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03-17-2010, 04:50 PM
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Heritage series value
My collecting interest is primarily the older target revolvers. One exception has been the Heritage series, in particular the target models case hardened by Doug Turnbull, the master of case hardening. I think they are among the most beautiful (non-engraved) revolvers ever made.
These guns were ordered by Lew Horton c. 2001. When offered, I usually see them at, slightly below, or slightly above original issue prices, while everything else seems to have gone up. Is anyone with a crystal ball willing to guess what the future holds in store for them?
Bob Hart #946
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03-17-2010, 05:33 PM
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I own a M24-5 Heritage in .44 Special and a M25-11 Heritage in .45 Colt, both color-case hardened by Doug Turnbull. The Altamont factory grips look pretty, but don't fit my hands well, so I replaced them with Hogue's checkered, finger-grooved grips in rosewood and coco bolo. For some reason the Hogue grips fit me like they're custom-made...
For my money, these are some of the most beautiful handguns ever made. Supposedly S&W only made 308 (or 150, depending on the source) of the color-cased M24s, and only 150 of the color-cased M25s.
As far as future value, who knows? They are rare, with the striking Turnbull color-case treatment, and well-made (no mim parts or internal lock), but I don't know if that's enough to drive collector interest. For my purposes, I'm shooting them only with cast lead bullets at moderate velocities (they're both remarkably accurate and comfortable). So they won't be "new-in-box", but they'll be well cared for. After I'm gone, I'm sure someone will appreciate them...
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03-17-2010, 08:05 PM
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They're fun to shoot. I have 2 of these, but with different grips:
This is actually a good belt gun for an N-frame, but I don't have many occasions to wear one:
This model 24 is my favorite:
All the grips are by Roy Fishpaw. I remember reading about these shortly before they came out, and ordered the 24 right away at full retail price, so obviously I'm not the guy to be seeking financial advice from.
I would say the majority of the people I heard from on this forum and where I lived at the time did not like the Heritage series - and they still might not, for all I know. The two biggest knocks I remember were that they didn't match the originals in many ways - for example having a frame-mounted firing pin, and for having case hardened frames, which was a tradition of that other company, not S&W. Because of these opinions it wasn't long before the other models were offered at sharply reduced prices. I could not have afforded them otherwise. It was also the time when internet gun sales were really taking off, but before it got crazy.
Since I shoot mine, the value will never go way up, but I don't care. I talk to a few 80 year olds every week, and I think I'll go shooting while I can. And if my son is waiting for my demise to get rich, he better start working harder
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03-17-2010, 11:02 PM
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One day I hope to own one of the heritage revolvers in .45 ACP w/ 4 " barrel. If I should be so luck I would own examples in .44 Special and .38 Special all w/ 4" barrels. Alas, my luck is consistently inconsistent.
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03-17-2010, 11:23 PM
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My guess is they will hold value because of the reputation of Turnbull Restoration. They are a modern day Griffin & Howe!
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03-18-2010, 12:25 AM
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I will chime in and add that any N frame in 44 or 45 caliber will retain its value. Especially if it's a short run of 100 to 200.
Case color by the master Turnbull? Only adds value to me.
I would buy any one I found in the $600. to $800. range.
But , I have not found one one yet.
Good luck ,, Allen Frame
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03-18-2010, 05:03 PM
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Where the .22 caliber model?
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03-18-2010, 05:56 PM
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They weren't all case hardened. My 25-12 "Military" shoots better than I do, and I feel better about hot loads in it than I would in a 1917.
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03-18-2010, 05:58 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by boykinlp
Where the .22 caliber model?
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Yes, there is, a 6 incher, the Model 17-8. 6 shot, adjustable sights. Both blue frames and color case hardened frames.
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01-12-2017, 01:15 PM
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I know this is a very old thread but I would be interested in knowing whether these revolvers are more desirable now?
If anyone could list which models were available in the series. Thank you.
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01-12-2017, 02:34 PM
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I have the model 17 that's all blue. Nice gun but wouldn't sell it, I like the pre-war look. The action isn't as smooth as I thought the performance center was capable of making it. Only 150 of each made. Bought a box for it on EBay the other day, should have it by Saturday. Would put the price in the low to mid teens, not many come up for sale. Larry
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01-12-2017, 06:08 PM
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I never liked the look. I like case colored hammers and triggers, but case coloring of the whole frame looks (to me) like somebody dropped a nice gun in an oily puddle.
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Tags
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colt, engraved, fishpaw, grooved, hardening, heritage, hogue, lew horton, lock, military, model 17, model 24, model 25, n-frame, rosewood |
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