Ok, let me put it another way. I'd not pay over $400 for any Non-Collectible S&W Revolver. First off I don't have much more then that to spend on a single handgun of any kind. Second off, if I did my wife would skin me alive. Third off, by the time you add holster, grips, speedloaders, ect. you'll be putting another $100+ into whatever you get and I really think $500 total is enough to spend in this day and age. Guess if I were making $100K or more a year I'd sing a different tune but being unemployed I've got to watch funds like a hawk.

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S&W M642-2,
ATI 1911a1, 4.25"

Try to remember posting these comments in 20 years. And then see how much a non-lock L frame is going for then, assuming we can still buy guns.

As far as better options for home defense, each to their own. I don't think any handgun is better than a shotgun, but the game-players can always come up with a scenario to prove me wrong.

If you look at most actual situations, say the "Armed Citizen" section of your monthly American Rifleman, just having quick access to a gun is the key. Very few times are more than 2 or 3 shots fired. I would feel just as well armed with a revolver as a semiauto, and due to personal bias would actually have more confidence in it, and faith in one's choice shouldn't be underrated.

Life's not a video game; if 3 or more well-trained ninjas attack me, I'm probably going to have a serious problem that a spray gun isn't going to help much.

But again, I don't want to argue tactics - despite 15 years in the military, I'm no commando, nor do I play one on TV.

Prices of revolvers don't seem that bad to me. Most of us here aren't limited to one or two guns, and although I like shooting semi's just fine, I'll always be a revolver guy. Plus, I don't hurt my back picking up brass. I know you'll never have that problem as you get older.

In a capitalist society, things cost what they cost, not what we want, and thank goodness for that. We can either pay the cost, or not. As has been pointed out, the more people willing to do that, the more value any good has. If sellers wants to overprice a gun and hold on to it for a couple of years or more, that's their business. They have no moral obligation to make me happy, and vice versa.

There are some good prices out there, even from dealers. They are few and far between.

The collectible guns are increasing in value. The "plastic" guns are losing value.

I still buy guns as I find them. Nothing forces me to payhigh prices for guns that I do not have to own. If one waits and has cash on hand, he can find some good or even great deals.

The demand for guns is out there and the prices reflect the good taste of today's buyers. While the guns are still out there, they are getting fewer in numbers when it comes to individual sales.

ok...now i see your angle...your wife will not allow...ok...gotcha...LOLOLOL!!

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SWCA#2208
KK4EMO

Of course even if she would I'd still probably not spend more on a revolver then I would a semi.

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S&W M642-2,
ATI 1911a1, 4.25"

I probably spent way too much in proportion to other things adding to my/my wife's collection over the past three years. Glad I did now. In my area all, and I mean all, quality older revolvers have disappeared from dealer cases and local net forums over the past five months or so. Only Ruger Super Blachawks and GP-100/SP101's, Taurus and Charter Arms hit the shelves. Dealers tell me people aren't bringing them in.

I visited three gun shops yesterday that formerly had big inventories of used guns. All three had nearly nothing used and not a single S&W. Very few rifles and shoguns either. At this time last year all three had multiple guns of interest in their cases.

I have my C&RFFL03 collectors license and been having fun playing with the surplus military guns for many years but lately its the samething with the prices going sky high on the surplus stuff too. So i been looking at the new guns and older modern C&R guns being picky on what i purchase. I cruise to all the local guns shops checking out the used handguns most of the time. But i'm hooked on the N Frame S&W's now.

a dollar now is sure not worth the dollar of 10-20 years ago.

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ASA/NSA 67-71
NRA Benefactor

Looking takes the same amount of time as it always did,,it's finding a treasure that's become a lesser experience now.

Most everyone walking the floor at a gunshow is an 'expert'. They'll tell you so because the saw it on the internet.
You are dealing with that stacked mentality even before you try to deal with someone over a gun & price.
"They're goining for XX dollars on the net."
....with that,,where do think they want to start negotiations.

