Palladan44
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- Nov 7, 2020
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The 5 oldest smokeless powder guns that i own that function, and their backstories.
Remington Scoremaster .22 circa 1937- My ex girlfriend gave me this when she discovered it at her late grandfathers farm. Its a tack driver, and i still use it today as my go-to for small game or pest control.
Remington model 10-Riot. (Believe it has been modified to this configuration)12ga. Circa-1930s Purchased at a gun show around 2014 for 85$. It walked in the door and I made the deal in about 3 seconds. I test fired it with some light target loads, and she works just fine. It sits in the safe.
The Remington .22 and the 12 gauge are both basically patina finished. Theyve had rust on them so much over the years, and theyve been polished over and over so the steel is an even brown patina in most places. I like the look.
Winchester Model 94 in 30 WCF (30-30) circa 1948- purchased at a gun show in about 2010 This also walked in the door at the show, asking 500$ which was no problem, given that its condition is 90%. Great rifle, and a near twin to my fathers model 94 he used to hunt deer with.
Smith and Wesson M&P "hand ejector" 4th change, .38 special- circa 1916- this was my first handgun! My father purchased for me when i was 16 years old, it was 175$+transfer fee (i could shoot it under supervision until age 21) Its cylinder locks up very very tight, and the smithing on the gun in my opinion is finer than similar weapons made later. Its apparent that parts are hand fitted and tuned, and polished, just outstanding craftsmanship. That said, there is considerable holster wear on the right side of the gun, indicating that this gun was a duty weapon, probably carried by a right hand officer.
Colt M1911a1- probably 1943 colt mfg.(slide) and 1967 colt mfg.(frame) . The barrel is dated 1984. Its a "parts" gun, which ive heard were very common as the 1911 hung around in service needing replacement parts as decade after decade rolled on. Whats to say about this other than its awesome to have some American history. Another thing about it, is it has been modified a few times over the years post military including a new aftermarket hammer (so ive been told) and mainspring housing. So based on all this, this gun makes it out to the shooting range. And it functions flawlessly. If i had a 100% original M1911a1 i probably would not be shooting it much, if at all.
Purchased/traded this gun about 15 years ago for 350$ plus a Mosin-Nagant rifle if i recall correctly.
One moral of the story... If i had these guns in my posession as my only weapons, i could accomplish just about every task id ever need to practically accomplish, and still enjoy shooting a hell of a lot. Period. Makes me wonder what all the other guns are even for....
To wrap this up, enjoy shooting your vintage firearms!! Its always best they are inspected for function by a competent gunsmith and thoroughly cleaned. There are many different ways firearms can become hazardous especially for reasons of wear and tear, rust/corrosion or the like. Where to draw the line on that can be a very difficult thing to determine.
What really is the definition of "modern firearms in good working condition"? Stay safe.
Remington Scoremaster .22 circa 1937- My ex girlfriend gave me this when she discovered it at her late grandfathers farm. Its a tack driver, and i still use it today as my go-to for small game or pest control.
Remington model 10-Riot. (Believe it has been modified to this configuration)12ga. Circa-1930s Purchased at a gun show around 2014 for 85$. It walked in the door and I made the deal in about 3 seconds. I test fired it with some light target loads, and she works just fine. It sits in the safe.
The Remington .22 and the 12 gauge are both basically patina finished. Theyve had rust on them so much over the years, and theyve been polished over and over so the steel is an even brown patina in most places. I like the look.
Winchester Model 94 in 30 WCF (30-30) circa 1948- purchased at a gun show in about 2010 This also walked in the door at the show, asking 500$ which was no problem, given that its condition is 90%. Great rifle, and a near twin to my fathers model 94 he used to hunt deer with.
Smith and Wesson M&P "hand ejector" 4th change, .38 special- circa 1916- this was my first handgun! My father purchased for me when i was 16 years old, it was 175$+transfer fee (i could shoot it under supervision until age 21) Its cylinder locks up very very tight, and the smithing on the gun in my opinion is finer than similar weapons made later. Its apparent that parts are hand fitted and tuned, and polished, just outstanding craftsmanship. That said, there is considerable holster wear on the right side of the gun, indicating that this gun was a duty weapon, probably carried by a right hand officer.
Colt M1911a1- probably 1943 colt mfg.(slide) and 1967 colt mfg.(frame) . The barrel is dated 1984. Its a "parts" gun, which ive heard were very common as the 1911 hung around in service needing replacement parts as decade after decade rolled on. Whats to say about this other than its awesome to have some American history. Another thing about it, is it has been modified a few times over the years post military including a new aftermarket hammer (so ive been told) and mainspring housing. So based on all this, this gun makes it out to the shooting range. And it functions flawlessly. If i had a 100% original M1911a1 i probably would not be shooting it much, if at all.
Purchased/traded this gun about 15 years ago for 350$ plus a Mosin-Nagant rifle if i recall correctly.
One moral of the story... If i had these guns in my posession as my only weapons, i could accomplish just about every task id ever need to practically accomplish, and still enjoy shooting a hell of a lot. Period. Makes me wonder what all the other guns are even for....
To wrap this up, enjoy shooting your vintage firearms!! Its always best they are inspected for function by a competent gunsmith and thoroughly cleaned. There are many different ways firearms can become hazardous especially for reasons of wear and tear, rust/corrosion or the like. Where to draw the line on that can be a very difficult thing to determine.
What really is the definition of "modern firearms in good working condition"? Stay safe.
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