I still have my Starrett 6" and 12" dial calipers from before digital was around. But, I used digitals enough to know there's an advantage when working in a machine shop where chips can get in the dial gear rack. Forget about vernier scale calipers. I still have a couple sets, one 6" and one 24" set. For gun stuff, either dial or digital will do. I prefer tools well made. No China stuff. Swiss, German, U.S., Japan, and English are all good.
Agree- I grew up using, and still prefer in my gun room Brown & Sharpe, Starrett and Lufkin- I have a German Helios dial readout vernier, stainless steel, as dependable as a Rolex-- I would rather French kiss Monica Lewisnski in front of Macy's in NYC at High Noon than ever own or use any of the China made crap- but then, I also believe that "Wall-Mart sucks"!!