You should be! The people are some of the best in the country. I'm not sure how long I've been a member but I've said for years that these people are family!! The last couple of years I've have had outstanding support from our members since my husband, Ray, died.

We went to our first show in KC in the early 80's, I think. They are always informative and fun.

This last year in particular, I have blessed by many. David Carrol (SWCA member)has started liquidating some of Ray's guns. (No, not getting rid of all of them, just want to collect something on my own, and not sure what that will be yet. I still have a lot to learn!!).

Mike Smith (SWCA member) found a cylinder at auction to a gun that I own. How he remembered the serial number, I'm not sure. I did not have an account with the auction company and the others that I know who did were not currently available. Mike was afraid this very important piece would get away. He took it upon himself and bought it for me (making several calls), had it shipped here, without me even paying for it. Needless to say, I got him reimbursed for it quickly!!

This week I got the 1951 Gun Digest, as Mike Kieffer (also member), found out I owned the cover gun and he felt I needed the book. What can I say?

Anyway, if you really have an interest in Smith and Wesson's you NEED to become a member. You get access to our private forum, to Roy Jinks knowledge on the revolvers (including ship date) as well as the opportunity to go to annual meetings where you see NOTHING but Smiths. (In fact, ask Handejector what happens if you bring something c**t..). There are also several regional meetings. The knowledge this group has is outstanding and more than that they are willing to share.

The best way to become a member is to have a current member sponsor you. Don't know any? You can have a letter of recommentation from an FFL dealer. Or just send in you application (found at Smith & Wesson Collectors Association) and one of the Board of Directors will call and discuss the Association with you.

Sheryl Cheely

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SWHF

I second completely Sheryl's post. If you have an interest in S&W's you will do yourself a great favor by becoming a member. One other benefit of membership is you will receive the SWCA Journal with great information on S&W's.

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John. SWCA #1586

For not much more than the cost of the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson.. It's like having the book come alive!!..

This is NOT an organization dedicated only to the serious collector as some think, but an extension to learn about our hobby/passion from a knowledge base that is unmatched..

If you are even remotely interested.. whether you just bought your first Smith or own a hundred Smith's.. all are welcome...

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SWCA #2306
DAV in honor of POP

The picture in the Journal showing you and all those that helped with your and Ray's collection display tells the whole story. Thank you. Hope to meet some of you one day.

I've been turned down 12 years in a row for the Hi-Point collecot's club so I'm thinking my chances here are slim.

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

been a member for 5 or 6 years now, great group
of people. haven't been to a meeting yet, someday
i hope.

if you like S&W please consider it you wont be
sorry.

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George Jamison

I've been interested in it for some time, but living out in the boonies, coming up with a sponsor is a problem.

Sheryl,
I had the pleasure to meet and talk with you at the NRA Convention, while admiring the wonderful and award winning collection of your late husband. The collection was just absolutely breathtaking to a S&W lover.

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NRA Pistol/Rifle Inst. RSO

Not a member long, but went to the annual meeting in Orlando this year. When you walk into the gun display room it's like walking into a large gunshow where everything on the tables are Smith&Wessons, breathtaking. Something there for everyone, from the one gun owner to the guy who owns a 100 or more. Met some of the nicest, kindest people I've ever met from the gun collecting world. Members will bend over backwards to help anyone from the novice to the pro.

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Dick

May I ask the cost?

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Good life will not Heaven get!

I think I would enjoy being a member and it sounds very beneficial to a collector or historian.

However I would question any group that would allow me to be a member.

$60 first year, $50 thereafter. Overseas memberships slightly higher.

All info available here: Smith & Wesson Collectors Association ; explore the links.

I joined about three years ago. That was one of the best decisions I ever made as a collector.

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David Wilson

Note that sponsorship is an easy way to apply for membership, but not a rigid requirement. There are other options, as explained on the SWCA web site and in other posts on this thread.

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David Wilson

Got this one taken care of. Turns out we have traveled some of the same dirt.

send me a PM...i'm sure we can work something out

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SWCA#2208
KK4EMO

A letter of recommendation from an FFL who you have known for 5 years is the easy way in?
Obviously, this group isn't very interested in adding new members.
Getting a Top Secret/SCI clearance was a snap compared to this.

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-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

There is no literacy test, so print out that application....

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Regards,
Lee Jarrett

I think we're accepting applications for the official position of Association Jester (aka The Fool).
Just sayin' if you're interested........

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Regards,
Lee Jarrett

Any members want to sponsor an old busted up, scared up, Marine Grunt? I haven't been using the same FFL for 5 years abd know a few members here but I don't think they are SWCA members. Thanks!

Sent you a PM.

If I can see Sip in a Jester Hat, I'm in!

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RIP Shipmate

Send me the application.. Bud.. I'll talk to Sip

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SWCA #2306
DAV in honor of POP

The only references I have are You, Joe Cebull and Lee Jarrett. Think they'll still let me in? Will people call me a "Collector"?

