New firearm quality

[gregintenn]

I'm what you'd call a dinosaur. I can't get very revved up about hardly any new production firearm. The closest I've come lately was the new model 70 Winchester. Upon closer inspection, it appears to me that they bastardized the trigger and doubled the price of the old one. I don't care for all the plastic pistols and evil black rifles I see in all the gun magazines. I'm not sure if there are any fine crafstmen left that could produce the type guns our fathers and grandfathers enjoyed. It's just the passing of an era I suppose, but it makes me sad. Anybody else miss Shiny blued steel and fine, figured walnut?

[Garufa]

I agree with you 100%.

Yes, there are still individual craftsmen that can produce beautiful firearms but the days of mass-produced weapons made of quality (steel & walnut) materials, fitted well, without danger of breaking or not functioning properly, and are nicely finished are long gone.

Quality used guns command a premium for a reason.

[gregintenn]

The old Colts, Smith and Wessons, Savages, Winchesters, Parkers, etc. have a feel that can't be duplicated. It's like they have a soul of their own. If you've been raised on Glocks and ARs, it would be worth your while to give one of these old friends a try. You'll be pleasantly surprised.

[Guest jackdm3]

You don't know?!

It's the powerful lobby of the tree nuts.

[Mike.357]

their is no comparison between guns made from injection molding and guns crafted from steel and wood.

Plastic is fine anymore but it sure does not have the same feel when handled or fired.

[56FordGuy]

I'm a big fan of the older, classic guns. My favorite .22 was made in 1961, and there's just no comparing the Ithaca model 37 to any modern shotgun. To think that those were just run of the mill, mass produced guns at the time and not custom jobs is impressive.

Even though it isn't a classic, my AR has only been to the range once since I picked up a Winchester .357 lever action. The lever gun is just a lot more fun.

[eapking]

Go on some of the Revolver forums and see what most people think about new S&W revolvers stack up against the old ones (pre lock, recessed cylinders, pinned bbls, etc). Most people prefer the old S&W wheel guns.

That being said, I personally think overall the guns being made now are better. Semiautos in particular.

[kb4ns]

Plastic is fine anymore but it sure does not have the same feel when handled or fired.

I believe that feeling you get when holding an older gun is called "fatigue".

I love many pieces made from various materials. All in all, I think the guns made now-a-days are - for the most part - more reliable than yesteryear's models. I like the lighter weight and increased capacity that is available in the current production guns. Just like cars, everyone has their own preference, but I sure don't hate the progress the gun manufacturers have made.

[56FordGuy]

...but I sure don't hate the progress the gun manufacturers have made.

I don't hate progress, I just prefer older stuff. I've got tactical plastic that I like. It just seems like older guns are built better, for lack of a nicer term. My 870 is a great shotgun, if I ever had to rest my life on it I'm sure it would perform. That said, it doesn't compare to th fit or finish of my model 37. The action of the Ithaca is smoother, it's quieter, and feels more solid than the 870. Points and handles better, too.

[StPatrick]

I'd bet that, because of modern design and manufacturing technology, you're much safer with a "cheap" gun than you were 50 years ago. Modern iron may not be the same, but the monetary barrier for entry into firearms ownership has been lowered for most folks, especially regarding handguns.

There was a time when cheap revolvers blew up, after all. Now they're just ugly.

[tnhawk]

I've seen some excellent quality and workmanship in 1911s. The tupperware guns are dependable but don't have the feel of a well made firearm.

[Good_Steward]

I guess I'm a tweener, 'cause I appreciate all of 'em for their merits.

That being said, guns are safer nowadays, but I think the fit and finish of the wood stock rifles were better back then, and that can be attributed to a more personal craftsmanship that you won't find with rifles now because of mass production, unless you go top shelf stuff.

[willis68]

their is no comparison between guns made from injection molding and guns crafted from steel and wood.

Plastic is fine anymore but it sure does not have the same feel when handled or fired.

This is one of the reasons I only buy High end 1911's, it totally sucks but anymore you get what you pay for with firearms as well as other things

[gregintenn]

Even though it isn't a classic, my AR has only been to the range once since I picked up a Winchester .357 lever action. The lever gun is just a lot more fun.

You're almost there. When you handle and fire a vintage Winchester, you'll be ruined for life!!!

[Guest GunTroll]

I couldn't agree more with the OP. That being said, all firearms have there place. You get what you pay for.

[mikegideon]

I'm what you'd call a dinosaur. I can't get very revved up about hardly any new production firearm. The closest I've come lately was the new model 70 Winchester. Upon closer inspection, it appears to me that they bastardized the trigger and doubled the price of the old one. I don't care for all the plastic pistols and evil black rifles I see in all the gun magazines. I'm not sure if there are any fine crafstmen left that could produce the type guns our fathers and grandfathers enjoyed. It's just the passing of an era I suppose, but it makes me sad. Anybody else miss Shiny blued steel and fine, figured walnut?

Becoming A Gun Geezer

This helps sum it up.

[Mike]

I agree to a point. I love my ugly but super reliable modern guns. I also adore my older high polish blue on hand rubbed walnut guns.

Both have their place.