Ayoob also said the only time you would not want to carry extra ammo is if you were drowning or on fire.
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Carrying an older gun a bad idea?
- Thread starter BabaBlueJay
- Start date
I carry my late 60s model 60 daily. Modern enough for me.
OP
Wow that is amazing
I am glad you are safe and emerged unscathed. I trust my model 36 and how I perform with it for sure! I just wanted to make sure I wasn't being overconfident or foolish as I'm newer to this world.
I carry these two frequentlyWow that is amazing
Thanks, I believe a good deal of luck was involved that night but the fact remains that little Colt DS saved me.
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AJ
US Veteran
Carry 'OLD'? Would not hesitate to rely on these classic oldies in .380. Remington, Browning & Colt
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Tony2much
Member
Kinda like not having sex with your girlfriend so you can save her for the next guy.
"Working way closer" to offensive position if possible is an admirably brave thought but...if one is not LEO, the aftermath consequences being a civilian could be dire. If & when LE arrive, one could be construed as bad guy & shot or spend long days in court for your heroic actions. A good defense is better than a questionable offense. Just sayin'.
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OP
Pack it...
I love the nickel finish due to the incredible corrosion resistance. I may get a nickel one down the road for that and I would like to have both variants of the Chief.
"Both"?
Remember to consider a stainless steel Model 60, too.
I won't join the crowd in beating up your lgs pal. No matter his motivation for his opinion, it's his opinion. If he's trying to make a sale, well, he is in business.
I will join the majority who suggest you should carry your Chiefs Special.
My favorite one to carry is a 3" that shipped in July 1953. The members of the 106th Precinct in Queens, NYC, gave it to their lieutenant for Christmas that year. It appears to have been through the ringer, but it's very good in my hands -- either of them.
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The S&W model 36 is drop safe. I'm not so sure about those old pistols.
S.W.A.T. Magazine writer dies after tragic accident.
Yep, my 340 EDC is carry safe but...with these three oldies a grip & thumb safety, would not as said, hesitate to carry...or a G19. Trust more than a new Sig 320? Take responsibility for my choices. No one chooses to drop'em.
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Actually the Sig 320 has had extensive testing in that area. I would still be skeptical about those old autos.
Shot friends 320 & extractor blew out. Have some old Sig P6, 220, 226 & 228's made in West Germany. Trust'em all. Never had a malfunction. Yeah, Sig, Dept of Defense & Pentagon are trying to put quietous on P320 perceived problem. Love me some Sigs but the modular newbies not so much. Shot 1911, Sig 226 & Glock Gen2 17 for 28yrs in 3Gun competition. Had one slide fail to go in battery with 1911 in all that time. Favorite are older S&W revolvers.
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Generally speaking, I dont think its too much "age of the gun" as it is quality and maintenance of the gun.
Would I grab a WW1 1911 and strap it on without first replacing components on it...no, however if you were to completely rebuild it I would have zero issues carrying it.
Ive had "new" guns fail while my old S&W revolvers ran flawlessly. Age as a general rule, doesnt much play into it.
Would I grab a WW1 1911 and strap it on without first replacing components on it...no, however if you were to completely rebuild it I would have zero issues carrying it.
Ive had "new" guns fail while my old S&W revolvers ran flawlessly. Age as a general rule, doesnt much play into it.
Shot my 36 better than my J frame. And always comes down to horses for courses. If in a low threat environment, any handgun one is comfortable with is fine. Conversely, the higher the threat the higher the firepower.
OP
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 medallion 
it gives me a sense of confidence. Now to train more to be able to back that confidence up 
it gives me a sense of confidence. Now to train more to be able to back that confidence up Attachments
Our opinions about various platforms aren't at issue. On the topic of old guns, I wouldn't trust carrying some of the old pocket autos. Weak springs and not having drop safe features that have been tested would keep me from carrying one. There are way too many better options today regarding safety, reliability, weight, trigger actions, sights and getting into action. Now the OP's S&W model 36 which is safe, as long as, the original parts are installed properly is another matter entirely.
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Alrighty then...this has been fun!
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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 medallion
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.
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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
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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.
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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!
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