I used to walk away from someone who wanted to take up my time by browsing a BlueBook to find the 'value' of the gun I was selling before they'd talk about it.
Now they sit back behind the table with your gun and leisurly search the net to find what they think is the true value.

Nearly everyone it seems, licensed or not, has a dealer mentality. Doesn't seem as though as many are buying to keep,,,just buying to make a buck.
Nothing wrong with a good capitalist attitude,,but I get tired of the "I can't make anything on it at that price" when they ask how much.

New laws, regulations, big brother watching all have negative effects on the average guy bringing accumulations to a show to sell.
Gun laws are extensive, confusing and scary to many who don't fully understand them. They stay away.
Manditory NICS checks & 4473's in some places (like NY) certainly doesn't make for a welcome place to sell gramps old S&W he carried as a Deputy in the 20's & 30's.
But cheer up,,someday today will be your good old days.

I see a lot of folks selling guns at gun shows who want Internet Prices for guns listed on the internet as 100% or NIB Guns. And the guns the sellers have at the gun shows will be in 95% to 75% guns.

I don't mind their asking, but when they think they are going to get that price, good luck to them, but it won't be from me.

I went to a gun show today and saw prices that as the local Louisiana Lawyer on this fourm says "will enable me to retire early".

Rule 303

Why do people post with the idea they are going to purchase firearms for nothing? Witness the gentleman who wants to buy S&W revolvers for $300. Not to be rude. But they hav'nt sold for that in years. I'm not talking Buds surplus. But quality 19,66,586,686,20,21,24.25.26etc. They are worth what the market brings. You cannot buy it new now and it will not be built like that agin. Not trying to start an issue but some forum members seem to be living in the past.

I've been collecting S&W's off and on for over a decade; I got serious about 6-7 years ago...

I agree with a lot of the posts here -- the "market" is simply the most money one person will pay for one item -- and given the relative scarcity of good condition S&W guns (I know, I know, I'm a hoarder too...) on the consignment shelves....it certainly feels frustrating to see guns go for "top dollar + 30%" on the auction sites...or disappear in moments in the classifieds of your favorite gun forum...

To me the biggest issue isn't the value of the dollar -- it's the increased attention being paid to our favorite corner of the flea market by sophisticated buyers with enough information to be dangerous. The internet has been a great "equalizer" -- it's taken out the 'sleazy dealer' factor since anybody with a computer can quickly ascertain the ballpark value of a gun they want to sell. But it's also created a lot more informed buyers AND sellers. And the number of guns out there just hasn't changed.

Add into that (at least where I live now) significant transactional costs -- FFL transfer fees, plus sales tax around 9%, plus the time required to make two trips to the FFL for a non-C&R gun....as I am fond of saying "it had better be worth it".

--Neill

Right on Drew !!
I worked for my uncle in a Western Auto hardware store when i was in high school in 70's making 2.50 an hour. Got hired on
in Indy at a "large drug company" started at 4.25 an hour and
thought i was going #2 in tall cotton. Bought my first S&W, "a model 19 nickel 6", for 215 bucks and had to scrape and claw to get that saved up. It's all relative. Everything rises in price. I'll keep the nice ones i have now and one day
when i need some money "hopefully long down the road" I know i can make a few bucks more than i paid for them.
I'd rather have my guns than a pile of silver or gold coins/bars
because i can enjoy the guns so much more.


chuck

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They hold no Quarter

I think I heard Taurus is working on one.

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Where's my dad's America?

Here is my take. I have overpaid for guns that I wanted. The old line, "you did not overpay, you just bought it too soon", has been my mantra. I buy mostly nickel Smiths, I like them, OK maybe it goes further than that, but the point is, I like them. I do have a budget, but I sometimes exceed it. But, when I go to my safe, or when I bring out my Smiths, I smile. When I polish or wax one of my nickel Smiths, I smile. I enjoy the research, the hunt, and the acquisition as much as I enjoy the Smith itself. The extra 10% that I might overpay occasionally, is made up in the joy I get from the process of owning the Smith. At my age, it is good to have a reason to smile. Now, does anyone know where I can find a M25, 4", nickel in .45 acp? (I am smiling) lol

I am willing to pay the price for what I want. If it is what I consider to be overpriced, then I will not buy it but will find it some place else.

