Guns are more than steel pieces of wood. They’re living history artifacts—silent witnesses to the past, symbols of national pride, and occasionally pop culture icons. For collectors and military historians, some guns shine not only for their combat performance but for the legends, stories, and legacies that surround them. Here is a top 10 countdown of the most collectible firearms ever in military history, and why each has become a treasure for collectors and historians everywhere.
10. Ruger 10/22
Though never a stock-issue military firearm, the Ruger 10/22 has gained a devoted following for its bulletproof reliability and adaptability. Since it first appeared in the 1960s, it’s been an instant favorite for marksmanship instruction and a popular model with recreational shooters. Its ability to be easily modified and its classic design have made it a staple within collections dedicated to the development of American firearms.
9. Mossberg 500
This pump-action shotgun has been produced continuously since the 1960s and has earned a reputation for toughness and reliability. It has been used for military applications, law enforcement, and home defense, and has performed well in hundreds of duties. Collectors appreciate the Mossberg 500 not only because it’s functional, but because it has a versatile and enduring service record in the tradition of American shotguns.
8. Remington Model 870
Since the 1950s, the Remington 870 has been an industry standard in shotguns. Durable and simple in design, it’s been carried by soldiers, police officers, hunters, and sports shooters. Collectors appreciate the 870 as the ultimate union of form and function—designed to function perfectly and designed to endure.
7. Mauser C96
With its characteristic “broomhandle” grip and internal magazine, the Mauser C96 is perhaps the most identifiable pistol of all time. Pioneered in Germany in the late 19th century, it was used throughout several wars and revolutions. Used by officers, explorers, and even gangsters, its familiar silhouette and historical status make it a prize among collectors.
6. Smith & Wesson Model 29
The Model 29 might owe its popularity to Clint Eastwood’s “Dirty Harry,” but its popularity extends far beyond the silver screen. Chambered in .44 Magnum, this revolver was the most powerful production handgun ever made. Its streamlined design, heavy punch, and double role as both a police sidearm and a movie icon guarantee a place in collectors’ hearts.
5. Thompson Submachine Gun
More popularly referred to as the “Tommy Gun,” this submachine gun found notoriety during Prohibition before solidifying its military reputation in World War II. Its rapid rate of fire, short size, and unmistakable appearance made it a thug’s dream as much as the commando’s. To own a Thompson is to possess a physical piece of American history that hovers both on and off the battlefield.
4. M1 Garand Rifle
General George S. Patton once referred to it as “the greatest battle implement ever devised,” and few would dispute the fact. Used as the standard U.S. troops rifle in World War II and the Korean War, the M1 Garand provided soldiers with a decisive advantage through its semi-automatic mechanism. To collectors, it’s an emblem of American ingenuity and a nostalgic reminder of the era when craftsmanship and battlefield utility converged in perfect harmony.
3. Browning Hi-Power
Designed in the 1930s by John Browning and Dieudonné Saive, the Hi-Power innovated with its double-stack magazine and ergonomic grip. It was one of the most common military pistols in history, renowned for accuracy, reliability, and innovative design. Collectors value it for the influence it has had on handgun design and years of front-line use.
2. Luger P08
The Luger’s immediately iconic toggle-lock action and refined grip have made it one of the most renowned pistols ever built. Used extensively throughout the early 20th century and in both World Wars, it’s as much a work of art as a firearm. The intersection of its engineering precision with its strong connection to world history makes it an elite collectible.
1. Colt Single Action Army Revolver
Dubbed the “Peacemaker,” this revolver revolutionized handgun design during the late 1800s and has become an icon of the American West. Carried by lawmen, outlaws, and mythic figures such as Wyatt Earp and Buffalo Bill, it’s a gun with a legend surrounding it. It is more than merely a revolver, though – it’s an American icon that connects the frontier era to contemporary collecting trends.
From the battlefields of Europe to the rolling plains of the frontier, these guns are more than weapons—they’re history books. Each one freezes a moment in time, evidence of the creativity, the courage, and the culture of its era. For the owners of good fortune, they are not merely antiques—they’re living connections to the past.