Are We A Dying Breed?

ladder13 · #**151** 11-22-2018, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gunhobbit

.......
That all said, what I've noticed in decades of firearm-carrying is the fascinating group of people who can best be described as religious fanatics. Their response to anyone's different choices, no matter how relevant they are to the chooser, range from a dismissive "poo-poo" up through "burn the heretic."

What's really interesting is the smell of fear that comes through their commentary. The scent of "ohmygawd I may have picked the wrong gun because this other person has something else and so I have to justify my choice with a religious fervor that the Spanish Inquisition would have found to be over the top."

Simple discussion - "what do you like about it?" "have you looked at?" "have you ever tried?" "what about it works for you?" - is beyond them. They are not particularly interested in learning, only confirming their own world view.

D

Yes, I’ve noticed that too.

sigp220.45 · #**152** 11-22-2018, 05:48 PM

Practicality is vastly over-rated. Carry what you like.

I lean towards cool guns.

I carry this 100 plus year old Colt most days.

You can name a hundred guns that are more practical. I don't care. I like it. It reminds me of when Dad used to play "Is it loaded?" He was a hoot.

TTSH · #**153** 11-22-2018, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Raby

In 30 years these young guys will be shooting the nice guns and complaining about the stupid kids with no sense just like we do now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by antilamr

I can't even fathom what will be left on the open market 30 years from now and at what price. It's hard enough now to find what you desire.

In 30 years, cheap plastic guns will be admired and prized and handed down with reverence just like classic metal & wood guns are now...

... and there will be something altogether new (and even cheaper to make) for the youngsters.

What that will be I don't know... but I don't have to worry about it 'cause I'll be dead and gone!

Merc6 · #**154** 11-24-2018, 10:54 AM

30 years from now I hope we still have a 2A.

smoothshooter · #**155** 11-24-2018, 11:02 AM

I may have said it here before, but those of us who like the older stuff ARE a dying breed.

I expect to see prices for almost all the older wood/blued/carbon steel/ guns plummet over the next 15-20 years.
Not good long-term investments any more.

gunhobbit · #**156** 11-24-2018, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merc6

30 years from now I hope we still have a 2A.

The second and tenth counts are equally defective. The right there specified is that of "bearing arms for a lawful purpose." This is not a right granted by the Constitution. Neither is it in any manner dependent upon that instrument for its existence.

United States v. Cruikshank, 92 U.S. 542, 551 (1876)

But back to the OP, I expect that within not a lot of time 3Gen guns will be seen as quaint curiosities, occasionally with collector value, much as we look at black powder revolvers today.

Merc6 · #**157** 11-24-2018, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gunhobbit

The second and tenth counts are equally defective. The right there specified is that of "bearing arms for a lawful purpose." This is not a right granted by the Constitution. Neither is it in any manner dependent upon that instrument for its existence.

United States v. Cruikshank, 92 U.S. 542, 551 (1876)

But back to the OP, I expect that within not a lot of time 3Gen guns will be seen as quaint curiosities, occasionally with collector value, much as we look at black powder revolvers today.

I hope that's the case.

For some sellers you still pay a pretty penny for these guns. I tried to bid on a Shorty Forty and I was outbid by like $800. 4514 $200 more. luckily my 4006 had no real interest and I was the only bidder for it.

bmcgilvray · #**158** 11-24-2018, 04:58 PM

I can't gen up too much concern over this topic. I realize I'm a dying breed. So's every subsequent generation that will come afterward. "It's appointed unto man once to die..."

I really like the guns of my era, of my youth, and the cartridges arms of the generations before me and enjoy remaining devoted to them. I didn't get into guns as an investment but to experience the ones I admired.

The term "metal" as opposed to plastic is thrown about on forums with regards to pistols. I'm not even satisfied with merely "metal," but am a steel snob; forged pleased. I don't even admire the very few guns I have on hand possessing aluminum alloy frames. I'm a '57 model and it'll be easy for me to finish out my shooting life with good steel guns.

I acquired a poor 2nd Generation Glock 17 a few years back, just so I could gain the experience to "hate on Glock" better ... and I did. Don't like the trigger and don't like the plastic. It does nothing for me any better than some other choices will.

Glockman4 · #**159** 12-01-2018, 06:11 PM

I’ll start by saying I’m 26.

I spent a small fortune on a 1066 because I wanted a 10mm Smith auto so bad. I picked up a 3913 that I still have when I worked at a gun shop in college, as well as a 5943 (got that one REALLY cheap). I’ve had a 4006, a 908 and 909 but those were traded for whatever else I wanted more at the time. Yes some of us under 40 like the all metal guns, and I can surely appreciate them. I don’t have much interest in revolvers though, never have, even though I’ve owned a couple.

