There is something undeniably classy about antique and vintage pistols. Whether it is nostalgia, or the incredible history that so many of them represent, or just the timeless elegance of their design, antique guns can be something special. While the trade in antique and vintage guns for collections is certainly common, they are less often considered as functional firearms for everyday carry. However, so many of these guns became classics because of how well-made they are. There is no reason an antique or vintage piece that is kept in good repair can not be employed as a reliable carry gun. Here are a few antique pistols for everyday carry.
The two primary draws of a classic pistol as an everyday carry are the unimpeachable quality of their manufacture and how exceptionally cool they look. Poland’s Radom Vis Model 35 9mm has both of those in spades. Inspired by the legendary pistols of John Moses Browning, the Radom Vis 35 looks a bit like the combination of a Browning Hi-Power and a Colt 1911. Its quality and reliability are on par with theirs as well. To top it off, the grips of the Radom Vis 35 feature swooping, art deco-style “FB” lettering for a touch of undeniable antique personality.
Explore Auction Listings for the FB Radom Vis 35 here.
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Another benefit of collecting antique and vintage pistols is that historically, gun values for the classics tend to not depreciate. That suggests that buying a handgun as well-respected as the Remington Model 51 should prove a safe investment as well as netting you a reliable firearm. The Remington Model 51, chambered for 380 ACP, features unique functionality that runs like clockwork. It is also considered by some to be the most ergonomic pistol ever produced. In fact, the Remington Model 51 has such a comfortable and intuitive design it was touted as “self-aiming” when released.
Explore Auction Listings for the Remington Model 51 here.
To be fair, the Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless chambered for 32 ACP, and the Colt 1911 chambered for 45 ACP are pretty different guns in a number of ways, including caliber. However, they have a lot in common too. Both are absolutely classic, legendary, and renowned American antique pistols designed by John Browning. Both are slim and a treat to shoot, and in good repair, both make excellent everyday carry pistols. The quality and trustworthiness of the Colt 1911 are such that it has been in continuous military and law enforcement service from its release in 1911 to this day, well over a century later. The Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless features the same John Browning dependability.
Explore Auction Listings for the Colt 1903 here or the Colt 1911 here.
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