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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Gliderjohn on August 26, 2015, 10:14:30 PM

Title: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: Gliderjohn on August 26, 2015, 10:14:30 PM
The thread on the Sig pistol motivated me to post this.
Pictured is a Winchester customized Highwall. The design dates back to 1885 and was designed by Browning. I really enjoy this rifle and someone spent serious bucks to get it like this (not me). Caliber is a wildcat, .219 Donaldson-Wasp. It will consistently shoot 3/4" groups at 100 meters. The action is butter smooth and with double set trigger the set trigger weight is ounces, not pounds. It is a joy to shoot. That being said I also have a late model Savage 110 in .243 which cost around $400 and will match the accuracy. Modern machine work provides amazing results for the money.
(http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/ww107/jpeters16/DSCN0538.jpg) (http://s710.photobucket.com/user/jpeters16/media/DSCN0538.jpg.html)
GliderJohn
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: wymple on August 26, 2015, 10:25:12 PM
I have a .243 Savage Model 14 that I have about 7 bills in, with the scope. Looks really nice and as deadly as the shooter. My .270 Mossberg 4x4 shoots equally well, and fits me best. Sub 500 dollar purchase brand new. Either is easily matched by my old 22-.250 Mossberg 800 with it's bull bbl. It was a cheap gun in 1973. I don't think money is the bottom line anymore.
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: Farmer Dan on August 26, 2015, 10:31:02 PM
Most accurate gun I have is a Savage 110-L in .30-06  can hit a dime at 400 yards.  If I want something fun to shoot I get out my .36cal pepperbox. Well maybe the .69 muzzle loader pistol is a lot of fun too.  Either way old guns are awesome!
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: rodekyll on August 26, 2015, 11:48:29 PM
I'm more of a traditionalist in both design and materials.  The only autoloading long gun I own is a .223 mini-14 ranch rifle -- excellent utility piece, and responsible for a lot of winter eating.  It's about half a toy -- I have the cute stocks and drum/swoopy magazines to make it look like an assault weapon, but dress it up and put sparkles on it, it's still just a varmiter.  All my other long guns are either single shot of some description or bolt/lever action.  I'm a big fan of the pump shotgun with BPS and Ithaca at the head of the line.  For rabbits and ptarmigan my model 24V in .22/20ga is the cat's meow.

I've got autoloading handguns, but with the exceptions of a 1911 Gold Cup and a Springfield 1911 officer's "star" they're just trading stock taking up room in the safe.  I can't get my head (much less my hand) around a double-stack 9mm, Glocks are distinctive but butt-pretty, and I think polymer is as silly on a gun as it is on a bike.  I do like a stainless piece.

OTOH, I don't think there's a wheel gun in my inventory that's not a high-quality classic revolver -- A K22 Combat Masterpiece, Python, Anaconda SS, 629, super Blackhawk, etc.  I enjoy the feeling of well made machinery as much as I do shooting them.  The exception is a S&W K-frame model 10.  It was the service revolver of a LEO friend who gave it to me when he retired.  It has fixed sights, 4" barrel, and has been fires so many times the action has tuned itself.  Inside 50' everything it points at goes away.

I reload all my centerfire cartridges.
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: LowRyter on August 27, 2015, 12:28:16 AM
Browning Sweet 16
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: JoeB on August 27, 2015, 05:52:48 AM
Over the years I've enjoyed trying to make the rifles I've acquired more accurate. From tuning to loading some have been a real challenge. Awhile back an AR stripped lower came my way. Took over a year to complete the build by adding parts I found here and there for the right price. Being a Guzzi owner this means heavily discounted on sale or free. Doing nothing special with ammo other than matching twist rate of barrel the sucker was moa first session. Didn't know if I should laugh or cry.
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: frans belgium on August 27, 2015, 06:39:31 AM
On my last visit to the States, 2 years ago, I noticed a shelf with some lovely little pink guns in the Wall Mart, they would have looke great on my granddaughter.
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: boatdetective on August 27, 2015, 06:55:24 AM
My natural inclination is to go with tradition and craftsmanship. I bought a Colt Officer's model 22 revolver last year when it popped up locally. Built pre war and all parts hand fitted. Phenomenally smooth action. It's also sad that there is no one at Colt today who could build this gun.  I also have a penchant for S&W revolvers. Mechanically, they are much easier to work on and tune for accuracy than the Colt system. I found a K frame model 66 in SS with a  4" barrel. Really wonderful piece of classic American machine work. I had been on the hunt for a 686, but now am glad to have the K frame. The weight and balance are great and it's not as much of a big lug as the L.

