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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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  #1  
Old 01-08-2010, 07:25 PM
florida1098 florida1098 is offline
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Just an interesting topic I thought. Lately I have seen alot of older Guys (my age) 46 driving rebuilt restored cars they probably wished they could afford when a teenager. Older vettes, older el-caminos, trans-ams, TR7's etc etc. Most probably paid a premium for them. Example the 69 Chevelle SS. However, today's younger generation did'nt grow up with these cars, and have no connection to them. The same can be said for wheel guns, like S&W model 19's, 64s, 66s, etc etc. Once our generation gets a little older, will there be any market for these wheel guns, and will there be any tangible market for those old cars. Will there be a market for early Glocks, early Subaru's, first edition Mitsubishi's, and first Kel-Tecs ?? The truth is your collectible is only worth what the market will bear, I don't see alot of twenty year olds opening their wallet for any fifty year old wheel gun. There will always be a select few looking for old things, but the majority of today's young don't have interest or drive to purchase the previous generations toys. I personally know many younger guys who could'nt or would'nt open their wallets for any revolver, much less a 4 pound model 27. Your thoughts:

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Old 01-08-2010, 07:30 PM
Joni_Lynn Joni_Lynn is offline
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We tend to like the things that impressed us when we were of an age to appreciate those things. The cars we were around in our late teens, the guns you had when you first started seriously learning about them.
Tomorrows youth may not care at all for the things we hold dear to our hearts.
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  #3  
Old 01-08-2010, 07:38 PM
Camster Camster is offline
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I'll simply add-look at the situation in the other direction:the generation before us,that bought and restored Model Ts and As,etc.My generation(age 57) relates to the 60's cars,no so much with that vintage eventhough I like them.Though I haven't looked at antique car prices,I think some of them will slide as that generation passes on.
Quality/fine workmanship has transgenerational appeal-people will always want the higher end stuff.The plastic and ugly stuff of today will never enjoy a collector market in the future,in my humble opinion.
Classic stuff is just that-timeless in it's appeal.
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Old 01-08-2010, 07:46 PM
Spotteddog Spotteddog is offline
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Not much difference in the price of 10 gallons of 107 octane AvGas to run an engine full of 12 3/4 to 1's off of.
Or a box of .44 Specials?
I'd say they'll stay neck and neck in value. At least till they're finally successful at outlawing what both run on. Then, both will become museum pieces.
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Old 01-08-2010, 08:01 PM
jazzman452 jazzman452 is offline
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If you want to sell a S&W revolver you get a lot of "There just is no demand for those from todays buyers, It would sit in my gun case and I just couldn't turn it around quickly". Now if you want to buy one of those, it becomes a classic, they are not making them like this anymore.
I am 56 and reluctantly I am paring down my Smith revolvers and I am being dragged into the modern era of M&P's, XD's and Glocks. I went thru the classic cars but I owned them back in the 70's, now I drive a more sensable Mazda. Sad, but just the way it is.

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Old 01-08-2010, 08:15 PM
florida1098 florida1098 is offline
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A similiar incident recently just occured with my revolver. That's kind of what inspired me to ask this question. When you try to sell it, " it's just not that in demand". Try to buy it, and ( well you know). I have quite a few nephews and know other LEO's kids though, who would never think of buying a revolver. Their classsic car is a RX7 or IROCZ. Same can be said for toy trains, mid 70's through 80's command the highest price even though the quality of pre-war is outstanding. It's Just not associated with the buyers youth. I just think in a few years as today's twenty somethings define their youth our $1200 model 27's/29's etc etc will be worth, ? I hate to guess.
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Old 01-08-2010, 08:44 PM
Brian41 Brian41 is offline
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The old Model Ts and As peaked in value with my Dad's generation and have fallen in value recently with what today's buyers want as mentioned before.
I expect only we baby boomers scale down to condos and rest homes and sell of our things the market will be flooded with old guns and such and prices fall.
Now might be the smart time to start selling but i won't as I bought mine as I like them and not as investments.
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Old 01-08-2010, 08:56 PM
GypsmJim GypsmJim is offline
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I'm 60, and my kids are in their 30's. My Dad is in his 80's.

