Carrying an older gun a bad idea?

[BabaBlueJay]

Went to the range today and realized just how silly of a question this was. The old gun shoots amazing and is far better than I will ever be. For a snubby it sure is a tack driver, and most importantly I just shoot it well naturally.

 

[DixieRanger]

Well sir your OP got 100 thoughts, ideas & opinions interesting in many ways. Learning experience from others values. Thanks

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[Bumpus13]

I carry mine all the time in the summer.

 

[Model 10-8]

Sounds like pistol envy to me. Why would he try to shame you for carrying your pistol. It is not his concern. Pray for him.

 

[gunny4053]

That 36 was made at a time when they were intended to be used. That old museum piece will last longer than your buddy's opinion, go out and shoot it.

 

[Tex1001]

Clerk spoke like a true knob head that knows nothing except cheerleader for newest stuff out.

For years I sold at gun shows for an FFL friend. MANY of my
customers were women tyros.
I was always infuriated when I heard of a salesman spouting:

"Little lady THIS is the gun you need." Usually said without asking any questions about customers' possible preferences.
Try out a bunch. Carry what you like and is comfortable.

For years I was told that a 45 Combat Commander and then an
Officer's ACP weren't acceptable (Too big, too powerful, too old,
too whatever) for carry/protection.

God save us all from pseudo experts.

 

[MajorD]

Bear in mind the military stopped manufacturing 1911A1's in 1945. Those guns were issued for combat use up to the late 90's, as the transition to the M9 took a long time. Some special operations units up to recently were still carrying those same old pistols. Over on AR15.com, a SF guy had a picture of a pre WWI era 1911 that was still being carried in combat ( probably in the 2005-2010 era, or about 95 years after it was built.

During desert storm, it is known the Air Force issued WWII era victory models from depot stores due to an inadequate supply of pistols to arm flight crews.

 

[Pisgah]

The only reason I would not daily carry a 60-year-old gun is if parts for it were unobtanium. Otherwise, it's as good as any other.

 

[Model19man]

I see no issues carrying that fine older revolver. What I would not want is to be the shooter who used his own handloads. A prosecuting attorney would have a field day. You don't want that.

 

[DixieRanger]

Back in the day handloaded Speer 200gr large cavity HP's known even today as 'flying ashtrays' & .38 spl. wadcutters cavity forward. Impressive results but not for carry as coulda been deemed as 'flesh destroying'...What!

As late as 2007 saw Unit Operators with 1911's for an off base match. Had a wad of rubber bands to disable grip safety. Course their armors had gone thru but never the less a .45 1911 on duty 2007. Also one Rem 870 for the group.

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[michaelp00]

I carried a Walther P5 for 25 years or a S&W 640 no dash. The P5 is a 1985 DOB gun. I switched to a S&W 640, no dash when I closed my business and retired. These days If I`m out or about grocery shopping or playing golf I have a North American 22 mag Pug in my back pocket.

 

[RoyM52]

I see no issues carrying that fine older revolver. What I would not want is to be the shooter who used his own handloads. A prosecuting attorney would have a field day. You don't want that.

I don't think that there is any load that a hand loader can make that is any more dangerous than what can be bought. A good reason to need a gun is still a good reason. I doubt that any prosecuting attorney would even bring this up. I believe this to be another perpetuated myth.

 

[AJ]

As late as 2007 saw Unit Operators with 1911's for an off base match. Had a wad of rubber bands to disable grip safety. Course their armors had gone thru but never the less a .45 1911 on duty 2007. Also one Rem 870 for the group.

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While training sailors on a Combat Pistol Course, had a Chief tell me he needed tape to disable the grip safety. I instructed him in how to properly hold a M1911 so the grip safety would work. He argued with me for a couple of minutes. I then explained either he held the pistol as I had shown him or he could take a drop and not have a pistol card. No pistol card and no pistol, which meant he would be a MAA Chief with a nightstick. He learned to hold the pistol and qualify with it

 

[RoyM52]

How many here even consider a 1960's era gun as an old gun?

 

[DixieRanger]

While training sailors on a Combat Pistol Course, had a Chief tell me he needed tape to disable the grip safety. I instructed him in how to properly hold a M1911 so the grip safety would work. He argued with me for a couple of minutes. I then explained either he held the pistol as I had shown him or he could take a drop and not have a pistol card. No pistol card and no pistol, which meant he would be a MAA Chief with a nightstick. He learned to hold the pistol and qualify with it

Can't adjust leaf spring for grip safety on 1911 to be assured of disconnect. Have replaced original gsafety's with 'speed bump' safetys to no avail. Smaller hands not enough palm swell & high grip with thumb on slide safety yaknow. Cannot be assured of disconnect. Not pinned...use small piece of bike inner tube so removeable. Shot matches & had to regrip. Still have slide safety. Understand the reasons why not & do not disagree.

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[DixieRanger]

How many here even consider a 1960's era gun as an old gun?

As this long thread has shown, lotta folks don't trust a 60yr old firearm. Reasons range from weak springs & internals to metallurgy. Said my piece several (ok...lotta times). Boils down to personal experience & what on board computer (brain) tells you. To this guy 60's ain't old. My 1917 as new .38 Regulation Police is old & i'd trust it for carry.

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[AJ]

As this long thread has shown, lotta folks don't trust a 60yr old firearm. Reasons range from weak springs & internals to metallurgy. Said my piece several (ok...lotta times). Boils down to personal experience & what on board computer (brain) tells you. To this guy 60's ain't old. My 1917 as new .38 Regulation Police is old & i'd trust it for carry.

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All those who do not trust old guns can give them to me.....

 

[robvious]

I have always considered my carry gun as a good friend.. that if lost in the act of saving my or someone else's life is the same as that friend jumping on a hand grenade in combat... gone but never forgotten

 

[Model19man]

I don't think that there is any load that a hand loader can make that is any more dangerous than what can be bought. A good reason to need a gun is still a good reason. I doubt that any prosecuting attorney would even bring this up. I believe this to be another perpetuated myth.

I wish what you said was true but unfortunately it is rubbish. Massad Ayoob testifies repeatedly trying to defend shooters who live under your mistaken impressions. He writes about it too. You need to educate yourself.

 

[Club Gun Fan]

I have carried my Model 19 2.5" and my Model 60. They were both my back up weapons from my LEO days in the 70's and 80's. I have more confidence in them then my 411.