I only collect Smiths and Colts. Also, I only live in Middle Georgia. Sales and availability of vintage guns may be going through the roof where you live. Of course, it's Summer. . .that's not good for sales, so it should be the time to buy cheap like every other Summer. Some observations. Inventory of the good older guns is about gone. A good older Smith would be a pinned one (pre 1982) to me. The biggest LGS around here was just virtually empty this morning. A wasted 65 mile round trip for me. I asked about Gun Broker sales expecting that might be a drain. They said they had stopped selling on Gun Broker except in very rare cases. That's now over half of the dealers around here that have virtually shut down on-line sales. There must be a reason. The gun shows are not generating inventory for our dealers like they did in the past. If you're interested in pre-war Smiths or Colts, you can forget about it around here. . .even the little crummy 32's that were a dime a dozen a while back. So, I don't know. Maybe I live in the wrong place. If I haven't been posting new acquisitions on this Forum lately, this is why. There's nothing to buy! We also had a nearby gun store shut down. Somebody said he was still doing shows, but his store has been closed and empty for two months now. I hope you all live in better places where the shops are still full and the shows are still great.

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Dr. B

It's spotty here in W.Pa...........

1) some shops never have any......
2) one seems to get "collections" of old Smiths and Colts...... someone moving to Fla is often cited.......
3) another (my secret "fishing hole") always has "some to a lot" at decent prices.

W.Pa has an older population ..... once second only to Fla. and in the 1960-80s a lot of LGSs and kitchen table FFLs.

I bought the last two S&W revolvers I saw for sale recently. Colt and S&W guns have all but disappeared in metro Atlanta.

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I've only bought one vintage gun at an LGS (prices have always been high here)A few have come from gun shows,but the rest I've found on line.

Two days was in a large gun shop about 75 miles from my home. Only vintage S&W they had was a Model 28-2 with 6" barrel. To quote the counter man "everyone is hanging on to their smiths" . he was a smith collector also.

I posted my S&W 53 here months ago and have only had a few minutes inqueries. Maybe it is not old or odd enough to attract attention.

When i get duplicates which is less and less frequently they're gone in no time off my tables at the local gun show. I price them fairly so this is the primary reason. I have two antique examples I will be bringing to the next show a 38S&W safety hammerless and a 32 cal model 1 1/2. Both are nickle and both are in good/very good condition. If anyone is interested contact me. These are also easy to ship since they are antiques so no licensing or dealer transfer is required
Jim

Lately, pre-82 Smiths have been in short supply here also. Folks are hanging on and dealers are pulling any nice old guns for future sales or private collections.This is the perfect recipe for driving prices higher.

I often wonder how many dealers are also collectors and pull the Smiths for themselves. They made so dang many though. Five to ten years ago you had to push the Smiths out of the way to get what you really wanted. Today you have to push the plastic-fantastic guns out of the way just to see the other stuff. I think there's going to be a big crash in plastic guns. Good to know that Atlanta has dried up too. I won't bother driving up there anytime soon.

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Dr. B

Just feel lucky you do not live in California! With an anti-gun legislature and the crazies, Smith collecting is almost impossible. There is a determined effort to shut down local gun stores and gun ranges. We have an on line website, Calguns.net where buyers and sellers can meet. It is only going to get worse. Next January, anti ammo laws will kick in. You will need a state issued permit to purchase ammo.

If I wasn't stuck here with home and business, I would adios the place. Too many gun haters here.

As for prices, the high prices for Colt Pythons has also driven up the used Smith revolver market.

And yes, gun owners are keeping their guns!

Just my two cents...

I used to think posters were joking about losing guns in boating accidents
Must be more guns lost on the water than I thought

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Buy American
Vote Responsibly

People are hanging on to old guns because they have become more aware of the fact that they have to be responsible for their own safety and they might need that old gun in the nightstand or car more than a few bucks that they might bring in. I see guns in a large percentage of the cars that come in my shop and those are just ones out in the open. Lots more of the ladies keep one handy than in the past I am certain.

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Hue 68 noli me tangere

At the LGS and indoor range in Murrell's Inlet and Conway and one in between in Socastee, there are no old revolvers except the ones I have in the MI store. Really, NONE. New or old. My Pal at the MI store told me the most expensive handgun he sold in the month of May was $600. Everybody buying plastic. He said he had not sold a Hunting Rifle Outfit in 3 years. If he didn't have a wonderful indoor range to lure people in, he would really be in trouble. Nobody in this areas is interested in a .22 Outdoorsman made in 1933 or a K22 from 1969 or K38. The people that shoot on The Battery Oaks Range are probably some of the last in our part of the world that shoot revolvers. Sad...but that's just one old man's perspective.