All that being said, I now appreciate some of the polymer frames for what they are. As noted, when properly dialed in, modern CNC tools can produce remarkably consistent parts to tremendously close tolerances. My VP-9 is not a cheap piece of mass produced shyte. Judging by all reports, it's also 100% reliable and will cycle anything. Granted, it's got zero "craft". However, it's still something that can be appreciated for what it is.
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: guzzimike on August 27, 2015, 06:59:13 AM
I got into firearms for the same reason I got into motorcycles. They are mechanical entities designed and streamline-built  to optimize their purpose for existence with practicality and efficiency. There is beauty, balance, art and complex engineering working in concert when one examines a fine Motorcycle as well as when I contemplate a classic firearm. Whether they be vintage or new is of little consequence to me. When its right, you know it.

Because of this, my own guns run a non specific range. In handguns, I prefer revolvers to autoloaders, but somehow I have more  Autos than six-shooters. A S&W 586 and Dan Wesson .44mag are it for those.

A BHP , Gen2 / G19 < both 9mm> ; PPK/s < 380 > and IAI Long Slide 1911 in 10mm are my existing autoloaders, soon to be joined by the Sig SP2022 < 9mm>

Long guns are a bolt action Savage 10PC ( .308 ) and a couple of AKMs in 7.62 X 39. Also one Franchi LAW12, autoloader 12 Ga.


Sadly, as a result of a tragic canoe accident, those 3 long guns now rest at the bottom of Lake Titicaca, . I was  in Peru recently, on a sanctioned Field Trip, researching the elusive Altiplano Carnivorous Butterflies... 

 

On a different subject, regarding Traditional firearms..

Lately, I have been thinking seriously of kit-building one of these:

1851 Navy Revolver in .36cal - This is the Black Powder revolver with the Hexagonal barrel.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/df/Colt_Navy_Model_1851.JPG/640px-Colt_Navy_Model_1851.JPG)


I've always liked the distinctive lines of this revolver...






-
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on August 27, 2015, 08:28:58 AM
As with bikes, I'm an antiquer. Make mine out of steel and wood. Don't need no steenkin plastic.  :smiley: Yeah, I'm fully aware that modern manufacturing methods can turn out really nice stuff relatively inexpensively.
I, too, enjoy the mechanical complexity.. fit and finish, etc. same as with a motorcycle.
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: charlie b on August 27, 2015, 08:34:34 AM
I've owned or shot too many different guns to count.

Yep, I like traditional and yep, I like modern.  But, I only own guns that I shoot a lot.  That means quite a few have been sold over the years cause I just could not do them justice with range time.  Mostly applies to long guns.  Why have a 1000yd gun when I don't get to a range that is more than 100yd?  To me it's like having a RSV4 and only being able to ride it on crowded city streets.

I did black powder for a while, muzzle load and cartridge.  Even 'built' a few.  Not much interested anymore.

I have only owned a few guns that I just did not like.  They were quickly sold.  Others I have held onto for a while until I stopped shooting them.

How many are 'traditional' vs modern?  Unless you consider the little Ruger SP101 modern, then only one, a Springfield XD.  The rest are old, including one that is over 100yrs old, the 1896 Mauser pistol (and it belongs to my wife :)  ).

A friend got a Tavor last year.  That is one I could come to love.  But, I also liked the Steyr AUG and P90.  Only cost has kept me from owning any of them.
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: Dilliw on August 27, 2015, 09:04:28 AM
I like the old stuff but I don't shoot it much.  I have an old Remington Rolling Block (1897) but the trigger pull on it is a bear.  Shoot the 03a3 sometimes and it's just as good as anything new. 

For pistols if I go to the range I'm going to take my P35.  It just feels right.
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: StuCorpe on August 27, 2015, 10:49:46 AM
I have 3 different blackpowder "kit" guns that I have built up. A .36 confederate Colt, a .44 Colt Navy and a New Orleans Ace. All 3 are a lot of fun to shoot at the range and usually draw a few spectators while shooting them. :grin:
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on August 27, 2015, 11:11:45 AM
Quote
I did black powder for a while, muzzle load and cartridge.  Even 'built' a few.  Not much interested anymore.

