"Classic" Handguns

Mosin77 said:

Remington model 51. The original, not the recent plastic one.

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The R51 was not “plastic”. The grip panels were plastic. The rest was metal. Had their QC been better it might have been a neat gun. Mine, definitely was not.

No list is complete without the SAA even though many didn't have wood grips but many of them do.

I think an "everyman gun" should be represented as well. My pick for that would be the Charter Arms Bulldog in .44 special.

I dont have one, but its on my 2021 list once they start showing up again.

View attachment 952809 Browning BDA .380acp

The Colt Ace. S&W model 13.

Sorry huntsman but the Browning BDA .380 was made for them by Beretta in Italy. An excellent gun but the OP was looking for Classic Handguns made in America.

You left off the Colt Diamondback.

I know it's been posted, but when I hear "Classic Handgun" this is my first thought.

Desert Eagle.

Although production has shifted back and forth to Israel over the years, designed and currently produced in the USA.

mlankton said:

I'd include the early Dan Wesson revolvers, but I would like to see the S&W model 39 on the list. The 39 gave us 45 years of S&W semi autos that sold a ton and were a common sight on the hips of law enforcement back in the 80s and 90s.
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The S&W Model 39 is to me one of the best looking and ergonomic pistols ever made.

I think the S&W 3rd gen semi auto will soon join the ranks. Just give it some time

S&W Model 3 (Schofield):



Rogers & Spencer:



RBH:

bannockburn said:

Sorry huntsman but the Browning BDA .380 was made for them by Beretta in Italy. An excellent gun but the OP was looking for Classic Handguns made in America.

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Yep my bad I missed the MIA

huntsman

Both the BDA .380 and the Beretta Model 84 (I had one when they first came out), were decent compact-size semi-autos and I would say they were classic designs for their time. I used mine as a home defense gun as I liked the idea of having 14 .380s on tap, just in case!

NIGHTLORD40K said:

Holy smokes! First time Ive seen one nicer than mine.......#jelly.

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This gun was owned by a friend of my dads. He passed away 28 days after my dad. I had to to go back to Iowa to get it. Well worth it.

View attachment 953097 View attachment 953098 High Standards have always been high on my list.

Charlie Martinez said:

The S&W Model 39 is to me one of the best looking and ergonomic pistols ever made.

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Yep. Love my 39-2. It was given to me by the original owner with 18 rounds still left in the only box of ammo that was ever fired in it. And its target pistol accurate. It shoots little tiny groups with Speer Lawman 124gr FMJ ammo. When I get busy and cast some 140gr lead Lee SWC bullets I bet it does well with those too.

There are so many classic american made guns I really don't know where to even start on a list.

1851 Colt Navy, 1873 Colt Peacemaker, 1805 Harper's Ferry .54 cal flintlock.
Whole lotta classic pistols made prior to 1911!

Would a Monson made Dan Wesson revolver qualify. The finish on mine is a touch worn & it wears a Hogue rubber grip (I do have a wood grip for it) but I am fond of it.

Yes it does....as these 2 should too

you should try to pick up an old gun digest from the 60s or 70s... I flip through some of my Dad's old ones once in a while ... very cool.

View attachment 953296 The official police and police positives always get my attention.