Which revolver would you buy?

[delta-419]

Best Pick

That would be easy for me, any S&W prewar 44special. A 3rd model or Triplelock would have first billing. But, if wishes were horses, we'd all take a ride!

 

[18DAI]

A 27-2 or a Python. Regards 18DAI

 

[M29since14]

Although higher value guns are nice, when you get into the 1K and above mark you move into a smaller demographic of potential buyers.

I would find something I could use and that I KNOW will increase in value.

There is definitely truth to that, but the $1000 figure (in today's market) may be becoming a bit dated. But I agree with the idea of looking for something that is not at present at the height of a popularity curve.

Around here, all S&Ws are popular, but there are still S&W bargains to be found elsewhere - friends, local gunshops, etc. I would be more of the mind to look for high-condition bargains than for a specific model, as Avery11 says. My first choice would be any of the target-sighted magnums, mainly because that is what I like to shoot. What you like to shoot should be a big factor in your decision(s), since you appear to be planning on shooting whatever you acquire.

 

[corgiS&W]

Colt Magnum Carry or Special Lady. Both hold value and are going up as we speak.

Tucker Gun [in Tucker GA] has a Colt DSII for $1000. It's almost as valuable as the Magnum Carry.

 

[nipster]

A Dan Wesson 715.

But it never ends does it?

I also want a Colt Anaconda and Python some day.

Out of all 3 of those I'd pick the 715 first.

Saw and got to touch an Anaconda the other day. It has been used, but was in great condition. They wanted $1100, which didnt see that bad, but I dont really know Colt values. I just know every time I see a python they want way more than I have in my wallet.

 

[Jeff45]

An early 686 (no dash to -4) will retain it's value and be a great shooter. They are not rare so I won't put them in the collector class, but you can't go wrong with one, and they might just be the best bargain in revolvers today.

 

[ruffbird]

I would go with a Model 64 or 65 pre lock/mim!
Fun to shoot, reload for, ease of carry (if you can) & an all around good revolver...
Sure wished I could find the 64-4 in 4" barrel!

 

[Damn Yankee]

S&W 610 or a 624 would be my choice.

 

[M3Stuart]

The question is too open-ended!

"A great shooter" ?!? For what? .38? .22? .357? .44spec?
At what range? 7yds? 15yds? 25yds?

You can quote me on this: "When you don't know what you want, anything will do". So just buy a pre-lock 686, 617 or 629 (in 4") and be done with it. If you shop it, you might get all 3 for 1500 beans.

 

[teezer]

if i had a $1000-1500 to spend and wanted a fun shooter, i'd look for a vintage custom built PPC revolver from the 1970s-1980s

alot of competitive, great gunsmiths trying to outdo each other in building the most perfect revolver they could ~~~ with one of these just add your choice of grips and the right load and go shooting, they get more accurate the more you shoot ~~~AND YOU CAN'T BLAME THE GUN anymore

these PPC guns are kinda a niche market and see some real nice examples under a $1000




.

 

[Cpt. Obvious]

assuming I didn't already have a 581 and 681, I'd get a blue 581, nickel 581, and a 681...

since I do, I'd get a nickel 581 and a 27, 5" or 3.5"

 

[Hapworth]

I think you can usually keep a 98-95% gun in that condition as long as you don't holster it and wipe it down with Hoppes #9.

Don't clean the bore too much or you will accidently put more wear on it than shooting it.

I might be misunderstanding, but are you saying one shouldn't wipe down with Hoppes #9?

Also, what to you constitutes damage causing bore cleaning?

 

[Hapworth]

I never go in search of a certain gun, it's a sure way to over pay, instead i gust go looking and see what interesting turns up.

Excellent advice.

---

Regarding the original post: I'd have a hard time reconciling making an investment grade purchase and using it as a shooter, carry or no.

I'd just look for a great gun to own; with a healthy budget to do so, I'd snag an NRA "excellent" or better example of a Model 66 3" -- that gun does everything.

 

[DHOLLA]

Pre Lock 610

 

[senecaap]

Any of these:
Lew Horton 3" 24, 624, 29 or 629
27 3.5" or 5"
Pre 29 6"
Python 2.5" or 3" (yeah I'd probably have to double the $1500)
Any variation of the .44 Military/21

 

[Ralph G. Briscoe]

Any Colt revolver in good condition would be a good investment. I like snubbies and have a couple of Detective Specials, a Cobra and an Agent. If you're patient you could get 2 or 3 for $1500. I think that the fact that they're great concealed carry guns as well as collector pieces enhances the value and salability.

 

[PALADIN85020]

I don't think you would go wrong with one of these in cherry condition. It's a Model 27-2, 3.5" barrel, with all the bells and whistles - target trigger and hammer, red ramp front sight, white outline rear sight, and presentation stocks. It would be one of the last revolvers I'd ever part with.

John

 

[USBP SW]

My personal favorite is a Smith & Wesson model 57, I shoot them regularly and enjoy them alot. As long as I maintain them properly, I don't feel that shooting them has had any detrimental impact on their value. However, you would not fare badly with any Smith & Wesson blue N frame revolver that is a pre-lock design. The 27, 29 & 57 are all excellent and will only increase in value, yet all are enjoyable to shoot.

Good luck with whatever you choose,
Steve

 

[BCDWYO]

I paid around $1100 for a LNIB S&W Model 520 last year. I expect it to be a good long term investment. I couldn't argue with any of the other choices mentioned here. I'd jump on a 686 CS1 if I could find a good condition one for around $1000...probably not $1500. And then there is always the good ol ever elusive 3" Model 19. Doubt you could get one of those for $1500 unless it was a beater.

 

[rbmcmjr]

assuming I didn't already have a 581 and 681, I'd get a blue 581, nickel 581, and a 681...

If you like this configuration (and I do), you should look for one of the original Model 520s: Fixed sight, 4" barrel, .357 Magnum on the N-frame. They didn't make too many of them, and most are squirreled away in collections. I still regret passing on the one I found over twenty years ago. I didn't like the fixed sights at the time because I was infatuated with the concept of adjustable everything. What a dope....