Yeah, me, too. Bench rest with a big octagon barrel, and off hand pistol. Just lost interest.. too many other toys to play with, but still have a Ruger Remington Old Army revolver replica. That is a really nice shooting piece. Just too much trouble molding round balls,cleaning, etc. I've thought about converting it to 45LC, and I may yet.
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: GearheadGrrrl on August 27, 2015, 12:42:26 PM
If you guys spent less money on guns... You could afford more newer motorcycles!
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: rboe on August 27, 2015, 01:16:04 PM
While I like a good looking gun, I prefer one that can shoot. If it ain't accurate I'm just not that into it. That said, I also can not warm up most of the plastic guns out there. But I see there place and the new generation of shooters won't have a problem with them. sigh.
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: boatdetective on August 27, 2015, 01:26:59 PM
If you guys spent less money on guns... You could afford more newer motorcycles!
Moderation in all things. The well rounded person has a prudent selection of guns, watches, tools, and motorcycles.
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: segesta on August 27, 2015, 01:46:18 PM
Moderation in all things. The well rounded person has a prudent selection of guns, watches, tools, and motorcycles.

Which is why I'm selling my Monster to fund a Jaeger-LeCoultre.  :grin:
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: charlie b on August 27, 2015, 02:27:57 PM
Moderation in all things. The well rounded person has a prudent selection of guns, watches, tools, and motorcycles.

Yep.  One motorcycle is all I can handle right now and I have the one I want for now.

Don't wear watches.  Use my phone.  Oops, that puts me in the modern vs traditional I guess :)  I do own (inherited) an Omega.  Sits in a drawer unless my son wants it.

Tools I am reducing to what I use (kinda like guns).  Sold off the big machines and got rid of all my duplicate sets of wrenches, screwdrivers and such (I 'only' had 5 sets of wrenches and 6 sets of screwdrivers :)  ).  I did keep all of my 'cordless' tools.  Brace and bit, chest drill, planes, hand saws.  Hmmm, that puts me in the traditional side ?!?!?!


Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: Dilliw on August 27, 2015, 03:16:46 PM
If you guys spent less money on guns... You could afford more newer motorcycles!

I don't spend money on guns but with the WWII generation passing I having to deal with more guns.  Every time an uncle or a father in law or a friend's parent passes I end up with a boat load of guns to get rid of.  Since I don't like selling them to people I don't know I end up keeping a few or giving them to the younger generation (but then I have to store them because they are in college or something). 

Some guns I've gone through in the past few years:
Winchester Model 99 "thumb gun"
Spencer carbine
Berthier 1907
Every kind of Mouser you can imagine
4 screw S&W 29 (got money for that one)
Colt Detectives
Winchester Centennial 66

They've got cool watches too.

In a country full of black and plastic guns it's kind of neat to get you hands on some of these.  Just wish the WWII folks would hang around a little longer. 
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: Rich A on August 27, 2015, 03:18:04 PM
I recently bought a Thompson Center Contender--a break action pistol made in the mid 70s. Very accurate. This for silhouette shooting.

Rich A
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: segesta on August 27, 2015, 03:27:19 PM
PS speaking of the WWII generation. I'm not a Gun Guy, though I own a Browning Buck Mark for target practice. Anyway, my grandfather's Colt Python .357 magnum ended up with me.

Good God, what a beautiful--and intimidating--gun. But it will likely stay in the safe until it too goes to my son. I wonder if anyone will ever shoot it?
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: Penderic on August 27, 2015, 03:40:07 PM
Prices used to be reasonable ... but back then I had no money. Please Mom!
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Penderic/bargains_zpskwvcwbod.jpg)
 :wink:
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: Dilliw on August 27, 2015, 03:47:03 PM
PS speaking of the WWII generation. I'm not a Gun Guy, though I own a Browning Buck Mark for target practice. Anyway, my grandfather's Colt Python .357 magnum ended up with me.

Good God, what a beautiful--and intimidating--gun. But it will likely stay in the safe until it too goes to my son. I wonder if anyone will ever shoot it?

Awesome gun that I frame.  It would be a shame not to shoot it although I hate the sound of .357 mags and generally use the specials.
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: rboe on August 27, 2015, 05:16:30 PM
I recently bought a Thompson Center Contender--a break action pistol made in the mid 70s. Very accurate. This for silhouette shooting.

Rich A

Then check out this site. I'm considering having him do up a .22 mag barrel.
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: Rich A on August 27, 2015, 05:19:49 PM
Then check out this site. I'm considering having him do up a .22 mag barrel.

Uh, you forgot something.

I'm thinking of getting a .357 barrel for big-bore hunter pistol silhouette (do not like those damned chickens).

