Personally, I much prefer the older handguns to the newer models that I see on the market. Typically these modern marvels have plastic frames, no real safeties, numerous aftermarket "necessities" to make them function properly; and they invariably come with attendant recalls from design and manufacturing defects. Once solid gun makers like Smith and Wesson, Ruger, and Colt cannot seem to get anything just right these days. Not only are many of the new handguns put together badly, but the designs themselves are often suspect. My Ruger LCP was recalled for safety reasons while I was still on the waiting list to get one. I still have it, but I am seeking something old to replace it.
With a very few exceptions, i.e. a modern manufactured Browning Hi Power (1935 proven design) and a couple of sturdy ruger revolvers (also of older, proven design) all of my handguns are quite dated: S&W Model 39's and 59's. S&W revolvers made from the 40's to the 70's; a dated Hi Power; an old but resilient 1911 that never fails. I have corrected several mistakes by selling or trading off the newer, plastic models purchased in moments of non-compos-mentis. I have confidence in the old, solid and safe handguns. That is important to me.
We are naively convinced by manufacturers of guns and ammunition that older calibers or non +P rounds are not enough; too weak for self defense. We fall prey to our own, ignorant insecurites, and insidious marketing strategies meant to convince us that only the latest and greatest are sufficient to protect us. Whatever was avaiable in the past was certainly insufficient. How lucky we are that anyone ever survived a fire fight!
We are presented with new, "hot" calibers, such as the S&W40 that use gun- bashing high pressure to propel a bullet just a little faster, and jar the sensibilities of shooting tyros with unnecessary, hand-numbing, felt recoil that can permanently blunt their shooting abilities. But we are told with solemn authority that such calibers are necessary to protect us.
The 38 Special is all but condemned as useless unless if it is +P+; the 9mm is only now receiving some accurate understanding in this country, of its potential as a self defense round. And of course we are told that only +P rounds are enough. Self-appointed shooting gurus have tried to convince us for decades that any handgun in 9mm is all but impotent.
Most of this nonsense is promoted by self-proclaimed "experts" with marginal actual experience, from statistics, or gunwriters ignorantly passing on inaccurate mythology. How few people really have enough experience at gunfighting to make some of the obtuse statements that one reads in the literature? Probably none of them.
How many people who are preaching the gospel of high-powered hollow points, have ever,much less repeatedly, seen what ball rounds do in a firefight?
I will stick with my old, reliable, well-designed handguns and ancient calibers. I do not eschew modern hollow points by any means. But I also have no delusions that they offer much, if any, more effectiveness over ball rounds in the K zone. I avoid +P rounds as the expensive marketing ploy that I believe them to be.
So tear your guns up with high pressure rounds. Play with your plastic, top heavy, defective pistols to your hearts' content. As for me, give me metal or give me a knife!
With a very few exceptions, i.e. a modern manufactured Browning Hi Power (1935 proven design) and a couple of sturdy ruger revolvers (also of older, proven design) all of my handguns are quite dated: S&W Model 39's and 59's. S&W revolvers made from the 40's to the 70's; a dated Hi Power; an old but resilient 1911 that never fails. I have corrected several mistakes by selling or trading off the newer, plastic models purchased in moments of non-compos-mentis. I have confidence in the old, solid and safe handguns. That is important to me.
We are naively convinced by manufacturers of guns and ammunition that older calibers or non +P rounds are not enough; too weak for self defense. We fall prey to our own, ignorant insecurites, and insidious marketing strategies meant to convince us that only the latest and greatest are sufficient to protect us. Whatever was avaiable in the past was certainly insufficient. How lucky we are that anyone ever survived a fire fight!
We are presented with new, "hot" calibers, such as the S&W40 that use gun- bashing high pressure to propel a bullet just a little faster, and jar the sensibilities of shooting tyros with unnecessary, hand-numbing, felt recoil that can permanently blunt their shooting abilities. But we are told with solemn authority that such calibers are necessary to protect us.
The 38 Special is all but condemned as useless unless if it is +P+; the 9mm is only now receiving some accurate understanding in this country, of its potential as a self defense round. And of course we are told that only +P rounds are enough. Self-appointed shooting gurus have tried to convince us for decades that any handgun in 9mm is all but impotent.
Most of this nonsense is promoted by self-proclaimed "experts" with marginal actual experience, from statistics, or gunwriters ignorantly passing on inaccurate mythology. How few people really have enough experience at gunfighting to make some of the obtuse statements that one reads in the literature? Probably none of them.
How many people who are preaching the gospel of high-powered hollow points, have ever,much less repeatedly, seen what ball rounds do in a firefight?
I will stick with my old, reliable, well-designed handguns and ancient calibers. I do not eschew modern hollow points by any means. But I also have no delusions that they offer much, if any, more effectiveness over ball rounds in the K zone. I avoid +P rounds as the expensive marketing ploy that I believe them to be.
So tear your guns up with high pressure rounds. Play with your plastic, top heavy, defective pistols to your hearts' content. As for me, give me metal or give me a knife!
as a 10mm shooter i lol at this!.
jd