Bert W.
Member
I have to agree with Test Drive and Nightlord. S&W model 19 2.5", hands down on best looking classic revolver. 4" being a runner up.
“Classic” revolver
- Thread starter test drive
- Start date
- Status
Armybrat
Member
Armybrat
Member
ColtPythonElite
Member
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2011
- Messages
- 10,475
RealGun
Member
I hesitated to mention guns that were too valuable to shoot, so Colts were off the list. I did not mention the S&W model 19, one of my most prized guns, because it was never intended for a steady diet of the cartridge for which it was chambered (.357 Magnum). Lots of guns are 'classic", but I was going for top-of-the-list, not just another thread of the same pictures.
Last edited:
bannockburn
Member
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2007
- Messages
- 26,306
Driftwood
That's what I like about your posts and CraigC's posts: sort of like one-stop shopping for looking at what are so many truly classic revolvers!
That's what I like about your posts and CraigC's posts: sort of like one-stop shopping for looking at what are so many truly classic revolvers!
ColtPythonElite
Member
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2011
- Messages
- 10,475
I don't consider any gun that has already been fired too valuable to shoot.
RealGun
Member
Many of those, especially CraigC, are "custom" rather than "classic" per se. And "classic" is not necessarily desirable to own and shoot, sometimes just old...classic as a misnomer for antique (C&R Curio and Relic).
ColtPythonElite
Member
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2011
- Messages
- 10,475
RealGun
Member
I don't see much mention these days of Colt revolvers being "shooters" or carry guns. If one actually paid some of the prices asked for the guns, would they not at least be protective of the finish? The ones I see live in a display case.
ColtPythonElite
Member
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2011
- Messages
- 10,475
I shoot and carry many of my Colts. The healthy layer of carbon around the firing pin on this one shows that.
Last edited:
ColtPythonElite
Member
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2011
- Messages
- 10,475
Here is another nasty one that I am quite proud of...
huntsman
Member
When it comes to to classic revolver my mind conjures up the Snake guns.
maybe all that advertising in the mags of my youth is still kicking in, but while I think of the SAA as iconic Snakes seems to speak of the best of the best.
Sorry S&W, Ruger you’re more practical than “Classic” to me.
maybe all that advertising in the mags of my youth is still kicking in, but while I think of the SAA as iconic Snakes seems to speak of the best of the best.
Sorry S&W, Ruger you’re more practical than “Classic” to me.
RealGun
Member
An exception doesn't disprove the rule. You think it might be time to clean those?
bannockburn
Member
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2007
- Messages
- 26,306
RealGun
One of the definitions of classic is: "of enduring interest, quality, or style". Certainly most (if not all), of the guns of Driftwood Johnson or CraigC fit that definition to a "T". Just because a revolver is customized somehow doesn't preclude it from being considered a "classic". That is, having a Colt Single Action Army or a S&W Model 29 engraved, refinished, or fitted with a pair of ivory or walnut grips somehow makes that revolver less of a classic. The basic gun is still a classic design and would still make it very desirable to most folks to own and shoot. The particular age or antiquity of a gun really doesn't have much to do on whether or not it is a classic.
One of the definitions of classic is: "of enduring interest, quality, or style". Certainly most (if not all), of the guns of Driftwood Johnson or CraigC fit that definition to a "T". Just because a revolver is customized somehow doesn't preclude it from being considered a "classic". That is, having a Colt Single Action Army or a S&W Model 29 engraved, refinished, or fitted with a pair of ivory or walnut grips somehow makes that revolver less of a classic. The basic gun is still a classic design and would still make it very desirable to most folks to own and shoot. The particular age or antiquity of a gun really doesn't have much to do on whether or not it is a classic.
RealGun
Member
Well, being old is sometimes a gun's only attractive feature outside of reenactment circles. A gun maker's new release would probably not be thought of as a candidate for being cited as classic. But I don't mean to make too much of it.
NIGHTLORD40K
Member
Wow, dude, think you could be more of a downer on a just-for-fun thread?
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
That's rather comical. I don't and won't own a Colt I won't shoot and to be honest, there are very, very few that shouldn't be shot. I have a minty 1929 Colt that's supposed to ship to my dealer tomorrow. First thing I'm going to do is shoot it, then make a holster for it. I paid over $900 for it. What's the difference in shooting it and shooting a new 686??? Nothing. I've been hunting with a $2600 custom flintlock, why wouldn't I shoot a $900 Colt? The Colt SAA I pictured above cost me $1200 a couple years ago. MSRP on a new Super Redhawk is $1159. What's the difference? Because the Colt 'may' be worth more when I'm dead? Sorry but that's not what I place value on. Do you not drive your car because it depreciates, or do you simply accept the depreciation as the cost of using it?
I intentionally didn't post any customs.
And "classic" certainly implies a certain level of desirability and romantic appeal.
Yeah, no kidding!
I'll pile on the bandwagon and go shoot my python today.
For Smiths
6 1/2" M29, 2 1/2 or 4" M19, K22, K38, a snub J frame and maybe a Schofield or Russian top break.
For Colts
'51 Navy, '60 Army, SAA, Python, dick special
Rugers
IMHO only SAs like the Single Six and Blackhawks are really classics. I think the lipsey flat top 44 special would epitomize the term instant classic.
I love some Ruger DAs but I'd really only give honorable mention to some of them.
For Smiths
6 1/2" M29, 2 1/2 or 4" M19, K22, K38, a snub J frame and maybe a Schofield or Russian top break.
For Colts
'51 Navy, '60 Army, SAA, Python, dick special
Rugers
IMHO only SAs like the Single Six and Blackhawks are really classics. I think the lipsey flat top 44 special would epitomize the term instant classic.
I love some Ruger DAs but I'd really only give honorable mention to some of them.
Charlie98
Member
I will sometimes pull my 4" N-frame 57 out of the safe... and just gaze upon the beauty of it. I normally store it with Magnas, but even with the putrid rubber grips on it, the beauty shines through. Personally, I think the 4" or 5" barrels are the most proportionate and best looking, but the case can be made for the 6-6.5", too.
Generically speaking, any K- or N-frame, 4-6" barrel, pre-lawyer, works for me. The very close runner-up would be the Colt Python 4" or 6", the Python looks better with a 6" vs the Smith.
There are, of course, many, many other revolvers that are visually alluring... but if you throw out 'classic revolver'... you bring to mind S&W.
Generically speaking, any K- or N-frame, 4-6" barrel, pre-lawyer, works for me. The very close runner-up would be the Colt Python 4" or 6", the Python looks better with a 6" vs the Smith.
There are, of course, many, many other revolvers that are visually alluring... but if you throw out 'classic revolver'... you bring to mind S&W.
RealGun
Member
One does need to define his terms, or it is all just random. I don't think we were "down" until you decided to take us there.
RealGun
Member
Ooo, now, "instant classic" would be fun, and I think the Ruger Match Champion GP100 with adjustable sights is one of them.
Armybrat
Member
I think one of the neatest "classic" S&W revolvers is the Model 34 with pinned barrel. Gave this one to my grandson 7 years ago:
BobWright
Member
These have been my idea of a classic revolver so far as appearance is concerned:
Always has been, always will be.
As to Colts being shooters:
Bob Wright
Always has been, always will be.
As to Colts being shooters:
Bob Wright
- Status
