I would like to solicit the opinions of the learned members of this forum on a perceived problem that I face; I don't fancy myself as a 'Collector of S&Ws per se', but as time passes I have become aware of the amazing appreciation in value of some of my owned and carried S&Ws. Now, as a retired LEO, I have seen very valuable guns disappear from the most well respected Agencies while being held for 'evidence' during the aftermath of a self-defense shooting. I often carry a S&W M 66-2 with a 3" barrel for CCW purposes. I used to carry that handgun while performing my flying duties in a shoulder holster. I can still shoot the dickens out of it with more than acceptable accuracy for a serious self defense encounter. My thought is that it is getting too darn valuable to actually use and let go into the evidence locker while they examine my claim of self defense. I also carry a M 3913 non Ladysmith that is also appreciating rapidly. It has been tricked out to the nth degree with night sights, action job and custom grips. I would hate to loose it almost as much as I would hate to loose the M 66/3". What do you learned folk think about this conundrum? Should I find a M 909 and a M 15 RB 2.5" and carry them? I have already found a dirt cheap Charter Arms Bulldog 44 Spec. for my 'Truck Gun' and replaced the M 66/2.5" that was riding there. Darn, I shoot the M66/3" and the M 3913 so well and have the utmost of confidence in both of them. .... What to do,,,What to do? ..........................

Carry what you shoot well and have the utmost confidence in.
What's your life and the lives of your loved ones worth?

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Keep on Chooglin'

If you can find other handguns in which you have the same degree of comfort and confidence, personally I'd carry those. The chances of having to use one in self-defense, being taken into evidence and then "lost" are very small but not zero, so only you can ultimately decide your best course. I'm sure others will differ for good reasons.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

It seems to me that the real dilemma you have is in deciding which would bother you more:
A) Giving up carrying your favorite carry gun, or
B) Risking losing them while confiscated IF you are involved in a defensive shooting.

Considering the small odds of (B) happening it's probably not something to be too concerned about. BUT...if it does happen, and your gun is "lost" you would probably never forgive yourself, because you know it was avoidable.

Personally, I would put the valuable ones in the safe, retrieving them only for range sessions, and carry something reliable...but easily replaced. I'm not a big believer in selling guns (afraid I would regret it later).

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Stay protected my friends.

I have a Smith Model 19 that will never get carried. My father gave it to me. I shoot very well.

If I was attached to a gun either monetarily or for sentimental reasons, I wouldn't carry it.

When I buy a carry gun it's for that purpose only. No attachment.

I find it disturbing that guns "disappear".

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Life Is A Gift. Defend it!

In my jurisdiction , any firearm involved in a death , is held for 75 years. Doesn't matter if justified, but is the fixed policy of the States Atty Office. So every SD gun is single use disposable. ( Yeah , I'm specifically mention anything by s/n in will , and leave instructions for Biggfootettee to do likewise, and hopefully a grandchild or greatgrandchild will eventually recover , just as a matter of principal. But within my lifetime never see again. )

Unless somthing is the only gun you own , you shouldn't carry a family heirloom for serious social purposes.

The other question of what used to be "regular guns" , if less common variations growing in value since one's younger days is a lot more opendended. ( We will assume everything under discussion is functional and reliable .)

In my younger days , I've carried a Victory Model , a 1920's vintage Commercial Govt Model , M624 , 2nd Model .44 HE . I'm trying to recall if I ever strapped on M1937 . Was never opposed to the practice , just don't recall. Now that I'm think about , I will make a point to do so.

*To Me* an origional M1911 (not A1 ) , any Tripple Lock, and any 1st or 2nd gen SAAwould be on the automatic No Fly list. Everything else is case by case subjective.

Funny you should post this. I wondered about this myself today as my wife and I have a lot of travelling planned this year.

After much thought, I decided that while I'd be grief-stricken were my Chief's Special to be lost forever in red tape, I would still take solace in knowing that it served its one purpose (namely, defending the lives of my family and myself).

We get attached to a trusted sidearm, but we must remember that it is a tool. A very well-cared for and trusted tool, but a tool nonetheless, and tools are ultimately replaceable.

I travel over several states driving backroads, frequently. In one, weapons used in any shooting are automatically taken with little hope of seeing them again soon. When I visit gun shops there, I constantly hear the advice to buy an inexpensive carry gun. That (verified) situation dictates that I don't carry certain handguns. Ever.

Oh man. How does evidence disapppear from the locker and how is the victim not compensated? Im usually pro police but that makes me mad.

75 years they hold a gun? Is there storagr place for that?

I feel ya brother.....That's one of the reasons I keep pairs.

I believe this is why we see old cop guns today, where officers back in the old days,
engraved their names on their personally owned sidearms.





I know of incidents were items disappeared from evidence vaults.
It sad to say, but some public servants as well as
elected office holders view such items as 'spoils of war'.

