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S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 3-Screw PINNED Barrel SWING-OUT Cylinder Hand Ejectors WITH Model Numbers


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Old 02-02-2017, 07:56 PM
VaTom VaTom is online now
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Default Future Revolver Values Projection / Thoughts

I have only been seriously "collecting" for about 3 years since I retired. I buy what I like (have some Colts and Berettas) but I am partial to pinned barrel, S&W Revolvers (1957-1982). In particular J and K frames mainly .22LR and .38.

I don't buy safe queens but I do buy those that are 90% or better and those that I can shoot when I want. I will pay fair market value but will pass on those I think are overpriced. I maintain my collection very well, cleaning after every trip to the range.

My question is this for those experienced collectors.

Do you feel the value of these pin barrel revolvers have topped out or do you think they will continue to increase in value or at least maintain their value over the next ten years?

The reason I ask is that I have located a dealer that has a good selection of nice pinned barrel revolvers and I am considering buying two or more at one time. (Usually I buy one here and there.)

Thanks for your counsel and advice.
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Old 02-02-2017, 08:36 PM
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I've been buying and selling (mostly buying) S&W revolvers for about 40 years. My observation is the prices tend to go up and down for little or no reason. Currently here in California pinned and recessed guns and pre-lock guns are bringing a premium; five years ago not so much. I have never seen values decrease but sometimes it takes a lot longer to get your asking price.

My bet is they will appreciate at least as much if not more in value than most other guns.
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Old 02-02-2017, 09:01 PM
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While values will continue to rise in the long run, I do not believe the S&W revolvers will provide any serious profit for you or your progeny. I think it is best to collect what you like and enjoy them. That said, I go for the large frames when I can afford an addition. Look at gun sites on the web and you will find the highest vales associated with the large frames. There are some exceptions, of course (K32s and Colt Pythons?) but I (also retired) enjoy shooting the biggies with light loads. Are their any 24s, 25s, 27s, or 29s in the trove you found?
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Old 02-02-2017, 09:27 PM
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Model 10's, 64's, 19's and a couple of 15's. Some being snub nose.
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Old 02-02-2017, 09:37 PM
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Right now, 2 and 3" anything seem to bring high prices, and my guess would be this trend will continue for a while given the demand for CCWs. No way to predict the future but high condition and scarcity tend to do better for value in the long run.
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Old 02-02-2017, 09:47 PM
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Anything's possible. The market could tank and gun sales plumet because the fear of future regulation goes away. The price could spike because all the sudden people realize the old S&W's are just as good if not better than the new ones being produced. I wouldn't trust anyone who professed to "know" where the market will be one year much less five years from now.

It sounds like the guns your looking at are some of he most common models so the good thing is they aren't really too overpriced for their utility. Any decent quality steel revolver costs $400 or more. If your paying $600or so for a model 19 I can't see the price dropping to much. It's never going to get any cheaper for manufacturers to make them.

I'd be more concerned about not overpaying today vs future unknown value.
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Old 02-03-2017, 12:46 AM
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I've been collecting S&Ws for a while now, 40 some odd years. One thing is becoming clear, the young guys don't like our old guns nearly as much as we do. It means the market isn't growing. But as us old guys retire, we seem to be capable of putting up significant money to buy what we want. Keep in mind that it isn't just the guns, but also stuff like the boxes. Some demand the original box, others of us seem happy with a correct box. I have friends who have done quite well demanding nothing but a perfect example. I'm not nearly as picky and will settle for any example of a really rare gun. I don't mind shooters as long as the gun doesn't seem abused in its other life.

I think there is a good argument that gun prices have been steady, its just the dollar that has gone down in value.
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Old 02-03-2017, 01:02 AM
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Maybe I'm crazy, but I expect that the P&R or classic type revolver values will level or drop substantially in the next couple decades. This will occur when they are regarded as "too old" to be sound (without regard to whether this is true) or are otherwise left in the dust by new technology. "Collector" interest may remain high; however, the next generation (kids now) will not view them as viable carry pieces. The CCW market will be moving on in the near future.

To be clear...I don't like the above projection. I've just thought about it a bit recently and come to that conclusion. I am guilty of it myself. I am a solid revolver guy, but when I see a "flat latch" it just strikes me as too much of an antique to carry even though its not materially different than those with the modern latch. It's partially about perception.

