That was $300 well spent and well worth it. I'd give anything to have my first Smith & Wesson Model 1917 back. It was a lower grade gun but solid and complete. It shot a treat and used to ride on my hip for hikes and hunting. I have to baby the one I have now.

"I have heard that the older guns get the weaker their steel gets and you shouldn't shoot a WWI gun like a 1917."

Yeah, I've heard that too. I wouldn't have many guns to shoot if it were so. Never ever heard or observed any evidence to support it. Something else that the internet rumor mill gave rise to, I suspect.

No, the guns age fine. The older the owners get the weaker their minds get.