Would/Do You Carry A "Pretty" Gun?

Joe_Pike · October 26, 2014, 01:08 PM

I bought a Sig P938 SAS about a month or so ago and it is a very nice looking gun. It's nice enough that I don't know if I want to carry it. So I ran across a great deal on another P938 (AG model) that is pretty plain but would functionally be no different than the SAS. I can't afford to keep both of them, so, now I'm trying to decide between the two.

Do you carry a "pretty" gun or do you stick with something more mundane but functional. My normal carry is a 642, which I don't consider a "pretty" gun.

WVsig · October 26, 2014, 01:14 PM

Yes I carry a custom BHP, Dan Wesson 1911 CBOB and a Les Baer. They are pretty but they are still tools.

rkittine · October 26, 2014, 01:16 PM

One of the drawbacks of the Pride Of Ownership is that you hate to beat up stuff that is really nice. Bought a brand new high grade Browning Cynergy Trap Combo with the high gloss (unfortunately) stock and the first day on the range one of the guys asked to see it and put two nicks in the forend with his college ring. I always take off all watches and jewelry when handling my guns or someone else's. But that being said, I bought it to shoot it.

My carry guns are different. They are in an out of leather and meant for a real specific reason, so I have three that I don't care about wear in the bluing (one is blue, 2 are SS) or grip wear etc.

So, personal preference and tolerance level of wear, plus tolerance level of reduction in resale value.

Bob

agent109 · October 26, 2014, 01:30 PM

Nothing like a Glock for me. My guns are meant for one purpose only and looking at them is not one of them. My guns are meant to distribute deadly force when required.

AZRoger · October 26, 2014, 01:37 PM

The wear received by a carry gun is perceived, by me, as illustrative of a bond that exists between the gun and its operator. That bond is the highest trust that a human and an inanimate object can share.

If I may anthropomorphize for a moment, I'm sure that a carry gun is happiest when carried as opposed to being squirreled away in a safe somewhere.

agent109 · October 26, 2014, 01:45 PM

I never understood safe queens either! Frankly, I find "loving a gun" to be a troubling human characteristic associated with omniscience. My male maturity is not determined by safe queen handguns.

Cyanide971 · October 26, 2014, 01:55 PM

If I buy it then it gets carried, shot, etc., regardless of who makes it, and how ugly or pretty it may be. It's a tool first and foremost.

If I want a nice firearm that I don't want getting messed up then it will go in a display case or on a wall, and I don't have any like that yet!

**4V50 Gary** · October 26, 2014, 02:00 PM

TX BBQ gun. I don't have one.

Cheapshooter · October 26, 2014, 02:12 PM

Nope, beauty, and "prestige" are not what I want in a carry weapon. Or hunting rifle for that matter. Accuracy, and total reliability are what is "pretty" in my gun "tools".

WVsig · October 26, 2014, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Nope, beauty, and "prestige" are not what I want in a carry weapon. Or hunting rifle for that matter. Accuracy, and total reliability are what is "pretty" in my gun "tools".

I think that your error is believing that these are some how mutually exclusive.

hoss1969 · October 26, 2014, 02:17 PM

Reliably, Function, fit, and if it looks good its a plus. Never bought a gun on looks, its just not that important. Looks adds nothing to function and a ccw gun shouldn't been seen till its needed.

Just my 2¢

WC145 · October 26, 2014, 02:20 PM

I carry nicely finished higher end and custom guns. I don't give up any utility for it, my guns are extremely accurate and function exactly as they should. No reason a working gun has to look like a Glock.

WVsig · October 26, 2014, 02:22 PM

Quote:

I carry nicely finished higher end and custom guns. I don't give up any utility for it, no reason a working gun has to look like a Glock.

Exactly!!!

Cheapshooter · October 26, 2014, 02:27 PM

Quote:

I think that your error is believing that these are some how mutually exclusive.

No, not at all. Just that it is unnecessary.
I believe the question was:

Quote:

Do you carry a "pretty" gun or do you stick with something more mundane but functional.

Cheapshooter · October 26, 2014, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Reliably, Function, fit, and if it looks good its a plus. Never bought a gun on looks, its just not that important. Looks adds nothing to function and a ccw gun shouldn't been seen till its needed.