I once help a Sheriff log in 300+ firearms in to his vault, from one individual....
Long story short, the sheriff got the judge to re-consider his order and
the firearms were returned to the owner posthaste. We didn't loss nary a one.

I despise a thief, of any kind.

Su Amigo,
Dave


P.S. if you were to be in a dust up and have your firearm entered in the evidence....

Be sure to ask for a receipt in hand writing from the investigating Detective,
for that lit'l chain of custody thing and all that jazz.


Or just carry a Glock...Nobody would steal one of those things.

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"IN GOD WE TRUST"

If this thought is going to run through your head and get in the way of the one that should be there (front sight, press), then you should probably consider tucking those in the safe.

This comes up often, and is probably over-thought, considering the statistical odds. That being said- I did tuck away my "pretty" 3913 and replaced it with a 3914LS that has some miles on it, but I came up with a whole different list of justifications for that purchase.

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Because of the metric system?

I've put some more valuable guns in the safe that I used to carry as was concerned they might be confiscated or stolen if I had to leave them in my vehicle. I mostly carry a S&W Model 37 that I'm willing to lose if necessary. I'd hate for it to happen but will take that risk.

I would not worry about losing my favorite gun any more than I would worry about losing my favorite screwdriver.

To me, a gun is a tool...nothing more. I take care of my tools but don't worry if they get scratched, nicked, whatever.

Be safe.

My first off-duty was a Colt Cobra purchased new for $85 in 1968. I had the hammer bobbed and carried it for years before getting my first J frame, a used Model 38. I still have both but no longer carry the Colt b/c I want to pass it down after I'm gone. Since I shoot the Smith and the Colt equally there is no real reason to carry the Colt.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

You can always replace a firearm, but not your life.

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"Life is short, hunt hard"

Yep, that's a pickle. They're valuable for the same reason you like them.
They're built well and they shoot reliably and good.
Won't do you any good in the safe. I'd hate to be in a fight thinking," Darn! I wish I had my 66 instead of this thing"
That's just my thoughts, though.

I only ever carry an M&P 9 or a Shield. Completely adequate to the task and completely replaceable

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Retired Career Security Guard

The trade of ANY firearm for your LIFE is more than a fair trade. I don't carry guns that have a strong sentimental connection for me.

If one of my guns 'disappears' from an evidence locker, I will be very noisy about it. I will ensure that the SN is listed in the NCIC database as stolen forever.

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On the Oak Savannah

Part of the reason I retired my much modified Colt Gold cup series 70 from carry status. + At that point I moved out of the city area!

I now have a bodyguard .380 for casual just drop in pocket (has pocket holster) and go out. For visits to the city I normally now carry a XDs. 45. Living where I do I have no doubt that If I had to use them, guns will be taken. Both guns are good decent carry guns and I trust them but if I have to give them up not much money involved and replacements are cheap and easy to find.

Moving on to a house gun I use to have a 1100 Rem with a short slug barrel for things that go bump in the night. Same situation, I replaced it with a utilitarian Mossie 12 G short barrel 9 shot pump which if taken is easy and cheap to replace+ of course it holds 4 more rounds. I live out ways in the boonies and help even if could be summoned could easily be a ½ hour away. We have no cell service and even LEO, EMS, FIRE communications are sporadic at best.

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14 S&W Revs none with locks!

Another thought. I bought a real nice DS. It stated 'Not considered a collector, but a real nice shooter'.
When I got it I thought it was about perfect. One or two crowns chipped in the grips, but other than that, nothing wrong.
I almost consigned it to the safe thinking that parts and Smithys were hard to come by now and its almost pristine.
I came to my senses and remembered why I bought it. A reliable 6 shot Snubby. Had Lobo make a holster for it and haven't looked back.
The seller specialized in the DS line and said it wasn't a collector, so I'm taking him at his word and using it.
I'll just be happy to be around to contest its confiscation if that ever happens. If so, it did its job.

It's pretty disturbing to hear from a LEO how insecure the evidence room is. It sounds like a retail shopping outlet where you just walk in and pick out what suits you. I'm sure this is the exception not the rule but you also have to consider if the person that has discharged the firearm is going to get a fair shake as a result of missing evidence. I suppose it could easily become a mistrial due to lack of evidence. I guess every job has to have it's own unique perks. I support LEO in spite of hearing this inside scoop.

It's maybe not so much that the gun disappears( I hope not), more like tied up forever waiting on court dates, etc.

Thanks to all to posted their stories and opinions. I have decided to stop the daily carry of the M 66-2, 3", but will continue to carry the M 3913. I do have a M 3914, but it is a little rougher in action than the '13. I will put it on the workbench and see if I can approximate the smoothness of the '13. If I can and get satisfied with it I will put night sights on and start carrying the '14 full time. Again, thanks a bunch. ............

Except if that screwdriver was given to me by my late father, and later discovered to have a solid gold (painted over) handle!

I put it away and use ANOTHER screw driver.

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Stay protected my friends.