Linn Keller, SASS 27332, BOLD 103 1,048 Posted December 12, 2018 There's nothing to distinguish it. A slender barrel, ratty looking old model 10 Smith with Pachmayr grips and what used to be a nickle finish that now looks like it was chawed by chemical beavers or something. I'm going to shoot it today. As near as I can tell, it'll be the first time in better than a decade it's had fire in its belly. It belonged to my daughter. Nancy had blue eyes and apple cheeks, a ready laugh and when she went through the same police academy as I, she benefited from my experience. I knew they used absolutely the cheapest, filthiest practice ammunition for qualification: bullets were pure lead, probably cut from lead rope and slammed into a die, six rounds and the bore looked like it had silver icicles. When she shot qualification I fixed her up with half-jacket SWCs loaded to the same velocity. The rangemaster was used to seeing patterns, not groups; at fifteen feet, dinner plate spread was a good group ... he went down the row of holed silhouettes, "Not bad, not bad, not bad, hel-LO!" -- he looked at a tea saucer sized group and then looked at Nancy, and she turned a little red and said "My dad's Linn Keller," and the rangemaster gave an approving "Um-HUM!", replaced the stub of a smoldering stogie between his teeth, and went on down the line. Nancy slipped out of her dying body seven years ago today, pancreatic cancer, so today I'm taking her revolver out for some exercise. It's just a ratty old revolver, nothing to distinguish it, but I'll not willingly part with it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DocWard 3,168 Posted December 12, 2018 Enjoy your time with her. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Four-Eyed Buck,SASS #14795 347 Posted December 12, 2018 Bless you,Linn Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Perro Del Diablo 770 Posted December 12, 2018 That little revolver is special and 1 of a kind. I think it is priceless. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Smoky Pistols 478 Posted December 12, 2018 I'd shoot it too--if'n I didn't have this whatever it is in my eyes right now! Blessings, Linn. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LawMan Mark, SASS #57095L 725 Posted December 12, 2018 I have a couple of guns, and other items that were dear to lost friends and family. I visit with them every time I hold those cherished objects. Enjoy your time today. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michigan Slim 2,003 Posted December 12, 2018 A prayer for you and your Nancy brother. I shoot my dad's 94 Winchester on long range every month. I say "We did it Pa!" or "Sorry Pa" every month. I get it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Finagler 6853 Life 214 Posted December 12, 2018 My thoughts and prayers go out to you. A touching tribute. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Forty Rod SASS 3935 3,583 Posted December 12, 2018 She'll enjoy the trip with her Pa, even if she can't be there in person. Enjoy it for both of you. Ak her to say "hi" to my Shawna if she should come across her. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Father Kit Cool Gun Garth 5,071 Posted December 12, 2018 Linn: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pat Riot, SASS #13748 11,192 Posted December 12, 2018 My condolences, Linn. Enjoy your day in remembrance of Nancy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Badger Mountain Charlie SASS #43172 1,243 Posted December 12, 2018 Lynn, I hope that you enjoy your time with your daughter. I am certain she will be looking over your shoulder every shot and smiling. May God bless you both. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Utah Bob #35998 8,350 Posted December 12, 2018 Yeah. I know. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Subdeacon Joe 13,326 Posted December 12, 2018 Sad, but wonderful, tale. Thank you for sharing it with us. May her memory be eternal. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sixgun Sheridan 2,567 Posted December 12, 2018 Sorry for your loss, Linn. It's been nearly ten years since I lost my Old Man, and I still feel his presence when I heft the old M1 Garand he and I would go out shooting together. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Captain Clark 556 Posted December 12, 2018 Nancy's looking over yer shoulder and helping you aim my friend. Hope you enjoy being out with yer daughter today ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blackwater 53393 2,783 Posted December 13, 2018 I hope ya let that piece roar!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dustin Checotah 184 Posted December 13, 2018 Nice tribute to your daughter. Sorry for your loss. I have a few firearms of my own like yours. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rye Miles #13621 3,488 Posted December 13, 2018 Condolences on your daughter, I didn't know! Enjoy the memory of her that will be brought on by firing that gun! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites