[AcceptableUserName]

I'm a fan of Mossberg 500's and Remington 870 shotguns. Because with a little know how and some maintenance, they don't HAVE a shelf life, they ARE the shelf life. They won't quit. I like steel pistols. I have a Glock 30 and while it's fine a gun, I'm looking to try and swap it for something all-steel. Recommend some steel semi-auto pistols that will stand the test of time. I don't care about match-grade accuracy, or sweet night sights that will go dead in 10-15 years, or uber-capacity mags, or accessory rails...I want a gun that will spit massive amounts of lead downrage, take a beating doing it and be like an old friend when it's all said and done.

[Blue Brick]

Ruger.

[CWL]

All steel?

Colt Govt. 1911

Browning Hi-Power

Ruger MKI-II

[cyclopsshooter]

dude- a good 1911- and go with a colt, buy a used or new series 70- its got the class, the history, the name, you will be proud to hand it down the family line! everything else is a copy

[doc2rn]

I have 3 that are older than me
Colt Gov Model ~1956 95%
S&W Mod 10-4 ~1962 30%
H&R 199 ~80%
All 3 are still shooters but I still like my FNP-9mm
My ruger standard and MKII have also beaten the test of time! GP100 and SP series would make the short list with a Browning High Power in the full sized group.

[skoro]

I want a gun that will spit massive amounts of lead downrage, take a beating doing it and be like an old friend when it's all said and done.

You've just described these:

Colt 1911

Browning High Power

Personally, I prefer the 1911, but that's just me. ;)

[usp9]

Some newer world class entrants;
HK USP
Glock 17
HK P7
Beretta 92
Sig P232

[Quoheleth]

A few I haven't seen yet:

CZ
Taurus PT 92/99/100/101
Smith 5909
Sig P6

Q

[Loyalist Dave]

They were mentioned, 1911A1, Browning High Power,
Also, S&W model 10, 13, 29 and model 1917, Ruger Blackhawk, bearcat, GP100, Walther P-38, Colt SAA.

Beretta 92, Maybe, IF it's the Italian original version, but the newer variations have had waaaay too many recalls over the years for me to recommend this one. It may make the list in a couple more decades, if it avoids further trouble.

LD

[Blakenzy]

Well, I think that any modern steel pistol will last longer than you if you change springs when needed and avoid malignant rust.

I have a Colt Government model mfg 1946 and it still runs 100%. It rattles just by staring at it but it's failure proof and more accurate than I can manage to shoot(w/ lead handloads), even though the bore has seen much better days. I consider it a beater gun, with the front and backstrap finish completely worn off. It's just one of those grandfather guns that keep on ticking.

"I have tried to kill it many, many times, but it refuses to die"

[AgentAdam]

Beretta Beretta Beretta. You could go 150,000 with regular recoil spring changes and a few locking blocks. You really think anything can out beat a Glock in round count? They will do 250,000 easy. All metal guns are more likely to hammer them selfs.

[surjimmy]

1911's almost 100 years and still going strong.

[threefeathers]

The 1911 stands the test of time.
That said there are many others including Gaston's invention.
Personally I have a Colt 1917 issued in 1917 that is in absooutely perfect condition.

[hanno]

1911

cz

[chris in va]

I would think the Beretta might last a long time. Haven't heard much about CZ's breaking slides or anything, but some of their parts are sub par so if you don't mind replacing them every so often, they could last too.

[federalfarmer]

1911

or

1911.

:D

Either way you can't go wrong!

[Big_John1961]

In the mouse gun category, Seecamp without question.

[Zerodefect]

1911's:scrutiny: NO, way no, they don't even work out of the box!! How is "worked fine till I tried shooting it.", standing the test of time? Too much maintenance and rust. My Kimber CDP would be dust by now if it wasn't dripping with oil.


I'm voting for Glocks.

Rust resistant, reliable, long lasting. Only gun I'm comfortable buying used.

[ScareyH22A]

M1 Garand. Want.

[phoenix79]

Cz 75b

[Tim L]

I'd probably add the SIG P220 and P226 to the list. Colt, Ruger (not the new LCR) and Smith & Wesson revolvers as well. Good alloy, stainless steel and blued steel WILL hold up on average better than the modern wonder material. While I like my HK, Kahr and Kel-tec, I have no faith in plastic surviving more than 30- 40 years. I've had watch bands and camera bodies break down into a previous state (black goo) within 5 years. Plastic trim and dash parts in modern vehicles made over the last 15-20 years split, crack and break. Besides handgun frames, what else is made of plastic that receives the same or similar abuse? Anything over 30 years old and made of plastic still being used today?
If in 20 years a large percentage of gen 1 Glocks are still going strong I'll add them to the list and start trusting plastics.

[SuperNaut]

I promise you that 300 years from now some guy will have a 1911 variant strapped to his EVA suit and an 870 in his rover while checking fences on partially terraformed Europa

[CWL]

My Kimber CDP would be dust by now if it wasn't dripping with oil.

You mean the ones made using aluminum frames and stainless slides?

I'm no fan of Kimber, but I don't talk out of my @ss either.

[cleetus03]

Unquestionably in my opinion which is only based on my experience with both guns I own & other people who have them;

Revolver; Ruger Security-Six/GP100/SP101

Automatic; Beretta/Taurus 92 and Glock 17/19

[ezenbrowntown]

If in 300 years someone is still carrying a 1911, I would, hypothetically speaking since I would be dead by then, be extremely disappointed with our advances in technology. I haven't seen too many swords or muskets with powder and ball running around anymore. I can just hear a military man from the 18th Century. "The cannon ball is and will always be the chief line of defense for a miltary fortress. It will be standard issue 300 years from now." LOL.


We'd better have some lasers and flying cars!! :)

[DeepSouth]

1911

or

1911.



Either way you can't go wrong

What he said, but put Colt in there somewhere. And be prepared for all those people that hate them and act like children, saying stupid things for no good reason.:rolleyes:

[SuperNaut]

If in 300 years someone is still carrying a 1911, I would, hypothetically speaking since I would be dead by then, be extremely disappointed with our advances in technology. I haven't seen too many swords or muskets with powder and ball running around anymore. I can just hear a military man from the 18th Century. "The cannon ball is and will always be the chief line of defense for a miltary fortress. It will be standard issue 300 years from now." LOL.

We were supposed to have jet-packs and hand-held lasers a decade ago. Instead, we have slow cars that run on moonshine, grease, and Duracells; and our most advanced firearms are made of differently-shaped pieces of plastic based on JMB's century-and-a-half-old designs. You've got to admit, that's not much of an advance in technology.

We'd better have some lasers and flying cars!!

So science fiction aside, we are still propelling bits of metal out of a tube.

Rail-gun tech - bust
Miniature laser tech - bust
Hypersonic weapons - bust
Personal atomic/quantum weapons* - bust

We've modified the projectiles, the bbls, the trigger mechanisms, the ejection methods, how they are held/mounted, but we are still propelling bits of metal out of a tube using century-old designs.

*Hurling atoms requires a mile of hi-tech shielding and atom bits literally have the smallest possible cross-sectional-area. No one-shot-stops, but the shootee's ancestors may drop dead from genetic mutations caused from having pieces shot off their DNA helices. ;)

[surjimmy]

THANK YOU CWL....Zerodefect 100's of thousands of dead Comies says your Wrong.

[Bill_G]

Ruger Sixes without a doubt.

[stchman]

Any gun made of all stainless.

My Taurus 44 mag is all stainless with a rubber handle.

My SR9 is a polymer framed stainless slide(that will never go away).

My Mini-14 is all stainless and a synthetic stock(neither of those materials will go away).

My 10/22 is blued with a synthetic stock.

If I maintain these firearms they will be still shooting long after I am gone.

[Rob P.]

If in 300 years someone is still carrying a 1911, I would, hypothetically speaking since I would be dead by then, be extremely disappointed with our advances in technology. I haven't seen too many swords or muskets with powder and ball running around anymore. I can just hear a military man from the 18th Century. "The cannon ball is and will always be the chief line of defense for a miltary fortress. It will be standard issue 300 years from now." LOL.

What, you never saw Serenity? They're flying around in starships between many many different worlds and they're still using revolvers.

1911
Ruger (in 44 mag.)

[Deltaboy]

1911
S&W Mod 27 or 29 pre 1960

[powwowell]

Another mouse gun that has already stood the test of time is the Colt .25 caliber, 1908 Vest Pocket Pistol.

[ljnowell]

Plastic trim and dash parts in modern vehicles made over the last 15-20 years split, crack and break. Besides handgun frames, what else is made of plastic that receives the same or similar abuse? Anything over 30 years old and made of plastic still being used today?
If in 20 years a large percentage of gen 1 Glocks are still going strong I'll add them to the list and start trusting plastics.


Do you really think they are made of the same plastics as the dash of cars were 30 years ago? I mean, with your mentality, I am surpised you use one of them new-fangled come-puter thingies to get on the Interwebs.

[Oro]

Do you really think they are made of the same plastics as the dash of cars were 30 years ago? I mean, with your mentality, I am surpised you use one of them new-fangled come-puter thingies to get on the Interwebs.

There is NO reason to be insulting. He's stating that he doesn't trust polymerized plastics until they have some more years of age on them. That's a reasonable attitude.

You insulting his attitude is NOT reasonable.

Tim L used positive examples in his post, and he lobbied for several modern designs, such as Sigs and Kahr. I don't entirely agree with him, but I'd rather reason with him than just shout him down. Your response was bereft of any examples or explanation of changes in the inorganic chemistry advances in polymer technology. If you want to argue and disagree, do it with examples and information, not insults.

[Zerodefect]

"You mean the ones made using aluminum frames and stainless slides?

I'm no fan of Kimber, but I don't talk out of my @ss either. "


Seriously, no problems with the slide or the frame, but the barrel and recoil rod are "in the white". Just breathing on them discolors them. The frame safety lever gets rust spots, the slide gets tiny little spots sometimes. The hammer is completely a lost cause.

Regular cleaning for my CDP is brake fluid to get the spots off, and a ton of CLP. At the rate it corrodes, there is no real way for me to CCW it regularly. Meanwhile my Glock 23 laughs at my sweat.

The gun really hasn't been that reliable either.

I'm hopeing to meet someone in need of a 1911 that would trade for a Glock compact.

[stanmo]

What, you never saw Serenity? They're flying around in starships between many many different worlds and they're still using revolvers.

One of the best shows ever and only lasted one season :banghead:

[Gtscotty]

Another vote for CZ 75, I just ran the first 170 rnds through mine, and am a convert. The pistol is accurate, reliable (thus far) and of solid construction to say the least. The only part on the CZ that doesn't look quite as stellar is the plastic recoil spring guide. I have yet to hear of that part failing in anyone's gun though, so perhaps it is a non-issue.

[Flash!]

Sig 226

S&W 686

Ruger P series.... I have the P91

[kmrcstintn]

the models that are manufactured by a good amount of manufacturers...like the 1911 platform, the 1873 Colt SAA platform, the CZ 75 platform, the Beretta FS platform, and double action revolver platforms that all chamber a variety of calibers

[WardenWolf]

Romanian Tokarev. Mine is 56 years old and shoots like a good 1911.

[Confederate]

Interesting thread. The thing about handguns is that they're only as robust as their weakest link. My personal favorites are:

Ruger Security-Six .357
Ruger GP-100 .357
S&W 659/5906
S&W 645/4506

The problem with autos isn't the frame so much as all the springs and extractors and other small parts subject to breakage. Some people change the springs in their semi-autos every 5,000 rounds (though they concede they will undoubtedly go many more with no problems). But will autos go through 30,000 rounds with absolutely no parts replacements (including springs)? That I'm not sure about. I suspect revolvers will hold up much better over time, all things considered. You put a loaded Ruger Security-Six and an auto side by side in a drawer and leave them both there for 50 years. Which would have the greatest chance of still being a totally functional handgun? The revolver may dry out and require some lubrication; same for the automatic, but chances are the revolver can be restored to complete functionality with no problem. I'm not sure about the auto. If it was new, and the springs were in perfect condition when it was stored, possibly.

Add another 50 years and it's anyone's guess. If I had unlimited ammo and had to depend on one gun for the rest of my life, I'd have to choose the revolver. In a societal breakdown or a situation where no parts replacements were available, it would be difficult to beat a Ruger revolver. Rubber grips would eventually age and crack and oils evaporate or turn to gum. But all in all, a revolver could more easily be returned to serviceability, I think.

Polymer frames have proven themselves to be as robust as steel frame guns and they don't rust or break down over time (as far as I know).

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh198/jriler/RugerSecurity-Six4_inch_RB_2.jpg

Ruger Security-Six .357

[C-grunt]

I'd probably add the SIG P220 and P226 to the list. Colt, Ruger (not the new LCR) and Smith & Wesson revolvers as well. Good alloy, stainless steel and blued steel WILL hold up on average better than the modern wonder material. While I like my HK, Kahr and Kel-tec, I have no faith in plastic surviving more than 30- 40 years. I've had watch bands and camera bodies break down into a previous state (black goo) within 5 years. Plastic trim and dash parts in modern vehicles made over the last 15-20 years split, crack and break. Besides handgun frames, what else is made of plastic that receives the same or similar abuse? Anything over 30 years old and made of plastic still being used today?
If in 20 years a large percentage of gen 1 Glocks are still going strong I'll add them to the list and start trusting plastics.
Glocks are made of polymer. The M16s from the 60s are still going strong and they have polymer parts.

[Tim L]

Glocks are made of polymer. The M16s from the 60s are still going strong and they have polymer parts.

Thank you! An example instead of an insult.

[alistaire]

Colt 1911. Though Standard Signal or Remington Rand 1911s would be cool, too.

I forgot to mention Colt SAA.

[searcher451]

The Walther P.38 and its offspring: the P1, the P4, and the P5.

[ace88]

S&W 5906. That's a lot of stainless steel. Reliable and tough. If you shop around, you can find one for a lot cheaper than the latest plastic fantastic pistol. I bought this one 6 months ago for $339.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v472/millwright/5906a.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v472/millwright/5906b.jpg

[Don357]

#25
ezenbrowntown
Join Date: 04-09-08
Location: Central Texas
Posts: 66

If in 300 years someone is still carrying a 1911, I would, hypothetically speaking since I would be dead by then, be extremely disappointed with our advances in technology. I haven't seen too many swords or muskets with powder and ball running around anymore. I can just hear a military man from the 18th Century. "The cannon ball is and will always be the chief line of defense for a miltary fortress. It will be standard issue 300 years from now." LOL.

#18
Zerodefect
Senior Member
Join Date: 03-28-09
Posts: 275

1911's NO, way no, they don't even work out of the box!! How is "worked fine till I tried shooting it.", standing the test of time? Too much maintenance and rust. My Kimber CDP would be dust by now if it wasn't dripping with oil.


Both of you guy's just made a valid point. That being, that if ANY firearm is properly maintained, it will last almost forever.

Don

[Bookworm]

I don't think the 1911 will make it as an all time great. I hated that gun with a passion when I was in the Army. A true pain to break down and clean. And someone would always send a spring flying across the room. A stupid design. It feels wonderful in the hand, and shoots like a dream, so I can understand the feeling behind the gun, but...

Now the ruger P89 on the other hand - easy to break down. It has to be one of the all time greats on durability and reliability with any ammo.

[ByAnyMeans]

I figure a 1911 for .45acp, Hi-power for 9mm and a Ruger Mark II for 22lr. They are all going to last longer than me. I figure a Glock will as well and is my go to handgun but has not been around long enough to prove itself. We'll know in another 50 years if the polymer pistols can match in "Test of Time" comparisons.

[sidheshooter]

K-frame in .38 spec, in addition to the ideas above.

[thebluemax]

I cast my vote.

1. S&W model 28

2. 1911

3. Tokarev

[Dazen]

The 1911 , S&W Model 28 and the Browning High Power get my Vote.

[Crow1108]

1911. Hands down.

Nothing wrong with my Kimber.

[jimmyraythomason]

Cz-82 and S&W k frame revolvers.

[Big Z]

1911 nuf said

[faizi]

Cz-75b

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

I'm gonna say Dardick & Gyrojet!!! Am I right? :)

[herohog]

Ruger *Hawks and S&W Model 59's. Both cost about or over $500 USED still today no matter how old they are!

[maniak]

I think it would be cool if I could stay healthy and active long enough to see which wears out first: my stainless 1911 stainless or my H&K USP Compact. I suspect I'd eventually find myself driving to the range in my flying car, unless I took my rocket pack. 8^)

[mljdeckard]

A good 1911. You can keep rebuilding it yourself.

[AgentAdam]

A J frame is more practical than a K frame in today's concealed carry world.

[ljnowell]

There is NO reason to be insulting. He's stating that he doesn't trust polymerized plastics until they have some more years of age on them. That's a reasonable attitude.

You insulting his attitude is NOT reasonable.

Tim L used positive examples in his post, and he lobbied for several modern designs, such as Sigs and Kahr. I don't entirely agree with him, but I'd rather reason with him than just shout him down. Your response was bereft of any examples or explanation of changes in the inorganic chemistry advances in polymer technology. If you want to argue and disagree, do it with examples and information, not insults.

Thats not an insult that is a comparison. An example. If it hits too close to home, then I am sorry, but I wont feel bad about posting what I did. What information needs posted? Old school thinking, plain and simple. I wont sugarcoat it.

[sig87]

SIG Will