While at a gunshop I handled a R.M. and admired it. Have been thinking of purchasing as an investment. What are the pitfalls of purchasing these guns? I don't have any pictures of this gun,but it looked to be in fair shape, with box. Looked to be all orignal at first glance. Now for the question no one but me can answer, is 4500.00 a ballpark figure. These guns are a wonderful piece of craftmanship. Thanks for any information and advice.

I can't afford RM's but do admire them.
I can tell you that nice boxes will bring $1500 to $2000 and Prewar Magna grips $500 and up.
If the gun is original finish and barrel is not cut down, I don't think it will be there long.
Good luck

It would depend on its condition, and (somewhat) on the condition of the box. If it is a 95%+ gun it is a good price, but +/- 1-2% has a large effect on value so photos would be helpful for a better opinion.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

So many variables here and I'm sure you're aware of that. What appears to be original sometimes turns out to be "not". I'd try to find out all I could about that particular piece. Any signs of refinishing, what if any markings "under" the grips. Length of barrel. A not so common barrel length will be valued much higher. Any alterations or damage etc. Look for a star stamped on the butt and in the ejector rod shroud check for a "diamond" shaped stamp. If any of those are present it would most likely mean work (probably factory) has been performed. I love these things too and hope it works out for you. Also, as mentioned above, if that box is a correct RM box it GREATLY increases the desirablilty of the total package.
Good Luck!

Roger

As the ol saw goes..."If ya don't know diamonds, at least know your jeweler."

I guess the same could be said 'bout lots of things, including RMs.

Then again, I don't even need to be on this here thread...I buy 'em on want and not necessarily the need.


Su Amigo,
Dave

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"IN GOD WE TRUST"

Investment requires research if one wants profit. I have been known to buy without research but I am not seeking a profit. I like shooting what I buy. I have bought refinished RMs for example. Dropping 4.5K is strictly your call, it's only money.

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Dennis

If you want an R.M. or any firearm and can afford it, by all means buy it. I still don't believe that high end firearms are a viable investment vehicle for 99% of us mere mortals.

I agree that even high end firearms are not very good investments when compared to S&P 500 and like investments. When you compare the average price of R.M. at 60.00 in 1936, the better investment would be the stock market. The R.M. is also not very liquid,when you want to cash out. On the other hand looking at your monthly statement is not as much fun as shooting it. Just my thoughts.

Guns are not the best investments. Want to make money? Invest in gold or stocks.

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No life story has happy end.

In looking at RM's the following are some of the major items that impact value and collectibility (not necessarily in any specific order):

1) Condition of the gun - there is a big difference in value between 95% and 99%

2) Configuration of the gun - is it in its original configuration and do all of the SN's of the parts match. Is the configuration an unusual configuration (uncommon sights, finish, engraving, barrel length, stocks, etc...)

3) Has the gun been refinished or reworked - if there is a star or a diamond or any replacement or re-bluing marks placed on the gun, this will negatively impact value. If it has been re-barreled with a post-war barrel or if the the rear sight has been replaced with a post war sight (something that I have seen on more than a handful of RM's) - that will significantly decrease value.

4) Does it have any of the "goodies" - which could include: box, certificate, certificate tube, sight adjustment tool, swab, brush, warranty card, warranty notice, grip adapter, factory letter from Roy Jinks, brown paper, RM brochure, etc...

5) Provenance - is there any documentation that ties the gun to a famous or infamous person or event?

And lastly - and perhaps most importantly, do you think it is cool and have the $'s to buy it, without getting in trouble with your wife and without sacrificing any of the necessities required by your family?

From someone who has fallen pretty hard into the pre-war magnum arena, I hope this helps.

Just for kicks - a couple of my favorite magnums:





Enjoy,

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Richard
Engraved S&W fan

In the FWIW department, I wouldn't spend $4500 for anything, unless
I knew that it was right. If the seller doesn't have a letter, stating
the original configuration, then you need to get one before you buy
this gun. Get the seller to agree to hold the gun for you, and you
will pay for the letter.

If you don't follow this kind of disciplined procedure, you are setting
yourself up to lose a lot a money.

Mike Priwer

The price of a Colt SAA in 1870's was about a Gold Double Eagle.

Just about the same price now as what a Double Eagle is worth ....
Maybe a little higher, but the idea is the same.

I agree with Mike. For that money the seller would have to agree to
let me letter it to make sure it was original. If he hedges on that i believe i would walk. Better to have the letter to know what configuration it left the factory in. Having that you can then negotiate a fair price. As stated previously, the box does increase the package price considerably, as would the original stocks. All that said, it's your money and if you want it and can afford it have at it. Good Luck.
They are beautiful weapons if they have been cared for.


chuck

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They hold no Quarter

Spoke with CFP about the 60.00 that a R.M. would have cost in the 1935/1936 time period. Invested in the market 60.00 would be worth about 900K with dividend reinvestment and minus management fees and inflation. I knew guns were not that good of investment,but I didn't think the gap was that great. I have had friends N.I.B. firearms and when they sold them a first blush it sounded pretty good untill you consider the same 25 year period in the market. That being said I have more left than when I used to buy a pack of cigs. After all thats why we invest to be able to buy R.M.'s I still want to own one. Wow one fine piece of steel and wood.