My Dad's old guns are already registered in my name, and when i get to that age I'll register them all in my son's names. I have no intention of selling anything...I'll pass them along.

I guess my thoughts are that as long as we have children that appreciate the old items (for sentiment or for the fact that they are family heirlooms) there will always be a market. If we raise kids that have no interest in guns (or model T's or Trans Ams or whatever), then the prices will fall.

So, the moral of the story is to keep the family alive and all will be well.

Unfortunately, look at all the single mothers, welfare babies, etc........maybe we are doomed after all. But in that case I won't be here so it won't matter. In the meantime I'm shooting the heck out of all my prized possesssions.
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Old 01-08-2010, 09:02 PM
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I believe S&W is still selling alot of revolvers. The airweight J frames seem particularly popular, and I think many non-gun folks still like revolvers because they are so intuitive and less intimidating than the semi-automatics. That being said, I guess tomorrow's collectors will pass on anything that doesn't have the internal lock they grew to love in their youth.
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Old 01-08-2010, 09:09 PM
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When I was younger all I thought about were "hi-cap" semi's, as I got older the wheelies appealed to me.Go figure.Perhaps today's youth will feel the same way as they age.
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  #11  
Old 01-08-2010, 09:25 PM
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I own classic muscle cars from the 60's and 70's. I also restore them as my full time job. It's the baby boomers that have the interest and the means to keep me employed. Who knows how long the cycle will last? There is no doubt that the popularity of cars from a certain era will cycle and value will drop. As mentioned above, look at Model T prices, clubs, parts suppliers, general interest, etc. It's all but dried up.
So yes, I think revolvers are suffering the same fate. BUT....
I can proudly say that my 28 y.o. son prefers a revolver! He has fired numerous semi-autos of 9mm, .40 and .45 cal. and finds no enjoyment out of them. When he shoots one of my revolvers he says it is much more fun. He has better accuracy, and I've watched him knock down bowling pins at 50 yds., standing and double action with a stainless 4" Rossi M851 .38 special. He's a natural with a revolver, so I think he will be a revolver owner when he buys his first handgun. But if he doesn't buy one, he will inherit the ones I own. And he will have good memories....................
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Old 01-08-2010, 09:56 PM
tmbrcruizr tmbrcruizr is offline
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A '75 and '88 Landcruiser are my daily drivers, but---a 340 is my daily carry.
A man's gotta know his limitations.
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Old 01-08-2010, 10:04 PM
Bendutro Bendutro is offline
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The first gun I bought myself was a Glock 22. Utilitarian, dead reliable and soulless. Shooting my Dad's model 19 was an experience, like the first time you see a girl that doesn't have cooties.
I loved the mechanical feel, the diamond target grips, the sights that were fixed to the barrel. I still have the Glock, but I have three revolvers to go with it.
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Old 01-08-2010, 10:26 PM
Walter Rego Walter Rego is offline
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Well if the younger shooters of today start collecting the popular guns of their youth when they are older, at least they won't have to pay $500 for a set of Cokes for their 1990's vintage Glock.
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Old 01-08-2010, 10:41 PM
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My wife has a 1975 Camaro LT 28,000 acutal miles 3rd owner she is wanting to sell if you know anyone interested. All origninal except repainted (original faded) no rust and new carpet, spare tire original, padded dash has a defect.
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Old 01-08-2010, 10:41 PM
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I started a discussion like this on the collectors forum a few years ago and many folks didn't agree with me. My feeling is that the young folks coming up now into the gun ranks are more interested in the black plastic guns with high viz sights and large calibers that make really loud bangs when you pull the trigger. I just don't see the younger gunners looking to spend $5,500 on a vintage 38/44 or registered magnum once shot or owned by "Skeeter", "Ed" or "Ira".

