Early 20th century handguns.

[GuidoTorpedo]

I am starting to get obsessed with early 20th century handguns. They are becoming my Pokemon because I 'gotta catch them all'!

The problem is, is that most are worlds out of my price range or I'm unsure that firearms of this vintage are still safe to fire with modern ammo.

My tastes vary from early european autoloaders (broomhandle, sauer 38h, walther pp, etc..) to the guns that the american mobsters used (colt detective special, police positive, m1903, m1911, etc...)

I want to start collecting/shooting these handguns but am not sure were to start. I just bought my first condo (in Northern VA) so I'm kinda strapped for cash and cannot afford the high priced pieces. I'm looking for some suggestions for some pistols that I can collect that won't break my bank account (this mean inexpensive to purchase, feed, and fix).

Since most of these handguns are chambered in .32 acp and .380 they won't be much good defensively, but thats not their purpose (for me). I just want to have them for occational plinking and show-and-tell.

Thanks.

 

[Erich]

I replied to your post over at TFL: you might consider American break-top revolvers. There are a variety of makes and models, they are quite inexpensive (c. $85-150), and they are easy to find.

 

[Old Fuff]

Erich had a good suggestion, but with the exception of some S&W top-break revolvers the others aren't always safe too shoot. Later production (20th century) S&W, Iver Johnson and Harrington & Richardson guns usually are if they are still in good mechanical condition.

Colt hand-ejector (swing-out cylinder) models such as the Pocket Positive and Police Positive chambered in .38 S&W or .32 S&W Long are not particularly popular these days, but they were (and still are) interesting gangster era handguns that double as shooters and are not particularly expensive.

Smith & Wesson I-frame revolvers chambered in .32 or .38 are in the same class as the above Colts.

Off-brand .32 and .380 automatics, such as the Savage are often available for attractive prices. The same can be said about lesser known brands of pistols made in Europe during this time period.

For purposes of window shopping, go to: www.armchairgunshow.com

 

[Gordon]

I agree with Old Fuff about the Pocket Positives and Small I frame S&Ws such as Terrier (.38S&W) and .32 HE. You can find decent 70% and better guns for $200 as they are not popular- yet! I predict a goodly return on such memorabillia however- ya can't lose on an early S&W or Colt (especially) . Army Special Clts and 1905 model S&Ws are still $200 dollar guns in less than pristine condition. The big frame guns are all expensive.
I personally focus on the period from WW1 until WW2 1916-1940, as the metalurgy and mechanical refinements are superior.

 

[mattk]

I have a Colt Pocket Positive and a Colt 1903 .32 acp hammerless.
Very cool guns.

 

[Onmilo]

The Browning 1900, the Model 1910 and the Model 22 are excellent .32 and/or .380 acp handguns that can be bought for well under $500.00 each and would make a nice start to an early automatic pistol collection.

You can buy a C-96 Mauser for $400-$500 but you probably won't want to nor should you, actually attempt to fire the gun.
A decent shootable C-96 will set you back about $1100-$1500 now.

 

[Jim K]

I second the Model 1900 Browning, which is about as far back in the 20th century as you can go. The M1903 .32 pocket model Colt is also a nice gun and less than perfect ones are still reasonably priced, as are the 1908 .380 and the .25 Colts. Lugers are always good collectibles, and shooter ones can be obtained for $500 or so. Sleepers like the Frommer Stop, Davis-Warner Infallibles, H&R .32, and various medium size European pistols can be had at reasonable prices. FWIW, I consider guns like the Walther PP and Sauer 38 to be modern, but that is showing my age.

Jim

 

[Sistema1927]

I have been thinking that collecting .32 ACP pistols might be nice. Get the Colt 1903, a Savage, a Browning, a couple of variants of Mauser and Walther pistols, etc.

Why .32? Due to the fact that it was more popular in Europe, and less popular today than .380. There should be more examples to choose from, and less competition for them.

 

[Gordon]

I forgot why I started collecting Spanish Pistols about 20 years ago: they were CHEAP! Astra 300,400, 600 and Cubs. AyA .32acp Ruby, Star .45 and .38/9mm , Llama .380 and .45,and of course the weird (and stupid) Jo-Lo- Ar.