We've been talking about rising prices on used S&Ws for what seems like years now, and I'm wondering how many Forum members are opting to cash out and go with lesser priced alternate brands to replace the S&Ws sold. I just visited GB and saw some asking prices that were astounding. Yes, I realize that asking is not getting, but it's really making me think about putting a more "valuable" S&W up for sale to see if a good return can be had. Realistically, I'm not permanently attached to what is left in my modest collection, and if I could cash out on something on the high side, then replace it with a non-S&W for half the price, I would do so.

Here's two examples ... I have a safe queen PC Model 66 Carry Comp 3" with original box. It has some mileage on it, but is ~95%. I've seen similar revolvers on GB sell for nearly $1,500, which is twice what a replacement Ruger could be had for. I've also seen 624 snubs up for $1,100 - 1,500, which is twice what I bought a used Alaskan for, and three times what I picked up a used Taurus DAO .44 Special snubbie for. Obviously, older S&Ws will continue to appreciate at a much higher rate than most other brands, but from a practical POV, is it time to start maximizing the current market pricing? I don't keep museum pieces, so my interest is solely based on shooting and enjoying. Thus, I'd be more inclined to buy a Redhawk and shoot it, than keep a S&W in mothballs. And I'm only speaking to S&Ws that have a strong resale value, not the used J-frame that everyone wants for ~$400.

I thinks it's analogous to owning a vintage car. Do you keep the $75K 1960s big block to drive to cruise nights in the summer, or cash out for a new $40K version to enjoy all year long, and bank the proceeds?

Just some late night thinking ...

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I'm with the banned ...

It all depends on which ones you enjoy shooting the most.
I doubt the prices are going to depreciate, so, unless you need the money now, I don't see the point.

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“Look life in its iron face”

I would wait a few more months to see if the rising prices stay in an upward spiral or level off. You could get even more cash in a short time.
Even the 8 3/8" barrels are priced really high now.

It's not just black and white, there's also some grey in between. I think a healthy mix makes it fun and enjoyable.

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Jorge

The real question is why have a safe queen?

Collecting safe queens is a rich man's hobby. They are collected for investment, sentimental reasons, or just to say that we have one.

I won't own a safe queen. If I can't shoot it and enjoy it I get rid of it or I don't buy it in the first place. If I was a rich man I would buy two of each. A safe queen and a shooter.

I have two guns that I will never part with until the day I die. But I do shoot them sparingly. They are not safe queens.

When you look into your safe and see guns sitting there unused, how do you feel about it? When you go to the range and shoot some of your favorites, how do you feel?

So, if your goal is enjoyment, get rid of the guns you really don't want or need. Go with what makes you happy.

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Life Is A Gift. Defend it!

I think JEH is correct. There is some grey in between. Maybe a lot of grey. I'm not a collector but I do have some safe queens that I won't shoot. How does it make me feel? Easy answer. Great! I have some superb examples of really nice guns that I enjoy owning and looking at that I know will one day provide a very nice profit. I also have a bunch of shooters. How does that make me feel? Great! I love them and I shoot them once each week.

So back to mc5aw's OP. IMHO, I would hang on to those really nice "expensive" guns. They're easy to store and easy to care for so why not hang on to them until you are really ready to take your profits? Also, as much as I like the Rugers I currently own, I would never feel satisfied or comfortable if I replaced my Smiths and turned some of my profit into Taurus or Ruger.

What's the point? Unless it's (L)NIB with box, papers and/or tools, occasional shooting won't hurt.

There's still folks making incredible deals on some of those astronomically priced guns yet on a daily basis. Non collectors and non enthusiasts have no clue. Internet auctions are usually the last place to look.

I've sold a number of guns in the last few years, including some nice S&Ws. Decided that having all that money gathering dust didn't make any sense. I've bought a few rifles I wanted but put most of the money into a classic car and a custom 1911 build. Been enjoying the car far more than I did the guns sitting in the safe and I'm picking up the 1911 tomorrow, can't wait.

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Don't kiss smiling dogs!

Depends ....... you can't "time " the Stock Market or the gun market.......LOL

I sold three safe Queens this year a 4" .38 Colt Diamondback a S&W Pre-39 and a 3" Model 37.

