15 Guns That Turned Into Lifetime Keepers Without Trying

Above, the Ruger 10/22, the first gun I ever bought. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The first firearm I ever bought was a Ruger 10/22 .22 caliber semi-auto rifle. I had inherited other guns previously, but this was the first one that I bought after seeing a friend's when we went out plinking.

I had been using my grandfather's Winchester 62A .22 caliber. While I enjoyed shooting it (still do), I decided to buy the Ruger. I have purchased more guns since then. They range from rifles, pistols and shotguns.

The Ruger 10/22 made the list of 15 guns that turned into lifetime keepers without trying by The Avid Outdoorsman. 

They begin their list with:

Some guns become lifetime keepers on purpose. They’re bought as heirlooms, special editions, or once-in-a-lifetime purchases. Owners know from day one that they’ll never sell them. Those are easy to understand.

The more interesting ones are the guns that become keepers almost by accident. They start out as practical buys, range toys, hunting tools, or ordinary carry guns. Then years pass, and the owner realizes the gun has earned a permanent spot. It may not be the fanciest firearm in the safe, but selling it would feel like a mistake.

To read more, go here.