Favorite Firearms: A Kit Gun For A Favor

by
posted on December 25, 2023
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

KelTec PR57
KelTec PR57

KelTec’s PR57: Thinking Outside The (Detachable) Box

KelTec has brought the stripper clip back with the thoroughly unconventional PR57—a carry pistol with an uncommon chambering, an unusual action and no box magazine.

The Armed Citizen® June 9, 2025

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

More Western States Opening Large Shooting Ranges

A number of states in the western U.S. have opened or are planning to open large, versatile ranges to serve the growing need for publicly accessible shooting spaces.

Preview: Sneaky Pete Distressed Leather Perfect Holster

More than just a fresh look made using handcrafted leather, the Sneaky Pete Distressed Leather Perfect Holster has been redesigned to accommodate extra ammunition in addition to a concealed firearm.

New For 2025: Rost Martin RM1S & RM1C Comped

Two new models joined the Rost Martin handgun lineup in 2025, one with subcompact dimensions and another with a built-in compensator that promises to reduce recoil substantially.

CMP Resumes M1911 Pistol Sales

As of January 2025, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) had resumed sales of surplus U.S. Army M1911/M1911A1 pistols to qualified U.S. citizens.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.