A gun as old as myself

[Expat74]

My birthday is coming up soon and of course I would like to give myself a treat :rolleyes:

I'd like one my age, I'm born in 1974. Which gun was first marketed that year?

An early wondernine perhaps? Christopher Lee's golden gun from the 007 movie? No, thanks, no AK-74. I know a lot of you guys were already in business back then and maybe have stacks of old magazines lying around. Open to your suggestions gentlemen.

Thanks!

[Jtarm]

I wanted to do that, but original flintlocks are pretty had to come by.

[pworley1]

S&W models 13 and 65 were introduced in 1974 K 357 Mag 357 Magnum M&P
Ruger model 717 was introduced in 1974

[376Steyr]

Would the CZ-75 be close enough?

[timspawn]

It would be easier (maybe) to buy a gun made in 1974, not introduced in 1974.

[Bigslug]

New Model Blackhawks in '73.

[Snow ninja]

FN Barracuda

HK MP5SD

Steyr GB

TASER

The new Springfield Armory was also founded in '74.

[bedbugbilly]

Just sounds to me like it's an "excuse" to buy a new hand gun . . . :-)

First . . . you've making me feel ooooooold!

Second . . . I think it's a nice idea and I've done it myself. You'll find something that works for 1974 . . treat yourself to a birthday present and enjoy it!

I used "birthdates" as an excuse for buying two different hand guns. My Dad was born in 1908 and graduated from high school in 1927. I couldn't think of a better reason to buy a Colt Army Special in .38 - it was introduced by Colt in 1908 (as was the Model T) and in 1927, the name was changed for marketing puproses to "Official Police". I found a 6" barrel model made in 1910 - snatched it up and I love to shoot it . . . and I think of my Dad each time I fire it.

I then ran across a nice Smith & Wesson M & P 38 special with a 5" barrel - shipped from the factory the same year I was born. I love shooting it even though it has some blueing wear . . . it doesn't look new but then neither do I! LOL

I hope you'll keep us posted on what you end up with. It's nice to have guns that have a "special meaning"! Good luck in your quest!

Jim

[MarkP]

How about a Winchester M 94 Commemorative from 1974 -- Texas Ranger or Apache they made more Apaches than Texas Rangers so the Apaches should be a little less money.

[Expat74]

Jim, you're as old as you feel and honestly what "excuse" is better than your birthday? Steyr GB, check, along with a 1912 Steyr Hahn. Interesting pieces both. A taser? Anyone tried cast in these yet? Bit tricky with the wires and all no?

Maybe it's really easier to find one sold in '74 rather than one introduced. I keep you posted.. still a couple of weeks to go.

The romanian PPK copy in 9mm Makarov was introduced back then.. hmm.. no. Or a gun discontinued then..

[gandydancer]

Never gave it much though. My dad was born in 1903 on july 4th. Springfield 1903 comes to mind. gd

[warf73]

New Model Blackhawks in '73.

Thats good to know I like the idea of buying something that was introduced the same year you were born. Was it introduced in serveral calibers or just 1 that year?

Thanks Warf

[cabezaverde]

I graduated high school in 1974. Bought a SW Model 19 made in that year a while back. It was a coincidence.

[wv109323]

I have a lawnmower that is older than you. Cub Cadet 127

[rintinglen]

I spent 4 years hunting for a Winchester M-94 that was made in 1953 (like me.) They made over a hundred thousand, so how hard could it be. Harder than I thought. I finally found a nice clean one in Bakersfield, CA, and bought it. With in three months I found 3 more. Good luck on the hunt.

[warf73]

I have a lawnmower that is older than you. Cub Cadet 127

LOL
Dang I've been compared to alot of things but never a lawnmower.

[Mitch]

I have a Winchester 52D that was made that was made petty close to my age 1961 they are out there but not cheep

[Expat74]

Alright by chance seen a 1974 devine M1A aka Texas M1A by Springfield Armory.. sn 1576 of about 2000 that were made by SA in Texas before the move. Asking price is 3650,-
Way above my birthday budget.

[cabezaverde]

I also have a S&W pre model 10 that was made the year I was born.

[JSnover]

I bought a Hi-Standard Riot model 12 gage made in 64, as I was.

[rking22]

I have a Browning SA22 made in 59, just like me! Several others very close including a M18 Smith from 58, maybe made when...never mind. The SA22 was a chance happening, but gave me the idea to start watching for them. Good luck on your quest, you know the BH could be like he M18 is for me :)

[Expat74]

Finally the day came and, yes, I've been to the store. I took home a swiss police issue 1973 (well, almost 1974) Walther PP in .32 that saw very little use, a refurb'd CZ 52 including holster and spare mag and 1k hungarian surplus for the CZ.

[rking22]

Congratz and HAppy B Day!

[Expat74]

Congratz and HAppy B Day!

Thank you!

[Expat74]

Another miss ... for xmas this time ;) According to the serial # it should be around (I'm guessing) 1975. Very nice pistol that looks way better than I do at that age.

155631

[Silver Jack Hammer]

I do believe Colt first introduced their Peacemaker .22 with a steel frame in 1974.

[Jtarm]

I'd like to do that as well, but original wheel locks are hard to
Come by.

[brtelec]

I get it. I bought a Walther P38 made in Dec.1960 same month and year as my birthday.

[Markbo]

Well while we're at it were any gun(s) of note introduced in 1960? :)

[leeggen]

Dang I graduated 4 yrs before he was born, and got out of the service in 74. Wow just wow.
CD

[doc1876]

I think 1960 was the reintro of the Colt Sherrif model. They didn't make many. 3 I think in nickel. The rest in blue, cch.

[Silver Jack Hammer]

In 1974 I was a law enforcement Explorer Scout riding in a Sherriffs patrol car when the deputy pulled his gun out of its holster and dropped it on my lap and said: "Tell me what kind of gun you think that is kid." This was a common practice for deputies back then, probably wouldn't happen so much now. He was an old grey haired deputy wearing cowboy boots. I said: "Well, it looks like a Smith and Wesson .357 Magnum." He said: "No, that is a Smith and Wesson .357 Registered Magnum." It was a real one. He had glow in the dark night sights, tritium in 1974. Because of the nuclear material he had to have a registration placard from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission on the gun. I didn't have night sights on a gun until the early 90's.

Later that deputy had to shoot somebody, I was in the Courthouse, he was out on the roadway. He got 6 clicks, so the story goes, but probably more than 6 clicks. Back the it was common practice to spray your gun down with WD-40. It was determined that the penetrating qualities of WD-40 got into the primers and rendered them inert. WD-40 was commonly used back then until that happened. I don't know today if other ammo was also tested and failed.

I have soaked handloads and factory ammo in various penetrating fluids and I have never gotten duds. Of course I only use oils and solvents designed for firearms on my firearms.

[BwBrown]

Just sounds to me like it's an "excuse" to buy a new hand gun . . .

I used this "excuse" to justify one more classic car. Managed to find an MGTD with a build date just three weeks from my birthdate.
Based on that "excuse", I'm still looking for a perfect match.

Unfortunately, firearms are harder to pin down to a specific date.