It doesn't matter if the cops take it, as long as it works and my family is safe. I can get another gun, but my wife is irreplaceable!
Vintage Pistol for Home Defense
- Thread starter andrewdl007
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NIGHTLORD40K
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We need to find you an old gun, sir! Maybe an inexpensive post-war Mossberg or Marlin .22 to start. Just a warning, though- old guns are like Tribbles, they tend to multiply quickly.....I don't have a handgun or any other close to fifty years old.
NIGHTLORD40K
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During the dark days of the Great Recession, I lost my job- twice- and had to choose between a last-ditch production Arisaka with a cracked stock and a sewer pipe barrel and a good condition Polish Wz48 .22 single shot for HD.
I ended up taping a few spare rounds to the stock of the Wz and keeping the Arisakas' bayonet handy.
Fortunately, my fortunes soon improved.....
My late father in law kept a 1917 S&W .45 ACP revolver next to his bedside until the day he died. For years my Dad relied on a S&W Model 65 until he finally bought a glock 19.
One of my first carry weapons was a Bulgarian Makarov. I carried it for years and it was the only firearm I ever un-holstered in a self-defense situation and I felt well armed at the time.
One of my first carry weapons was a Bulgarian Makarov. I carried it for years and it was the only firearm I ever un-holstered in a self-defense situation and I felt well armed at the time.
jimherb
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How much defensive use are you planning on?
OP
OP
andrewdl007
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So it seems like the conclusion is yes, if the firearm functions no matter how old it is and if you are proficient with the firearm, it can be used for defense. However it’s best not to use a firearm that is of sentimental value or other value because the firearm may be taken by LEO after use.
oldbear
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For sometime one of my home ready revolvers was a S&W 38/44, which shipped in 1939.
Cayce Charles
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I use a Star BM 9mm for both home and range fun. these go back to the very early 1950's. All steel, Colt Commander size, 9mm and as reliable as anything I own.
Cayce Charles
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SwampWolf
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You could do worse than relying on a Walther P-38. Currently, an early sixties Colt Cobra lies at the ready and near at hand.
Armybrat
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My .357 Blackhawk is 50 years old. Shoots as good as it did when I bought it new in '68.
bannockburn
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Armybrat
Still lookin' pretty nice too! Love my vintage Blackhawk as well though it never has seen duty as a home defense gun (I have something a bit more "high tech" for that)!
Still lookin' pretty nice too! Love my vintage Blackhawk as well though it never has seen duty as a home defense gun (I have something a bit more "high tech" for that)!
NIGHTLORD40K
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My dad has used a Blackhawk for HD. For many years it was his only handgun that was not a .22. Now, I believe he keeps a Ballister Molina in the nightstand and a J.C. Higgins 12ga bolt gun in the closet.
PaFrank
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Yep. a 1936 vintage 5 screw, pre-M&P S&W 38 special.. I keep it loaded with "multi-ball"... should be plenty for the critters in my neck of the woods
bannockburn
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NIGHTLORD40K
Those are definitely a couple of oldies but goodies, especially the Ballester Molina!
Those are definitely a couple of oldies but goodies, especially the Ballester Molina!
NIGHTLORD40K
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Before he picked up the JC Higgins, his closet gun was a sporterized M1917 Eddystone!
Talk about overkill......
bannockburn
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NIGHTLORD40K
With that Model 1917 at the ready sure sounds like your Dad was prepared to go to war in defense of your home!
With that Model 1917 at the ready sure sounds like your Dad was prepared to go to war in defense of your home!
I used to keep a few S&W revolvers that were over 50 years old in the rotation. But, I've changed recently and now keep a Shield .40 S&W on the nightstand.
My older guns are not something I want to lose. The Shield and Glock I could care less about.
My older guns are not something I want to lose. The Shield and Glock I could care less about.
In my opinion, older, collectable firearms should be saved for shooting and enjoying once in a while and not be subjected to the rigors of being a defensive firearm.
Use a new, current manufactured firearm for self defense.
But, what ever floats your boat.
Of course, some handguns that I purchased in my youth, I do not feel they are "old". In reality, some of them are pushing 40 years old and should be afforded the retirement that they have earned.
(Side bar: I have a few Garands that are younger than I am. Geez, I'm getting old.
I think these older guns would be OK used as nightstand guns, if you didn't want to subject them to every day carry.
NIGHTLORD40K
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It was a fairly isolated rural ex-farmhouse. That bump in the night could be anything from a lost possum to a black bear to truck theives. Had plenty of the first, handful of the second- fortunately never had the third, but our neighbors did.
Over the years, several subdivisions sprung up nearby. This prompted his to switch to the shotgun as he was worried about over penetration from the '06.
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bannockburn
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NIGHTLORD40K
Good idea! When I lived in an apartment complex I also worried about over penetration with my home defense gun. I eventually settled on a Beretta Model 84 with 13 rounds of .380, good to go!
Good idea! When I lived in an apartment complex I also worried about over penetration with my home defense gun. I eventually settled on a Beretta Model 84 with 13 rounds of .380, good to go!
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