To the OP. Your hypothetical scenario is interesting but it's obvious
that you started with your conclusion and then built your "comparison"
around it. It's impossible to really generalize on the basis of vintage
vs today's. Soooo many variables. To stake your life on a gun you must
trust that specific gun you own whether vintage or modern. Different
designs require different handling procedures but it's all the same.
You must know how to handle YOUR gun.