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What is the oldest gun you own?

oldman45 said:
Actually I would rather spend my time chasing fat women than duck hunting. I used to deer hunt but learned I could buy a lot of meat at the grocery store for what I was spending on fuel to go hunting. The time I saved by not hunting was spent sleeping. The money I spent on hunting went to buying more guns.

As you asked, here is a photo of the Browning and a photo of the excess long guns that will no fit in the safes anymore.
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I tell you what, I'll make you a deal: I'll take those long guns off of you and store them in my safe, free of charge ;) lol. You sound a lot like my father in regards to hunting lol.
 
'97 Winchester 12ga Pump

Made in 1898. A hand-me-down family heirloom, from great-uncle born 1886....he probably bought it 2nd hand?
 
1887 and 1889 are the years of the two oldest firearms around here. Both still see regular use.

A second-year-of-production Winchester Model 1886 .45-90 from 1887.
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Stalking the wilds of Texas with the '86 a few years back when there was less gray hair. No deer were had that day but the rifle and I took a turkey later that afternoon.

A Springfield Model 1884 "Trapdoor" manufactured in 1889.
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Colts, a military contract and a civilian variation of the same model, share the duties of being the current oldest handguns in the menagerie. Both date from 1901.
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It's amazing how useful the older guns still can be. I have 59 firearms that date from World War II or earlier. There's absolutely nothing that may be accomplished with the newer ones owned that can't be just as effectively accomplished with these oldies. For that matter one would be well covered for most any conceivable firearms requirements with any of several pre-1900 models. The designs are still that good.



Despite all the mixing and matching of designs and operating systems, all the latest cartridge offerings and bullet technology, and all the "advances" in materials and methods used in the manufacture of firearms, something like a ray gun is needed in order to truly advance beyond the metallic cartridge arms available on the eve of World War II.
 
The oldest shooter is this Win. Model 12, from 1915, 16 gauge, factory cylinder choke.

Tight as a tick. She requires short shells, but I get her out a couple of times a year. She's taken quite a few woodcock.

This is old Rebel claiming her the day I brought her home. He lets me borrow the old girl every once in a while if I bring him along.

RebelModel12.jpg
 
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Mine is an Allen & Thurber pepperbox. I believe the date on it is 1839. It was a gift from an elderly family friend in the late 1960's. it is in good shape and functions mechanically, but I choose not to fire it.

Next are 2 original 1861 springfields, after them is a 1873 springfield trapdoor.

LTC
 
Two of my working shotguns are from the 1820's...One SXS in 12 bore and a English Fowler, also in 12 bore.
 
JP Sauer & Sohn SxS 16 ga shotgun - 1910, passed down from my dad, still shoots fine.
 
kscardsfan said:
I tell you what, I'll make you a deal: I'll take those long guns off of you and store them in my safe, free of charge ;) lol. You sound a lot like my father in regards to hunting lol.
Click to expand...

You are most generous. Your kindness is exceeded only by the charm you exhibit on this forum. In light of it all, I am afraid I will have to pass on your offer. The reason I have not bought another safe is that I am too old to make it financially worthwhile.

I am likely older than your father and we people born back when peas were invented think alike using something called wisdom and common sense.
 
Wow, you guys have some impressive old firearms. Makes my two pocket pistols from the 1920's seem almost new.

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A Sharps rifle and carbine. Both New Model 1863. The oldest hand gun is a Forehand and Wadsworth .32 rimfire revolver 1896.

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