Gen 1 Guns: 6 Ways to Find the Pot of Gold on GunBroker.com!

Last updated: June 23, 2026 · Originally published: June 7, 2023

A large portion of firearm models have been around for decades and have not needed much, if any, improvement. There might be a tweak here and there or added safety features, but many firearms have stood the test of time and are still popular. If you are looking for guns for sale or auction from sellers on GunBroker.com, check out these six options. Colt Single Action Army One of the most famous cowboy guns of all time is the Colt Single Action Army, also known as the Peacemaker. Finding true SSAs can be difficult and expensive but well worth it if you want an authentic piece of Wild West history. At the time, a major problem was safety; cowboys often kept one chamber empty in case the hammer jostled while riding horses and accidentally fired. Newer versions of the SSA, such as the Ruger Vaquero, have fixed this problem while retaining everything iconic about the Peacemaker. Remington 1187 If you are looking for a popular, time-tested semi-automatic shotgun, you want the Remington 1187. It first hit the market in 1987, and Remington continues producing the shotgun today. The 1187 can operate a wide range of loads without any adjustment. Some models offer screw-in chokes, while others feature interchangeable barrels with fixed chokes. Remington 870 For a pump-action shotgun, however, you want the Remington 870. One of the most popular shotguns in the world, Remington started producing the 870 in 1950 and has not stopped. There are plenty of 870 variations, such as the 870 Express and 870 Wingmaster, to choose from. Originally, the 870 featured fixed chokes, but this changed to screw-in chokes in 1986. The 870 is one of the most common law enforcement firearms issued, and it also makes a great turkey hunting or waterfowl hunting firearm. Colt 1911 The Colt 1911, first produced in 1911, has seen use by the U.S. in all major conflicts since World War I. It is still in use by the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. Designed by John Browning, it is arguably the most popular gun to shoot the 45 ACP round in existence. Short-Magazine Lee Enfield Mk III Like the Colt 1911, the SMLE has seen its fair share of use. It started as the standard rifle of the British in WWI, continued through WWII, and is still in use by some Indian police forces. This is considered a surplus firearm and is no longer produced in its original 303 caliber. Instead, the Ishapore version uses 762x51mm NATO. Mosin-Nagant While the price has increased in recent years, the Mosin-Nagant is another surplus rifle still used by gun enthusiasts. It is one of the most mass-produced rifles in history, with more than 37 million units produced since 1891. Even today, it is easy to find aftermarket items such as scopes, stocks, and muzzle brakes, despite the rifle being used for well over a century. Find old but great firearms through user listings at www.gunbroker.com!      

Related: the Mossberg 940 Pro turkey shotgun