Favorite Firearms: A Kit Gun For A Favor

by
posted on December 25, 2023
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Smith & Wesson kit gun

This 6"-barreled, .22 LR-chambered Smith & Wesson kit gun belonged to one of my firearm mentors. Jack DuVall was one of the founding members of my local gun club and was a warm and wonderful man.

When his wife passed away, arthritis in his knees made it difficult for him to get to his basement laundry. I suggested moving them upstairs and I have that skill set, so I did the plumbing and moved them upstairs for him.

Afterward, Jack came in with a checkbook, and I laughed at him; there was no way I was taking money for that project. A few weeks later, we were at the club, and he handed me this pistol because he knew how much I admired it. He said, “Please accept this,” in thanks for moving his laundry. I was shocked and pleased.

I miss Jack most every day, but this pistol helps me keep his memory alive.

—Shawn Cramer

Latest

Hk Cc9 GOTW 1
Hk Cc9 GOTW 1

Gun of the Week: Heckler & Koch CC9

The Heckler & Koch CC9 isn't merely just another micro-compact. It's the result of a significant amount of work on the part of the company's US subsidiary to create the first truly American-made HK.

The Armed Citizen® May 22, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Political Report | Braced Pistols’ Status Unresolved

The U.S. Supreme Court has characterized handguns as the “quintessential” Second Amendment arm. Pistol braces increase accuracy and ease of operation for large-format handguns, especially for users suffering from physical disabilities.

The PROOF Research PXT: A New Approach to Barrel Rifling

PROOF Research has introduced PROOF eXponential Twist (PXT)—an advancement in rifling that improves durability, accuracy and shootability—to the commercial market.

Review: Springfield Armory Model 2020 Heatseeker

Back when American Rifleman reviewed Springfield's Model 2020 Waypoint, we noted that we ...couldn’t help but wonder if a tactical-version Model 2020 rifle might be a logical future offshoot of the Waypoint hunting rifle." With the Model 2020 Heatseeker, that version is finally here.

Marlin Goes Mad: The Marlin Mad Pig Customs Model 1894

Marlin’s latest Model 1894 lever-action rifle, a collaboration with Mad Pig Customs that is a far cry from traditional, delivers “modern, factory‑installed features previously found only on custom builds.”

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.