Justin
Moderator Emeritus
If the thought of a particular pistol skittering across a parking lot causes me to cringe, I don't carry it.
Too pretty to carry?
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farscott
Member
In general, pretty does not dissuade me from carrying a pistol, but there is an exception. I picked up one of the S&W M15-9 Heritage revolvers with the Doug Turnbull case-colored frame; it is too gorgeous to shoot, let alone carry. It now sits in a custom shadowbox in my gun room. It is more art than gun, and I have a beater M15-2 when the mood strikes.
As for custom pistols and carry, finish does not bother me since they are just tools and they can be refinished. Stainless pistols are especially easy in this regard, and hard chrome takes a lot of abuse before it even shows any wear. My pistols have skated on both gravel and parking lots; shooting classes seem to be hard on pistol finishes (not too mention my fingers).
What does bother me is the potential that a heavily customized pistol may be a liability in a civil trial referencing a shooting where the shooter was not indicted. The concept is that a jury member may be swayed by the idea that the shooter was "looking for trouble" because he or she had a pistol that was modified. Not sure if this is true, and I am researching. But I sometimes wonder if I have the right pistol when I shove my custom 1911 into the holster.
As for custom pistols and carry, finish does not bother me since they are just tools and they can be refinished. Stainless pistols are especially easy in this regard, and hard chrome takes a lot of abuse before it even shows any wear. My pistols have skated on both gravel and parking lots; shooting classes seem to be hard on pistol finishes (not too mention my fingers).
What does bother me is the potential that a heavily customized pistol may be a liability in a civil trial referencing a shooting where the shooter was not indicted. The concept is that a jury member may be swayed by the idea that the shooter was "looking for trouble" because he or she had a pistol that was modified. Not sure if this is true, and I am researching. But I sometimes wonder if I have the right pistol when I shove my custom 1911 into the holster.
Amish_Bill
Member
Monkeyleg..... make sure you are focusing on the right thing... some pistols cost more because of the two-tone finsh on regular steel, adjustable sights, mirror-finish grips and other BlingBling. Others cost more because of extra checkering, tritium sights and related practical modifications. One set of modifications makes it a Range Queen. The other makes it an even better carry piece.
Monkeyleg
Member.
Amish_Bill, I understand what you're saying. My $600 1911 is now a $750 1911 because I added night sights. Also spent some $$$ to make sure it's 100% reliable.
Maybe it's just a matter of affordability. If I could come close to even affording to buy an Ed Brown or Les Baer pistol, it would be my pride and joy. I couldn't imagine subjecting it to holster wear. Would it be more reliable or accurate than my current carry gun? Dunno. I'm not as accurate a shooter as my current carry gun is.
For someone who can buy a Les Baer or Ed Brown pistol without a second thought, I suppose the notion of holster wear may not be an issue.
It's similar to my situation with bikes. I've got a Harley that I've had for years and, even though it has well over 100,000 miles on it, I baby it. When I see riders going out on the first warm day of the year with brand-new $20,000+ bikes when there's still 2" of salt in piles on the streets, I cringe. But, for those riders, rust may not matter because they can afford to buy a new bike in a year or two.
Maybe it's just a matter of affordability. If I could come close to even affording to buy an Ed Brown or Les Baer pistol, it would be my pride and joy. I couldn't imagine subjecting it to holster wear. Would it be more reliable or accurate than my current carry gun? Dunno. I'm not as accurate a shooter as my current carry gun is.
For someone who can buy a Les Baer or Ed Brown pistol without a second thought, I suppose the notion of holster wear may not be an issue.
It's similar to my situation with bikes. I've got a Harley that I've had for years and, even though it has well over 100,000 miles on it, I baby it. When I see riders going out on the first warm day of the year with brand-new $20,000+ bikes when there's still 2" of salt in piles on the streets, I cringe. But, for those riders, rust may not matter because they can afford to buy a new bike in a year or two.
Amish_Bill
Member
Yep.... The CDP is the best carry gun I have. Small enough, powerful enough, and accurate enough that it's the one I want with me. I may decide to carry another from time to time, but it's not for fear of holster wear or other expected bumps & bruises. I like me enough that I'll go for the better tool despite the pricetag.
Now the guys taking the new bikes out in the salt & slush... that's just someone playing with a shiny new toy.
Now the guys taking the new bikes out in the salt & slush... that's just someone playing with a shiny new toy.
My dealer told me the other day that he had a Ruger Gold Label side by side on order and that he planned on wiping down and leaving in the safe for good. I didn't want to insult him by telling him that if he is not going to shoot it and enjoy it at least a little what the hell good is it. I could see if it was 85 years old but a new gun sitting in the safe makes no sense to me. To me life is to short not to shoot them.
Rinspeed
Rinspeed
I stand corrected...
My Navy .36 does get pampered a bit more... but it's got a silver plated grip frame.
And if it goes 'into the field' it rides in a Trailrider 1863 pattern holster with a full flap. (which also fits my 1860 Army and Vaquero)
I did buy THAT one for the high end finish, but I still shoot it.
My Navy .36 does get pampered a bit more... but it's got a silver plated grip frame.
And if it goes 'into the field' it rides in a Trailrider 1863 pattern holster with a full flap. (which also fits my 1860 Army and Vaquero)
I did buy THAT one for the high end finish, but I still shoot it.
I have never bought a gun that I was afraid to get it scratched or modify it to my choosing. I have an original 1911 that I GunKoted, new barrel, and new rubber grips.
I could care less about gun value or sentimentality. I want shooters.
I could care less about gun value or sentimentality. I want shooters.
You wouldn't buy a BMW or a Lexus and never drive it would you?
I have a Baer, had to sell several other things in order to afford it, but wouldn't hesitate to carry it, (I don't have my CHL yet) if I could.
I would never buy a gun that I wouldn't carry or shoot the snot out of.
I have a Baer, had to sell several other things in order to afford it, but wouldn't hesitate to carry it, (I don't have my CHL yet) if I could.
I would never buy a gun that I wouldn't carry or shoot the snot out of.
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