Exactly!!!

WVsig · October 26, 2014, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Do you carry a "pretty" gun or do you stick with something more mundane but functional.

Right but that is not what you said... Lets take a look.

Quote:

Nope, beauty, and "prestige" are not what I want in a carry weapon. Or hunting rifle for that matter. Accuracy, and total reliability are what is "pretty" in my gun "tools".

You added prestige as if it is a negative trait. Then you go one to add accuracy which is really not needed in a CCW beyond 7 yards IMHO. At distances longer than that there are more often than not better alternatives than firing a CCW weapon. Also total reliability is only achievable in a vacuum not in the real world.

WVsig · October 26, 2014, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Reliably, Function, fit, and if it looks good its a plus. Never bought a gun on looks, its just not that important. Looks adds nothing to function and a ccw gun shouldn't been seen till its needed.

LOL. Again you are treating things as if they are mutually exclusive when they are not. Many things which add aesthetic or cosmetic value add to their function. I think the part of your statement which I put in bold is simply false.

There are so many examples. Take this gun for example.

Each one of these upgrades add to the cosmetics and function of the gun.

Wide flat trigger which is more responsive than stock.
Wide notch night sights
Custom welded thumb safety which has a positive click when engaged and disengaged unlike the factory part.
Robar NP3 finish which make the gun stronger, it has an alloy frame, and protects the weapon better than the original blue.
Upgraded sear and hammer set which improve the trigger performance.
Grips which are thinner and give the gun a better feel in the hand.
Front and rear grip stippling adds tactile feel improving grip.

Are all of these necessary? NO. Do they make the gun look better IMHO yes! Do they improve the performance of the gun again IMHO yes! So I think that you are way overstating your mutually exclusive traits.

Now no one is saying you can't or should not carry something utilitarian but lets not speak in absolutes when they are simply not accurate.

WC145 · October 26, 2014, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Quote:
Do you carry a "pretty" gun or do you stick with something more mundane but functional.

Right but that is not what you said... Lets take a look.

Quote:

Quote:
Nope, beauty, and "prestige" are not what I want in a carry weapon. Or hunting rifle for that matter. Accuracy, and total reliability are what is "pretty" in my gun "tools".

You added prestige as if it is a negative trait. Then you go one to add accuracy which is really not needed in a CCW beyond 7 yards IMHO. At distances longer than that there are more often than not better alternatives than firing a CCW weapon. Also total reliability is only achievable in a vacuum not in the real world.

Not everyone wants to drive a white F150 with roll up windows and no A/C. Sure, it gets the job done, but there's more to life than just getting the job done. I prefer carrying a gun that is more accurate, that has a better trigger, that has been enhanced for improved function and greater reliability, and looks better than every other mass produced, flat black, striker fired clone. Nothing wrong with them if that's what you want, but being strictly utilitarian doesn't make them better.

Guv · October 26, 2014, 03:13 PM

I've bought plenty of guns because of their looks, and their function was not compromised. Now I do have (and use every day) a very large tool box filled with hand tools, air tools, pullers, etc.... My tools are for distributing deadly torque while building an engine!

AFK · October 26, 2014, 03:28 PM

Nothing prettier to me than a gun that I put some holster wear on. To that point though, I won't buy a gun that someone else put the wear on. I know it's silly, but I want to personalize it myself.

I have a Sig P238 HD. Very nice looking gun. Nice stainless finish and wood grips. I have been carrying it in the plastic holster it came with and a Nemesis pocket holster. I see no holster wear yet, but I'm sure it will look better when I do.

Cyanide971 · October 26, 2014, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WC145

No reason a working gun has to look like a Glock.

To me, these three are extremely pretty, as well as reliable and tough for any use I could ever put them through.

TunnelRat · October 26, 2014, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WVsig

Right but that is not what you said... Lets take a look.

You added prestige as if it is a negative trait. Then you go one to add accuracy which is really not needed in a CCW beyond 7 yards IMHO. At distances longer than that there are more often than not better alternatives than firing a CCW weapon. Also total reliability is only achievable in a vacuum not in the real world.

