For the last 2-3 years I have been an avid collector of S&W's. Probably have about 25 of them, give or take. I have slowed down. So I was thinking about adding another model and caliber to the group. I started the search for a 3" M24-3 in 44 spl. Man did I get some sticker shock. I know, if you want one you have to jump in with both feet, they ain't making any more etc. etc., but I think I have reached my saturation level. Time to admire everybody else's. I will pay fair prices, but not stupid prices. Anybody else getting to my threshold ??

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

I don't know what a "stupid" price is but consider a 4" unless you're firm on the 3" version. The 3" barrel is more marketing than something truly useful and there is a good chance you'll find a 4" easier to shoot well. As for as concealability, there is far less difference in the two barrel lengths than many realize. Any N-frame is quite bulky. One inch in barrel length matters little one way or the other.

Yeah, I find myself about there, too. I keep an eye out for decent buys but it's obvious there are many out there with much deeper pockets than mine.

One of my small collection of desirable S&Ws is a 4" 24-3. Really love that sixgun. I'd like to "collect the whole series" and add a 3" and a 6.5", but it's not looking good at today's prices. I paid less than a grand for my 4" but looks like I could easily pay twice that for either of the other two barrel lengths now.

To me the 24/624 3" was one of the best balanced S&Ws I have ever shot. The combination on round butt, slim barrel and short cylinder is much better than the Magnums that have the longer cylinder and full profile barrel...

Bob

The 3" 24 series are a joy to carry and shoot. Not enough ballistic difference between the 3 and 4 to count. Only downside to the 3" is leather. Leather usually requires some custom work, but if you can afford a 3" 24 you can afford the rig to carry it safely and discreetly in. I've owned both at one time or another, but today it is a 3" 29-3.

The only Smith I jumped on the last several years was a 25-5 4". I filled other voids that were more bargain level entries. What can I say I like lots of guns....lots

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Paul
S&WCA #2726

3" just for marketing purposes than something useful?......Boy you just added a twig to the bonfire. Have you ever shot a 3" N-frame in any caliber? If so then ya'd know they will do anything the 4" / 5 " will do as far as accuracy is concerned. They are more popular therefore more expensive.

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S&W Accumulator

I've been going through this over the last few years. I kept trying to keep up S&W collecting, and collecting cool guns in general, but it got too much. I was spending way too much time and money chasing down weird guns, and then worrying about whatever the latest gun control issue was, or worse yet reading other less uh "civil" gun forums and just getting less and less comfortable with out hobby.

I trimmed down my "collection" to just things I really loved shooting or things I used to hunt, and basically now it's a few .22s, a couple shotguns, my Model 19, a 1911 or two, a Mosin M44 (shut up it's a ton of fun!), my M1s (Garand and Carbine), a carry gun, and a smattering of broken S&W revolvers I can't sell.

Took me a bit too be cool with the fact that I don't have the buying power I once did in guns (and S&W revolvers in particular) but I've been putting those resources into other hobbies and honestly I'm pretty happy. I'll still get the itch when I see another post about a cool sixgun, but I've been able to tell myself "hey that 38/44 money could get you to Glacier to fish and camp for a week" and I'm pretty ok with it.

Relax. My statement wasn't all inclusive. Most people can shoot a longer-barreled revolver better than a shorter-barreled one, but skill has much to do with this. I base some of this on the 3" barreled 625-3 that I bought new about thirty years ago and shoot regularly.

Your blanket statement that a 3" gun will do anything a 4" or 5" gun will do is untrue for most shooters. In the hands of a skilled shooter, certainly not the majority of us, your claim likely has merit. From a benchrest, using good technique, accuracy difference between barrels of different length may be minimal to none, but few handgunners shoot from a benchrest regularly and many never do.

I didn't really get into popularity and expense.

To get back to the OPs thread intent.....yes I am slowing down too. I have decided to refine my collection rather than add to it. Sometimes I add one gun and sell two others. I feel good about that as long as the ones I sell are ones I have lost interest in or have duplicates of. Plus I really don’t want to leave wifey and the boys with dozens of guns. Passing down the creampuffs and ones that can be used are the way to go.

