader in double-column magazine design.
The EDC X9 front and back strap are machined with the Wilson Combat X-Tac tread pattern that provides a tactile, but nonabrasive, grip in all shooting conditions. The EDC X9 will fit the majority of holsters on the market designed for 4-inch or 4.25-inch 1911 pistols and is offered with or without an accessory rail.
Rifles
Since I already have rifles to handle the main shooting tasks that might come along in my world, I’m dedicating this section of my bucket list to rifles that will dazzle youngsters growing up in this world of global combat and video games designed around those activities.
Ohio Ordnance Works Inc. 1918 Browning Automatic Rifle BAR
The Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) model 1918 is one of the most iconic firearms in history. Developed by the legendary John M. Browning, the rifle was designed to meet a military requirement in WWI and i from its inception exceeded all expectations. The rifle was then shipped overseas where it became an instant hit with grounds troops as an easy-to-use, fast, and hard-hitting platform. The BAR’s overwhelming effectiveness and unmistaken look easily spread fear on all enemy fronts.
The Ohio Ordnance Works 1918A3, World War II, semi-auto version is a one-of-a-kind production and is manufactured with some original WWI and WWII parts. The receiver is constructed of high-quality 8629 steel casting and has been carburized and induction heat treated for long life and hard use — as you would expect from a BAR. The castings are built from modern state-of-the-art CNC machining and every rifle is fully assembled, test-fired, and re-inspected under direct supervision from the Ohio Ordnance Works master armorer.
Springfield Armory M1A Standard Issue Rifle
Descended from the M14 rifle, the M1A is a civilian-legal, semi-auto version of that revered U.S. Military rifle that dominates the competition fields and the heart of America. From 1959 to 1970, the M14 served with distinction as the standard issue rifle of the United States military after the revered M1 Garand.
When Springfield Armory made the civilian-legal variant in 1974, shooters across the land rejoiced. The windage and elevation-adjustable rear sight makes zeroing the rifle a pleasure, while the two-stage military trigger, detachable box magazine, op-rod, and roller cam bolt provide functional ease of operation and faithful reliability. Well-suited for a day at the range, competition or hanging on your wall in front of an American flag, the Standard M1A is for the patriot looking to fill a special place in their collection.
Shotguns
Browning Citori White Lightning O/U Shotgun
The Citori is truly an exceptional shotgun. It represents the height of shotgun technology and engineering. This Browning Citori White Lightning is one of the best multi-purpose, over/under double-barrel shotguns. It was built from the ground up to be a reliable, durable, accurate, game slayer, and sporting shotgun.
The “in the white” silver receiver features beautiful engravings protected by a corrosion resistant nitride finish. Sporting a 26-inch barrel it has a Lightning-style rounded pistol grip stock that allows for intuitive hand placement enhancing your accuracy with each and every shot. Matched to a rounded forend, the White Lightning offers superb performance for waterfowl or upland game and on skeet, trap or sporting clays fields.
CZ Sharp-Tail SXS Shotgun
I couldn’t end my bucket list without a 28 gauge shotgun. Since I already picked an over/under, this CZ Sharp-Tail side by side fits my 28 gauge slot quite well. It’s color case hardened with hard black chrome barrels. It’s a beautiful gun that will do well hunting birds or on the skeet range.
Well, there you have it. Only 15 guns left on the bucket list of this longtime shooter who already has a bunch of guns. The ones on this list are out of my price range unless some miracle happens, but it doesn’t hurt to dream.
What an inspiring and fun read, David!
I’m blessed with Grandpa’s model 69 Win .22, his .303 Savage 99 (plus a 4 pt rack taken in 1921 with it) his old High Standard .22 4”, an 18-something H&R .38 S&W carried as a mail guard on a train, Dad’s Rem 870 12ga, the .32 ACP he carried on Iwo Jima, mod 100 Win .308, Browning High Power, plus acquisitions since including a Dan Wesson 15-2 6” .357, 1921 Lafever SxS 12 ga purchased for $40, my .303 British deer rifle, my service Sig P226, a Chiappa double badger .22 mag over .410, and most recently a Rossi 92r carbine in .357…now to pick up some of the ones on your list! (Wish me luck!).
Washington State currently headed to make my AR’s and high cap pistols (all lost while out in International waters) illegal. (Wish me luck!).