With that being said, when I’m carrying everyday it’s usually a Glock. I have a bunch of them too and you just really can’t beat them for price, capacity, durability, and weight. That’s why they’re so popular. Doesn’t mean I don’t like other stuff too.

Glockman4 · #**160** 12-01-2018, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sevens

Crusty old guys need to retire the chip on their shoulder and their decades perfected sneer directed at the whipper snapper that is two lanes over at the range. If you read this and you wonder... it could be you.

Funny, I’ve never seen one of these old guys that can actually shoot at the range. They’re usually looking at me beffuddled when I rip 16 rounds into a 3x3 inch area on a target at 15 yards out of a G19 in 3 seconds.

“Anyone can shoot a revolver slowly and accurately, old man”

Riverboys · #**161** 12-01-2018, 06:47 PM

I feel the classic revolvers will find new sets of loving owners as the guns get sold and passed on. The quality will be obvious and the history is there.
The immediate problem of cost is an issue.
I find I shoot my CZ 9mm and Ruger PC carbine the most simply because ammo is 2/3 price of .38 special and nearly 1/2 the price of the .357, .45 and .223 that I can also shoot in my guns.
Of course the same for .22

I try to explain to friends who don't shoot to think of shooting like Golf or Skiing, it costs money to play.

For people in their 20's or anyone on a budget, I certainly get that a $200 plastic semi auto 9mm coupled with $18.00/per hundred ammo gets the most attention.
More bang for the buck.

IMHO, the best thing we can do is pay it forward; Invite young people to shoot whenever its convenient. I'm sure all of us have seen the change in most people who have never shot and then when they have the opportunity, they all like it and maybe even "get" it.
Shared interests are the best way to set the stage for talking about the values we cherish and that the younger generation must embrace and live to carry the Republic forward.

gunhobbit · #**162** 12-04-2018, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glockman4

With that being said, when I’m carrying everyday it’s usually a Glock. I have a bunch of them too and you just really can’t beat them for price, capacity, durability, and weight. That’s why they’re so popular. Doesn’t mean I don’t like other stuff too.

And don't forget that lovely potential legal liability compared to a DAO or DA/SA auto - another area they have the Smiths beat all to heck!

@Sevens: Fortunately I have the range all to myself, so I am neither sneered at, nor do I get to sneer at others....

bmcgilvray · #**163** 12-05-2018, 11:10 AM

Potential legal liability: A figment of imagination that is amplified, promoted, and dithered over on internet firearms forums for the entertainment value it provides.

Qc Pistolero · #**164** 12-08-2018, 12:15 AM

That's what they call''progress''.Yes,I'm a dying breed.I like blued steel and walnut stock.I will extend that to stainless(for handguns)but not much more than that.
A few weeks ago,a good friend of mine(a retired RCMP guy)bought a plastic framed 9mm.You should have heard all the jokes falling upon him,your humble one here being very active at it!I don't know if I(we)touched a soft sensible spot but he announced me today that he's is putting it up for sale.I asked him how much he'd give me to take it into my safe room adding that I'll need time to think about it!
Seriously,like Bob Dylan was saying,''the times they are achangin''. Wooden sail ships were replaced by steam wooden ships which were replaced by steel hull ships which were replaced by...well you got the point.There'll be one day when plastic guns will be ''passé'',replaced by something more??!trendy?appropriate?needed?more profitable?
The good thing about progress and growing old is that there'll always be younguns that'll come to us to ask us how it was when the times were great!Hope I'll live long enough to let them know.

TTSH · #**165** 12-09-2018, 11:29 AM

Speaking about who wants those silly old heavy guns made out of steel and wood... a dealer about 45 minutes south of me announced on FB this past week that it had acquired a sizable estate composed of vintage Colt and S&W handguns... mostly .45 ACP Colts and S&W revolvers... all in great condition!

I went down there yesterday... first chance I had... and roamed the store from end to end, but I couldn't find the display of the estate guns anywhere.

I finally asked and was told they were all gone... most gone the first day after the announcement and all gone by the second day... every last one of them.

Not a single gun left.

So much for decreasing values and lack of demand.

We may be dinosaurs, but apparently a few of us (certainly not moi!) have a boatload of money to spend on those old, obsolete, too-heavy-to-carry guns!

mauser9 · #**166** 12-09-2018, 09:02 PM

No genie myself but hope for the sake of big collectors they remain in big demand. What surprises me is the softer prices of used long guns made with walnut and high polish bluing. Often can be had for half of what they should be worth. Seems hunters these days often satisfied with more "utilitarian" guns for sporting purposes. Just my opinion of course.

antilamr · #**167** 12-31-2018, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Genetically Swiss

I am 61 and work part time in a local gun shop as a second job. The shop caters primarily, but not only, to the tactically oriented, read black guns. We do carry a significant anount of used firearms as well. We see it every day. The only significant number of S&W wheelguns we sell are new airweight versions of J-frames. We have had a perfect S&W 2 1/2” 686 no dash and a beautiful, nickel Model 36 no dash sitting in the case for months. Countless times we have had young men come in and trade Dad/Grandads revolver/hunting rifle/shotgun/WWII trophies (P.38 & Lugers mostly) for a modern high capacity polymer pistol or AR of some kind. It is the rule and not the exception. Nice, older S&W revolvers do eventually sell, but the buyers are few and are almost never under 50. So, my answer to the OP is yes, absolutely we are a dying breed. It cannot be denied, IMO.

