How old is too old?...

[Truckman]

I have two S&W revolvers I use in everyday carry...A 3 1/2" .38/44 HD (the one with the Diet Coke grips) which is now 68 years old, and a .38 M&P Target which is just shy of 98...Both are in better health than I am, and both carry Hornady XTP's...At what point, if any, should a gun be called too old to trust as a reliable defender?......Ben

 

[ladder13]

Well, neither of those.

 

[Sistema1927]

I'm guessing that those two will still be going strong when you, and possibly your kids, are dust.

 

[bearfoot]

both weapons look great. I"m sure if their function were questioned by you, you would get maint. work done.

 

[David Sinko]

I suppose one could argue that they're too old in the sense that they're too valuable. I would argue that you need to pair them with the equally old fashioned 158 gr. LSWC.

 

[Marshal Tom]

Ben, likely you will become an unreliable defender long before either of those fine pieces do!

 

[Oldsalt66]

When possible assailants are armed with high energy particle beam weapons.

 

[AJ]

They should be working long after you exist.


I have been known to carry a Colt M1903 Hammer that was manufactured in 1914. In the case I carry it in no one questions it.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

My Winchester mdl 12 was made in 1918. My Winchester mdl 97 was made in 1917.........Both are over 100 tears old. Both still work like they are supposed to..........Quality guns never get to old to shoot and enjoy.

 

[Alk8944]

Age of a firearm is not a factor in determining if it is suitable for use as a defensive gun. Any gun, revolver or automatic, if in good mechanical condition, reliable and capable of firing current production ammunition is acceptable. Emphasis on ANY!

 

[NYlakesider]

Age of a firearm is not a factor in determining if it is suitable for use as a defensive gun. Any gun, revolver or automatic, if in good mechanical condition, reliable and capable of firing current production ammunition is acceptable. Emphasis on ANY!

Concerning humans, age is just a state of mind. Concerning guns if its in good mechanical shape and you do not shoot nuclear type loads out of it its never too old!

 

[Truckman]

Ben, likely you will become an unreliable defender long before either of those fine pieces do!

I can assure you the functionality of both exceed my own on my best day......Ben

 

[murphydog]

There was a recent story, not sure if it was local, involving a home defense shooting…with a muzzleloader. Doubt the defender in that instance was worried about obsolescence - perhaps more so about follow up shots.

 

[AJ]

My Winchester mdl 12 was made in 1918. My Winchester mdl 97 was made in 1917.........Both are over 100 tears old. Both still work like they are supposed to..........Quality guns never get to old to shoot and enjoy.

I also have a rather well used Winchester Model of 1912 that was made in 1918. Have the barrel cut down to 18 inches to remove a very hated Poly-Choke. It does duty in the house now. Still works like new!

 

[Echo40]

Provided that a firearm has been well maintained and isn't completely worn out from decades of high volume shooting, there's no reason why a firearm cannot be used indefinitely.

The only valid reason not to use older firearms for self-defense is if they're unreliable or otherwise unsafe to shoot.

 

[cd228]

As mentioned, above, assuming proper maintenance, inspection and occasional test fire, there isn't an experation date.

On a more practical side, I'd say the availability of parts, repair skills, the availability of effective ammo, round count, rust, wear, etc. would determine the actual lifespan of the weapon.

Another factor would be your ability to see the gun sights and operate the weapon.

 

[steelslaver]

I am 72 and one of my favorite guns is older than me by a bunch

 

[AJ]

I am 72 and one of my favorite guns is older than me by a bunch

Same here!! My Colt M1909, but to big for me to pack around.

 

[M1A]

Age is not the issue. It's functionality.
Like sleepy Joe. Not his age.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

I have two S&W revolvers I use in everyday carry...A 3 1/2" .38/44 HD (the one with the Diet Coke grips) which is now 68 years old, and a .38 M&P Target which is just shy of 98...Both are in better health than I am, and both carry Hornady XTP's...At what point, if any, should a gun be called too old to trust as a reliable defender?......Ben

It depends on the gunman. Some of us are exceptional shootists and then others are not.

I reload Hornady XTP for my 38 Special, 357 Magnum and 44 Special for my carry and home defense loads.

As a Senior Citizen I know a lot of my peers that should not be carrying.