I am not really on the hunt for new additions anymore as I am mostly satisfied with what I have. Although recently I fell into a great deal on a K32, so what the heck? I went for it. This hobby will always fascinate me, even if I stop buying.

I am much happier as the kind of guy who is grateful for what he has, than one who is always seaching for what he doesn’t have.

OP, you are just fine...
-Cap

how about this one my pusher sold it to me with the stipulation that he would be in my will.



along with this m-29 both are.and from L.Horton

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age is just a number

I need to take your system under advisement. I need to thin out the herd I think. I know there are people with a lot more than me, but I can't get anything more into a 30 gun safe. Actually I am hiding some in the rafters under insulation.

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

Absolutely...same situation here. After having arthritis in my hand I realized I do not enjoy shooting anything >45 and used the very brisk market to find new homes for some of the 44s I had accumulated over the years. One sold here in 30 seconds after posting while I was still adding images. I do not believe I like to own guns I am certain I will never ever shoot again, no point for me in that. I focus now on a few USPSA guns and 22s which I have developed a late in life loving for.

There was 3” 624 with combats that recently sold here for $899. It sat for a couple months.

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213th FBINA

Well, I kind of prefer the blue, but I do have some stainless guns, 5 I think

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

Yes, as a matter of fact I have reached that threshold several times in my life. Then at some point inflation and such catches up and the prices seem more reasonable.

I’m with you. I will pay what I consider a reasonable price that seems fair to both parties. That’s what makes the world go around. Always has. I will not hold myself hostage to some silly whim that can only be satisfied by paying a ridiculous sum.

I know, defining ridiculous and reasonable is more or less subjective, and that will vary from person to person. The only definition that interests me is MY definition. When I buy or sell, I’m looking for likeminded individuals. There have always been some out there. Just have to find them. No sense wrestling with a bunch of crooks.

Hope you find your Model 24 at a price that allows you to actually enjoy having the gun.

I get it.

I did buy some 3rd Generation pistols recently, and a 681 no dash no M overstamp.

These will probably be the last Smiths I buy, as I have what I want, and with no kids, no one to pass them on to. Probably the last guns I buy, period.

And I did sell off 4 non S&W's to pay for those.

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BTDT, Got The T-Shirt

Meh, they come and they go.

When I was younger I was a madman. Had to have this one or that one. At one point I was up to around 70 at one time (Lugers, WW1 and 2 handguns, mil surp rifles, AKs and Soviet firearms, S&W and Colts of various vintage, and more). I sold the bulk several years ago and made a large payment towards my retirement savings.

I've been creeping back up as there were bargains a plenty during start of the Kung Flu imo due to people selling "older" guns to finance the latest plastic fantastic. Got some great pre war Colt and S&Ws. Now up to 25 or so of various types.

But I find there's not much more I want. I've got the calibers covered, I have way more than enough to "go shooting" for anything from paper to any creature.

So...thoughts have turned to consolidation further by selling some to acquire better examples of others.

Is this a great country or what?

That's a terrific price. I sold mine late last year for quite a bit more, but I also had the factory holster.

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Psalm 27:2

Yeah, passed that point 6 0r 7 years ago. Not paying crazy
prices, especially now a days. Good deals are out there, but
you need to search. Part of the fun I guess.

Well stated, my feelings exactly

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

Well up here in Canada I am anxiously looking at my great grand fathers Colt, my Dad's Browning, and my first gun. Legislation is under way to ban handguns in Canada so I'm no longer buying anything. it will likely not be passed but local laws may also arrive regarding home storage too, so for now im sitting tight with what I have. We can no longer transport or fire our AR15 so I'm having range days with guns I rarely shoot (Luger, 1921 Walther, Pre-Woodsman) and enjoying them.

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Brassmonkey/ a coastal Canuck.

One of my biggest regrets was missing out on an opportunity to purchase a used S&W 629-1 with a 6.5" half-lug barrel for $250 about 5 years ago. It wasn't in the best of shape, didn't come with a box or anything else, but now I'm seeing them in the same condition being sold for upwards of $1000.

