What is a must have antique pistol?

[Optical Serenity]

I'm looking for some really old wheel gun (I'd like a revolver, but semi is ok too) that is neat to have, shoots something that I can still buy, and won't break my pocket...what do you guys think?

[jungle]

Try the 1911, it's the only antique that is still being built because it works as well or better than anything built today.

[bigmike45]

A friend of mine has a German Luger that has a cocking lever on the left side of his pistol. It seem this gun had been built for the horse infantry so the gun could be cocked one handed while riding. It was in pristine condition. It was given to him by his great grandfather, who is from Germany and as much as he hates to admit it......a Nazi!!!

[XavierBreath]

I suppose it all depends on what you call antique. I think the cut-off date for a gun to legally be antique (and thus no restrictions on trading) is around 1897. That places you into SAA territory and big dollars unless you go to black powder reproductions. That's not an economical thing to do to get a shooter for fun.

One option is, as stated, the M1911 and M1911A1. prices range from $500-3000+ If you get a shooter grade gun, you can easily keep it running with modern parts. You might even find a Sistema for $350 or so if you look hard.

SOG (http://www.southernohiogun.com/surplushandguns.html) had some overpriced shooter grade Lugers a few months back. I think they were going for $649. It looks like the jacked the price up and are calling them rare now. They presently have Nazi WWII P-38 Pistols in 9mm for $499

Consider a Smith & Wesson Military & Police Model of 1904 4th Change in .38Special. It's a robust, accurate revolver, that will make you feel like you are shooting Grandpa's gun. Prices range from $125-600+

Finally, I want to suggest a S&W K-22. If this is going to be a fun gun, you might as well get it in a caliber that is extremely cheap to shoot. The K-22s are dead accurate, and built as well as any old S&W. I'm still looking for a K-22 myself. I hope to find a shooter grade K-22 for $350. They sell for as high as $1500 in LNIB condition.

[deadin]

A friend of mine has a German Luger that has a cocking lever on the left side of his pistol. It seem this gun had been built for the horse infantry so the gun could be cocked one handed while riding. It was in pristine condition. It was given to him by his great grandfather, who is from Germany and as much as he hates to admit it......a Nazi!!!

As much as I would like to see a Luger with a cocking lever. (I can't even imagine how it would work) I think what he may have is a Sauer 38H. That's the only German pistol of the Nazi era with a cocking lever that I know of.

Dean

[stoky]

Mauser Broomhandle can be had in 9mm. The .30 ammo is still available but way more costy than 9.
S&W Model 10
+1 on the K22

[M92FS]

1. M1895 Nagant Revolver .
selling at Impact Arms for $90 but is out of stock currently.
http://www.impactguns.com/store/HG915-X.html

2. S&W Model 10

3. Colt M1911A1

[Pilot]

A friend of mine has a German Luger that has a cocking lever on the left side of his pistol. It seem this gun had been built for the horse infantry so the gun could be cocked one handed while riding.

Its either not a Luger or you are talking about the safety which is actually a lever on the left side of the pistol.

I'd get a Luger and/or the C-96. Both classics and shooter grade can still be had for a decent price.

[1911 guy]

The only revolver I've ever shot that felt good to me is an old colt 44-40 with birds head grips that my Grandpa gave me 15-20 years ago. Seems to point natural to me.

[kjeff50cal]

1. S&W MP (Mod 10)
2. Colt Official Police
3. 1895 Nagant
4. SA 1911 Clones (Systema, Ballaster Mollina, etc.)
5. H&R (not NEF) .32 Long Revolver or .22 LR
6. Walther P1 (post war P 38 w Aluminum frame)
7. Walther PP
8. Mauser Hsc
9. Tokarev (TT33)
10. FN 1922

kjeff50cal

[Onmilo]

1911GUY, I was thinking that for cool factor alone a Colt 1878 would get my vote!

[Dr.Rob]

Colt SSA and Luger are great choices, but understand "cheap' and antique are not used in the same sentence. A replica SAA is available for a lot less from several Italian makers.

Lugers with matching numbers are well on their way to being $1k pistols.

[EddieCoyle]

Here's one that I just bought:

http://westgroton.com/images/colt1903.jpg

It's a Colt Model 1903 in .32 ACP. It's fun to shoot. You can buy the ammo at Walmart, it looks old (sorry 1911 and k22 guys), and it won't break the bank.

Or this one - a Beretta 1935 (same caliber):

http://www.westgroton.com/images/beretta1935.jpg

Or you could go for a Savage 1907 (also in .32 ACP - I have a thing for this caliber). These are really inexpensive:

http://www.westgroton.com/images/savage.jpg

[gazpacho]

Does it have to be real, or can it be a reproduction?

[Dr.Rob]

Nice Savage.