I happen to be in the same boat of not liking change. I believe that’s a common thread in the pre-computer generations.
Black rifles I just shunned them, my first step into black rifles was a wood stocked Mini 14 ranch rifle. Never got very warm and fuzzy about the Mini’s, owned 4 or 5 over the years. Bought my first AR about 5 years ago. Well the lower was a Christmas present from a friend. It sat in the box till 2 years ago. I finally picked up an upper and the rest of the parts to make it a “rifle”. I liked it!!! Had to contain my enjoyment or my friends and relatives would think I had embraced the dark side. Just sold my last Mini and all the mags.
But shoots great, handles good, ugly as sin, I will never embrace the looks, but the functionality is very nice. Only going to allow 2 or 3 of these rifles in the gunroom and they have to stay in the corner away from my lumber and steel guns.
Glocks are a different thing. I will hold the line there. No Glocks.
I have embraced SS handguns simply because they are becoming like Locust. Can avoid them. A person must have new horizons, but within limits.
Now Ruger builds some nice stuff as everyone agrees, innovative, strong, reliable, and they stand behind a firearm if there’s a problem. But, Smith & Wesson’s are graceful, beautifully made and just a joy to shoot. I have foolishly sold way to many Smiths over the years and like most which they were in the box instead of a memory. I’ve had lots of K, N, and a few J frames but only the one L frame to date. There’s a like new 586 6” with the original box for sale now locally for $850, not sure of the year, but, it’s a 1990’s gun I believe, but I’m going to have to pass on that beauty. I have as many Ruger’s as Smith’s I believe but, a person just can’t have to many.
The problem with the Smith’s if you let one go, you might not be able to replace it without have a good bank account. Mine certainly comes and goes in the cash department. An occasional time of plenty, followed by extended droughts. Far more of a drought lately.
Point in fact at least for me is I picked up a 625-2 5” model 1989 back in 89 or 90. Loved the gun, shot great, but, in a moment of “magnum” craziness I sold it. Shortly I regretted that sale in particular. They are awesome pistols as anyone that owns one will tell you. It’s been till this spring before I could get my hands on another 1989. This one will only leave through my estate to my kids.