Wish I knew the day I was going to die. I'd invite y'all up here the week before and work something out. Maybe only half a dozen REALLY interesting guns, but a fair number of oldies but goodies. Heirs mostly not interested, and a little early to be selling everything off. I still have trouble letting go of a good gun for just money. I already have enough of that. Most important is that each finds a good home, but I suppose if someone pays properly for it, it has found a good home.

Here's hoping I can still get on the net when I'm really sick, but there's no reason to believe that that will be anytime soon.

Cheers!

I'm pretty sure that there are still a few out there that will turn up sooner or later.

I guess they're just not making vintage guns like the used to.

Based on gun collectors' ages and young folk buying habits, I expect we are simply going through a lull. However, some bulk things have dried up--all PD have switched to autos. About two years ago the corrections department sold all their S&W model 15s to a local chain. They lasted awhile on the shelf until the chain finally dropped the price to $225 to clear the rest out last year. Those days are probably gone.

They also bought up all the department's speed loaders. I bought a box of 120, sold them for $4/per, broke even and kept 20 for myself. I should have bought a box of holsters, too, but the price went too high.

Things are not as good as they used to be. I have been able to find some good buys however. A Mid 20's 6" Nickel I frame 32 Long all correct with 95%+ finish for $400 OTD. A 1954 Model 70 Winchester in 257 Roberts at 98% for $1600, an Ithaca Model 37 English Ultra 20 gauge for $350. A Remington 541S for $600 basically used very little. These were all consignment guns from an estate from an LGS that doesn't send them to Gunbroker etc. In my neck of the woods if isn't tacticool or plastic fantastic they don't sell well. These deals however are now few and far between.

The best vintage gun shop that I know of is Collector's Firearms in Houston. It is half museum half gun store. You are not going to get any steals because they know what they have, but their prices are fair (if on the high end) and the selection of old as well as new guns in stock is hard to beat. Knowledgeable people for the most part. I have absolutely no interest.

Collectors Firearms

Doc:

I think the problem is that the Colonel finally sold all of his collection!!

Best Regards, (just kidding), Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

The problem is very few gunshops are collector shops . One of my favorites is long established and well thought of by many collectors who both buy and sell from him and to him. I have bought any number of collector Smiths and Colts as well as Martial arms. This past Wed. I bought an 1903A4 and a Colt 1903 General Officer's Pistol with all papers and accessories. There is currently any number of collector guns available from English Dbl. guns , prewar S&W's , Black powder Rifles Lugers P38's to stone cold mint Colt 1905's. His, the owner's, biggest fear is no one is buying the guns that are new and easily replaced . In days gone bye he sold Remington 870's as well as the various carry guns. The "new" market has virtually stopped. He buys collections when ever possible and takes everything both good and bad as long as the good out weighs the bad. When you find this type of shop you need to support it and be willing to step up to the line or they to will close.

Having worked at a few area gun shops I can tell you some guns are put aside for regular customers that are known to collect them. One the advantages of being a long time regular customer.

I know several people that are sitting on thousands of dollars in vintage collectible guns waiting for the market to turn back in their favor. Old Colts, Smith's Winchesters and the like. Who knows if and when that will happen if ever.

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Life Is A Gift. Defend it!

For sure, the milsurp rifle market isn't what it used to be. 7-8 years back a clean matching Argentine 1909 Mauser would create a feeding frenzy. Now, not so much. Finn Mosins are no longer drooled over so much, either. Enfields are the only rifles I see creeping up in value.

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Release the Kraken

Only have one gun shop in town. Very rarely does he have any used older S&W's for sale. And once he had one of the Century Rams ak-47 for sale. Didn't impress me as there were numerous spots of rust on the finish. Most of the mil surps I see at our local gun show are ****** condition and over priced. Couple years back I really lucked out as I found a really beautiful Persian 98/29 mauser in 8mm for $500. Bore was brilliant. That one came home because of the condition and the selling price was less than what SAMCO was selling them for. Really don't see all that many nice mil surps down here. I once picked up a excellent condition Yugo M48 BO for $265. never saw another one in the same condition. Frank

I hear Trump is about to sign an executive order that everyone must sell off their duplicates. That should get some activity going. Won't hurt me at all since I don't have any. But if some of you that are holding dup's what to get ahead of the rush, just send me a list of what you have!!! PEN

Les, that's exactly what I was thinking! Doc, you've had a good run. All good things have to come to an end. But consider yourself lucky, we have no Colonels in Metro Atlanta.