When I go to a gun show I'm always looking for the "Deal of the Day". Most times I will find one but it may not be what I'm looking for in particular. If I find what I am looking for and I don't feel it's a good buy, I don't buy it. I may talk to the dealer and make an offer but that don't always happen.
But if you look hard enough there always is a Deal of the day!

I've got a little different take on it than the responses I've read here. I've always bought antique pocket knives, in addition to quality firearms. The last few years, I've seen the price of them simply tank! I believe that a lot of the old guys who traded them have simply died out. Today's guy doesn't know a Winchester from a John Primble. I believe the same will happen with guns in years to come.

Steel revolvers, Street-Rods, and doing Hard Work seems to have a Long-In-The-Tooth audience.

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NRA Pistol/Rifle Inst. RSO

It was a service station back then.

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- Change it back -

I sure wish some of y'all with *extras* in the collection would get a table a the next Jackson, TN show and sell 'em for a song.
After all, they are extras and shouldn't have much value.
Please post BEFORE the show your table number - I don't sing very good, but I'd give it a go

Some of these guys put prices on used guns like they were a good investment --- Can you imagine the nerve?

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In dog years I'm dead.

I disagree. I have purchased 3 S&W revolvers in the past month and plan on another purchase when I find a deal. "I find a deal" are the key words.
My 68' 28-2 4" was bought for $375.00 in 93% condition. Even has trigger work.
OK, I did pay what I feel fair for my 686-1 6" here in NH at $550.00, but the new 6" 686 was almost $900.00!
Last, My 80' M60 with orginal box and paperwork with a asking price of $435.00 in 97% condition was a steal as far as I am concerned. If I didn't buy that 60, the salesman was going too, because he said it was priced wrong.

The only shafting I got was when Obama took office and all hell broke loose and I paid $650.00 for a Polish Tantal AK varient.
That SAME Tantal is $400.00 Today.

Just my 2 cents.

Every now and again threads like this one come up. Usually with the same opinions and observations. I have to admit, it's hard for us older fellows to forget when we typically bought quality arms in very good condition for less than what it costs today to fill your trucks gas tank.

In my opinion, most of the internet prices I see on various auction sites are all over the place. Some seem in line based upon the usual factors we count on to arrive at a price. But others I'm afraid, have jumped the track for sure. When I see very ordinary M&P revolvers, Model 10's, Model 36's in the $500 plus price range and in mostly "good condition" grade, I conclude that if this is only going to continue to rise, I'm all done with it.

I imagine everybody has some limits, whether self imposed based upon personal principles or by financial constraints. There is little doubt in my mind that some of this stuff just isn't worth what they want for it, and I'm not paying for it either. I'll leave all of those $500 Model 10's and Model 36's for you youngsters. You better get 'em while they're hot boys, next year it will cost you more...specially if I'm sellin'!

Cheers;
Lefty

Just one time in one of these threads I'd like to see the OP or someone complain about how much they earn these days. Why back in '92 they only made half as much. Worse than that, in 1972 they only made a small fraction as much. And they don't work any harder today than they did back then. Its just unfair they earn so much more with no more effort. Worse than that, the tax man wants more.

I begrudged the filling station I worked at in 1964 because they took out social security. Because I never toss anything away, I've probably still got my check stub. And they withheld a bundle, almost a dollar! That was for a gross of maybe $40 or so. Its just not fair I tell you.

But I can tell some things from this thread and the prices I saw yesterday at the OGCA show. The guy who won't pay $500 for a good M19 won't be adding any guns to his collection. Well, unless he finds some rube that just fell off the turnip truck and cheats him.

I saw a bunch of guns yesterday that seemed to be good bargains. Some were better S&Ws than I've seen in a while. Guess I've got to remember to take along more $$$ in two months when they come back!

