Aside from looking at possibly getting a 9mm with a RMR, I'm also open to getting something somewhat unique and "historic". Something like a TT-33, a Luger, or a Makarov. What old pistols are super fun to shoot and just cool to own? And ideally somewhat economical ammunition-wise..
Looking for a new pistol... Something "historic"?
- Thread starter TimeIsEverything
- Start date
Still alive
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
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- Rainy mosquito infested part of BC
Cool historic pistols like the Luger and Makarov you mentioned are 12(6) guns in their true form. Same with PP and PPKs etc. The gov't mandated Pinocchio barrel will detract from their "historic" purpose.
Unless you have 12(6) or a super cool dad who already owns these guns, you will be limited to full size guns. The TT33 is a good choice but there are modern versions of them so they are not particularly unusual or rare. Collector BHPs and 1911s are very expensive. There are so many variants and stamps on these guns that you better have a deep wallet to go down that rabbit hole.
My suggestion for a cool historic gun that I personally have no use for but is definitely a conversation piece is the Russian Nagant revolver. It is a cool overthought piece of old tech with a very weird round. You won't want to shoot it a lot but for a historic piece that "may" have put an end to the Romanov empire, it's a cool gun!
Unless you have 12(6) or a super cool dad who already owns these guns, you will be limited to full size guns. The TT33 is a good choice but there are modern versions of them so they are not particularly unusual or rare. Collector BHPs and 1911s are very expensive. There are so many variants and stamps on these guns that you better have a deep wallet to go down that rabbit hole.
My suggestion for a cool historic gun that I personally have no use for but is definitely a conversation piece is the Russian Nagant revolver. It is a cool overthought piece of old tech with a very weird round. You won't want to shoot it a lot but for a historic piece that "may" have put an end to the Romanov empire, it's a cool gun!
Hard to beat a Luger or vintage sig P210. As above, most 9mm Lugers are 12-6, but there are longer barrelled artillery models for a premium, or you can find 4.75” Swiss Lugers in .30 para. The ammo for the 30 is not that hard to find on line but it will be more expensive. If you want something a little cheaper (<1500) an Inglis Hi-power or P38 would also be options. I’d go for the 30 Luger.
I don't know how much "historic" you want it to be but the Walther P38 and his younger sibling aluminum alloy frame, the P1, both in 9mm Luger, are still widely available and not so expensive. You should definitely stick to a 9mm Luger caliber pistol because the 9mm Luger (Parabellum) is the second relatively inexpensive ammo after 22LR.
686 Shooter
Regular
My recommendation would be a Luger P08. Hands down. Beautiful to look at, great fun to shoot, and they were each hand fitted, not just stamped out and thrown together. Each one is not only a piece of history but a piece of art as well.
If you have your 12(6) you can get an all original one, if not they can be found with restricted barrels installed.
If you have your 12(6) you can get an all original one, if not they can be found with restricted barrels installed.
P1s are good pistols and very affordable. RC P38s are more but some still reasonable and out there.
Any BHP is nice. There were some Israeli service BHPs coming recently. Suspect they re all gone.
I'm about to out an Isreali Milsurp Jericho on the market for 500. I like the Jerichos a lot but have one too many.
Any BHP is nice. There were some Israeli service BHPs coming recently. Suspect they re all gone.
I'm about to out an Isreali Milsurp Jericho on the market for 500. I like the Jerichos a lot but have one too many.
easyrider604
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Greater Vancouver, BC
Can’t get much more historic than the 1911.
Nobody seems to have mentioned it yet, but a COLT 1911 is right up there when it comes to the "historical" label. Fun to shoot, more or less affordable and parts available. And then there are lots of period correct accessories, both original and reproduction to choose from. ....... David K PS "Easyrider" just beat me to the send button LOL!
easyrider604
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Greater Vancouver, BC
And a 1911 in .45acp is the most iconic semi auto pistol design of all time, for all freedom loving people of the world. 
easyrider604
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Greater Vancouver, BC
+1
Nothing like a WWII era USGI 1911A1! My personal favs.
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NAA.
Love the patina on this one, and of course its history. If only they had pistol mounted cams in those days.
And to the OP, 45acp ammo is cheap if you reload. Besides, you don't want to shoot factory ammo in these historical gems much. I'd baby these historical 1911s with round head, light target loads only. Then go home clean them lovingly while watching Band of Brothers.
How about a cap and ball revolver like a 1858 Remington or 1851 Colt Navy? The history is there. The black powder adds a definite new angle to a trip to an (outdoor) range. You will definitely start remembering every western you have ever watched.
Marstar and Wolverine have good selections of Pietta and Uberti .36 and .44 cals. Granted they are reproductions, but they start around the $300 CAD mark so they don't hurt too much to get into.
Marstar and Wolverine have good selections of Pietta and Uberti .36 and .44 cals. Granted they are reproductions, but they start around the $300 CAD mark so they don't hurt too much to get into.
.30/06 FTW
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Thunder Bay, Ontario
Don’t know how historic you’d consider this but I love my CZ 75 Pre B. Mine was made in 1986 and has so much character.