I am not sure I would say accuracy isn't needed passed 7 yds in a ccw, though I would agree that you likely won't see much of a difference between different pistols in terms of accuracy at the typical 3-7 yds most self defense encounters occur in.

I would however agree that just because a pistol is visually appealing doesn't mean it can't be carried. I have carried pistols around $1000 before. How a pistol is used is up to the owner.

Dragline45 · October 26, 2014, 03:56 PM

Absolutely, and I have. I carried all these at one point or another, a couple years each at least, and consider them all "pretty" guns.

Joe_Pike · October 26, 2014, 04:39 PM

Part of the reason I was curious is I read some posts where people are upset because their 642's (or whatever their gun is) finish is chipped or wearing off from carrying it. The finish on mine is wearing and I don't mind a bit. On the other hand, if I had a pristine no dash model 36 and it started getting beat up from carry I would be a bit sad since I can carry a 642 in its place.

You folks that carry Wilsons and Les Baers and such (very cool by the way) are made of tougher stuff than me because I would probably weep if I scratched my $3, 000 custom when I could carry a Rock Island for defense and not worry about it. And, yes, I realize the Rock Island is not in the same class, but is still a workable gun for self defense purposes.

I suppose most of the reason I think this way anymore is because money is tight (had to sell some other toys to get these) and I like to keep pretty guns pretty in case I have to sell them at some point. I didn't used to think that way but have had to start the last couple of years.

jr24 · October 26, 2014, 04:41 PM

All my guns (even the pretty ones) were bought to do work (hunt, comp, carry). Scratches, scuffs and scars are just proof they are being used as intended.

I was a bit leery about using my BHP as a primary carry because for a while finding a replacement, new, MKIII was really difficult.

Seems to be more available now, and it might get back into the rotation soon.

October 26, 2014, 01:08 PM	#1
Joe_Pike Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2010 Posts: 1,583	Would/Do You Carry A "Pretty" Gun? I bought a Sig P938 SAS about a month or so ago and it is a very nice looking gun. It's nice enough that I don't know if I want to carry it. So I ran across a great deal on another P938 (AG model) that is pretty plain but would functionally be no different than the SAS. I can't afford to keep both of them, so, now I'm trying to decide between the two. Do you carry a "pretty" gun or do you stick with something more mundane but functional. My normal carry is a 642, which I don't consider a "pretty" gun. __________________ Stay Groovy

October 26, 2014, 01:14 PM	#2
WVsig Senior Member Join Date: June 30, 2010 Location: NC Posts: 5,309	Yes I carry a custom BHP, Dan Wesson 1911 CBOB and a Les Baer. They are pretty but they are still tools. __________________ -The right to be left alone is the most comprehensive of rights, and the right most valued by free people.-Louis Brandeis -Its a tool box... I don't care you put the tools in for the job that's all... -Sam from Ronin -It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. -Aristotle

October 26, 2014, 01:16 PM	#3
rkittine Senior Member Join Date: October 8, 2014 Location: Manhattan & Sag Harbor, N.Y. Posts: 106	Pretty Guns One of the drawbacks of the Pride Of Ownership is that you hate to beat up stuff that is really nice. Bought a brand new high grade Browning Cynergy Trap Combo with the high gloss (unfortunately) stock and the first day on the range one of the guys asked to see it and put two nicks in the forend with his college ring. I always take off all watches and jewelry when handling my guns or someone else's. But that being said, I bought it to shoot it. My carry guns are different. They are in an out of leather and meant for a real specific reason, so I have three that I don't care about wear in the bluing (one is blue, 2 are SS) or grip wear etc. So, personal preference and tolerance level of wear, plus tolerance level of reduction in resale value. Bob

October 26, 2014, 02:00 PM	#8
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 22,315	TX BBQ gun. I don't have one. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

October 26, 2014, 02:20 PM	#12
WC145 Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2008 Location: Downeast Maine Posts: 1,836	I carry nicely finished higher end and custom guns. I don't give up any utility for it, my guns are extremely accurate and function exactly as they should. No reason a working gun has to look like a Glock. __________________ "If violent crime is to be curbed, it is only the intended victim who can do it. The felon does not fear the police, and he fears neither judge or jury. Therefore what he must be taught to fear is his victim." - LtCol Jeff Cooper

October 26, 2014, 01:30 PM	#4
agent109 Junior member Join Date: October 18, 2014 Posts: 81	Nothing like a Glock for me. My guns are meant for one purpose only and looking at them is not one of them. My guns are meant to distribute deadly force when required.

