What to carry, new or old?

[Guillermo]

I oft carry what many would consider "collector" guns.

While the more pristine versions may not be on my hip, my daily carry is a Colt Diamondback snub, while not rare...not the most common.

If the unlikely event that I have to use one of them, I will not consider the gun any more than my pants, as they will surely be soiled.

 

[Old Fuff]

A NIB Detective Special on Gunbroker is $500-$600. You'll need to decide if your life is worth that much or not.

Without question my life is worth a lot more then $600.00

But if a Colt Detective Special is your choice (as on occasion it's mine) you don't need a New-In-Box collectble (which may run over $800.00 these days). The one I'll carry was made during the 1950's - which is when I bought it - and although it has some finish wear, the mechanics and timing are dead on, and the bore and chambers are bright. I could probably duplicate it for perhaps $300 to $400, and it would shoot as well as the $800 example. The difference in cost could go toward ammunition to train or practice with.

 

[Cactus Jack Arizona]

Sometimes I carry my old Russian IJ-70-18A Makarov. Sometimes I carry my new Bersa Thunder .380. I asked this very question myself many years ago. For my piece of mind, I do not carry an expensive or sentimental firearm. I feel that there is no need when there are many good inexpensive, accurate and reliable firearms out there today.

Besides, are you wanting something to protect yourself with, or something you want to use to play show and tell? I may not get the attention at the range that somebody may get with a customized Wilson Combat 1911, but I know my life is well protected.

Incidentally, I am currently looking for a Bulgarian Makarov to replace my Russian as my carry pistol. I worry too much about my Russian's finish because it is very nice.

 

[45_auto]

The one I'll carry was made during the 1950's - which is when I bought it - and although it has some finish wear, the mechanics and timing are dead on, and the bore and chambers are bright. I could probably duplicate it for perhaps $300 to $400

So you don't believe the op should carry his nice Colt? He should buy a beater like yours?

 

[Old Fuff]

So you don't believe the op should carry his nice Colt? He should buy a beater like yours?

Now you've gone and done it! My poor Colt is sitting in the corner crying cuz' you called it "a beater." It is far from a beater (which implies abuse). Finish wear yes, but that doesn't affect the way it shoots one bit. I'll have you know that it's well loved and carefully taken care of. I suspect that the one the OP has differs only in the amount of blue that's left, and has less wear on the stock's checkering.

What I am saying is that simply buying an expensive gun does not transfer to its owner what is really important in a shooting incident - courage, training, skill, and maybe luck. It would be foolish to depend on an arm that was cheaply constructed, decrepit, neglected and had mechanical problems. It would be equally stupid to believe that cosmetic wear, and nothing else, could detract from a quality handgun's use as a weapon.

 

[blindhari]

As I have gotten older and avoid strain I used to shrug off, I have started consolidating and finding homes for my collectable firearms I see no use for. I have seen them go where they will be appreciated and/or used. Current CCW is Charter Arms snub with about 1500 rounds through it with no failure to fire. It does the job I need done, if it goes missing I won't go broke getting another, and if it winds up in an estate sale when I am gone it won,t matter all that much.
Short answer: I don't carry a beater, I carry CCW I trust, I practise, not much there to lose and I already have three of the same model. Not quite disposable, but close, close.

blindhari

 

[W.E.G.]

My EDC is this old Glock.

I've heard there are others like it.



I tried carrying one of my favorite "collectibles."
It was unwieldy.

 

[45_auto]

Now you've gone and done it! My poor Colt is sitting in the corner crying cuz' you called it "a beater."

LMAO! Sorry, didn't mean to insult your Colt - tell it that it's OK.

I was just using the OP's term from his original post.

My point was that you can get a Detective Special that appears new-in-box for around $600 on Gunbroker. His doesn't sound that nice, so it's maybe a $500 gun.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=313979924

Your's is worth $400. Is it worth it to him to buy another gun like yours to save worrying about a $100 difference in value if the cops beat up his gun?

(Don't get me wrong, I would do it in a second. I don't need ANY excuse to buy another gun.)

 

[1911Tuner]

I guess the best way to look at it, and to choose....assuming equal confidence in the weapons...is to flip a coin. When it's in the air, you'll know which way you want it to land.

On the practical side, I'm with Vern. The gun is a tool that serves a purpose. I may not want to lose it...even temporarily...but as long as I'm alive when it's over, I can always find another one just like it. If I'm dead, it won't matter much.

 

[BSA1]

I believe a person should buy the highest quality product they can afford.

This is not the same thing as buying the most expensive product.

The finish wear on a firearm may not be a reflection of the overall quality of the product as some types of finishes such as bluing are delicate and easily worn off.

After you are dead odds are your wife and kids will sell, trade or give away your firearms at a fraction of their value.

In other words select a gun based on which one will meet your needs the best, not on it's price or value.

 

[spm]

LMAO! Sorry, didn't mean to insult your Colt - tell it that it's OK.

I was just using the OP's term from his original post.

My point was that you can get a Detective Special that appears new-in-box for around $600 on Gunbroker. His doesn't sound that nice, so it's maybe a $500 gun.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=313979924

Your's is worth $400. Is it worth it to him to buy another gun like yours to save worrying about a $100 difference in value if the cops beat up his gun?

(Don't get me wrong, I would do it in a second. I don't need ANY excuse to buy another gun.)

Actually mine is that nice. I know I said 95%, but I am usually stingy with my ratings. The gun came to me as LNIB, but no box or paperwork. It was a safe queen for the man I bought it from. I have carried it and shot it and will continue to do so. I just thought it was an interesting question after reading the story I related in my OP.

But regardless of which side of the question you landed on, this has been a good discussion; lots of good thoughts and comments. Thank you all for participating.

And Old Fuff, I would never refer to your venerable colt as a beater.

 

[Old Fuff]

And Old Fuff, I would never refer to your venerable colt as a beater.

Well it's feeling better, but I had to pet it for awhile and give the internals a fresh shot of lubricant.

 

[il.bill]

1911Tuner - with your permission I would like to add this saying to my stock list of lines, to be called on when appropriate.

"I guess the best way to look at it, and to choose...is to flip a coin. When it's in the air, you'll know which way you want it to land."

Very nicely put.

 

[plateshooter]

For CCW, I buy reasonably priced guns that are accurate dependable, and easily replaced. The gun could get stolen while I run into the post office, bank, or other places that carry is not allowed. I could get in a car accident etc. Any number of things could happen where my gun could end up missing. I have been in several evidence lockers at some big agencies while inspecting fire systems (always with an escort) and it is pretty amazing to see how some of the evidence is treated. Most comes to mind of long guns being stuffed into plastic 55 gal drums, and handguns thrown into milk crates. I figure once the cops have my gun, I never expect to see it again so I just buy another gun. IF I do get it back, all the better.

Lots of ways to loose a carry gun without being involved in a shooting.

Your views may vary.

 

[PabloJ]

Whether it is steel-wood, steel-plastic matters not. Handgun = tool.

 

[REDMASTA]

If I'm ever involved in a self defense shooting getting my pistol back after is the least of my worries. So I say carry something you are confident with as your life could depend on it...

 

[1911Tuner]

1911Tuner - with your permission I would like to add this saying to my stock list of lines, to be called on when appropriate.

But, of course.