There will always be a few that will be interested, but I think that the numbers are dwindling as the baby boomers reach social security and the dribble cup years. I joined my gun club and the NRA when I was 26. You just don't see that many folks of that age group coming through the door any more. Wheel guns will be the flintlocks of the next generation. IMHO.
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Old 01-08-2010, 11:54 PM
TwoPoundPull TwoPoundPull is offline
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My kids range from 20 to 31.......
What to they want??????
My old Vette.....
My old guns......
My old motorcycles......
My old albums......
60's stuf is "cool"
Value is irrelevant unless you're going to sell......
I'm happy to share now, but it won't be their's untill that
"Cold Dead Hands" thing......
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Old 01-09-2010, 03:36 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Camster View Post
Quality/fine workmanship has transgenerational appeal-people will always want the higher end stuff.
Classic stuff is just that-timeless in it's appeal.
I'm the same age as the OP, but as I've gotten older I appreciate history more and more. I think everybody likes Muscle cars - my son is 19 and would prefer a late 60s Muscle car to an IROC Z, but means and availability are the limiting factors. There's alot of guys on Barret-Jackson buying 60s and 70s cars that actually grew up with cars from the 50s. Just in the past year or so, I've become re-acquainted with the revolvers I read about, but never owned as a kid; however, now that I'm into it I am really longing for triple locks and 50s era guns that were well before my time. I think with age comes greater appreciation of quality, craftmanship, and historical significance. Some of the Xers will and some won't - just like many guys here >50 yrs. have an AR or a glock around.
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Old 01-09-2010, 08:26 AM
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Guns vs Cars? I like the older cars but won't buy one.MY second "play" car is a recent model-I like the technology,safety features,and NOT having to work on it.Did enough of that thing in my "ute",I'm too old and stiff now. I just drive my 04 Mustang-my bud with a restored 68 Mustang is never done with the thing.
With guns-the older ones are just as nice, and then some,as current ones.The revolver hasn't changed in 80 years.
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Old 01-09-2010, 08:42 AM
mhakel mhakel is offline
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Very interesting. Thanks Florida1098.
Anyone know the average age of a NRA member. Is it going up or down or staying about the same?
Mick
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Old 01-09-2010, 09:07 AM
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Who woulda thought my 1988 satin nickel Sig Sauer P220 .45 I bought for $425 would be worth $900 22 years later.

My dept switched to Sigs back then and one of our officers bought the gun and then got hired by another dept that issued a Beretta. I bought his Sig for the $425 he paid for it. Night sights, in the box, with the test target, and all papers. I haven't touched it since. I kept it as a spare in case something happened to my duty gun. Nothing ever did so I have this P220 sitting in my safe.

I never would have guessed back then that Sigs would have such a loyal following. These West German made guns with their welded slides and non-rebounding hammers are quite desirable by collectors.

See, Sig collectors. Who knew such creatures existed?

Another guy at work loves Glocks. He paid big bucks for a Generation 1 Glock Model 17 in the box. There are Glock collectors out there.

We can only hope for collectors of "those rare S&W internal lock guns."
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Old 01-09-2010, 11:20 AM
Kevin G Kevin G is offline
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1953 model Bride, 1976 MGB, 1986 HD FXRT, an assortment of older Smiths, and a High Standard Supermatic 103. Life is good.
Kevin
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Old 01-09-2010, 12:07 PM
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My 12 year old son always ask me to take the "pimp" gun when we go shooting.

The "pimp" gun is my nickel 4" model 19-3.

Not sure if he will favor semi's or revolvers when he gets older, but he will get his fair share of revolver exposure as a kid.

He has a model 317.
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Old 01-09-2010, 12:24 PM
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I can't help but think that the Reg Mags will hold thier value pretty well. At least the 99-100% guns with the boxes, but everything else will come down in value. I have seen it happen with the model T's and A's. I have seen it happen with railroad collectibles. Diesel is taking the place of steam as for the main locomotive interest.