Last edited by NCBeagle; 02-03-2017 at 01:04 AM.
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Old 02-03-2017, 01:45 AM
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I almost always pay too much, compared to what folks here seem to be able to buy everything for. It doesn't really matter though, because I never plan to sell what I have. If things get to the point where I need the money I'll probably see a profit on a few, break even on most and lose a little on some. The loss of money will be outweighed by the enjoyment I've had using them and the appreciation of a well made firearm.
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Old 02-03-2017, 07:34 AM
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Buy what you are attracted to. Not that long ago the word was the revolver was dead. Not true..and lately the prices have reflected a lot of demand for quality wheel guns. I am of the belief no matter what I buy,as long as it is of the highest quality,and in sound condition,another enthusiast will pay to own it. I've recently expanded into the antique era and am amazed by the fine examples available at what I consider reasonable prices. If I see something I really like..I buy it..assuming the funds are available. If I pay "too much" I look at it as the price I pay to own early. I'm not getting any younger..
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Old 02-03-2017, 08:28 AM
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Hi Forum;

Years ago I popped my $25 - $30 annually for the latest "Blue Book" by Fjestad, or "Standard Catalog of Firearms" by Lee, and then when finding something (usually Smith or Colt) that I couldn't live without...I would try to use those values as a basis and I found very quickly that those published values were nowhere near the local market, or my assessment of condition or personal value to me so...I now put all that annual "library money" into the guns themselves (when I find them that is).

Just like other posters above.....win some, lose some, break even sometimes too.

With my 9 kids all grown up,4 sons-in -law, 1 daughter about to be State Patrol, I am blessed with family that enjoys guns and the shooting sports, but even with that, the active military guys (2) have mastered the M9, the daughter is training with a Glock 21, yet I don't own any of these so when they are home or shooting they actually prefer the "old man's revolvers". Most have made comments about handing down and I think I know their individual preferences. I have other Smiths and Colt's that still have appeal to me, but not so much to anyone else.

Revolver values increasing??? I feel it's somewhat like Blue Chip Stocks....IBM, Big Utilities, etc. yea...they go up and down but over the years always rising. I can't hold, shoot, clean, enjoy any paper stock...so I'm not interested whether values go up or down, but with my guns? The value is always going up (to me) so when it is time to sell the real question is: do you want this particular gun more than I do?

However that question gets answered is the definition of fair market value: What a willing seller will take from a willing buyer.

That question gets answered several times every day in LGS, Internet and FTF transactions and that is why I watch this forum most every day and you can usually spot what seems to be happening with value around the country, locally, and by people who know these older revolvers....much better "market value estimating" than 2 or more year old book values.
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Old 02-03-2017, 09:17 AM
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I think that the obvious dominating factor will be - How will subsequent generations value the older revolvers? On one hand I have a difficult time imagining that these beautifully crafted machines will depreciate in value , but at the same time I see evidence all around me that younger people do not appreciate quality and craftmanship the we "we" do. Also - many of us here have a direct cultural and/or emotional connection to that which the older firearms represent. Those ties will be loosened with our departure from the scene.

My heart tells me that the prices will continue to rise , as they have been for some years. My objective brain is not so sure.
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Old 02-03-2017, 10:06 AM
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Hello friends,

I really appreciate and understand many of the responses here, particularly from rburg (#7) and Waveski (#12) above. I have a decent collection of S&Ws, and my GREATEST interest is in the pre-lock P&R revolver universe. (That is what I’ll focus on here.) Maybe my heirs will get good value out of them some day, maybe not... but I'm enjoying my collecting hobby.

I've got some safe queens, and a complement of high condition shooters, although I really don't get out to the range as often as I should.

Here’s how I look at it…

I believe the population of revolver collectors is getting older, and I would expect smaller over time. If you doubt it, just look at the photos of the members of the S&W Collectors Association (an excellent organization, of which I am a member). There is not a lot of new young blood there.

Now to be fair, some older folks tend to have more capital ($$$) to spend, just because they have worked for more years, and younger folks may not be able to travel to special gun-related events or big shows. They're busy working...

I feel the most important factor driving the future market is potential lack of demand by the younger generation(s). I don't know what the sales percentages would be, revolver vs. automatic, but I'm sure it's not in the revolver's favor. When I go to a gun show, it's easy to see what people are looking at, and what they are buying.

My son, who is in his late 20s, doesn’t shoot much at all, but generally prefers target automatics due to his perception of a cleaner, lighter trigger pull… and higher capacity. Hey, that’s his opinion and he’s entitled to it. That being said, he really LOVES my model 27-2 with the 3½” barrel, but I would never think he’d make any effort to buy one. His girlfriend covets my nickel 19-3 with a 2½” barrel, but she would never go out and buy one of those either. It’s just an appreciation of the beauty.