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Dick Burg

I think that many old revolvers are worth more than a new one would cost. Fortunately, the old revolvers don't usually cost as much as a new one. Either way, at my age, I have the money to buy what I want. Only my own cockeyed sense of "values" keeps me from spending even more than I do. Lots of folks, especially on this forum, are about my age and in similar financial circumstances, thus have similar tastes in firearms. That is the main reason why prices are what you call high. They could easily be a lot higher, and maybe you should buy before they do get higher.

However, if you think that a bottomfeeder is unquestionably superior or even equal to a good revolver, it seems likely to me that you don't carry daily or don't have kids in the house or both. When you get home after a long day, it is a lot easier and safer to unload a revolver (if that is what you are going to do with it) and reload it in the morning than to do the same thing with a bottomfeeder. Of course, you may not find it necessary to unload your gun, in which case my comments do not apply. It is also more or less possible to unload and reload daily safely with an auto, but I suspect that if I examined the methods of those who do so, I could easily show why a revolver is MUCH safer for doing something like this 365 days a year for twenty or thirty or more years.

You carry what you want, and spend your money where you want. Be assured that others will also do as they choose, and their reasons may be solid even if their conclusions are different from yours.

I'm sorry, but for a lot of us, a Model 19, especially if it is a 19-4 or older, is worth more than the other guns you mentioned. I still look at the newer guns as primarily shooters, but I seldom shoot my older 19's.

Just how long will the prices of S&W revolvers, especially the more common services guns (including Model 19s) stay elevated? A lot of board members are in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and, as they used to say a lot in the 1950s, "It's later than you think." When I look at the list of forums on this board, it seems usually more people are viewing the semi-auto forum than any of the revolver forums. In 15 years will there still be vast numbers of people willing to spend big bucks for 90% revolvers? I'm guessing that in six or seven years prices for most will level out and begin to fall. And that the few of today's 15-year-olds who'll be interested in collecting guns when they reach their 30s will be focused almost exclusively on autoloaders.

Sounds like you have a case of early onset of "Old Man's Disease". (Remembering how things used to be.)
Wait until you're 70 of so........

I've been collecting and trading guns for about 55 years and I think I've finally learned to live in the moment. (Or, as my wife tells me whenever I gripe about some gun I wish I had but can't afford, "You can afford anything, if you want to bad enough".)

Best example I can think of is that in the 50+ years of "collecting" I've never owned a Colt SAA. They've always been just a little more than I'm willing to pay, and are likely to remain that way unless I find one at a garage sale or such.

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Dean
SWCA #680 SWHF #446

mjr,

You may well be right, for exactly the reasons you say, but it also seems possible to me that prices will hold or increase. One of the reasons I say this is that a few years ago, I started learning a bit more about H&R USRA pistols, of which about 3300 0r 3400 were made. Not everyone who is interested in them is 60 or 70, or even 50, and these pistols were made in the late twenties and the thirties. In fact, their prices have gone up in the last few years.

??

520

I disagree completely. The craftsmanship exhibited in S&W's "golden age" of revolver manufacture (roughly 1935 to 1990) will not be seen again. The object today is to make firearms cheaply; no need for fitting, sling the parts together, make sure they go bang, box 'em and sell 'em at ridiculous prices. They may be shootable, but they sure as hell will likely never be collectible. It will be like comparing a Renoir to one of those Mexican paintings of Elvis on black velvet. The market will recognize the old time quality, the supply is now fixed, and demand among the discerning will only increase. That will drive prices up. As we grow older and more affluent, we begin to appreciate the finer things in life and hopefully, can better afford them. The older folks of tomorrow sure as hell won't be very much into cheapo mass-produced plastic semiauto guns. Good condition S&W revolvers are like money in the bank, and prices will only continue to go up - you're just seeing the tip of the iceberg in the amazing prices being asked and accepted today. It wasn't too many years ago that you could get a decent condition Model 28 for under $150. Have you priced them lately? I rest my case.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

