Recent Vintage Pistols to Become Classics

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lamarw

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I am thinking in terms of pistols of the last thirty or so years that you consider already a classic or will become a classic in the future.

I have one, the Beretta Model 85F, which I consider already a classic. I believe my Sig Sauer Model P220ST will become a classic. There are a lot of P220's out there, but the ST is a different beast. I am not sure whether my Beretta 92FS INOX will ever make the grade or not. Both the 85F and the P220ST are no longer in production. They both jump out at you because of their durability and classic lines of beauty.

Whats in your rack that will make the grade? Please feel free to discuss why and post pictures.

S&W established their line of Classic Revolvers. This will be some of our views/opinions of Classic Pistols.
 

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I am thinking in terms of pistols of the last thirty or so years that you consider already a classic or will become a classic in the future.

I have one, the Beretta Model 85F, which I consider already a classic. I believe my Sig Sauer Model P220ST will become a classic. There are a lot of P220's out there, but the ST is a different beast. I am not sure whether my Beretta 92FS INOX will ever make the grade or not. Both the 85F and the P220ST are no longer in production. They both jump out at you because of their durability and classic lines of beauty.

Whats in your rack that will make the grade? Please feel free to discuss why and post pictures.

S&W established their line of Classic Revolvers. This will be some of our views/opinions of Classic Pist
Click to expand...

I don't think the Sig P220ST will become a classic because the early ones were the genius of the P220 internal extractor problem. Too many issues surrounding them for them to be come a classic. IMHO. A great gun if you have one that runs but there are too many that will never run 100% because of the extractor tolerance.

I like the 85F and they are hard to come by at a fair price. I missed a few from CDI on GB a few years back and regret not picking one up.

I think the Swiss made Sphinx Alpha pistols have a chance to become instant classics because Sphinx/Kriss are bringing production to the US. The Swiss guns especially the Duo-tone will be coveted.

I would put the Gen 1 Glock 17 into the mix. It is the workhorse that proved that a polymer service pistol works and could hold up to long term use and abuse. It sets the standard for an entire category of pistols. It is the gun all other polymer pistols are judged by.
 
Beretta Model 84
The best Hi Cap .380 I have ever used. Totally 100% reliable.

Can still get one cheap, so grab one while you can.

100_9960_zpsxf3poz14.jpg
 
The S&W 10XX series 10mm.
Some are more rare than others but they are built to last, aren't made any more and come in a caliber some say is a niche caliber. It has all the ingredients of a future classic/collectible.
 
Most obviously, the Glock 19/17 etc. line of pistols. Love 'em or hate 'em, they changed handgun manufacturing. The Sig P320 has the potential to become a classic with its modular design. Its popularity and impact on the market will determine if it becomes a classic.

Believe it or not, I think the the Kel-tec P-3AT will be considered a classic. It popularized the recent trend of decently powered defensive handguns in a small package. The Ruger LCP is basically a copy. Though the P-3AT is a .380, the move to small 9mm pistols soon followed.

BTW, I have no biases toward these pistols. I don't own any of them (I do own a Ruger LCP).
 
The Smith & Wesson Performance Center 952 (9mm) and 945 (.45ACP) are most definitely classics, just try & find one to buy!
 
I don't see anything made in terms of "production made guns" in the last 30 yrs that will become a " classic" ......there just isn't anything very unique or memorable from all the common mfg's out there....including the best of them like HK, Sig, FN, etc....

Maintain their value long term - true pieces of craftmanship:

1. Wilson Combat 1911's....especially in all stainless
2. Freedom Arms model 83's - large frame - single action revolvers
3. Korth revolvers
 
Not in any particular order:

1st Gen Glock 17
Steyr GB
COP 357
Powell Knife-pistol
S&W 659
S&W 1006
Boberg XR9-s; XR45-s
Rohrbaugh R9
CZ 75B glossy blue
Colt Mustang (original one from the '80's)
Megastar pistols
Desert Eagle (maybe....someday....)
CZ Scorpion EVO 9mm
CZ 805 pistol
Early Jennings J-22 (chrome, wood grips, metal "safety" and pristine in box) don't laugh, there aren't many of them out there!
STI LS9 / LS40
S&W 627 2.6" 8-shot .357
Taurus Curve (maybe....someday...)
Remington R51
 
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+1 Skans and PSP, although I would add:

S&W M1076, M2213/2214 (yes really!), M4516, M4576, and M6946
Benelli B-series
Beretta 81/82 (far less plentiful than the 84/85)
HK VP70
Vektor CP1

The latter 2 pistols are arguably deeply flawed designs, but I think their innovative nature combined with their rarity will make them classics.
 
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