I refer to myself as an "accumulator" of Fine Old S&W's. I prefer pre-war and antique, but anything S&W will perk up my attention. I own very few "pristine" examples, and have only a few I have not fired, (including the antique's). Honest wear does not detract from honest value in my eye's. I always wonder who may have owned and used a particular S&W over the sometimes 100+ years it has been around. My "accumulation" dates range from 1867 to 1991. No, I own no "IL" guns, not because I despise the lock, but because the mystique of fine old guns is not there. I have small displays of some of my older guns in my office where I can see them daily, and appreciate the workmanship that went into them. In replacing a firing pin on a 1921 safety hammerless, I marvel at the precision fit quality that was all hand fitted. Like a fine Swiss watch.

I like to handle my guns; disassemble and clean and perhaps smooth up an action here or there. Very few of my guns would classify as "collector's".

__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244