GS

I think you summed it up best in your last 2 sentences.
My brother is under 50 and shows no interest in my 3rd gen SS and alloy pistols. 1911's or black plastic and he like a kid in the candy store.

WPWarhawk · #**168** 12-31-2018, 01:33 AM

The younger generation doesn’t have any interest in driving, or even getting out of the house. Can’t expect them to get into guns, something they’ve been told are evil all their lives.

DAOTSWGUY · #**169** 12-31-2018, 02:13 AM

Im 22 and my last 9 pistol purchases have been Smith and Wesson 3rd Gen pistols. It is basically the only pistols I look for and buy. Carry a 4006TSW everyday. Now to be honest no one else my age knows about these, likes them, or considers them practical. Rest assured there are people not "old" that like these pistols.

SOTVEN · #**170** 12-31-2018, 01:48 PM

I personally believe that anything solid and well made will always have a following. Metal pistols too. Proof to this, as aforementioned by other members here, is that many makers still make money on metal framed pistols. Even though, their pistols are of lesser design innovation, and far lesser ergonomics and/or configurations than the almighty 3rd gem. Therefore, the only one to blame for dropping the 3rd gem line is S&W, and nobody else! (And their treasonous Sigma move). There was never a stock build up of their metal pistols at the stores when they were produced, up to the day they were dropped. (I know, because i remember, you had to wait for your order.) They are still sought after in the used market as we all know, and as we have seen, some command quite high prices! The only good thing that has come with S&W dropping their 3rd gem is that today, most people do not even know about them. And I say "good" because this was the only way for me to trade my one and only glock, (a 2nd gen 19) for a 5906tsw!!!! And the poor guy that got the plastic p.o.s. and gave me the masterpiece, could not be happier!!! (I am sure St. Peter will have something bad to say to me at the Pearly Gates, for taking that guy for a ride lol)

Mistered · #**171** 12-31-2018, 02:15 PM

I don't think 'dying' just changing.
Where i live shooting has been a very traditional way of life given the rural nature of the area. That being said there is still a lot of interest in 'traditional' rifles and pistols.
No doubt the under 40 crowd who got started with guns did so primarily with black & plastic but I am seeing that 'waning' a bit with what appears to be less interest in black & plastic - the rows of them on the racks in Pawn Shops say something.
I firmly believe the previous under 40 crowd (who are now the over 40 crowd) staying interested in firearms may be trending toward the traditional to some degree.
On a Pacific NW based forum here there seems to be a lot of ARs & the like being posted for sale - and stay posted for a while - while a nice Winchester Mod 94 will be sold in a few days.
There is a definite resurgence of interest with lever action rifles.
Classic bolts in popular (and available) calibers see movement also.
Quality, classic revolvers are gaining interest but not as quickly as rifles.

pmosley · #**172** 12-31-2018, 02:25 PM

I had the opportunity to shoot sporting clays this past Saturday with my soon to be son in law.

The facility was quite busy and many, perhaps the majority, of patrons in attendance looked to be younger than thirty with a large percentage of those being young women.

I was intrigued and gladdened to see these young people embracing shooting sports - I left thinking there was hope for America’s love and respect for fine firearms.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Jaymo · #**173** 01-11-2019, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattyD380

And I love older semi-autos. Third gens most certainly included:

Attachment 361309 Attachment 361310

My gun collection is entirely DA/SA and the only polymer gun I own is a Beretta PX4 Compact (not pictured--great gun, though).

The only guns I've bought new in recent memory have been my Beretta 92 compact and the aforementioned PX4. Aside from that, I like older German Sigs and third gens. My main CCW right now is the P245, pictured. I find it to be the perfect size and profile for carry, and it shoots great. The 6904 pictured here actually saved my dog's life last year, when she was attacked by a German Shepherd and a rottweiler. Such an underrated pistol.

Not to seem like some kind of a jaded hipster... but... there isn't a whole out there (currently being made) that excites me. Glocks, M&Ps... meh. Sig, to me, isn't what it was. Beretta is one of the few that's actually putting out new guns I'm into.

I know it's subjective, but older guns feel more like weapons, made to professional standards; so much of what's out there today feels more like a consumer product. Next gun on my hit list is probably a Browning Hi Power... or maybe a Colt Double Eagle. Suffice to say, Gunbroker is basically my LGS.

