Lookong for a historical ccw gun for my brother.

[cfullgraf]

I know I get boring saying this, but do NOT carry any gun with a high value or of historical/sentimental interest. He should not be carrying a gun for fun or to show off. If he uses that gun, it will be seized by the police and he may never get it back (assuming he does not end up in prison). A carry gun should be reliable, but not a museum specimen or of other than ordinary value.

Jim

I agree. Fine old guns deserve to be retired and brought out once in a while for some fun informal shooting.

There are enough guns still in production, or recently ceased production that are modern versions of the historically significant models. A much better choice for carry, still historically significant, and does not carry the value of the fine, old firearm.

The M1911, Browning Hi-Power, S&W Chief Special, S&W Model 10, and the Walther PPK come to mind but there are others.

 

[Winkman822]

I'd recommend a 1911. For something that's historic in nature, hard to go wrong with a standard Colt Series 70 reproduction. A big plus is that it's not a super high dollar gun in the event it winds up in an evidence locker after a legal shoot. Another option would be a Detective Special or maybe a PPK if he's okay with a smaller caliber. You could also go with a Browning Hi-Power as a viable option.

 

[chaim]

I'm a history buff myself (actually, since I teach history I guess I'm a history professional). I thought about going historical on my carry guns, and do in a way at times when I feel like carrying a revolver. My suggestion is not to use an actual historical gun. Someone who truly appreciates history also appreciates that there are a finite number of historical artifacts. WWI and WWII era guns are getting old and so are some Cold War era pistols. I wouldn't argue not to shoot them at all, but why accelerate wear and aging by practicing with them as often as you should with your CCW piece, adding new holster wear, etc.? I'd say, get a modern version of a historical gun. The possible exception is something that isn't in current production, an absolute ton were made, and they aren't likely to go anywhere anytime soon (such as with the Makarovs).

My suggestions:

1. A 1911, if he's really into it being historically accurate, get a mil spec from Springfield or RIA.
2. Any revolver. Medium frame revolvers were the police revolver for most of the 20th Century, small frames were the undercover police and (usually illegal) civilian CCW pistol of much of the 20th Century. N-frame revolvers in .45ACP were sometimes used by the military.
3. Makarov or CZ 82 in 9mm Mak, or a more modern CZ 83 in .380. A real Cold War pistol.
   
4. Walther PPK. Not really historic, but part of Cold War Pop-culture with James Bond and a good size for a CCW pistol.
5. BHP. The last design John Moses Browning had a hand in. Enough said for historical value, though it was used by about a dozen armies on both sides during WWII so there is that

 

[chaim]

What the hell are they commemorating, LOSING the Cold War?

CZ, The Scientology of firearms.

Actually, I'd argue that the Czechs were one of the big winners of the Cold War. They were dragged into the Soviet sphere of influence during the Cold War against their will, dragged back in 1968 kicking and screaming (despite only moves towards some freedom, not moves away from the Warsaw Pact), and got their freedom with the end of the Cold War and quickly allied themselves with the West so it would never happen again. They are now a free, democratic, capitalist country thanks to the way the Cold War ended. I think they won

 

[burrhead]

I have several older handguns that I enjoy shooting and caring for. I carry a Glock 21 because that's the best tool I own to save my bacon.

 

[Paladin7]

Not sure if I'm the only one to say this, since I don't have the time to read through all the responses on this thread, but I think there is a bit of confusion in terms...

Carry gun, to me, means something I can bet my life on or the lives of those I love on.
Historical gun, means something that would have interest to collectors or history buffs like myself.

These are two very different things. If I was looking for a carry gun, I would look to the most reliable and effective gun for the purpose I could find. These two things may cross, i.e. in the case of the 1911 or a revolver, but I would be careful on this.

For example... The 1911 is a great choice for someone who is willing to train to master the 1911's manual of arms. If not, then I would look elsewhere. In the case of the Makarov, CZ-82 (I own both) or Tokarev, there are much better concealed carry firearms on the market today that are exponentially better choices.

YMMV, of course, but thought this would give you some good food for thought.

 

[improperlyaged]

Thanks everyone for the responses. We settled on a Walther ppk imported by interarms in pretty decent shape. Shoots real sweet and fits his personality to a T.

 

[SwampWolf]

Good choice I think for what you had in mind, improperlyaged.

 

[Legionnaire]

Nice choice!

 

[ken B]

1911 not exactly a beginner's CCW, but I would think alot of folks in the Dillinger and Texas Ranger days carried the GI type version just like SA makes.
Colt 1908, but how reliable are those? Would go more with the PPK from Bond fame.

 

[Corpral_Agarn]

Smith and Wesson Model 10

Or

an 1911 of some sort.

 

[gotboostvr]

I dunno if it's been mentioned, but an ASP or similarly modified S&W would be pretty cool.

A PPK, P64 or Makarov would also be a formidable CCW.

 

[Ca survivor]

Colt 1911 Government, has been making history since 1911.

 

[lsudave]

Cold war stuff is a good starting point, inexpensive relative to other guns, with a fairly capable caliber (9x18). CZ 82 gives you 12 rds, you can go DA/SA or cocked and locked. P64 gives you something almost mousegun sized.
These are all quality pistols, and with a safe and pretty modern DA/SA setup.

Going older, some of the .32 acp pistols from before WW2 are still around and not pricey. Lots of Savages out there, should be able to pick one up cheap. 10 rds of .32 and reasonable SD accuracy in a Savage 1907 (not a target gun though!)

 

[SKILCZ]

My brother is a huge history buff and I'm looking for a pistol that would have some historical significance for him to Ccw. I'm not talking the derringer that shot Lincoln but rather a gun model that in some way influenced history. I have been thinking a makorav, tokarev clone, or something along those lines. Any ideas?

It depends how far back in history he wants to go. I was going to say Makarov, but you already mentioned it. 1911 is another option already mentioned, though they're still obviously made today.

 

[cowboy77845]

Colt 1911 in 38 Super. Melvin Purvis and Frank Hamer used them. Think John Dillinger and Bonnie & Clyde.

 

[MidRoad]

http://www.wideopenspaces.com/50-greatest-guns-time-pics/

 

[Vern Humphrey]

I liked this part about the S&W Model 60:

"Simply a six-shot revolver originally chambered solely in .38 Special, the Model 60 was the first revolver produced in stainless steel"