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Get off my lawn!

Similar situation in my area. Moved here to the NC coast two years back.

Had gotten spoiled working p/t at a couple of large, busy LGS's just before the move, and honestly, most of my best Smiths came from working at those places. Estate sales and such.

In this area, nearly all of the LGS's address the nearby military communities occupied by MCAS Cherry Point, Camp Lejeune, Polk AFB, etc.
This means the shops and shows are a sea of AR's AK's, black Mossbergs, Glocks, Brycos, Hi-Points and Chinese cutlery. After seeing this at virtually every shop I've visited, it's hardly worth the effort to even drive into a shop's parking lot.

On the other hand, funds for fishing tackle have become more available.

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Ret'd LEO
SWCA #2275

Yeah, let's hope the Colonel isn't out of guns. They say he has a lot of really nice ones left. . .save the best for last. Time will tell.

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Dr. B

Every time the political climate seems to turn against the 2nd amendment a lot of people start selling off their guns so they don't get stuck with them. Now is not one of those times.

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- Change it back -

Vintage? Heck I would be glad to find and Wingmaster or 1100 around me for any price!! Seems I go into a shop around me and nothing but plastic for long guns or handguns. Many holdin onto the stuff from 60s--80s and I don't blame em. Walnut and rust bluing get my blood flowing.

I see the problem as everyone is holding on to the revolvers, and good old steel quality handguns. From the millions made to the change over from revolvers to semi auto's by all the police agencies, you would think revolvers would be flooding the market, nope they are all bought up by people wanting to hold on to them.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Well, I did find an old Colt today. Maybe things are looking up. It's on another new thread.

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Dr. B

Can't remember the last time I saw a 4" model 10 in a LGS...............and they literally made a million of them..............

Couple of sock drawer guns over the past 2 1/2 years; a 2" nickel and a 2" round butt.

Here in Central Oregon I am seeing what seems to be MORE 'older' 'Smiths showing up in the LGSs & pawn shops. Maybe I am just noticing more because I have been making the rounds more but lots of nice stuff showing up. Heck one pawn shop has a very nice 66 with the SS rear sight (like mine) they are asking $689 for. Lots of Pythons popping up also but the are in the four digit price category.

I do notice guys of my "slightly mature" generation many times go for the older stuff while the younger crowd does not seem to mind the matte finish synthetic arms so frequently sold today. Often they make sense when cost and inclement conditions in the hunting field occur. Still I miss the days when a visit to the LGS when walnut and high gloss bluing were the norm. Unfortunately high prices to produce and sell them would be unaffordable to many.

I suppose any commodity, even durable goods such as firearms, that is no longer being produced is a finite quantity. I doubt Registered Magnums change hands very often, and when they do, it's between dear friends and maybe family members. However, depending on what you call "vintage," they are still around, and there may still be relative deals to be had. To, me, anything pre-lock is vintage. Last weekend I picked up a very nice 1984-ish Model 36 for $330. And a couple of months before that I snagged an excellent 1983 (strike era, the Parkerized ones) Colt Agent for $479, zero holster wear and only a very faint turn line. If either of these had more than a box of ammo through them, I'd be surprised.

No, neither of these are remotely in the Registered Magnum ballpark, or even the P&R stadium, but I'm quite happy and satisfied with both purchases. And, for me, that's what it's all about.

I've bought a raft load of military surplus rifles over a period of 40 years. British Enfields, Moisin Nagants, Mausers of just about all the common makers,Swedish Chilean, Argentine, Persian, Yugo. Us made military firearms and a few others. Last show I went to was poor pickins as they were the bottom of the barrel. Only time you see really nice ones it usually came from an estate sale where the owner has passed away. There just does not seem to be a lot of the really nice ones out there anymore. Same thing regarding lever actions, most of what I see are banged up,abused and command top dollar. I got into pistols and revolvers late in life but even then really nice ones could be found. Then again there is a lot of junk out there. Frank

Back when I was in my 20's and 30's I suffered from a lack of money. So, I collected the old military rifles. Thirty bucks could buy you about anything you wanted. The British rifles were in the $45-$60 range. . .they were a lot higher. The Tokarev was close to $200. I did finally get one. Now I have about all of them from the Swiss 41 rim fire up to the ones used in WWII. Must have around 20 of them. Later on, I worked on the bayonets. They cost as much or more than the guns. Sometimes it's good to be poor. Everyone I bought was in high-end condition. You could be selective back in the 1970's.

