"Classic" handguns

[Varminterror]

I don't think I'd call the GP100 a "classic" in any sense. It's been around a long time, but I tend to reserve the term "Classic" to carry a lot more than age, a certain je ne sais quoi.

S&W 60, Walther PPK/s, and Browning Buckmark would make my list. Good to see the S&W 29/629 on your list. A Colt SAA probably needs to be in there somewhere if you're looking for "classics." A S&W 686 and/or 627 make my list also, and probably a Walther P-38.

I agree with you - a Glock 9mm is a Classic piece, whether guys like it or not. Zero sex appeal, and 1/3 to 1/2 as old as many other models out there, but in terms of those infinitely variable qualities which make a Classic qualify as such, the Glock 17 qualifies.

 

[MICHAEL T]

I don't consider any thing S&W makes with 3 numbers a classic . Ditch the 629 44 mag and find a model 29 44 mag. AKA Dirty Harry pistol . All my S&W are 36 49 10 29 Most have a pin barrel and a real firing pin. I wouldn't call new S&W classic anything.

 

[BigBore44]

I agree with MICHAELT. No S&W's with three numbers. 2 only and maybe a "-1 or -2" at most. Browning HP for sure. A Colt 1911 (not 1991). Walther PPK. Ruger Redhawk or Blackhawk. Gosh there's so many. Also, what about Navy's or Dragoons? Maybe a pepperbox?

 

[SeanSw]

Pencil barrel S&W model 10.

 

[stchman]

I recently bought a GP100 and a Mark III Hunter. I also have a few 1911s.

While I have quite a lot of the "plastic fantastic" pistols, I do enjoy shooting my all metal frame handguns as a bit more. They have a more substantial feel.

 

[tipoc]

Traditional
Long term production
Recognized quality

That's my definition

Innovative only if completely disrupts a traditional market, i.e. Glock.

Ruger is neither Traditional or Innovative, they are creative in that they have circumvented the high manufacturing costs that plagued the Old companies but that was just smart business.

I disagree as well. The Ruger Mk 1 is a classic. Simple design, rugged, easily and widely upgraded and customized over the decades, accurate and the foundation gun of Ruger. It was also innovative in it's design.

It was more the Blackhawk (another classic, in the flat top, 3 screw) that was technically innovative and laid the basis for castings in gun production in the U.S.

tipoc

 

[Elm Creek Smith]

1895 Nagant, 7.62x28mmR!

On a more serious note, a Ruger Security Six/Service Six/Speed Six. They represent Ruger's move into mainstream defensive handgunning.

 

[BlindJustice]

S&W brought back certain prior models blued

Model 15 K-38 Combat Masterpiece .38 Spcl
Model 18 K-22 Combat Masterpiece
Model 17 K-22 Target Masterpiece
Model 48 .22 Mag
Model 57 .41 Mag

Course you could look for Pre-'82 with the pinned barrels

Browning Hi Power - 1st hi cap mag
Walther P-38 1st DA/SA full size service pistol
Luger P08
CZ 75B
Sig P210-8 or the -9

Lots of 'Classics'

 

[ArchAngelCD]

If I were looking for a classic S&W revolver I would look for an original over buying new for several reasons. One reason being forged parts that used to be hand fitted and made for smother operation and better triggers. There are others I won't mention in fear of sidetracking this good thread.

 

[Archie]

In other words...

... you are becoming a 'collector'?

I suggest, rather than rely on others to provide a goal, you dig within your own mind and decide what interests you.

I agree with one of the early responders about 'current production' being non-classic. Unless, of course you can predict which 'current production' arms will shortly cease production and become well remembered, missed, loved and therefore 'classic'. (I've never been able to do that.)

Since you have a start, may I suggest you look at what you have and why, then extend that backward in time. Phrased alternatively, what firearms would you have bought to perform the duties of your current assembly? In the 1960s, the 1950s, the 1940s and so on.

I would advise staying away from Lugers and Colt Single Actions. Not they are boring, but everybody and everybody's dog collect them and they are hideously expensive. (Unless of course you are richer than Jay Leno or George Soros.)

Buying books on various arms would be a good start. No one ever suffered from knowing too much about where to spend money. Or spend attention, for that matter.

And good luck.

 

[Armybrat]

The Colt SAA should be first on your want list...