The closest analogy I can make concerning collectable items is from the "classic car" world. Jay Leno, who is a BIG-TIME car collector was talking about it. He said, "the market goes for what people always wanted, but couldn't get when they were young. There was a time that Ford Model Ts and cars like that went for big dollars. Those people are dead now, and the prices are way down. However, muscle cars from the 1960s and 70s, have been going up like crazy, since more people can afford them."

Of course, the number of collectable pre-lock/P&R revolvers isn’t getting any bigger, and it only takes one buyer per gun to make a sale. I’m just saying that the factors affecting market value are not always favorable to the collector/accumulator. It’s supply and demand, and although supply is fixed, demographics seem to be working against the demand side of the equation.

But getting back to VaTom’s (the original poster) question… he’s asking about the next ten years.

My crystal ball is a little bit cloudy right now. Here’s the way I look at it…

If I had a dealer with a good selection of pinned revolvers, I’d be inclined to buy. The higher the gun condition, with matching box, paperwork and tools, etc. may be the best bet, as the rarity of the item will always be acknowledged.

Best wishes everyone!

Roger aka Mr. Wonderful
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Old 02-03-2017, 10:08 AM
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My friends and I talk about this from time to time.

Things come and go from collectiblity and value.

The car market comes to mind, Brass era, Model T and A Fords, these had hit the peak fell and seem level, younger guys dont have much interest in them. Muscle cars are hot and now 1970s imports are getting some action.

In guns the Tip up and Top breaks were the real collector guns not all to long ago, today where are they??

Milsurp guns, video games brought younger guys to them but some see bolt action guns as "old man guns"

Lionel trains, the internet seemed to kill off the value? If your not around 50 today you dont know or care about them. In twenty years where will they be?

People tend to collect what they had or wanted when they were young. In twenty years will a RM be some old relic worth a few hundred while the collect gen 1 Glocks in the original Tupperware box?

My feeling is revolvers will have some interest but they wont care about how many screws it has. I do think the lock will matter as it is ugly and reflects an era. I also think bigger calibers will hold value longer than smaller, the exception of 22.

I had a young gun shop clerk ask me who would want a .32 its and old garbage caliber...

Someone told me a long time ago buy and enjoy what you like dont worry about the rest.

Anyone want to buy some Lionel Trains....

(Just kidding)
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Old 02-03-2017, 10:08 AM
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I think there is a good argument that gun prices have been steady, its just the dollar that has gone down in value.
^^^, this may very well be the main reason for the increase in pricing. Sadly, everything costs more these days. As there are only so many people who wish to own high quality, vintage, revolvers and most of these fine folks Don't have unlimited budgets sellers may have to adjust their pricing if they are serious about selling.

As I have most of the revolvers I want and more than I really need, I'd be happy if pricing leveled off about where it is and stayed there, or even dropped somewhat.
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Old 02-03-2017, 10:34 AM
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Great responses! Thanks so much!
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Old 02-03-2017, 10:46 AM
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Buying two vs. one isn't drastic.

I do believe the value of 90% and better pinned barrel revolvers will climb. They're not making anymore of them.

It's suppply vs. demand. The greater the demand while supply is (fixed in this case)low is a sellers market which means the prices are up.
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Old 02-03-2017, 11:58 AM
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I've been buying S&W revolvers for over 35 years and have only noticed a steady rise in prices. A lot has to do with demographics and the political climate, but I don't ever see them going down in price as long as they remain relevant.

The reason I say relevant is because as soon as a laser or a different type of projectile is invented and available to the general public, today's gunpowder and lead guns will certainly fall out of favor. Users who want a firearm as the most effective tool possible will buy into the newest technology and hardware.

I collected rare and vintage cameras for many years and enjoyed the steady increase in value with each passing year. They were nostalgic, well made and could still be used with modern film and processing to create stunning images.

That is until digital cameras became mainstream. The 35mm Kodak Retina IIIC that I bought for $150 (early 80's) and shot up to well over $1,000 (late 90's), is now back down to about $150. Not to mention my Nikon F4 35mm that cost me $2500 new, and I was happy to get $300 when I sold it.

I believe that relevance of technology will play a significant role in the future value of our collections.
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Old 02-03-2017, 11:59 AM
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Over the short term, prices should hold steady or even rise, especially for rare specimens. A lot of us are at retirement age and still have decent financial reserves, so we can indulge ourselves a little and not worry much.

This changes as we age (learned from observation of parents, in-laws) and before you know it doctor bills, hospital bills, prescriptions, all begin to take more and more cash out of our reserves. Ultimately folks go to partial- or full-care residential facilities. These places don't want some old guy who is starting to become irrational to move in with a bunch of handguns. Trust me on this one.

