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.