I think my brother from the Shreveport area nails it quite succinctly-If I see a gun that I like at a price that I want to pay, I'm gonna buy it. I keep up with the trends and know what they are going for and I also know that I by myself am not going to set the market by either paying or refusing to pay an asking price. I also have the absolute right NOT to buy or sell at a given price. The trick in this business is to be able to walk away from any deal knowing tha another one WILL come round. I've gotten some screaming deals and lost some. I've paid too much on occasion and not paid when I should have paid. It all evens out. Besides half the fun is in the hunt.
After you shoot it-ya gots to clean it

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Forum consigliere

just my 2 cents...I think with Ebay and all the places people can go to look and buy stuff has driven everything up not just guns..Ebay is the worst for that and greed gets a bigger stage to work on

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Winchester~Smith & Wesson~<3

Not that I have much to sell, but I will not sell any of my revolvers until I have purchased something else.

Not all the time, I was at a gunshow this weekend and was looking at a win 94 32 special at 550. I had a rem mod 760 in 257 roberts that is valued at 800 in 100%( they only made a few thousand of the in 1957) mine is probly about70 to 80% from use. I was asking 500 for it the guy offers me 300. needless to say if I have to give it away it will be to some of my family. Most of the guns were way over priced the mod 94 was quite close though.

John, you are making a huge assumption that today's young people have any class and are interested in anything older than about 15 minutes ago. I don't believe that one half of one percent of todays under 35 crowd give a fat rat's rectum about the stuff that is prized by us today. They're too wrapped up in there text messaging and downloading apps to pay attention to anything else.

Greed has played a large part in destroying the gun collecting hobby. I offer the following example, I used to collect Pre '64 Winchester M/70's. Seldom bought pristine safe queens rather nice clean shooter grade rifles. Parts have become increasingly scarce as time has gone by leading several of the internet parts sellers to start tearing down otherwise nice shooter grade rifles for the parts. When the practice started, the various assemblies of the rifle were available as such. Lately sellers have becoome so greedy so as to start selling each part, screw, pin etc. per each. Tearing bolt assemblies, triggers etc. into their component parts and charging exhorbitant prices. The practice is not unique to M/70's I am sure, just a gun I have experience with.

I guess I'm an exception. I'm under 35 and LOVE the old stuff, Remingtons especially. I see the difference in a tool and craftsmanship. What I don't get is why there plastic-fantastics cost what they do. $600 for a wunder-nine? No thanks. My Kel-Tec P-11 works great, especially at $225. My holster worn S&W Model 19 is gorgeous. It shoots like a lazer beam, too!

I like my blue and walnut, thank you, but I agree that prices are a little out of whack.

I also remember $0.90 gas about 12 years ago...

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War Eagle! '10 BCS & '13 SEC

The gun collecting hobby hasn't exploded anything close to the muscle car market over the past decade+. I remember when Novas were the HS ride for losers. Now they fetch big coin; not as much as for Chevelles or Vettes, (in the Chevy stable), but $30,000+ for a big block Nova?! Let's not even start about Mopar prices.

The other thing that drives prices in a given collectible segment is speculation ... once someone thinks there's money to be made, Tulipmania ensues. In the late '90s, Amazon stock was trading in the teens, and Yahoo was low double digits. The dotcom bubble exploded and both went sky high. When the bubble burst, most dotcom companies washed out, and some staying for the long haul. Go buy the survivors now.

Then there's the "want-something-for-nothing-crowd" who expects rock bottom pricing forever. How many posts have been made asking "Did I get a good deal?" or "Is this too much?" I have a NIB 1985 Model 624 3" with all the fixin's. Anyone want it for a grand? Too much? How about $750? Still too much? How about $500? Better yet, how about $350 and I'll hand deliver it to the buyer's doorstep, and throw in dinner. C'mon, get real. Pristine S&Ws command healthy pricing nowadays. Don't like it, don't buy 'em. But quit whining about the increase in asking and selling prices. God love the get-rich-quick artists who sit for two years at the gun show with overpriced merchandise, until some sucker waltzes over and jumps into the deep end of the collecting pool with a fistful of cash. In the meantime, keep hunting for good deals, but stop expecting unrealistic pricing from the past.

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I'm with the banned ...

