One historic collector gun: Which one?

[22-rimfire]

A couple "historic" pieces would interest me. A Colt 1st generation single action chambered in 22LR in good shape. A Henry repeater from the mid-1800's. A pristine Colt Lightning in 22LR.

 

[19-3Ben]

Unless Call of Duty has misinformed me, we used the heck out of the Thompson during WWII.

We did use them. But using video games as a source of firearms information is asking to be mislead.

I second the votes for a Johnson rifle, or for one of the less common makers of 1911s or M1 Carbines.
They were both made by a bunch of manufacturers to be supplied to the military. Everything from Singer and Rock-Ola to the common firearms makers were putting out guns. You've got a lot of options for rarity, uniqueness and historical significance there. In fact, the historical significance is not just in the gun itself, but think about what each of those brands did for the US culturally. Those guns are FULL of history.

 

[pj777]

If you're looking for something made during that time and still affordable, I'd go with an M1 Garand. CMP is offering SA service grade M1s for a good price which are right in that time period. Plus once the stock dries up the value for these things will almost double, and they're a very distinct rifle as well.

 

[Grassman]

What about the Browning Automatic Rifle(BAR)?

 

[barnbwt]

Legally transferrable Reissing SMG. They are much, much cheaper than their Thompson equivalents, and a lighter and more modern gun overall.

For flat-out best historical collector gun, I'd go with a BAR, but it'd probably run as much as a full auto Thompson these days . Since you say "only one" I assume you are not interested in becoming a milsurp-buff, in which case I would argue the Garand is the most practical of the choices (the carbine is nice, but can't do as many mundane tasks as a 30-06/308). The 1911 is more practical yet than the Garand since it can be carried, but the originals still remaining really don't deserve being soaked in belly-sweat all day considering how much they go for.

If you are interested in WWII-era guns in general (immediate post-war and modern reproductions included), I would heartily recommend the FN49, BM59, SVT40, K98, PPSH41, in that order, and the Hi-Power, Webley/Enfield, Luger pistol, and S&W 1917 in that order if a pistol is more your speed.

"Only one." Ha!

TCB

 

[SFCRandall]

M1 Garand.

Go to the CMP website and review their grading criteria and selections still available. A service grade is a tremendous value for the money. Eligibility is fairly easy to establish if you carefully read the requirements and find the options that best fit your circumstances. I bought two from them and a good supply of surplus ammo. Every time I go to the range one of the Garand's goes with me. I enjoy them more than any other firearm I own or have ever shot. Incredible power, good accuracy, historical and iconic. As the majority of replies indicate, it would be an excellent choice.

 

[Glocktogo]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned it yet, but based on your U.S. criteria and ballpark budget, I'd want something not everyone has. While still historical if not ubiquitous, I'd go for an M1C or M1D.

 

[rondog]

Wow, I can't believe how many times Singer M1911A1 has been mentioned! There was only 500 of those made, and the last one I recall hearing about getting sold went for $80,000! I think those are a tad outside what the man's looking for. Not a gun you'd want to shoot either, not with that price tag.

I'd absolutely recommend an M1 Garand, M1903A3, M1 Carbine, or M1911A1 from Colt or Remington Rand. I just love to shoot my Garand.

 

[we are not amused]

A couple of other people have mentioned it, but I would suggest the 30-40 Krag-Jorgensen. One of the smoothest actions ever made and a delight to shoot!
Perhaps not a WWII gun, but then every one has a 1903 Springfield, Garand, M1 carbine, and a 1911 pistol.

I would also endorse the Eddystone M1917 Enfield, as it is another gun not widely thought about.

And perhaps a 1895 Winchester lever action in 30-40, as Teddy Roosevelt outfitted his Rough Riders' officers with that weapon.

 

[dagger dog]

One of the 2 Lugers chambered in "45 ACP" P08's, that were used in the trials that eventually led to the adoption of the 1911.

 

[19-3Ben]

One of the 2 Lugers chambered in "45 ACP" P08's, that were used in the trials that eventually led to the adoption of the 1911.

Good thinking. In fact, I'll take the other one, since two were made. I'd like mine delivered on the back of a unicorn that leaves a trail of rainbows behind it wherever it goes.

 

[Baba Louie]

No love for US marked riot/trench shotguns?

Winchester, Remington, Ithaca, Stevens and Savage all made models worth collecting and shooting.

But I'd still go with the Garand as top choice. Definitely cheaper to buy from CMP than a riot gun.

Most fun (for me anyway) is a War Baby, M1 Carbine. They are just plain old fun to own and shoot.

 

[gspn]

I have no suggestion on what type of gun, but I do have one bit of advice. If you do buy an older gun to use as a shooter…make sure it's one that has a huge supply of spare parts so that if you break something you're not down a year waiting to get it fixed.

I've got several WWII pistols that I won't shoot simply because there's no way I could find parts to repair them. Heck, I had to wait 5 months to get a front sight for a 1980's S&W revolver one time…I can't imagine trying to find parts for my 1944 Hi Power…or a 1941 Walther P38.

 

[tommy.duncan]

1. M1 Garand
2. M1 Carbine
3. M1911
There are some others but these are the most important military collectables in my opinion.

 

[Ignition Override]

How much did you enjoy watching "Band of Brothers", or possibly episodes of "Combat" or "Kelly's Heroes" from the mid 1960s?