Guns have never been simply wood and metal. They’re historical objects, linked to events that defined countries and tales that resonate to this day. Some guns are remembered due to their involvement in wars, others due to their cultural influence, and a few due to both. For collectors and those who love history, these iconic firearms are not merely weapons—they’re turning points in technology and emblems of the time they came from.
10. Ruger 10/22
Though not an issue rifle, the Ruger 10/22 has made its own niche in shooting history. First released during the 1960s, it gained popularity for training and recreational shooting due to its reliability and customizability. Its classic looks and contribution to the establishment of American shooting culture make it an essential purchase for collectors.
9. Mossberg 500
Since the 1960s, the Mossberg 500 pump-action shotgun has become a workhorse. Utilized by the military, police, and civilians alike, it has been tested in innumerable situations. Shooters respect it not only for its reliability, but also for its extended career as one of the most versatile American shotguns ever produced.
8. Remington Model 870
Introduced in the 1950s, the Remington 870 established the standard for pump-action shotguns. Famed for durability and simplicity, it has been relied upon by military personnel, law enforcement officers, and hunters for decades. It is a prized possession of collectors as a gun that exemplifies both function and durability in equal proportions.
7. Mauser C96
Few handguns are as identifiable as the Mauser C96 with its signature “broomhandle” grip. Born in the late 1800s in Germany, it fought in wars, revolutions, and even in the hands of outlaws and adventurers. Its distinctive design and extensive history make it one of the most sought-after pistols in the world.
6. Smith & Wesson Model 29
The Model 29 was popularized by Clint Eastwood’s Dirty Harry, but its image was already made. Chambered in .44 Magnum, it was the world’s most powerful factory-made handgun at one time. Collectors love it for its synthesis of power, beauty, and pop culture icon status.
5. Thompson Submachine Gun
The “Tommy Gun” was notorious during Prohibition, yet saw combat on World War II battlefields. It is small, rapid-firing, and instantly iconic, and represents both gangster-era America and American military history. To possess one is to hold a piece of history in your hands.
4. M1 Garand Rifle
General George S. Patton referred to it as “the greatest battle implement ever devised,” and he was right. The M1 Garand provided U.S. forces in World War II and Korea a significant advantage with its semi-automatic firepower. To collectors, it is a symbol of American ingenuity and a badge of honor of a pivotal era in history.
3. Browning Hi-Power
Developed in the 1930s, the Browning Hi-Power was groundbreaking in its use of a double-stack magazine and ergonomic grip. It proved to be one of the most popular pistols of the 20th century. It is prized by collectors not only for its combat history but also for its lasting legacy in handgun design.
2. Luger P08
The Luger’s toggle-lock action and streamlined design made it the most iconic pistol ever made. Universally employed in the early 20th century and both World Wars, it combines engineering genius with history. To possess a Luger is to possess a part of living history.
1. Colt Single Action Army Revolver
Dubbed the “Peacemaker,” this revolver shaped the American West. It was introduced in the late 1800s and was used by lawmen, outlaws, and legends Wyatt Earp and Buffalo Bill. More than a gun, it is a symbol of the frontier spirit and still one of the most iconic guns produced.
From the battlefields to frontier towns, these guns are more than collector’s items—they’re history books. Each one is a window into its era, its citizens, and the challenges it was designed to overcome. For those fortunate enough to own them, they are not only treasured possessions but a link to history itself.