Favorite Firearms: A Model Trainer

The first time I held the single-shot Sears Model 1 (a house brand version of the Winchester 121) in my hands, I was 8 years old. My dad handed it to me, his rough hands steady as he passed me the gun with a smile. “Take care of this,” he said. “It’s yours now.”

That was almost 60 years ago, but I still remember the weight of it, the cool metal against my skin and the pride that filled me knowing it was mine. I didn’t need much more than that little .22—it could fire Short, Long or Long Rifle cartridges—perfect for an eager boy learning the ropes of hunting.

I spent countless afternoons in the desert and bushes learning how to line up a shot, how to move quietly and how to respect the land and the animals that I hunted. Rabbits and quail were my usual quarry, and I was a good shot—too good sometimes. My dad would chuckle and say, “The way you put bullets through that rifle, I’m glad I didn’t get you a semi-automatic.”

Over the years, that Sears Model 1 became more than just a tool; it was a bridge between me and my dad, and later, between me and my children. When the time came, I used it to teach them the same lessons about shooting and safety that I had learned. We spent hours together, just like I had with dad, passing down not just skill, but respect—for the weapon, for the process and for each other.

Now, I hope to do the same with my grandchildren, if they desire. This gun, old and worn but still reliable, holds more than just memories. It holds the stories of three generations—each connected through its simple, single shot.

—Bill Collins