1950-1970's ERA[before plastic, what would you carry?

S&W 66 with the 3" barrel or a commander size 1911. Maybe a S&W 19 as well. There were some very good choices even back then. If I was going all the way back to 1950, I'd probably try for a S&W M1917 revolver for the 45.
 
When did the ambidextrous safety come about for the 1911? I would carry a commander sized Colt with an ambi safety (I am left handed) and gold dot front sight. If that isn't available I would probably start looking at the available DA/SA pistols (were there any besides the PPK and P38?) of the time. I shoot revolvers fine, but I prefer a semi automatic.
 
Walther PPK..very similar to the gun I carry right now 90% of the time. (when I'm in a free state, of course)

If i needed something a little bigger then I would go with a Tokarev, preferably the polish variety.

Plenty small enough to still to hide away and still packs a hell of a punch not to mention completely reliable.

If I needed even more firepower I would go with a cz75.
 
Concealed - Colt Detective Special / Shoulder Holster by El Paso Saddlery or SD Myers
Unconcealed - Colt Government Model / Tom Threepersons Style Holster
 
Walther P38 or S&W 39(-2).
Can one do a bit of smithing on this pistol? If so cut the barrel down on the P38 and reinstall the front sight.
 
If ONLY between 1950 and 1970, no further, I'd probably carry a Smith 3 inch revolver in 357, with the FBI/Treasury LHPSWC loads. IF they made them during that time frame - no 158 grain LRN for me. When I was growing up, I was told during that time frame hollow point ammo was practically unheard of, until SuperVel hit the scene in 1963. The only other choice would be something in 45ACP or 44 Special, with Keith style SWC bullets in the wheel gun.
If the "1970s" is included as a decade, a Walther P-5 with Supervels until 1976, then a CZ 75, if one can be smuggled out from behind the Iron Curtain.
 
I was a Cop in the late 70s. I owned and carried 1911s; Gov't Model, Commander and Combat Commander. All were Colt's, all were .45. Off duty I'd just stick one butt forward, inside my shirt, just inline with the left side outer seam of my pants. I believe I was the first Officer in Galveston Co, Texas to carry hollowpoints in a .45, Super Vels.
 
In that time period, I'd probably stick with revolvers....S&W M10 or M13, Colt Detective Special, Ruger Speed-Six.....if I felt rebellious, maybe even a 3-screw Blackhawk.
 
About the same as what I carry now (though the stainless guns might have to be replaced with blue or nickel counterparts).

S&W J-Frame .38 Special, K-Frame .357 Magnum, or N-Frame .44 Magnum depending on the weather and my style of dress that day.
 
Well, this guy Sam Colt up in Paterson, New Jersey, had come out with a fancy five shooter....

How far back do you folks think the 1950's were, not to mention the 1970's? I carried a Model 19 and a Model 36 most of the time, not plastic but hardly antique matchlocks either. I sometimes carried a GI M1911A1 but felt it was too heavy for daily wear.

Jim
 
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