Explore Antique Handguns Built Across Generations of Firearm Design

Each gun in our carefully curated collection of antique handguns has a history all its own. We have a huge variety of classic flintlock pistols, cartridge pistols and revolvers and so much more. We are constantly growing and curating our antique handgun inventory, so please check back frequently for new arrivals. Check out a full list of our new arrivals here.
Please browse through our antique handgun inventory below. If you have any questions about our online or in store merchandise, please call us at 877-214-9327, or send us an email at [email protected].

At Collectors Firearms, we have specialized in antique and collectible firearms since 1975, and old handguns have always been an important part of what we buy and sell. Our antique handguns inventory ranges from early Flintlock and Percussion Pistols to revolvers, military handguns, and later Cartridge Pistols & Revolvers. Those looking for antique handguns for sale can move through several distinct collecting fields within the same category, while familiar names such as Smith & Wesson and Remington appear alongside lesser-known makers, scarce variations, and unusual designs that do not turn up every day.

Some collectors come to us looking for a particular manufacturer or model. Others know the period or type of handgun they want, while plenty simply enjoy going through old guns until something catches their attention. After decades of buying individual guns and complete collections, we know there is no single way to build a collection.

Antique Pistols and Revolvers in Our Collection

We keep the antique handgun collection broad because people do not all come looking for the same thing. Our Flintlock and Percussion Pistols offer plenty to consider for those interested in earlier arms and period craftsmanship, while Percussion Revolvers include a field of American makers, models, and variations that collectors have pursued for generations. Our flintlock pistols for sale can include examples from different makers, periods, and configurations as pieces enter the collection. Derringers & Pepperboxes add compact arms, unusual actions, and makers that appeal to those looking beyond conventional pistols and revolvers.

Our antique revolvers for sale also extend into the cartridge era, with Smith & Wesson, Remington, and other American and foreign manufacturers represented when examples are available. Our antique cartridge revolvers for sale can vary considerably in frame style, caliber, finish, markings, condition, and configuration. Among these cartridge pistols and revolvers, even examples from the same period or maker can offer very different qualities to consider. That is why we have always looked at the individual gun, not simply the model stamped on it.

Military and Unusual Antique Handguns in Our Collection

Our antique handgun selection also gives military collectors plenty to look through. U.S. Martial Antique Handguns cover firearms associated with American military service, while our Foreign Military Antique Handguns include pieces produced or issued outside the United States. For martial collectors, inspector marks, military markings, correct configuration, condition, and known history can all play a part in understanding the particular handgun.

Not everything we handle fits into the familiar collecting fields. Knife Pistols, combination arms, unusual pocket guns, and miscellaneous antique pistols have their place here as well. Our antique pistols for sale can range from familiar period designs to less common examples that fall outside the better-known categories. We have always enjoyed the odd pieces, especially the guns that make even experienced collectors stop and take another look.

We Look at the Gun, Not Just the Name

Anyone who has handled enough old guns knows that two examples of the same model can be very different guns. We look closely at originality, remaining finish, matching numbers where applicable, markings, alterations, mechanical condition, and overall preservation. Rarity has its place, but we do not believe a gun becomes desirable simply because few were made.

More importantly, we believe a collector should buy a gun they actually like. For our collectible handguns, we document the characteristics we can identify so buyers can consider the particular firearm rather than relying on a broad category description. With collectible antique handguns, those individual details often matter more than the category name alone. When meaningful provenance or known history comes with a gun, we include it when available.

Take a Look Through Our Antique Handguns

We continue to buy individual guns and complete collections, so new pieces regularly come through the door and into our selection of collectible pistols, revolvers, and specialty handguns. We also carry Antique Holsters & Accessories for collectors looking for period pieces to accompany their handguns.

Take a look through the antique handguns below or see what has recently arrived. If a particular piece catches your attention, call us at 877-214-9327. We are always glad to talk about old guns.

FAQ’s

What should I look for when comparing collectible handguns?

When comparing collectible handguns, look beyond the model itself. Originality, condition, period-correct features, alterations, and available history can distinguish one example from another, even when both firearms were produced during the same period.

Do Collectors Firearms regularly add antique pistols for sale?

Yes. We continually buy individual firearms and complete collections, so our antique pistols for sale change as different pieces come through the door. The selection can include Flintlock and Percussion Pistols, military handguns, Derringers & Pepperboxes, and unusual examples.

How are antique cartridge revolvers different from earlier percussion revolvers?

Percussion revolvers use separate loading components and percussion caps, while cartridge revolvers were designed around self-contained metallic cartridges. Collectors considering antique cartridge revolvers for sale may also encounter differences in action, caliber, configuration, and period.

What information is provided when I find an antique handgun I want to buy?

Our listings show the actual firearm being offered through detailed photographs and available information about that particular piece. When considering antique handguns for sale, buyers can review relevant characteristics and contact us if they have questions about a gun that catches their attention.