Rich A
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: rodekyll on August 27, 2015, 05:31:14 PM
???  Does he have to spell it all out for you?   :laugh:
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on August 27, 2015, 05:31:35 PM
Awesome gun that I frame.  It would be a shame not to shoot it although I hate the sound of .357 mags and generally use the specials.

You aren't doing hearing protection??  :shocked:
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: Dilliw on August 27, 2015, 05:42:17 PM
You aren't doing hearing protection??  :shocked:

Even with my Silencios that "crack" that the .357 makes has always irritated me.  For me a 6" Model 57 is a better choice as a shooter.

Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: rodekyll on August 27, 2015, 05:51:46 PM
The .357 is annoying when the guy next to you on the range is popping them off, but when I'm behind the muzzle it's the recoil rather than the noise that bothers me.  Worse with a .44mag, and worse yet as the barrel gets shorter.  I 'tune up' and pllink with light std loads and shift to magnums when I carry.  NB -- I always CC with factory loads.  Handloads are for off-road system and range use only.  If I do have to use the piece I don't want the opposing lawyer to say I was deliberately loaded with 'hot' rounds.  I prefer CC with some version of frangables or other 'LEO'-grade loads.  There is less trouble in the legalese if you can say "I'm having what  y'all are having.  . ."
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: Lannis on August 27, 2015, 05:52:17 PM

Colt Detectives


Don't you let a nice First or Second Series one of those get by you without giving me a nudge nudge wink wink call ....   

Lannis
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: Jim Rich on August 27, 2015, 06:12:32 PM
Why did I suspect our little group would prefer walnut with blued steel?  We run the risk of being considered old school.   :grin:

I am most proud of my Remington 1903-A3 and an Remington Model 12 shotgun my dad gave me.

That Highwall is a lovely thing, it knocked me out the first time I saw one at a gun show.  Thanks for putting up the picture.
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: rboe on August 27, 2015, 06:22:58 PM
Uh, you forgot something.

I'm thinking of getting a .357 barrel for big-bore hunter pistol silhouette (do not like those damned chickens).

Rich A

Gah! Old Timers....  http://www.bellmtcs.com/store/

He is a BIG fan of the .357max.

Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: SmithSwede on August 27, 2015, 07:56:54 PM
Well, I'm sure this will be a big surprise--put me in the traditional camp!

Indeed, my handle on this forum is "SmithSwede," which is a reference to my other hobby--the collecting and shooting of older Smith & Wesson revolvers and Swedish firearms.  I'm also a competitive pistol and rifle shooter, so I'm often the odd duck you would see on the firing line shooting Bullseye pistol with an iron-sighted revolver, or action pistol events with a revolver and speed loaders, or a high-power rifle match with a Swedish Mauser bolt action rifle in 6.5 X 55 Swede. 

What I have and really enjoy shooting on the handgun side are old 5 and 4 screw S&Ws.  Mostly K-frames, but I've got a bunch of N frames, J frames, and even a few I-frames.  My all time favorite handgun is an old 5-screw S&W K-38 with Herrett wooden grips, shooting my own cast bullets. 

I like various old Colt revolvers (Officer Models in .22 and .38, the Colt "357" Model, several Detective Specials).   Sometimes I'll mess with a few autoloaders, but they will be a BHP or wadcutter 1911, or pure target pistols like a Hammerli 208s or High Standard Military Model.  Old Swedish Nagant revolver.  Old school stuff with wood grips. 

As to rifles, I'm talking various Swedish '96 Mausers (different flavors of Model 96 long rifle, an M41B sniper rifle, several Swedish Mauser "FSR" target rifles, and a CG-63 target rifle).  There's the Ljungman Ag42b (nicknamed "Henny").  And then there's the Swedish rolling blocks in military trim, one in 12.7X44r, the other in 8X58r.  Oh, and a real sweetheart Norwegian Krag-Jorgensen in 6.5 Swede.  All wooden stocks with linseed oil finishes.