The 37 was +95% ........was bought for my wife who prefers a 2" Model 10
The S&W 9mm was anib and given the extractor issues with these early guns it was never going to get shot.
The Diamondback was also anib I never liked Colt triggers and have plenty of Smith 19/66s.

These were all "gun shop saves"........ at good to great prices.........



Those 3 guns became........
2 CZ rifles ( a 452FS/mannlicher in .22lr. and a 453 Varmint in .17HMR) with Leupold scopes,
a mint Model 34 4" a collectors gun with the Box and all the stuff,
a nice K-22 Masterpiece dating to 1948,
a as new 2" round butt Model 10-5 and
a top end for my FrankenSmith 6904/915..........
oh ya a 3" model 65......
and a couple of new holsters.........


still some "change" left.



So much for cleaning out the safe...................LOL

I am in the "safe queens make no sense" camp. Having something just to say I "have it" (and to whom...) makes no sense unless you are one of those that just "has" to one-up everyone else... Take advantage of the profit if it is there because guns (in general) are not good investments with some exceptions (like pre-86 NFA). I have had and sold "grail" guns and replaced them with guns that I actually enjoy by shooting them!

Not in my lifetime...........Never get rid of good stuff for junk!

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S&W Accumulator

Well it's a free country , and I've occasionally been accused of being a Ruger guy, so I won't dis Rugers out of hand. I will point out that csertain of the rarer Rugers have also been going up as late also.

S&W doesn't/ hasn't made modern era SA handguns , so no way to make direct comparisons for BlackHawks.

Some people aquire guns and hang on (me). Some people turn over guns like I change socks ( my #2 shooting & hunting partner).I'm not likely to change , but abstractly both aproaches are acceptable.

lately, the money I got from selling a few guns has gone directly into the retirement accounts of my Urologist and my dentist. lee

In short, Yes.
Since spring cleaning I pulled 26 S&W revolvers outta my safe.
I know that is a drop in the bucket to many here.
Along with 5 Colts and one lone Browning Hi Power.
Many had not seen the light of day since the annual cleaning.

I sold a total of 10. All S&W and the one Browning.
However, I've bought seven since the sell. Three S&W's and three Colt's plus a Marlin carbine.
Some of the cash went for Randall and vintage Puma blades.

Hard for me to spend say $1200.00+ on a P/Case S&W dash2 N frame.
That same amount will buy a Colt SAA.
I have a couple pre model Smiths I decided not to part with.
I have hunted with the same deer rifle for over 20 years.
The little Marlin I bought last week is the only long gun I've bought
other that a couple AR's in years and one of those sold during the craze.

I may look into additional Lever guns as I have the woods at my backdoor.

I may be soaking wet but I feel S&W's N's have peaked.
Save for that special model. Check the auction sites .
They are not moving at insane posted prices and there is a glut.

I guess this was not so short.
You mileage may vary.
Sadly, for the IRS I made no profit on the sales.

A point of clarification ... I am not talking about selling a beautiful S&W only to replace it with something considerably less in quality. Rather, my thinking is what good is a $1K+ revolver doing in the safe when it could be sold and replaced with something as usable, with some $ left over. My 3" PC 66 is a rare and desirable bird, but is functionally no better that my $600 3" 65, or $400 3" 13. Similarly, pre-lock 3" N frames have appreciated to ~$1,500 +/- levels, but can easily be substituted with a Redhawk snub for outdoor carry/hunting/etc. for 2/3 the price.

I used to have a collection of 50+ S&Ws when I was younger and more into accumulation. Now, I'm focused on streamlining, and staying true to a manageable number of firearms that see regular usage, and are simply nice working guns. A handful of shooter grade J-frames aren't going to make me a rich man, thus they dutifully rotate in the CCW cycle. The few "high end" revolvers are certainly nice to have as others have said, but realistically, they are more modern art pieces than everyday tools.

I am of Xfuzz' mindset, and think I have answered my own inquiry. Thank you as always for the ongoing discussion.

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I'm with the banned ...

I think your approach is exactly right and every collectible in history has had rapid rises and sudden falls even custom cars. Don't be deterred by the people telling that you are wrong and do what you feel is right. I concur with your concept and if you feel good about it then go ahead and do it.

In the end they are yours and for you to do with what you please.