What is the "Holy Grail" of your handgun collection?

[oghl888]

No such thing. Each has its deficiencies and compromises.

[Buddhabelly]

I shoot and train with my collection. I am not a collector in the sense that I let them sit in the safe and look pretty. I don't have a problem with people doing that, I've just never been able to do it. I end up selling off the fancy stuff to fund more daily shooters. I suppose I would consider a really high-end 1911 from Ed Brown, Wilson Combat or Nighthawk my holygrail. Something you would still shoot and train with but costs so much you should keep it in the safe. I just can't justify the expense since I am happy with what I have.

I own and shoot my NHC GRP and Colt Python 6". Really reminding me of the joy of owning fine pieces of machinary.

The snake collection -2 that I have is my inhouse holy grail. Finding the other 2 remaining revolvers to complete the set would be my ongoing grail.

[Bullwinkle]

The Holy Grail handgun for me ever since they were first introduced is a Guncrafter Industries Model 1 .50GI w/matching .45ACP conversion unit. [Actually, I'd prefer the Model 3 now.] Only about $3500 short with no "disposable" income on the horizon for several years (decades?) to come. Horrible predicament. But it would only be a safe queen anyway (the queen of queens).

Some other nice ones were already mentioned... 6" (not 4") Royal Blue Colt Python, Dirty Harry SW29, Luger Navy model (6"), and Broomhandle Mauser. All great choices, and I'd want them all in pristine, wildly embellished, presentation-quality condition, of course. Oh, and swap my Walther P-1 for a vintage P-38, too, while we're at it.

Or... how about... Colt SAA or 1911 serial #1?

[tonelar]

In my collection, almost everything gets shot... Years ago, I'd have said my W German P220 American.
However, the gun(s) I have invested the most amount of time into acquiring AND getting dialed in to just the way I want them to be are my Navy Arms (.44 Russians mod'd to look like S&W .44Americans). I shoot them in CAS matches whenever I have the ammo and opportunity.

[robcoe]

Of my collection, my colt 1903 type 1.

[GM4spd]

My blue 1941 Military Colt 45ACP--all original. Pete

[tacticalcity]

I own and shoot my NHC GRP and Colt Python 6". Really reminding me of the joy of owning fine pieces of machinary.

The snake collection -2 that I have is my inhouse holy grail. Finding the other 2 remaining revolvers to complete the set would be my ongoing grail.

When I read the question I was thinking more of a one of a kind mint condition collectors item from WWI or WWII that would be an absolute sin to shoot. Something that could never be replaced. Maybe your own grandfather's 1911 that he carried during the war then only took it out to clean it once a month. Something like that would be my true holigrail. History, sentimental value, and dollar value all rolled into one item. Sadly, I don't have anything like that in my collection. But I do have some guns I cherish for sentimental reasons.

I have a couple shotguns my grand father left me. I treat them like collectors items. I clean them regularly and only shot them once since inheriting them. They don't have a great deal of dollar or historical value, but they are priceless because of their sentimental value.

I'll feel that way about my father's Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum when i eventually inherit it. Not because it is in perfect condition, or because of its dollar value, but because it is my father's favorite gun. The fact that I am not a revolver guy won't matter. Because it will be more about my Dad than the gun itself. That one I'll shoot...but not abuse.

[OCM]

Colt Boa NIB. Complete "Snake" collection.

[tonelar]

Wait, is this thread about a gun we are always on the hunt for? Or about what we've found?

[desertmedic]

HK P7M13... Ive always thought that was the coolest pistol. Im working on my Kimber Ultra Covert II.

[Moto4Fun]

My grail is always changing. It was a p226 Combat at one point (which isn't particularly hard to get). So I am in my 10 day wait for a 220 combat which I now prefer! But what I want is an Elite Dark or Tac Ops p226. Again, roster makes it harder, but its more about the money.

A true "grail" would imply difficulty in finding it. I think all of the guns I really want or care for are readily available.

[sigfan91]

Wait, is this thread about a gun we are always on the hunt for? Or about what we've found?

The title sounds like something we have already in our collection.

Then OP's 1st sentence made it sound like something we want.

So...open season?

[Lexicon Devil]

Wait, is this thread about a gun we are always on the hunt for? Or about what we've found?

It could be one or both.

[brianm767]

My 1964 Colt 6" Blue Python that my father carried on the CHP for most of his career, I need to reinstall the original grips, the Houges just aren't right.

[StrikeIndustries]

And the pack of gum.