James, I have the Wiley Clapp GP100 and it’s the gun I use to shoot my LTC Instructor proficiency test with every two years. I can fire the entire test double-action. Great gun. Never saw one in black. Bet it’s a beauty.
Paul, you can get an M1 through the Civilian Marksmanship Program pretty reasonably. Our local Cabela’s generally has Mosin Nagin rifles for less than $200. I recently picked up two Bond Derringers in.22. All the Bonds are priced affordably.
I’m content with the firearms I have but one on this list is one I’d love to have and will NEVER be able to afford is the BAR. Would serve absolutely no purpose except to be frickin’ awesome to have. How could you NOT like the BAR? A few that I may be able to pick up at some point (I better get on it before they’re no longer available)
#1: 6.5 Carcano… just because.
#2: 30-40 Krag… again, no real reason, just because.
#3: 8mm Mauser
#4: Pre ’64 Winchester 30-30 (have a 1981 that’s perfectly fine though)
#5: Springfield M1A… maybe.
1. I just recently saw a video of a .22LR SMG: American 180. WAY out of reach! To bad it is totally illegal to own. 🙁
2. The legal one that is out of my reach, but on my dream list, because I am blessed to be Correct-handed, is still the 16″ SIG MPX PCC. 99% ambidextrous, with right side discharge.
3. The one the “industry” absolutely refuses to make: A “mirror image” AL (Armalite Lefty) 15 (I mean we do live in the age of CAD and CNC technology, how hard can it be?), but I would settle for a 100% Ambidextrous switchable ejection side AR, maybe call it: AS-15 for Ambidextrous Switchable – 15. No matter how you look at it, the AR platform is so overdue for an ambidextrous Mil-spec upgrade, for both Correct-handed players, as well as modern tactical situations, and get rid of that ridiculous ping-pong paddle.
I’ve actually got most of mine:
1) Browning BPS
2) Cimmeron model 1 American
3) Chiappa Rhino .357
4) Beretta ARX100
5) Ruger GP100 Wiley Clapp in black, fully tuned.
I’d like to get a matching SP101 Wiley Clapp but they’re no longer produced and a devil to find.
Finally found a Winchester 1873, in great condition, in 44.40. In my bucket list for years. It’s my favorite lever action and if it could only talk. God Blessed TEXAS.
1. Colt King Cobra, either 3″ .357 or the 4″ .22.
2. Lefty .350 Legend AR.
3. Lefty Anschutz .22
4. Double rifle in either 7x57R, 8x57R or 9.3x74R.
5. OOW HCAR
And HankB, LKCI is supposed to be importing a Navy Luger copy, check out the website.
Does anyone make new 1903 Springfield bolt action ?
Top 5 bucket list
1) M1 Garand
2) Lee Enfield Jungle Carbine
3) Mosin Nagan
4) Sako Hunting rifle
5) Bond Arms Derringer
Rather than “bucket list” guns I call mine “grail guns” . . . I have about as much chance of getting one of them as someone else has of finding the Holy Grail.
#1 is an HKMP5SD, an integrally suppressed SMG. Living in Texas there’s a possibility of legally owning one, but pre-86 transferable examples are rare, and cost as much as a new car. A NICE new car.
#2 is a bespoke name brand double express rifle in 475 No. 2 Nitro Express. Not the most popular cartridge today, but I like it’s looks. Price? If you have to ask, you can’t afford it. I certainly can’t.
#3 is the 1911 my Dad carried in WWII. Made by Ithaca, the serial number is lost to history and there’s no telling if it even exists any more. I’ve seen Ithaca 1911s being sold and though expensive they’re in my price range – but the odds any of them were my Dad’s are remote.
#4 is a Navy Luger – I like the longer barrel, but it’s not as oversize as an “artillery” Luger.These come up for sale with some frequency, and yes, I COULD buy one. But I really don’t want to spend that much money for one in good condition just to fire it – at most – a couple of times and then put it in the back of my safe.
I enjoyed ready you’re Bucket List of Guns article. I too have such a list especially when it comes to Handguns. I love the 1911’s and Colt wheel pistols especially the snake revolvers.
My 5 bucket list guns are. #1dragonoff sniper rifle,#2 barret 50 cal with a m40 barrel swap,#3 Antiematereal rifle that shoots a105 round, #4 a 1902 lever action 8 shot cylinder rifle. And last but not leas mp40