So in the next couple of decades I expect to see more and more really nice revolvers to come on the market. They will often be sold by heirs with little or no knowledge or interest in firearms. "You mean somebody will give us $1,000 for all Dad's old guns? Great!"

My best guess is that prices will drop drastically in the long term. Down the road, depending on who is running the country, you may not be able to sell them at all.

I'll probably be selling most of mine off in the next 5 to 10 years. Sure, each will sell for double or more what I paid in dollar amount. But if you adjust for inflation, then factor in auction commissions, FFL fees, etc., I'll be lucky to break even.
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Old 02-03-2017, 12:23 PM
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Have you noticed all the revolvers Ruger has brought out lately? The all new Kimber revolver? No, revolvers are not dead by a long sight. The fact of the matter is how many hobbies have you known where you can own, enjoy, use, and sell at a profit (though maybe not huge). I have kept a spread sheet on my firearms for over the past 30+ years, and update it about every year as to the current value, (based on selling prices of Gunbroker) and it has grown substantially. My stockbroker account has grown much more over this period. Are guns a good investment? Probably a decent investment, considering the enjoyment you get from them, just don'[t plan to retire on them alone.
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Old 02-03-2017, 01:31 PM
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Since most of the younger generation are staying home and living in daddy's basement, dehumidifiers might be the best investment if you just want growth.
Me I will stick to good quality revolvers.
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Old 02-03-2017, 01:34 PM
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Let me start off by saying I'm 27 years old. I have gone from buying guns to collecting, looking for quality not quantity, having a very specific focus on S&W's and Winchesters. With that comes the added interest in the accessories, holsters, grips, boxes etc. I am "unique" compared to my peers because I have a keen interest in history and social studies...I appreciate the historical factor of firearms but also the craftsmanship. I've learned in a short period of time that you need to be very focused if you're buying for investment purposes... and LUCK is involved. There is a reason why Triple Locks, "357 Magnums", 27's, early 29's command higher prices and will continue to in the future. Same for Winchesters. But as the time moves on I can tell you need to adapt your strategies if you're investing.

I think we have seen a peak in prices for antique firearms on a BROAD scale. My generation will understand the value/price and "cool factor" of a Colt SAA or Winchester 1873, but up to a certain price. We are too far removed in age and history. That will affect the broad market. The exception comes down to condition, rarity, and configuration. I still see 95%+ condition antique guns making new price highs in the future, even if demand weakens, so will supply. I only buy .44/.45 caliber and .30 WCF Winchesters. It's what people want, and the ammo is still available or being made. We have seen the resurgence in .45 Colt, .45-70, and even .44-40. I have shifted my Winchester focus to the smokeless era and collect the 1900-1945 time period for that reason. If you shoot the gun or can shoot the gun it will help its value. I don't buy...25-20, 32-20, 38-55, 40-82, 45-75, etc for that reason.
Back to Smith & Wesson's the same rules apply, but if for investment sake buy the highest quality and most rare examples you can find and time will tell. I still see a strong 20-30 year run ahead. But as prices go up, the market narrows and that problem will continue. My generation buys plastic because they're cheap and they have student debt. But the millions of new shooters will recognize quality as they age and eventually have the resources to buy the collectibles.

If you want to speculate on what will go up in price...then buy what you like and enjoy owning it. I see a strong future market for Performance Center guns, particularly pre-lock Stainless guns from the 1990s. There were lots of special order configurations and limited quantities for various models. But others tend to agree and prices have sky-rocketed on those guns in literally 3-5 years. I have a few guns that have appreciated 100-300% in that time... it's luck.

A lesson I've learned in investing within the financial markets is you make your profit when you buy not when you sell. My collection began as buying the affordable stuff at a deal, and I covered every small auction I could to find the guns and deals! You have to put in the time if you want the reward. I have now reached the point, where I'm having to "pay up" for quality and the rare stuff. A novice collector gets to the point where you need to decide if you have the stomach and wallet to be a serious "collector"...I'm at that point. It's hard to find a deal on Pre-27s and Triple Locks. That is why many here enjoy simply owning these great firearms, shooting them, and enjoying them! I have guns I won't fire because of their condition, and sometimes that sucks. So I often focus on 95-98% condition guns that I can shoot a couple times a year and still be collectible. So decide what you like, what you can afford, be patient and buy the good guns at a good price if you can. Remember prices don't change overnight... this is a gradual change over decades and don't waste your time worrying about losing or gaining 10-20% on a gun.
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Old 02-03-2017, 01:43 PM
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My opinion for what it is worth?