So yeah--I'm old school on firearms.   Go figure I like Moto Guzzis. 
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: LowRyter on August 27, 2015, 09:35:52 PM
Colt Trooper Mk III
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: sidecarnutz on August 27, 2015, 10:48:51 PM
I like a mix of old and new myself. The crack of a .357 mag rings my jaw like a bell. I swear I can still feel it hours after I get home. My trusty old M29 Dirty Harry .44mag is a fine shooter. For some reason the crack doesn't bother me like it's little brother does. The old school 1911 has always been a fav of mine. Back in my Navy days, I qualified sharp shooter with an M14 the first time I picked one up. I owned a Garand for a few years and it was a fine shooter too. Our M16's in the Navy were POS's IMO. Couldn't get through a mag without jamming. Yet my modern AR15's are reliable as heck. Knowing what I know now, I believe our Vietnam era mags were worn out in the early 80's when I used them. But being on a submarine, the government figured we'd never need them. Much as I love my Ruger 1911, I can shoot my more modern XD45 even better. My old Finnish M31 is the finest old rifle I have. Its so good, it's difficult to believe it was a service rifle! Makes cloverleaf groups of three shots.
Guns are like golf clubs, each is made for a different duty!
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: sign216 on August 28, 2015, 07:28:23 AM
Prices used to be reasonable ... but back then I had no money. Please Mom!
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Penderic/bargains_zpskwvcwbod.jpg)
 :wink:


Penderic,
Those prices are making me weep.  What year is that?

Yesterday a friend bought a collection from a widow.  He said it was mainly "junk:" heavily used stuff from the 1960's. 
My reply:  "That's got value.  Made before the quality down slide of the 70's and 80's." 
Later today I'll see what he got.
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: Lannis on August 28, 2015, 09:22:12 AM

Penderic,
Those prices are making me weep.  What year is that?

Yesterday a friend bought a collection from a widow.  He said it was mainly "junk:" heavily used stuff from the 1960's. 
My reply:  "That's got value.  Made before the quality down slide of the 70's and 80's." 
Later today I'll see what he got.

I'm sure that ad's from the early 60's ... back when you could buy all the guns and ammunition you wanted through the mail with no ID, and the gun crime rate was a fraction of what it is now ... sort of sets causality on its ear ....

Oh, there was a LOT of junk in the 60's.    My dad (career Navy) used to come back from a world cruise on his carrier with a bagful of .25 and .32 pistols he'd picked up in Hong Kong or Spain or Israel, usually from a street vendor I suppose.    Talk about cheap junk!   You might shoot about 3 magazines of ammo through them before the mag would start falling out on every shot,  and the barrels start wobbling about ...

I commented to my grandpa once about how they used to make things "better" in the old days, because the old houses and cars and tractors and guns just seemed like better stuff.   He told me "They used to make just as much shoddy junk in the old days as they do now.   But you never got a chance to see the cheap stuff because the good stuff is what's lasted until now for you to see it ...."

Lannis
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: not-fishing on August 28, 2015, 09:30:23 AM
Well, I'm sure this will be a big surprise--put me in the traditional camp!

Indeed, my handle on this forum is "SmithSwede," which is a reference to my other hobby--the collecting and shooting of older Smith & Wesson revolvers and Swedish firearms.  I'm also a competitive pistol and rifle shooter, so I'm often the odd duck you would see on the firing line shooting Bullseye pistol with an iron-sighted revolver, or action pistol events with a revolver and speed loaders, or a high-power rifle match with a Swedish Mauser bolt action rifle in 6.5 X 55 Swede.   All wooden stocks with linseed oil finishes.

So yeah--I'm old school on firearms.   Go figure I like Moto Guzzis.

ehi amico sypmatico

I thought my son and I were the only one shooting Bullseye with a wheelguns (29-2 for me and 19-2 for him).
For rifle matchs I like my 1903 with ladder sights and the boys are a few decades newer with M1 Garands.

Also we all compete with revolvers in IDPA, 625 for me and 686 SSR for the boys.

now that I think about it maybe it should be hej vän sypmatico

Skal
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: sign216 on August 28, 2015, 10:06:12 AM

I commented to my grandpa once about how they used to make things "better" in the old days, because the old houses and cars and tractors and guns just seemed like better stuff.   He told me "They used to make just as much shoddy junk in the old days as they do now.   But you never got a chance to see the cheap stuff because the good stuff is what's lasted until now for you to see it ...."

Lannis

Yea, that's probably the truth of it.

There's probably fewer low-quality guns in the US now, since laws have restricted the market.  Only the better marques are still around.  I remember when New England had a dozen low to mid-quality brands that have faded away; H&R, Iver Johnson, Meriden, Allen, etc.  Even good brands like Colt are fading in and out of bankruptcy. 
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: charlie b on August 28, 2015, 10:33:13 AM
Uh, you forgot something.

I'm thinking of getting a .357 barrel for big-bore hunter pistol silhouette (do not like those damned chickens).