I've only been a gun owner for the past 6 years or so, and I didn't grow up around guns. So I guess you could say my interest in firearms was born of movies and TV from the 80s and 90s... hence the predilection for DA/SA, I suppose. And, as it so happens, carrying decocked in DA gives me a lot of peace of mind. If I end up with a Hi Power, we'll have to see how I feel about carrying C&L.

You have a nicely populated stable there. Smiths, Sigs, and Beretta. Very nice.
I think you'll like the Browning High Power. Great pistol.
CZ75 and CZ82/C83 are nice, too.
Not that I'm an enabler or anything.

antilamr · #**174** 01-19-2019, 03:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattyD380

And I love older semi-autos. Third gens most certainly included:

Attachment 361309 Attachment 361310

My ..........

I know it's subjective, but older guns feel more like weapons, made to professional standards; so much of what's out there today feels more like a consumer product. Next gun on my hit list is probably a Browning Hi Power... or maybe a Colt Double Eagle. Suffice to say, Gunbroker is basically my LGS.

I couldn't agree more. That's what attracts me to the older S&W pistols and revolvers(most of mine are from the 70's to early 90's)

I've only been a gun owner for the past 6 years or so, and I didn't grow up around guns. So I guess you could say my interest in firearms was born of movies and TV from the 80s and 90s... hence the predilection for DA/SA, I suppose. And, as it so happens, carrying decocked in DA gives me a lot of peace of mind. If I end up with a Hi Power, we'll have to see how I feel about carrying C&L.

I feel the same way that carrying decocked in DA gives me a lot of peace of mind also.

When I was a young buck I carried a Colt Gold Cup IWB in the small of my back with just a tee shirt. Needless to say i didn't give it a second thought about it being C&L. I've since gotten much wiser (and fatter) so this is not an option for me now.

antilamr · #**175** 01-19-2019, 03:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DAOTSWGUY

Im 22 and my last 9 pistol purchases have been Smith and Wesson 3rd Gen pistols. It is basically the only pistols I look for and buy. Carry a 4006TSW everyday. Now to be honest no one else my age knows about these, likes them, or considers them practical. Rest assured there are people not "old" that like these pistols.

I'd be interested in hearing your story. Do you know what turned you onto the 3rd gens? Family influence? Grow up in a gun store?
You're quite rare as 22yo go. What/how were you influenced?
Not trying to put you under a micro scope but would be interested if there's anything that I could pick up to help the youngsters in my life get more involved.

EarlB · #**176** 01-19-2019, 03:49 AM

Slightly more than a year ago I didn't even own a revolver. I had in years past but at the time I only had black guns, 1911's, and high cap semi auto pistols..I was 54. My sons (16 and 23) were like, Dad - you should get some revolvers - it was their idea. I bought a couple of Smiths and a couple of Colts...fast forward 14 months or so. I have no colts, only a few black rifles now and very few 1911's and semi pistols - but about 60 Smiths...it's their fault.

biku324 · #**177** 01-19-2019, 03:50 AM

I suspect my great-grandfather thought no one would be even slightly interested in his W. Richards side-hammer 12 gauge double when he passed...he bought it new on his way to wild Iowa in the 1890s from northern Germany. It hung loaded in the creamery on the homestead farm from when my grandmother could remember it, about 1912 or 13, to 1970 when both grandparents had passed and my great uncle had to sell the farm because of his health - he had never married. The shotgun passed to me in 1974, and I spent hours and hours with a stiff toothbrush and solvent cleaning off external rust spots, then carefully cleaning internal parts and hand polishing the slightly pitted bores with tight-fitting patches and superfine valve grinding compound, then Semachrome, to a usable condition.

That old shotgun, held now by six generations of family hands, is one I shoot with blackpowder cartridges at least once a year...it is as tight and safe today as it was when built. I'll pass it to my grandson in a few years.

Nope; not worried about obsolescence, thank you.

Merc6 · #**178** 01-19-2019, 06:49 PM

Since my last post my last 4 of 5 guns was metal with 1 being a revolver. Now I need another polymer to balance it out. LOL.

TomkinsSP · #**179** 01-19-2019, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladder13

Short answer, no one knows.

Fortunately that does not stop them from telling you...

dirtbikerdude2005 · #**180** 01-19-2019, 11:04 PM

I just turned 36 and I’ve been buying since I was 21. Mom and pop gun shops and pawn shops are my normal go to’s. I try to stop by 2 main places every week so i don’t miss anything. Layaway has been my friend, well sort of. I’m always on the lookout for WW2 firearms, Smith and Wesson revolvers and some semis, lever actions, single action revolvers, battle rifles, Remington Wingmasters, etc. I recently found a Springfield M1 Garand for $600

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk