I am filling permits, its a Jersey thing. I really like historic firearms. I have several IMO cool rifles. I also own a 1911 (new not historic). What pistols would be somewhat historic to look for? I want to stay with ones that I can get or load ammo for, no black powder. Luger would come to mind. They are at the higher end of my budget. Some other suggestions please. A Frommer STOP will probably be on my list because they are so unique. SA or revolver.
What is the modern relic pistol to own.
- Thread starter BoogieMan
- Start date
Well, a STOP would certainly be interesting if one could be found, but not a very practical gun; they are fairly fragile and parts are almost unobtainable.
In the pocket pistol area, a Colt .32 Model 1903 or .380 Model 1908 would have collector value and also be reasonably useful. The same would be true of the original German Walther PP or PPK. An S&W Model 19 would be a good choice as a very desirable gun and also a practical one. And I don't think a good .22 is ever out of place, with a K-22, a Ruger Single Six or a Ruger or Browning auto being good choices.
Jim
In the pocket pistol area, a Colt .32 Model 1903 or .380 Model 1908 would have collector value and also be reasonably useful. The same would be true of the original German Walther PP or PPK. An S&W Model 19 would be a good choice as a very desirable gun and also a practical one. And I don't think a good .22 is ever out of place, with a K-22, a Ruger Single Six or a Ruger or Browning auto being good choices.
Jim
mark clausen
New member
A Browning 1910/22 could fill the bill. 32 acp, can be had with ww2 Nazi? markings for 4 or 500 bucks. Ammo is availible and they were made into the 70's so parts can be had.
My oldest handgun...
Smith & Wesson .22/.32 Heavy Target (Bekeart) model is my oldest handgun. It was made in the '20's, before Hi-Speed .22 ammo. came out, so it doesn't have recessed cylinders. I buy standard velocity .22's & it shoots fine. Unfortunately, I'll be selling it by the end of the year.
Smith & Wesson .22/.32 Heavy Target (Bekeart) model is my oldest handgun. It was made in the '20's, before Hi-Speed .22 ammo. came out, so it doesn't have recessed cylinders. I buy standard velocity .22's & it shoots fine. Unfortunately, I'll be selling it by the end of the year.
Attachments
g.willikers
New member
The old top break revolvers are kind of neat and fun to shoot.
The various .38s are easy to reload for.
The various .38s are easy to reload for.
kilimanjaro
New member
Just a short list of iconic shooters:
Mauser Broomhandle C96
Luger P08
Walther P38
1911 .45
Russian Nagant revolver
British Webley in .455 or .38
Colt 1917 revolver
Mauser Broomhandle C96
Luger P08
Walther P38
1911 .45
Russian Nagant revolver
British Webley in .455 or .38
Colt 1917 revolver
"Mauser Broomhandle C96
Luger P08
Walther P38
1911 .45
Russian Nagant revolver
British Webley in .455 or .38
Colt 1917 revolver"
this is kind of what I was thinking. I know of a nice P38. It may end up on my list if it is Nazi proofed. Not a big fan of the C96. Its a really iconic gun, but not for me. The Webley may be another for me to look for, is there an ammo issue with that weapon?
Luger P08
Walther P38
1911 .45
Russian Nagant revolver
British Webley in .455 or .38
Colt 1917 revolver"
this is kind of what I was thinking. I know of a nice P38. It may end up on my list if it is Nazi proofed. Not a big fan of the C96. Its a really iconic gun, but not for me. The Webley may be another for me to look for, is there an ammo issue with that weapon?
Winchester_73
New member
Although somewhat expensive, Lugers are classic. Top to bottom, DWM Dutch contract, WWI P04 Navy, Mauser G date police, Mauser BYF 42 "black widow"
I started off with an AC43 P38 (center) for a vintage semi pistol. The P38 was very innovative and holds a special place in history. Look at the Beretta 92, and then look back at the P38. Also pictured is a AC45, BYF44 (two tone), AC41 (two matching mags), and a CYQ.
How about a S&W M&P aka pre 10? They were made for many years, and offered buyers many options, which made for several different variations. Any 5 screw is over 50 years old, and many 4 screws are as well. Here are mine, all are 5 screw.
Another favorite of mine is the Colt Woodsman. First generation woodsmans and all 2nd generation woodsmans are over 50 yrs old, but only earlier 3rd gen woodsmans are. They are high quality, great plinkers, and were designed by John Browning (the pre war version was).
I started off with an AC43 P38 (center) for a vintage semi pistol. The P38 was very innovative and holds a special place in history. Look at the Beretta 92, and then look back at the P38. Also pictured is a AC45, BYF44 (two tone), AC41 (two matching mags), and a CYQ.
How about a S&W M&P aka pre 10? They were made for many years, and offered buyers many options, which made for several different variations. Any 5 screw is over 50 years old, and many 4 screws are as well. Here are mine, all are 5 screw.
Another favorite of mine is the Colt Woodsman. First generation woodsmans and all 2nd generation woodsmans are over 50 yrs old, but only earlier 3rd gen woodsmans are. They are high quality, great plinkers, and were designed by John Browning (the pre war version was).
kilimanjaro
New member
No issues with .455 Webley ammo, it's made by Fiocchi, about 70 cents a round. Save your brass and reload it. Recoil is light, it's a good round for defense.
Don't get a Webley with a shaved cylinder for .45ACP, they really can't handle the hotter load.
The WWII model uses the .38S&W cartridge, no issues with ammo there, either.
Don't get a Webley with a shaved cylinder for .45ACP, they really can't handle the hotter load.
The WWII model uses the .38S&W cartridge, no issues with ammo there, either.
@Winchester73- A fine collection you have there. I would love to have a Luger but I have kidz. One in college and another going in. So I have to watch spending a little. So far I have come across 2 P38's. One was very rough and priced at $450. The second, someone polished the slide to to refinish. The frame was also suspect and they wanted $1450. If I can find either of those weapons at the right price I wouldnt hesitate.
the Webley might be a fair target for now. Price is reasonable and its still a cool gun if not particularly rare. Still looking for that Frommer also.
the Webley might be a fair target for now. Price is reasonable and its still a cool gun if not particularly rare. Still looking for that Frommer also.
lordhedgwich
New member
makarovs are not really historic or anything but they are milsurplus guns and they are fun to shoot
I was just about to suggest the Makarov. I think they have enough history to them, especially digging into the history of the Cold War, etc. Plus, the 9mm Makarov (9x18) is a good quality defense round.
weaselfire
New member
My must have list includes the Colt Police Positive, as well as a number already mentioned. A 1911 is almost a must have as an iconic American pistol. I'd also love to have a S&W Registered Magnum or even a S&W .357 Magnum Model 27.
A Colt Peacemaker in .45 is on my "if only I had money" list.
Jeff
A Colt Peacemaker in .45 is on my "if only I had money" list.
Jeff
Onward Allusion
New member
Gotta have a pre-Model 10 S&W M&P. Best workhorses out there that use modern ammo. The other one, although a bit more expensive, is a Colt Officer Target 22.
Andy Griffith
New member
European military revolvers get my vote.
Most are 19th century design. I don't include the Webley in the "European" moniker, as it's more Edwardian and classy.
The European revolvers, especially the French, Swedish and Swiss designs (pre-Nagant infuence) have a class and sophistication all their own.
Ok, back to your regularly scheduled programming.
Most are 19th century design. I don't include the Webley in the "European" moniker, as it's more Edwardian and classy.
The European revolvers, especially the French, Swedish and Swiss designs (pre-Nagant infuence) have a class and sophistication all their own.
Ok, back to your regularly scheduled programming.