Rich A

LOL, I think you'll like it.  I had one a few years ago and liked it a lot for target shooting and deer hunting.  My favorite was the .30 Herrett and a 14" barrel with scope.  I also had a .223 barrel that was nice cause it was so cheap to shoot.
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: charlie b on August 28, 2015, 10:36:05 AM
Don't you let a nice First or Second Series one of those get by you without giving me a nudge nudge wink wink call ....   

Lannis

That was my thought as well, for any generation.  My wife will only own a Colt  :)
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: charlie b on August 28, 2015, 10:40:01 AM
PS speaking of the WWII generation. I'm not a Gun Guy, though I own a Browning Buck Mark for target practice. Anyway, my grandfather's Colt Python .357 magnum ended up with me.

Good God, what a beautiful--and intimidating--gun. But it will likely stay in the safe until it too goes to my son. I wonder if anyone will ever shoot it?

Get the Python out and fire .38 special target wadcutters.  You might need to clean the barrel good first to make sure you get all the copper out of it.  When done I think you'll like it.  Muzzle blast way down and feels a bit more like a .22

That's what I like about revolvers vs autos.  You can get really mild loads for them off the shelf.
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: rocker59 on August 28, 2015, 11:20:09 AM
I'm kind of fond of "traditional".  An 1872 Colt is high on my list of wants.  This engraved example is pretty badass:

(http://photos.imageevent.com/newfrontier45/sixgunsiii/large/IMG_2281b.jpg)

(http://photos.imageevent.com/newfrontier45/sixgunsiii/large/IMG_2324b.jpg)
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: Dilliw on August 28, 2015, 01:00:59 PM
Well, I'm sure this will be a big surprise--put me in the traditional camp!

Indeed, my handle on this forum is "SmithSwede," which is a reference to my other hobby--the collecting and shooting of older Smith & Wesson revolvers and Swedish firearms.  I'm also a competitive pistol and rifle shooter, so I'm often the odd duck you would see on the firing line shooting Bullseye pistol with an iron-sighted revolver, or action pistol events with a revolver and speed loaders, or a high-power rifle match with a Swedish Mauser bolt action rifle in 6.5 X 55 Swede. 

What I have and really enjoy shooting on the handgun side are old 5 and 4 screw S&Ws.  Mostly K-frames, but I've got a bunch of N frames, J frames, and even a few I-frames.  My all time favorite handgun is an old 5-screw S&W K-38 with Herrett wooden grips, shooting my own cast bullets. 

I like various old Colt revolvers (Officer Models in .22 and .38, the Colt "357" Model, several Detective Specials).   Sometimes I'll mess with a few autoloaders, but they will be a BHP or wadcutter 1911, or pure target pistols like a Hammerli 208s or High Standard Military Model.  Old Swedish Nagant revolver.  Old school stuff with wood grips. 

As to rifles, I'm talking various Swedish '96 Mausers (different flavors of Model 96 long rifle, an M41B sniper rifle, several Swedish Mauser "FSR" target rifles, and a CG-63 target rifle).  There's the Ljungman Ag42b (nicknamed "Henny").  And then there's the Swedish rolling blocks in military trim, one in 12.7X44r, the other in 8X58r.  Oh, and a real sweetheart Norwegian Krag-Jorgensen in 6.5 Swede.  All wooden stocks with linseed oil finishes.

So yeah--I'm old school on firearms.   Go figure I like Moto Guzzis.

Swede you would have enjoyed this Mod 29 in 4" nickel.  Once I figured out it was a 4 screw and that those grips were worth the price of a regular 29 alone I took it to several local collectors just to get their thoughts.  All of them told me it was just another .44 .  I moved it on the S&W forum and did a little better for Delilah.

As to the mousers, I gave my father in law, who is a cattle farmer, one of those sporterized Kimber swedes a few years ago.  He can't stop talking about it.

(http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g152/Dilliw/Mod%2029/DSCN1585.jpg)
Title: Re: Firearms - traditional vs new (NGC)
Post by: krglorioso on August 29, 2015, 11:48:39 PM
Five pre-1964 Winchesters; Models 24, 71, 1890, 63 and just-purchased 52.  All NRA Excellent or better.

Plastic guns?  Maybe from a Crackerjack box.  Not in this house, no matter how good they shoot.  I don't own Guzzis because they outperform the Jap stuff, and I don't own old guns because they shoot 1/2" groups at 200 yards.   

Ralph