Maybe if members see that logo, they'll not slam me for having a few Safe Queens!

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RIP Shipmate

The meeting in Orlando, all the help from members and the information OVERLOAD on S&W's make it well worth my effort and little cash.

You'll make some friends, I promise!

GF

I'm interested! I believe the SWCA has a booth at one of the local gun shows; will talk to them in January.

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Rather be outdoors

Anyone who believes he/she knows anything about S&W will be pleasantly surprised by the willingness to share information by the other members and disappointed by the actual lack of knowledge he/she really has. By becoming a member of the association you will be exposed to much more than you were expecting. This is not a snob organization, every one of the experts is willing to share his knowledge with those of us who are trying to become more informed. Do come join us and experience the world of Smith & Wesson as the ultimate in craftsmanship and quality!

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Sam
S&WHF 333 S&WCA 2198

They had a sale going on the week that I joined, couldn't resist.

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Sure you did

I think that you misunderstand that particular method of joining. That is merely an alternative for someone that doesn't have a sponsor. You can also submit an application and either a board member will contact you or direct a member near you to contact you.

You must also realize that since we are dealing with firearms, that some qualifying must take place. We openly discuss our collections, sometimes referring to serial numbers and this information is not the kind that you might disclose to any stranger off the street. I am sure that you would not want to talk about your guns or disclose where you live to just anyone.

I can tell you that I have been a member for over 25 years and you could not meet a finer bunch of folks anywhere in the world. The willingness to share knowledge and to assist one learn more about the history of the S&W company and its products in unequaled.

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James Redfield
LM #497

[QUOTE=-rags-;136261823]The only references I have are You, Joe Cebull and Lee Jarrett. Think they'll still let me in? Will people call me a "Collector"?
QUOTE]


Oooh, that remembers me on this: (3 min. 19sec. - 3min. 25 sec.) Chico Cons Groucho at the Races - YouTube

Swissman

[QUOTE=Swissman;136262185]That's funny!

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RIP Shipmate

Looks like you already need three waivers.


Probably not, judging by what I hear them call you now.....

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Regards,
Lee Jarrett

Did I ever tell you that I prefer Chimps over Gorilla's?

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RIP Shipmate

That's OK I can't spell u-rang-a-tang either.

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Dum vivo cano

Your nott a spelllin' notsee!

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RIP Shipmate

O s i r.

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Dum vivo cano

Now back to our regularly scheduled programing...Join the SWCA Folks!

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RIP Shipmate

I'm sure its a very nice organization, but I'm kinda like Groucho Marx, who said, "I wouldn't be a member of any club that would have me."

I'm sending in my SWCA membership application today.

Happy New Year to all the forum members, and a special thanks to HandEjector for this great forum.

bump bump........

Mailed my application this morning.

Glad to help

It was very appreciated.

What kind of numbers must one own to be considered? Any restrictions on how old the firearms are to be counted?

You don't need any firearms to join in my opinion, just an interest in them. Members have some of the first S&W's made as well as the most current.

I see the next meeting is in Boise; could someone advise me of the dates?

The check is in the mail! Thanks noconeetrader !

Look familiar?

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RIP Shipmate

Bat:

The S&WCA Annual Meeting begins at noon, Wednesday, June 20, 2012, and ends at noon, Sunday, June 24, 2012.

Location: Boise Riverside Doubletree Hotel, 2900 Chinden Blvd, Boise, ID.

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Charlie Flick
SWCA 729 HF 215

Bat G,

The 2012 SWCA meeting in Boise is July 20-24.

I'll add my encouragement to anyone considering joining. As has been said, you need no particular number of guns, no particular value of guns, no particular age of guns to join; only an interest in things made by Smith & Wesson. In fact, the interest doesn't have to be their guns...we have members who collect the various paper products, the other items they made, bicycles, blade savers, toilet flush valves (Yes!), handcuffs, etc.

I only owned one Smith and my knowledge of the brand was minimal when I joined, but I did it in time for the Dallas Show in 2004 and have only missed one annual show since then. I've added a few more guns and lots of knowledge since then, but I have added far more new friends and great memories from the shows that I have attended. Just as this Forum of Lee's is the internet forum that stands as a model for all the rest, the SWCA is the collectors society that all others wish they could emulate.

If any of you in the North Texas area have questions regarding the Association and what it might offer, send me a PM and I will be happy to contact you and learn of your interests. Perhaps we can meet in person at a Dallas Gun Show.

Bob

Charlie beat me to the date for Boise!

^^^...BTT...^^^

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RIP Shipmate

Good job Lee! Glad the check was mailed before -rags- found about the new guy having to buy all the drinks at his first meeting. Darned if I don't feel a bit thirsty. Another good thing you may have a sucke..., I mean valued customer sell some of those old CTG guns to you will have laying around in Boise.

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John. SWCA #1586