I was in on the ground floor of the muscle car craze back when I lived in The Denver area. I bought a 70 Plymouth GTX with the 440, 6 pac and 4 spd. for $2500. I restored the car and it is now in a museum. It sold for $40,000 when it went into the museum 20 years ago. I didn't sell it to the museum. I sold it for much less. I could have bought a 71 Hemi Cuda convertible for $15,000 almost 30 years ago but I figured it wasn't worth that much! LOL LOL LOL..The last I heard it went the last time for over 5 million!!!!!!

The Registered Magnums and a few other choice S&W's will go up I believe. The rest.... well I wouldn't hold my breath.

John
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Old 01-09-2010, 01:48 PM
florida1098 florida1098 is offline
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Both my sons are in their twenty's and also love my older Wheel guns. One is on the Job here and other in another state. Nephew 23 years old, in Navy also loves to hold shoot and admire the older guns. Only problem is that they never ever open their wallets to purchase any revolvers, as much as they like them. One bought a Glock, other Sig, and LEO son was issued a Glock and then went and bought an off duty Glock. Same goes for their friends in that age group. It's also kinda similiar to an old Ironhead sporster I had. Everyone wanted to look at it, sit on it, try to ride it with clutch and brake levers on "wrong" side. But, at the end of day everyone rode away on their GSXR's, and ZX whatevers. I think that may be one of the reasons we are all "Finding" those Grail guns thee days. Many older people may have hit their phase of life where the gun is useless to them and they are letting go of them for other pursuits. Many have children but either don't want to give their guns away, the children don't want the guns, or simply some have no one to pass guns along to. It's just a thought I've been thinking about lately, but I definitely don't want a safe full of guns that end up being auctioned/given away in the future. I can use that money for toys ( fishing) right now. In that respect I no longer buy guns or anything for that matter, I can't make use of. To all be safe, and thanks so far for all the great thoughts.

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Old 01-09-2010, 03:06 PM
P&R Fan P&R Fan is offline
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Default Classic gun vs. classic car prices

I think interest will always be high for both. In the late 80s financial advisers were telling their wealthy clients to buy muscle cars. They did and prices skyrocketed. You can buy an old muscle car and spend 100k restoring it. That's great if you want to keep it, but doesn't always make sense if you want to make a profit. If I had a mint condition 67' GTO 4spd. (my grail car) I'd have to drive it sparingly. But a classic S@W revolver I can carry shoot and use, and it will outlast me. Someday today's youths will see the benefits of quality and classics. I certainly have a different definition of "classic" now than I did at 20.
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Old 01-09-2010, 08:47 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by P@R Fan View Post
If I had a mint condition 67' GTO 4spd. (my grail car) I'd have to drive it sparingly.
There's one up the hill from me. (3 speed manual though) Been parked in a driveway for years and doesn't move.
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Old 01-10-2010, 12:10 AM
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I think there is always going to be those that appreciate the older revolvers. I showed my 28 yr old nephew my 65-3 a year ago. At the time he had a Walther .22, a Beretta 9mm, and a Springfield 1911. He now has a 28, 36, 64,65,66, and came home from a gun show last week with a 29-2. It's great, because he reloads .38 and .357 for both of us, and now will be getting into .44s.
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Old 01-10-2010, 07:26 AM
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I dunno...the internet has made collecting so much easier. No more spending every weekend at the car/motorcycle/gun show, just log on. Think of the Luger market. I am 44, and they have been expensive all my life, so I never got into them. Now the Luger guys are getting up in years, so entire collections are coming up for sale. How many "new money" guys ran up prices in the car hobby just because it was easy. I think these guys will buy up gun collections like they did car collections. Also, old guns work as well or better than new guns. Can't say that about cars.
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Old 01-10-2010, 09:26 AM
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If one looks at the main page of this forum you will see the number of viewers viewing each section. Most of the time the 1980 to present has the most viewers and sometimes more than double the viewers when comparing to 1961 to 1980 and 1896 to 1961 sections. When we look at the antique section sometimes the number of viewers are in the single digit area. Although it seems there is more interest in the newer guns I don't think this has any direct affect on the value of older guns. For anyone that has been buying and collecting antique guns or hand ejectors from 1896 on the price for high condition pieces is not going down and probably won't. I think the difference is there are just fewer people who are willing to put the time and effort into collecting and sometimes NOT shooting these old guns than there people wanting to buy newer guns and shoot them. I have been interested in guns my whole life and up until the last few years I wanted newer guns to shoot. Now I want an old pristine hand ejector that I will wax rather than shoot and probably pay a premium to get it. I had a gentleman that has been in the collectable gun business for years tell me "as time goes on your interest in guns will be for the older, larger framed, and more expensive guns. It just takes time to get there" I think he wasn't to far off. I think older gun values will stay strong for a long time to come but it will be for the high condition guns, so invest wisely. -Chad
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Old 01-10-2010, 10:35 AM
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I have vivid dreams of finding my 65 Olds 442 I had from age 15 to 20 while growing up in Austin. Someday I'll get another. I see a few kids driving classic Mustangs and Camaros in Oklahoma - I've talked to them and they seem to appeciate the old muscle cars. These rice burners today, with the loud little pipe are just silly to me. As far as revolvers, I'm teaching my girls to appreciate the no lock S&W revolvers, and I think there is a following with the younger generation, so far as some of the young guys at H&H Indoor Range in OKC carry them open in the store.
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Old 01-12-2010, 01:13 PM
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FWIW I see no abatement in the 1911 market.
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Old 01-12-2010, 07:36 PM
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Kinda on same note based on replies. Which way would you think would be more profitable. A few prized unfired classic Smith's w/boxes or a bunch of pawn shop heavily carried revolvers even if fired little, which would be more profitable being sold 10 years from now. Just your opinion. As many say their collection is growing and safe queens are common, are we buying too many mid level condition revolvers for a " good Buy" because they are around or should we be saving for those elite grail 100% perfect guns?
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Old 01-12-2010, 07:58 PM
44 special Dave 44 special Dave is offline
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Interesting thread. It's already been mentioned, but highest prices for collectibles is a gererational thing.

