Alrighty then...this has been fun!
Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk
Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk
Carrying an older gun a bad idea?
- Thread starter BabaBlueJay
- Start date
I am glad I confirmed what I already knew deep down. This gun was made to be carried and shot, and that is what it will do. The Chief is the EDC I trust and every time I see the Walnut stocks with the iconic Smith & Wesson medallionit gives me a sense of confidence. Now to train more to be able to back that confidence up
btw, when I EDC my 36 (or any of my J's) it was with Federal Gold Match 148 gr wadcutters. Highly accurate round, modest recoil so easy to stay on target, and plenty effective in SD distances.
okiegtrider
Member
Like the poll said, It's fine, don't over think it.
Well, over 100 to 1 in favor of the mighty Chief. That says it all. A shout out to BE Mike and his comment on weak springs with older pocket pistols. I would be concerned over tired recoil and mag springs. Drop safe not so much. Plus they were designed for FMJ not the hollow points of today.
Older 1911's I question too. Made for ball ammo, the older ones had some pretty rough feed ramps,which hollow points could be a problem. The last time I saw a stove pipe was over thirty years ago. That's why there are so many gunsmiths that specialize in 1911. Polished feed ramps and enlarged ejection ports being the top two.
Every 1911 fan I know has done this type work to their older (carry) 1911's. Or their modern one comes tuned up. Think Wilson, Kimber etc.
Notice in 84 posts no one has said anything about modifying a Chief to modern standards, other than routine maintenance.
Older 1911's I question too. Made for ball ammo, the older ones had some pretty rough feed ramps,which hollow points could be a problem. The last time I saw a stove pipe was over thirty years ago. That's why there are so many gunsmiths that specialize in 1911. Polished feed ramps and enlarged ejection ports being the top two.
Every 1911 fan I know has done this type work to their older (carry) 1911's. Or their modern one comes tuned up. Think Wilson, Kimber etc.
Notice in 84 posts no one has said anything about modifying a Chief to modern standards, other than routine maintenance.
Alk8944
US Veteran
I own several handguns prior to 1950, a few before 1920, and even a .38 Safety made in 1890! I would not hesitate to carry any of them. When I was still a LEO there were several that I did carry both on duty as a back-up or off duty. They all had been approved by Admin, and I had qualified with them. My only concern would have been caliber, not whether or not I trusted them to function as expected.
My newest pistol, just about 1 year old, is one I might be a little hesitant to carry as an on duty back-up because it is a .380, But as my current EDC I am not really concerned. If push comes to shove I intend to empty the magazine into the target!
My newest pistol, just about 1 year old, is one I might be a little hesitant to carry as an on duty back-up because it is a .380, But as my current EDC I am not really concerned. If push comes to shove I intend to empty the magazine into the target!
Glad to see oldies mentioned 7th. Since OP has taken some sharp turns. As stated have semi oldies would rely on. Most feel due to possible 'weak' springs & drop fire not good idea. EDC 340PD but feel oldies are viable after vetting. All replies thought provoking.
Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk
Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk
bmcgilvray
Member
I've gone and grown old with some of my carry guns. I'm still toting them and it's looking like they'll outlast me.
haroldhurricane
Member
- Joined
- Oct 17, 2022
- Messages
- 50
- Reaction score
- 217
I would only be concerned if it is so old that you might question the metallurgy and safety. As to museum pieces, well, if you want to collect it as such, then maybe, but if you bought it to use, well, that is their purpose! That is why I generally don't buy safe queens. I had a NIB Model 49 that was gorgeous... too gorgeous for me to use, in my opinion, so I sold it, but I can't justify buying something to just sit there and never fire, but I don't blame someone who will shoot theirs.
Here are two of my favorites to carry. My Manurhin PP in 32ACP and my Colt Diamondback I carry.
Sent from my SM-G781V using Tapatalk
I like the PP for a carry gun! The German police carried them for many years so I think they are a good choice. I like mine!
heeter3
Member
I rotate my edc between a 36-2in,2-36-3 ins, 2 old cobras and a detective special and a "young one" in a 95 442, they all are a perfect fit for me and never make me feel like I'm undergunn ed.So carry that 36 confidently BabaBlueJay.
Last edited:
I certainly wouldn't carry a 1903 Colt after reading about the gun writer who died after his fell from his waistband, struck the floor, discharged and resulted in a fatal wound. See link on post #73.
Here we go again. Know revolvers (Mod 36) is drop safe as stated and a great choice for carry but...as stated previously would carry this 1937 Colt 1908 Pocket hammerless .380 with grip & slide safety after vetting but not by dropping and would use proper retention. Unfortunate accident for this gun writer. Still drive '95 old Dodge truck even after deaths have occurred by negligent operators. Fair compairison maybe, maybe not. Difference of opinion which is a choice. Just sayin'...again. 
Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk
Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk
James K
Member
Classic guns are like classic cars. Cars are built to be driven, not sit in a garage or be trailered to a show. Well-heeled collectors race their multi-million-dollar Ferraris at historical events and sometimes they even get wrecked.
At the Pebble Beach Concourse, all show vehicles must go on an exhibition drive around Monterey before the actual event to prove they are road worthy.
Unless your gun is unfired and you want to keep it that way, shoot it!
At the Pebble Beach Concourse, all show vehicles must go on an exhibition drive around Monterey before the actual event to prove they are road worthy.
Unless your gun is unfired and you want to keep it that way, shoot it!
Last edited:
AJ
US Veteran
good then give me yours if you have one, I would feel safe carrying it.
Of course your buddy at the LGS would like to sell you a J Frame, but if
your old timer is in good condition, go ahead and carry it.
your old timer is in good condition, go ahead and carry it.
keith44spl
Member
After fifty years of wearing a sidearm...
I kinda know what I know I like to carry.
My edc kinda 'Snubby'
///
I kinda know what I know I like to carry.
My edc kinda 'Snubby'
///
- Joined
- Sep 14, 2021
- Messages
- 272
- Reaction score
- 901
You take your chances with a something that has metal parts.
Is a old gun safe?
How about a new one that is 92 days old and has to go back to the factory
for a major parts problem?
One reason I also carry a knife.
Is a old gun safe?
How about a new one that is 92 days old and has to go back to the factory
for a major parts problem?
One reason I also carry a knife.
An old knife...[emoji3061]? Me too.
Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk
Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk
Similar threads