No way am I paying $1000+ for any 629 that isn't brand new and doesn't have "Performance Center" somewhere on it. So at this point I've decided to just let it go. It's a beautiful gun that I've wanted for years, but the price is just too high for me. There are plenty of other guns that I would like to have that aren't ridiculously overpriced for no apparent reason. (I'm skeptical that a bunch of newbie gun-buyers were out buying up .44 Magnum Revolvers for self-defense against unruly mobs, so the prices seem artificially inflated.)

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Shooting Comfort is bilateral.

Wow, that does not sound very uplifting

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

I am slowing down. I am looking for one more this year. I am not slowing down because I don't want a few more, but I am with the sentiment that prices are to inflated. I don't mind paying reasonable price and even over paying a bit for something I want, but the market is I believe inflated with the current situation. I believe all will calm down and get back to some normalcy in the future. With that all said I am locking for 686-2 something cool. Ok so my rational thought process just went out the window. Hey I own a dash 0, 1, 3 so all logic I need a dash 2 , then 4, 5 and so on.

Well, I understand what you are saying. Just from my own personal standpoint I think the whole Performance Center thing is oversold. They are supposed to be what mass production will not allow, hands on assembly/fitting etc. I have seen several that should never have left the factory.

However, getting back on point, 1K for a 44, in real nice shape is fine by me. I would not be afraid of that if the condition is good. Most are going well beyond that.

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

Always willing to help a friend with storage
With the ammo shortage you wouldn't even have to worry about me shooting them....would ya :;

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Paul
S&WCA #2726

I bet you have plenty of ammo ratholed away

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

I’ve purged quite a bit of gear this last year. Nice stuff, but I feel better reducing the clutter. It’s refreshing to walk through a garage or room without dodging boxes and cases. Physical stuff isn’t what matters in life. What that means for different people varies in each case, and some people
are rightfully proud of their collections and displays. Me too. I just prefer to have a small series of items rather than more.

Pete you know the list of S&W you
And I own , about the same.The
List of ones we need is very short,
and inflated prices keep my money
In my pocket.

Eye candy for the OP. I bought these 24's & 624's the year they were introduced, All at $450.00 each or less. Those short barrel .44's will shoot!
RE: Slowing down. Only gun I bought last year is a Ruger Wrangler. Ever since zero was in office I've concentrated on ammunition and reloading components. I cast bullets for 99% of everything I shoot. I make my own #8 shot for my shotgun shells. So currently not looking for anything new. Just shooting lots of bullets and shells through what I currently own.

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S&W Accumulator

Pete I'm in the same boat. When prices get stupid my interest fade fast. I understand inflation and collectable and rare items increasing in value but when the price far overshadows the intrinsic value it just turns off a switch inside of me and interest fades fast. I am fortunate to have a very broad spectrum of S&W revolvers and ammo to shoot in them to the point where none of this craziness is affecting me. I did just buy a Model 657 off a friend yesterday but we had talked about this sale 5 years ago and the price didn't change so there was no crazy money involved. sad to say but i'm pretty much done looking as the craziness just aggravates me.

We are the bunch of old guys that pretty much have what we want and are now waiting for the young guys to buy us out.....but until that time comes for me I am going to keep looking for other things I don’t have but want.....my 624 and 24 with correct leather.

You may have the ac_CENT on the wrong syl_LAB_le

I think you need another safe!

Sticker shock is real. I think I posted the same thing here about some S&W revolvers at a gun shop not very far North from me. When I saw the conditions of the guns, not too bad but shooter grade .22s, maybe a .38, but all well over 4-digit prices. And not just S&Ws, I believe maybe a Colt or 2, Ruger was least expensive but high. When I saw the guns and the price tags I lost interest fast so I'm really not sure exactly what they had there. But, even with my obvious lack of knowledge about handguns compared to most of you guys, I know I'm not paying that much money for something at maybe shooter grade (I didn't even handle any, so...). My meager collection of firearms is probably going to slowly get pared down to maybe half. I do think it makes sense what Forte Smitten Wesson said about artificial inflation; people may be jumping on over-pricing their handguns because other people are buying them. I suppose more power to them if they are getting good $$$ for their offerings. I'm not sure if any of that made sense, but hopefully made a little!