There was another thread when someone said; A 1970 baracuda will always go up in value. Wrong, it will peak.

A lot of folks on this forum think that their guns are their 401K. If so sell when they're hot. Don't wait 20 years.

The reason model As and model Ts fell off in value is that the people who wanted them are, well, to be direct, dead.

Someone else mentioned recently that a relatively common .38 Spe S&W will always go up in value. Wrong again.

Price trends in collectibles track closely to people who are in their peak earning years (late 40s to late 50s in age), looking back to when they were growing up.

That's why late early 70s muscle cars are hot now.

Although a lot of us don't want to admit it, our kids,or spouse, will likely sell most of "our" stuff pretty quickly after we're gone.

Now, there are exceptions. Some folks on this forum have some pretty unusual and cool guns, which will likely hold up/go up over time.

Phrases like; "I didn't pay too much I just pair early" for the most part are bull. That's what they tell they're spouse when they have to have a gun.

I've always believed; buy what you like and like what you buy because you'll have it for awhile.

Dave
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Old 01-12-2010, 10:02 PM
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Values for run of the mill guns will peak and decline as the demographic dies off, the collector car market experiences the same fluctuations.

That being said, rare and exceptional guns (and cars) will always bring premium money...
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Old 01-12-2010, 10:45 PM
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Dave, Said very exact and precise. And very true IMO.

John
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Old 01-12-2010, 11:09 PM
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I think S&W revolvers will always be appreciated. I was born in 1969 and my favorite stuff (movies, cars, guns) dates from the late 60s to mid 70s. But I also appreciate quality items from earlier (and later) periods of renowned craftsmanship.

One aspect is that revolver technology perhaps peeked in the 1960s. With reference to a thread on the period of finest metallurgical engineering (I think that was 1950s). The finest examples of any item normally remain desirable.

For my part, I will enjoy my guns as long as I can and attempt to instill this appreciation for American craftsmanship into my children. With any luck, they will perpetuate the love of old S&Ws.

-Eric
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