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Handloader Super Member
Joined: Aug 22, 2005 Posts: 1032 Location: Phoenix, Arizona
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Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 10:24 am Post subject: Older Firearms |
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Many are attracted to the older firearms and tend to visit store after store or search the Internet in their quest for Colt or Smiths or anything pre-64 and others. Me, too.
Craftsmanship may be one of the big reasons. Over the past few decades manufacturers have resorted to cost cutting wherever possible while still delivering good dollar values. In fact, tolerances have tightened with the new machining techniques. That said, free floatng barrels, stainless steel and synthetics have been promoted by gun rags as good, if not essential, elements of "improved" firearms. Polymer frames have come to dominate the pistol market and that finely polished and blued revolver is seldom to be found amongst what is being offered. Still, I search for the older guns and acquire them as I can, not to be collected, but to be used and enjoyed. For me it is pride of ownership that directs me to the older firearms when I hunt.
When I saw the old Model 99, 300 Savage, takedown adorned with an ancient Weaver 440 tapered post, I had to look at the price tag. Immediately I plunked down the asking price of $335. Its an 80% rifle that exhibits honest useage but no abuse. Rifling is sharp and bright. I shot it with some handloads and it stays 1.5MOA, 5/100, good enough for any hunting situation. I like that old brass rotarty magazines and cartridge counter window. I simply enjoy looking at it and am aware that this rifle was easily available to most hunters in their days of production.
I'm a sucker for old Smiths as well. Pre Models in particular. Once in awhile there is one with a submarket price and it follows me home. Most recently, I found a four screw 44 Magnum in great shape and traded a more recent version for it. And some cash. Still, I keep searching for a Triple Lock, hope against hope.
The new Model 70s are absolutely the best I've seen from USRAC/FN and I will probably acquire one. The new Featherweight with SS fluted barrel and kevlar/carbon stock has one of the best triggers I have ever felt on a sporting rifle. And, it has a good feel and balance. Still, I'll take the FW pre-64 270 when hunting time comes around, confident it will continue to rack up kills as good as it has over the years.
Eventually we die and those rifles and handguns and elegants shotguns of yesteryear will be parcelled out to others, our custodianship of them finished. Fortunately, of my 16 grandkids, most are involved in the shooting sports or hunting and all have an interest in inheriting some of the ones I've used and enjoyed. I hope they don't get them too soon. Until then the quest continues.
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Gil Martin Super Member
Joined: Jan 28, 2005 Posts: 1839 Location: Schnecksville, PA
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Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 3:00 pm Post subject: Re: Older Firearms |
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I agree. The older guns get my attention and you are right on. All the best...
Gil
_________________ Gil |
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codybrown Super Member
Joined: Feb 10, 2007 Posts: 379 Location: Michigan
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Vince Site Admin
Joined: May 25, 2005 Posts: 15725 Location: Brisbane AUSTRALIA
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gelandangan Super Member
Joined: May 07, 2006 Posts: 6401 Location: Sydney Australia
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Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 11:29 pm Post subject: Re: Older Firearms |
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I agree with Vince Cody, hang on the gun, unless you are desparately needing the money.
They just dont make them that way no more.
_________________ A straight line is the shortest distance between two points.
A smile is the shortest distance between two people.
Do - Not try!
gelandangan.weebly.com/ |
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whittling Super Member
Joined: Apr 21, 2008 Posts: 586 Location: Texas (home state is Mass)
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codybrown Super Member
Joined: Feb 10, 2007 Posts: 379 Location: Michigan
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Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 6:16 am Post subject: Re: Older Firearms |
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It's my grandpa's gun, and he needs money for medical expenses. I would love for him to keep it, and I would inherit it one day, but it's not looking like that's going to happen.
_________________ I make mistakes like the next man. In fact, rather cleverer than most men, my mistakes tend to be correspondingly larger. |
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Arizona Hunter Member
Joined: Jul 22, 2006 Posts: 275
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Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 8:38 am Post subject: Re: Older Firearms |
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I like WW2 era Mausers (96, 98), and a pre 64 Mod 70's bolt is slick as a hot knife through warm butter.
In revolvers I like 1858 New Army.
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ElyBoy Super Member
Joined: Apr 04, 2006 Posts: 1541 Location: Forest Lake Minnesota
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Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 8:56 am Post subject: Re: Older Firearms |
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Show me an old Lever Gun, or even a new Lever, and I get all excited.
I was brought up with Levers, and they still get me interested when I see them on the rack.
Eric
_________________ NRA Certified Chief Range Safety Officer
NRA Certified Pistol Instructor
DNR Certified Firearms Safety Instructor
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Bushmaster Super Member
Joined: Jun 12, 2005 Posts: 11395 Location: Ava, Missouri
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Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 2:27 pm Post subject: Re: Older Firearms |
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You excited yet, Elyboy???
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_________________ I have one nerve left and yer standin' on it...
DEMOCRACY Two wolves and one sheep voting on what to have for lunch...
LIBERTY A well armed sheep contesting the outcome of the vote... |
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ElyBoy Super Member
Joined: Apr 04, 2006 Posts: 1541 Location: Forest Lake Minnesota
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Bushmaster Super Member
Joined: Jun 12, 2005 Posts: 11395 Location: Ava, Missouri
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Vince Site Admin
Joined: May 25, 2005 Posts: 15725 Location: Brisbane AUSTRALIA
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Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 6:33 pm Post subject: Re: Older Firearms |
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Went down to my RSL (Returned Services League) Club the other night for my birthday and had these fine firearms as the backdrop to our table.
They bookcase contains a display of firearms used by the Australian Army over the last century.
The single rifle is a .303 Lee Enfield, chromed and refinished, baynet fitted and "stuck" in a piece of granite, with the words Lest We Forget, as a memorial to the Fallen.
Enjoy.
Cheers, Vince
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_________________ Cheers, Vince
Illegitimi non carborundum
(Never let the bastards grind you down)
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.
"Nulla Si Fa Senza Volonta."
(Without Commitment, Nothing Gets Done) |
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Dimitri Super Member
Joined: Nov 25, 2005 Posts: 5947
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Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 7:59 pm Post subject: Re: Older Firearms |
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I got 2 older firearms, I know one was produced in 1950 (ie its 58 years old! ) , the other is older then me by atleast a decade maybe more.
My newest gun was developed, trialled and standardized by the US military back in 1957.
So does that count as old ??
Dimitri
_________________ A thousand hills, but no birds in flight, ten thousand paths, with no people's tracks. A lonely boat, a straw-hatted old man, fishing alone in the cold river snow. |
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Pumpkinslinger Super Member
Joined: Sep 22, 2007 Posts: 5002 Location: NC foothills
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