October 26, 2014, 01:37 PM	#5
AZRoger Member Join Date: September 16, 2014 Location: Southern Arizona Posts: 20	The wear received by a carry gun is perceived, by me, as illustrative of a bond that exists between the gun and its operator. That bond is the highest trust that a human and an inanimate object can share. If I may anthropomorphize for a moment, I'm sure that a carry gun is happiest when carried as opposed to being squirreled away in a safe somewhere.

October 26, 2014, 01:45 PM	#6
agent109 Junior member Join Date: October 18, 2014 Posts: 81	I never understood safe queens either! Frankly, I find "loving a gun" to be a troubling human characteristic associated with omniscience. My male maturity is not determined by safe queen handguns.

October 26, 2014, 01:55 PM	#7
Cyanide971 Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2014 Posts: 727	If I buy it then it gets carried, shot, etc., regardless of who makes it, and how ugly or pretty it may be. It's a tool first and foremost. If I want a nice firearm that I don't want getting messed up then it will go in a display case or on a wall, and I don't have any like that yet!

October 26, 2014, 02:12 PM	#9
Cheapshooter Senior Member Join Date: December 2, 2007 Location: Missouri Posts: 8,306	Nope, beauty, and "prestige" are not what I want in a carry weapon. Or hunting rifle for that matter. Accuracy, and total reliability are what is "pretty" in my gun "tools".

October 26, 2014, 02:17 PM	#11
hoss1969 Member Join Date: October 10, 2014 Posts: 79	Reliably, Function, fit, and if it looks good its a plus. Never bought a gun on looks, its just not that important. Looks adds nothing to function and a ccw gun shouldn't been seen till its needed. Just my 2¢

October 26, 2014, 03:13 PM	#19
Guv Senior Member Join Date: February 24, 2012 Location: South Texas Posts: 2,126	I've bought plenty of guns because of their looks, and their function was not compromised. Now I do have (and use every day) a very large tool box filled with hand tools, air tools, pullers, etc.... My tools are for distributing deadly *torque* while building an engine!

October 26, 2014, 03:28 PM	#20
AFK Senior Member Join Date: May 28, 2010 Posts: 151	Nothing prettier to me than a gun that I put some holster wear on. To that point though, I won't buy a gun that someone else put the wear on. I know it's silly, but I want to personalize it myself. I have a Sig P238 HD. Very nice looking gun. Nice stainless finish and wood grips. I have been carrying it in the plastic holster it came with and a Nemesis pocket holster. I see no holster wear yet, but I'm sure it will look better when I do.

October 26, 2014, 04:39 PM	#24
Joe_Pike Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2010 Posts: 1,583	Part of the reason I was curious is I read some posts where people are upset because their 642's (or whatever their gun is) finish is chipped or wearing off from carrying it. The finish on mine is wearing and I don't mind a bit. On the other hand, if I had a pristine no dash model 36 and it started getting beat up from carry I would be a bit sad since I can carry a 642 in its place. You folks that carry Wilsons and Les Baers and such (very cool by the way) are made of tougher stuff than me because I would probably weep if I scratched my $3, 000 custom when I could carry a Rock Island for defense and not worry about it. And, yes, I realize the Rock Island is not in the same class, but is still a workable gun for self defense purposes. I suppose most of the reason I think this way anymore is because money is tight (had to sell some other toys to get these) and I like to keep pretty guns pretty in case I have to sell them at some point. I didn't used to think that way but have had to start the last couple of years. __________________ Stay Groovy

October 26, 2014, 04:41 PM	#25
jr24 Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2011 Posts: 870	All my guns (even the pretty ones) were bought to do work (hunt, comp, carry). Scratches, scuffs and scars are just proof they are being used as intended. I was a bit leery about using my BHP as a primary carry because for a while finding a replacement, new, MKIII was really difficult. Seems to be more available now, and it might get back into the rotation soon.