So, lets step back in time to 1968.

What pistol would you choose to carry and why?

Browning Hi-Power, loaded with Super-Vel JHPs (an early commercial hollowpoint).

The BHP was basically the only viable double-stack 9mm carry gun available at that time.

1911

Probably a Hi-Power. Maybe a 1911.

That said a P38 wouldn’t be bad.

I was carrying my issued 1911A1; HOW-1/6 ACR.

Either a BHP or a Colt 1911

A Hi Power , just like Serpico.

Realistically? Probably a S&W Model 19 for OWB, and if that's too large a concealed S&W Model 60. Back then .357 revolvers were the standard.

Of course, a 1911 Commander that has been properly tuned by a gunsmith and fitted for a left hand safety would be a nice option.

In 68, I had been reading James Bond, Matt Helm, Mickey Spillane and Travis McGee. I knew more about long guns than I did handguns. Maybe a PPK, snub 38, Python or whatever. In 1969 Uncle Sam gave me a 1911.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: maxwayne,

I would like to say I would have carried a Colt in 38 Super.

But realistically:

If it was for work I would have loved to carry a Colt Trooper in .357 Magnum or the “.357 Magnum” model (a slightly upgraded Trooper).

I did a little research:

According to the 1960 Gun Digest, a blue-finished Python retailed for $125 while a comparable Model 27 was $5 less.

if we are going back in time, we are also stuck with the ammo they had back then too....So I’d go 1911 first or the BHP secondly

I was issued a Colt Detective Special.

Probably what I actually carried in 1968. An S&W Model 39 9mm. Great little gun.

4" Colt Python - Polished Nickel

quote:

Originally posted by MMA10mm:
So, lets step back in time to 1968.

What pistol would you choose to carry and why?

Back in 1968 I carried a Colt Commander. That thing worked great with ball ammo and luckily did feed hollow points OK.

Later (about 1970 or so) I got into shooting bowling pins and unfortunately used that Colt with huge cavity hollow point 230 grain bullets.

Those things tore the heck out of the feed ramp.

I'd vote for a S&W Model 13 with 3" barrel, and a Commander. Back then given men's fashions, etc. the 13 would be quite concealable and IIRC very popular with several Fed. agencies.

I was carrying my Uncle Sam's 1911A1 in that lovely SE Asian vacation garden spot and when I got home (4 November, 1968) and joined the police department, I carried a Smith Model 10 for a while.

Bob

I don't believe the 13 came out until in the 70's.

quote:

Originally posted by rat2306:
I'd vote for a S&W Model 13 with 3" barrel, and a Commander. Back then given men's fashions, etc. the 13 would be quite concealable and IIRC very popular with several Fed. agencies.

I'd carry a Smith Model 10 and a Smith Model 36 as backup.

A person could do worse. Not fancy but the things worked well.

4 inch Smith model 28