If1HitU
Member
I don't have a handgun or any other close to fifty years old.
I choose not to use a vintage pistol in that role, as I can easily keep a more modern carry pistol handy. If a gun got fired in self defense and someone got shot it will wind up in police custody for who knows how long. I realize that a carry pistol is subject to this and accept that fact. So a carry pistol will also double as a home defense pistol. I have a 1916 P.08 German Luger that could be used for home defense but I don't like the idea of turning it in to the local police property room. Besides the fact that my carry pistols are the ones that I'm the most practiced and proficient and familiar with.
Never use anything for self-defense you aren't willing to have the police take as evidence. Just my $0.02. The older stuff is great if you're shooting for fun or bumming around the woods.
as well as a French .32 over the years. If you do keep a vintage pistol or other on hand what is your preference?
I have one pistol that I would NOT use for home defense. It's about 125 years old, belonged to my great-great-uncle, and needs a firing pin. Any of my other three dozen pistols, six dozen rifles, seven shotguns, two muskets, thirty-three swords, twelve axes and hatchets, ninety-odd knives, various blunt or heavy tools and objects, feet, fists and teeth would be used in defending my family and my home.
Age doesn't matter.
Andrewdl007 asked:
...does anyone here use a vintage pistol (say over 50 years old) for home defense?
I think it has more to do with the value of the gun than anything else. If you use a firearm in self-defense, the police will take it. And in many jurisdictions you won't get it back, no matter how justified the shooting was.What does the age of a gun have to do with it's effectiveness? Whether it's 100 years old or only a few months, if it's in good operating condition you're good to go.
O I C, got it...I think it has more to do with the value of the gun than anything else. If you use a firearm in self-defense, the police will take it. And in many jurisdictions you won't get it back, no matter how justified the shooting was.