I like to keep everything under $1000. That's my saturation level. Has been for a long time.

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That's just somebody talkin.

I agree with you. The more "toys" you have, it seems like the more vulnerable you are to some "dude" wanting to take some of them from you (and hurt you at the same time).
I agree. Maybe it is time to 'admire' someone else's "toys" and dream ... Having no ammo is also a bummer.

There's always "just one more" that we think we need, for the avid collector/accumulator. I am going to stop buying, at 64 yr old, and no children to leave them to, what am I going to do with more and more guns. However, it's the American way, we want more and bigger stuff. Be it guns, cars, watches or houses. We are a country with 5% of the world population and we consume about 24% of it's resources.

Collecting Smiths has become a spectator sport for me and I am great with it. It is why I love this forum.
Over the last few years my interests have changed to fly fishing and archery so motivation to buy at todays values is just not there.

What I have done is narrowed my focus. I still fall off the wagon now and then when something neat shows up at the right price but pin pointing my interest has slowed me down considerably. A side benefit is that my slush fund is looking pretty good at the moment.

Pete-I try to sell one to buy one now. That works sometimes. Certainly not always.

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SWCA 3255 SWHF 615

Pete,

I have been collecting for almost 5 decades. The one thing I learned is firearms are fun to collect but a lousy investment! I have acquired and sold many accumulations and several collections. Each sale at a time when the opportunity was right.

But, current pricing has driven me out of the market. Too many buyers and not enough pieces will drive prices even higher. But, there are still deals to be found like the Model 25-2 I recently stumbled across.

My advice, wait it out but keep your eyes and ears open. If your deal comes along, GRAB IT. If you think too long it will be gone.

And put me in the 4” minimum camp. Had a 3” Model 29-3. With my body shape and carry style, the 4” is easier to conceal. 3” look “cool”, 4” gets the job done.

Kevin

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Unshared knowledge is wasted.

I’ve sold over a dozen handguns in the past year, and don’t miss a one of them. I have bought a very select few.
I have no one in the family to leave them to, though some friends might be lining up at my door.
He with the most guns still dies.
I have other interests to occupy my time nowadays.

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Sure you did

One way I've curbed my "gotta have more" itch is thinking through the question, "do I have a real use for this?" Now I know that doesn't work if you're a serious collector - if that's you, your only "need" is filling a spot in your collection. Which is fine; your "need" IS the enjoyment of your hobby, limited only by your pocketbook. Carry on, brother.
I'm not a serious collector, more of a shooter but with a taste and appreciation for the fine, old stuff. But at the same time, I kind of have to see a legit use for what I have - hunting, carry, home defense, or even just shooting range fun. But I can only shoot, carry, or hunt with so many... I have too many hunting rifles, I could take a different one every time I go to the woods during any particular year - so lately I've sold a few, and was able to buy a Winchester model 71 which I've always wanted. And I hunted with the 71 this year while the more modern scoped bolt rifles sat in the safe. That's kind of the direction I see myself going from here on out - narrowing my focus, keeping what I really will use, and using the difference to upgrade a bit here and there.

Good post, particularly about the "investment" part of collecting.

Practical information here, but it takes many of us a long time to realize it.

I would like to own another S&W 650, and models 631 and 651. Those models can be found but I am reluctant to spend the money required to acquire any of them.

I am not a serious collector, I am more of a sucker for high condition 28's, 15's, 29's(629's ), and I have a couple M57's NIB. Oh, and you can throw in a few 10's 17, 18, NIB19, 38/44, NIB 586 nickel, 25-2 and a few other mfgrs. Good thing I do not wax em all like Rubi

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

Same situation for me. Had 18 different S&W revolvers at one time...all bought when the prices were in the sane range. But once people began paying unreal prices I unloaded those that i shot very little...including all early 3" pre-locks..24, 629, and 29. I remember foolishly passing up on a 3" 624 w. box marked $600 because i wanted a 3" 625 even more (keeping this one). I'm down to 12, and may unload a few more that are great carry guns that have become too valuable to carry (risk losing).