As posters above have already said we are not getting any younger, and we don't seem to be attracting younger people to the SWCA in droves.

I truly hope that my immediate family pursues their interest in my guns to the point that someday...they too may join SWCA, the NRA and whatever other interests tickle their fancy.

Along with myself and maybe others here, I watch with interest that SWCA and now the Historical Foundation are taking measures to carry on the invaluable, priceless work of Mr. Roy and hopefully Mr. Don too.

What may happen to the value of those "old" revolvers with or without box and docs if you would no longer be able to get a "letter" that was signed, sealed and delivered by a real true historian of S & W. If you want to know look at what you get from Colt, or worse yet, try to get any "real" documentation on a Garand........it is all impersonal, clerk searches and/or opinions (very good opinions in some cases, but still opinions).

To increase our chances of Smith & Wesson firearms and accessories staying relevant and increasing in value in the future?? My advice? Talk up the SWCA every chance you get to family, friends, range buddies, shows, LGS, especially to younger people. My kids don't have the money, much less the time, but I still see the gleam in their eyes when the Outdoorsman, or the Model 60, the Highway Patrolman come out of the safe for talking time.
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Old 02-03-2017, 04:42 PM
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My welcome to the gent who is 27 and loves the old revolvers. But he is swimming against the stream. Earlier comments about the S&W Collectors photos are right on target. We are (mostly) older guys.

To the OP:
Don’t think that buying a run of the mill M10 is a good investment. I saw a beauty in the LGS the other day and plan to go back and get it. But I want it because I want it. I will keep it in the basement, loaded, in case I need it while I’m down there. It will augment other security arrangements. When I sell it, I will be happy if I break even.

Who knows? If the price is low enough on the M19s / M15s there may be a little room for growth. But I wouldn’t bank on it. If you want an investment, put your money in the stock market.
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Old 02-03-2017, 05:02 PM
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Im am old member, looking at 70. Im selling the S&Ws I really dont want anymore. My sons all ready have the favorites. I have kept a few that are promised that I will retain. Just enjoy looking at and playing with. My advice, just sell them and let them go. It does not hurt. Best
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Old 02-03-2017, 05:03 PM
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My collection is MY collection. It is valuable to ME. I have no idea if anyone else will ever value it in sufficiently significant dollars for me to call the guns an investment.

Sticking to revolvers, I have what I have because I wanted what I have. I have obtained good deals, I have paid close to full/sometimes full retail for guns that I wanted. I shoot them all here and there. I just cannot imagine them being worth ten times their value any time soon.

Plain vanilla top quality Smith & Wesson revolvers are fun to collect. I don't think of them as a real investment for my retirement.
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Old 02-07-2017, 08:54 PM
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I never bought a gun intending to make money. I collect Smiths because i like them. When i find one, or two, that i like I buy it. Like the OP i focus on the p&r pre-lock models because i like the quality.

On the supply side I see more of them now than i did a few years ago, mainly being sold to the lgs by the heirs of the original owner.

Both my son and daughter appreciate them and want them to stay in the family. For my son it's the large frame 29s. Nothing like the .44mag at the range to make us grin. For my daughter the .38s and .22lr are what she enjoys.

They arent making any more of them. Some get used and abused, and others get turned in at buybacks. But imo there will always be a market for quality.
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Old 02-07-2017, 09:08 PM
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I think we will be fine until phasers hit the streets in large numbers.
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Old 02-07-2017, 09:36 PM
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Buy what you like. Shoot it, enjoy it! If it gains value, you win! If not, what's the problem? You own a fine firearm that has served your purposes and maybe your heirs admirably. I've never looked at guns as an investment, but in reality they always have been...by default. I've never lost a dime when selling and if the truth be told I've always gained handsomely.

The next P&R S&W I see and like at a good price, I'm taking it home.
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Old 02-07-2017, 09:52 PM
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I expect prices to keep going up, at least in the short term.

The new revolvers simply aren't as well made and the market for gun buyers is expanding rapidly. Even if only a few of the new buyers get into classic revolvers, demand will still rise while supply never can.

Of course if I'm wrong I will console myself by buying more
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Old 02-07-2017, 10:11 PM
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One day the fans of the plastic pistols will realize that all they have is remoldable, recyclable and disposable stuff that has zero collector's value. Collectable Glocks? I don't think so. The old iron suffers from the cycles and whims of the market, like any other other collectables, but will always have value.

Last edited by sodacan; 02-07-2017 at 10:17 PM.
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