Were older guns made better than modern ones?
- Thread starter Alan
- Start date
When you throw the word " craftsmanship" in there. I'd say yes. Although heavy, they still shoot pretty good.
Find out what's around in 100 years. Today's are put thru computer managed precision machines.
Find out what's around in 100 years. Today's are put thru computer managed precision machines.
- Joined
- Sep 25, 2025
- Messages
- 47
The older guns are always my preference. To say they are “better” is subjective. I like nice wood and blued steel. The older manufacturing methods required more hand-work and fitting. BUT, With modern machinery, CNC etc, I believe we have a far better chance of buying a very accurate rifle off the shelf. Examples, the Ruger American, the Savage Axis, and others shoot very well and are cheap but they are some of the butt-ugliest rifles around. I’m not a fan of polymer.
Last edited:
two-bit cowboy
Active member
Old men (and some young ones, too) argue about this topic over their favorite beverage till the cows come home. Wind River said it best: it's "subjective." Jrod45ar nailed a current problem: "quality control."
Many of us grew up with parents who said, "Things were made better in my day." I'm not sure there's any generation that hasn't heard their folks say that. Nostalgia reins.
Revolver forums offer scores of threads replete with brand new models with horrible fit and finish problems. How can a manufacturer let a subpar product--one that someone may bet their life on--get out the door?
I put a small thread of blame back on consumers. I read far too many examples where a guy who buys a subpar revolver--yes, he actually looked at it in the store and still took it home--takes it to his favorite gun shop to fix the manufacturer's problem instead of going through the warranty process. If the company never gets to count those examples, it may well believe--based on a low product return ratio--that they're doing okay. We don't have a right to complain if we accept subpar products and don't make companies accountable.
I realize most Wyomingites are long gunners. I'm fourth-generation in this state, and the longest barrel I own is 3". My oldest revolver shipped in 1951 so in many folks' eyes I only own modern arms. It, though, was specially made for a friend of the company and given to her as a gift. It's finish, fit, and function make it a thing of beauty. My newest one--same model--shipped in spring 2025 to a shop in Lander. Its finish, fit, and function are flawless. Is it better? I go back to Wind River's thought on subjectivity.
One old guy's thoughts.
Many of us grew up with parents who said, "Things were made better in my day." I'm not sure there's any generation that hasn't heard their folks say that. Nostalgia reins.
Revolver forums offer scores of threads replete with brand new models with horrible fit and finish problems. How can a manufacturer let a subpar product--one that someone may bet their life on--get out the door?
I put a small thread of blame back on consumers. I read far too many examples where a guy who buys a subpar revolver--yes, he actually looked at it in the store and still took it home--takes it to his favorite gun shop to fix the manufacturer's problem instead of going through the warranty process. If the company never gets to count those examples, it may well believe--based on a low product return ratio--that they're doing okay. We don't have a right to complain if we accept subpar products and don't make companies accountable.
I realize most Wyomingites are long gunners. I'm fourth-generation in this state, and the longest barrel I own is 3". My oldest revolver shipped in 1951 so in many folks' eyes I only own modern arms. It, though, was specially made for a friend of the company and given to her as a gift. It's finish, fit, and function make it a thing of beauty. My newest one--same model--shipped in spring 2025 to a shop in Lander. Its finish, fit, and function are flawless. Is it better? I go back to Wind River's thought on subjectivity.
One old guy's thoughts.