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Dr. B

Demographics of your "hunting" area also come in to play. We live in a "retirement" community where the average age is over 50. Since we have moved here, I have picked up several nice revolvers that "used to" belong to a senior member of the family who has passed on, and the heirs sell them, not knowing their value, locally. Got an absolutely "new" Victory from 1942 for $350 and have Grandpa's Colt heavy barrel Officer's model on hold for $375. Now a Ruger Single Six, three screw, no transfer bar modification revolver has come on the market (both cylinders) in pristine condition for $395 at the same LGS...Better put price tags on my stuff before I join the choir invisible...

So I guess my only hope is for the widows to sell them for what you guys told them they cost.

Tastes could be changing. Availability has. Vintage sniper rifles of any kind are pretty hot right now. I watch Gunbroker pretty religiously. Swedish M/41 prices have more than doubled in the last ten years nearing $3000 for a nice one. Mosin snipers that were $599 not that long ago are nearing $1000 now. Put up any legit 03 sniper and watch the frenzy. Want a legit K98k sniper, you better have a very deep wallet or sell that nice 65 Mustang in your garage.

A nice Finn m39 will still turn heads. Classic sold the 20 or so Ben keeps finding in different recesses of his warehouse in about 15 minutes.

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LIVE FROM THE DAWGHOUSE

Many years ago there was a gun shop in Havelock, he had mostly all wood and steel firearms. It was a great shop. He did not care for black guns of any sort. He also had lots of surplus military stuff. Sure do miss that shop.

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

Most gun stores around here don't buy used guns, don't take trades. The people that work at these stores are totally ignorant of guns in general, all they know is Glocks and the latest AR etc. I fantasize about opening a gun store, it would be dark and dirty and smell of Hoppies #9 with old guns stuck in every corner. Then I snap out of it and go to work! We have a few good Pawn shops that still deal in guns and sometimes something good shows up there . good hunting and KEEP hunting, gems are out there!

I think that as people realize just how bad the new revolvers (basically post lock) have become (and not just S&W), they are scrambling to find some old ones. Old semi-autos are plentiful around me but revolvers are scarce. Pre lock era semis out number revolvers probably 25:1. I see a LOT of semis in 40SW and 10mm on the shelf. Everyone wants a 9mm because of ammo cost.

Not sure where all the revolvers have gone. They are NOT showing up at our local gun range either. I almost never see a revolver at our range. I guess 9mm is the reason. I recently picked up a bucket of range brass. The bucket produced 3 gallon bags of 9mm, 1 qt bag each of .45acp, .380 and 40 SW. About half a qt bag of .38 spcl and 10mm, one sandwich bag of .44 mag that had been fired in a .45 and a handfull of other oddball ammo. Probably about the same ratio, 25 9mm semis being shot for every revolver. Maybe the revolver guys just keep their brass but I never see them.

Hopefully the mfgs will figure out that the rush for 9mm slowing down and they can start making some quality revolvers again. That's if all the people that have the experience to make them haven't retired by now.

Essentially, they aren't making them like they used to. If you find a nice older revolver for a decent price, you better get it or someone else will.

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Go West young man..

I don't have any vintage guns, they are all shooters. That includes a Colt Police Positive made in 1911. If I see a gun I like, and the price is right, I might buy it.

A few weeks ago one of my LGS had a Security Six snub for a very fair price. I passed, but let members know on the Ruger forum, they thought I was crazy for passing on it. I just did/do not have a use for the gun.

Gotta love that the fuel being poured on the fire are by those who are looking for a vintage gun. The prices are high, and there is a shortage for a reason. This is similar to the housing bubble before it burst, cept this one probably will not burst.

A large part of purchasing power is resting with an ageing demographic group; after the kids are grown up and out of college, the house is pretty much paid off, there are few unexpected bills to pay, and it is finally time to live ones own dream. Buying a few of the revolvers that were admired from parents, uncles, and friends who owned them won't break the bank.

While I always bought and sold guns, I have spent much more on single guns in the past decade and became more and more quality oriented. Saving up the $250 for that pre-owned S&W K-22 in 1994, or $400 for my Python back in 1985, was much harder than the purchase of my last Korth has been.

It all boils down to disposable income and a growing quality consciousness with age.

I didn't know there was a Paradise in Georgia. Lucky us. We don't even have to die to get there anymore. Talking about the housing market causing the Great Recession (as it did), I read in a Business report this morning that the housing market was going down and in the dumps. Two agents at church yesterday told me they haven't sold a house since March. Wow! I knew the automobile market was on verge of collapse, but had not heard about real estate. Hang on to them old guns and keep buying more. . .never seen that market suffer. . .at least not yet.

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Dr. B