You have a point there! However, one hopes (for them and for the country) that they will mature someday. I know I'm not the same guy as I was as a teenager, racing hotrods on the streets, etc.; my interests have changed, where once I didn't give a rat's rectum about collecting anything! I think their interests will change, too. When you get older, you get more nostalgic about things you missed out on in your youth. That's what's fueling collector interest in Remington Nylon rifles - the kids of yesterday recall them now as older adults, and now when they are no longer made, they want to collect them. The values on 'em have shot up dramatically over the past 10 years. Same principle, I think. Same with Winchester 9422 rifles - no longer made; quality guns; get 'em while you still can.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

I agree with dem boys from da Bayou.

Here's my two cents worth. I joined the forum in October 2010 with the "sole" intent of researching a 4013TSW for CCW. I learned a lot and was able to purchase one from a forum member. I enjoyed the shared knowledge and information that is so generously imparted to newcomers. I didn't consider myself a "collector" as I shoot anything I own that will project a boolit. By the end of 2010 my Smiths included a coupla autos, one revolver and two antiques, one being an inherited gun from my Great Grandfather. (That's a story I'll share as soon as I can confirm certain details.)

As I followed various threads on both revolvers and autos my interests increased and I picked up certain models based mostly on what appealed to me. I started scouring the on line auctions, forum for sale adds, the newspapers and using emails and word of mouth to my more educated (gun guys) associates. The points I've learned have already been well voiced as noted in the quote by Caj.

I'd add one more caveat.

Buy high and sell low. It's been my investment strategy for years and has yet to fail me. Just remember, it doesn't matter what you collect, to sell it, regardless of what it is, you have to find someone, anyone, willing to pay your asking question.

That, and patience, will make any collecting enjoyable. I think I'll go shoot some of my collectable Smiths now!

Blessings,
Hog

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Isaiah 55:8-9
Phil. 4:13

Here's another peeve of mine, price of S&W Grips. There is an individual who has almost singlehandedly brought signifigant inflation to the price of S&W grips. It started with vintage diamond grips and has progressed to later grips and lately to the output of our favorite custom grip maker. Said individual was for the longest time a giant sucking black hole, buying nearly every set of S&W grips listed on the auction sites. It is my understanding that he places $10K orders for custom grips, making the single set purchaser's wait time longer than it would otherwise be. Gordon Gecko said "greed is good", this individual seems to be the personification of that mantra when it comes to S&W grips. A case in point is that "Coke Bottle" grips now cost what I purchased a 4" S serial numbered M/29 for a few years ago.

All this remindes me of the old story of the two old fellows talking about Gun prices. the first old boy says,"You know, I can still remember the time when I could get a good Colt Single Action for a $20.00 Gold piece.

His friend replied, "You still can !" (For a $20.00 Gold piece that is.)

So many of us are "collectors" but we are also trying to find that "Deal of the Day". Of course we can be both "collectors" and "Bargain Shoppers" but I think there is a difference. Some "Collectors" will pay market value or more to add that desirable piece to their collection. Others will "collect" if it's a good deal. I think many "collect" with potential re-sale in mind and I'm not sure that is "collecting". I think we are all lucky to enjoy a hobby with the opportunity to buy for a good deal, play with our toys, and sell or trade even for a small loss. Anyone ever own a saltwater fish tank? Now that is a costly hobby!

Since I missed out on this post for a few weeks the cost has surely gone to $399.99.
Two years ago I bought a very nice 4" Nickel 19 for $375. Now all I see are some well used blue ones for $599.

What are the options? Quit buying?

Good point Kenny, As some will gladly overpay sums
of money for the ugly plastic bullet sprayers and would'nt pay
over 400 for any revolver just shows exactly what little they actually know about the revolver period. Better for those who
understand and appreciate the workmanship that goes into
early S&W's. But so be it. If your happy shooting/collecting
glorified box shaped piece of plastic that holds X number of rounds in a magazine good for ya'. I'll take true craftsmanship
every time, and pay accordingly.


chuck

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They hold no Quarter