Unfortunately... I think it's difficult to have threads like these because they breed arguments, but the optimist in me hopes that we can make it a page or three before we choke the life out of ourselves.
Seems to me that some absolutely iconic handguns can just be overrated, given piles of praise that just seem to be more sizzle than steak.
Here's a few I'll start with:
Combat Magnum, S&W Model 19
Actually, all the K-frame .357's. In my view, "jack of all trades and master of none" and the legend is made up of the first half of that phrase but it's the second half that sticks out to me. To me, 19's, 66's and 13's/65's also are at their best when they have a price tag or being gushed over on a forum. Where they don't shine as brightly is during live fire.
Browning Hi-Power
Can: open, worms everywhere. Sorry, though these are gorgeous and the textbook definition of iconic, they make my list. First time I ever saw one field stripped and learned the design of trigger interacting with sear, I honestly thought it was a joke. Could that REALLY be the design? And the almost univerally loathed magazine disconnect and the "mouse trap" magazine answer to the problem cause by the disconnect? Wow.
Colt Python
Okay, in the snake gun resale market, maybe this was an easy prediction for "overrated", and I'd be lying if I didn't admit that the market is my biggest motivator for calling the Python wildly overrated. I am fortunate enough that I own a couple of guns I totally adore of which only a few hundred or less were made... makes me wonder if guys who support the Python market with their money care that Colt made more than half a million of them. Rarity often drives collectible value, but rarity is often an afterthought when it comes to the mighty Python.
I don't hate any of these. They are iconic, classic, beautiful, world famous, pedigreed and plenty of other well-earned superlatives. I just think they are overrated, too.
Seems to me that some absolutely iconic handguns can just be overrated, given piles of praise that just seem to be more sizzle than steak.
Here's a few I'll start with:
Combat Magnum, S&W Model 19
Actually, all the K-frame .357's. In my view, "jack of all trades and master of none" and the legend is made up of the first half of that phrase but it's the second half that sticks out to me. To me, 19's, 66's and 13's/65's also are at their best when they have a price tag or being gushed over on a forum. Where they don't shine as brightly is during live fire.
Browning Hi-Power
Can: open, worms everywhere. Sorry, though these are gorgeous and the textbook definition of iconic, they make my list. First time I ever saw one field stripped and learned the design of trigger interacting with sear, I honestly thought it was a joke. Could that REALLY be the design? And the almost univerally loathed magazine disconnect and the "mouse trap" magazine answer to the problem cause by the disconnect? Wow.
Colt Python
Okay, in the snake gun resale market, maybe this was an easy prediction for "overrated", and I'd be lying if I didn't admit that the market is my biggest motivator for calling the Python wildly overrated. I am fortunate enough that I own a couple of guns I totally adore of which only a few hundred or less were made... makes me wonder if guys who support the Python market with their money care that Colt made more than half a million of them. Rarity often drives collectible value, but rarity is often an afterthought when it comes to the mighty Python.
I don't hate any of these. They are iconic, classic, beautiful, world famous, pedigreed and plenty of other well-earned superlatives. I just think they are overrated, too.
