Need a little help adding to my collection

[kcult]

I'm definitely a S&W n00b and I find myself aimlessly perusing want ads and auction sites. I would like to narrow my focus and be able to find nice (but not too nice) examples to add to my collection. Again, I want nice, but I also want to shoot.

My collection so far includes a M19-3 w/box, a M48-3 w/box, a 629-3 and a 29-4 Classic Hunter. I was given the 19 and 48, so that was a great way to start. I purchased the 629 on a whim and then four weeks later, the 29-4 on a bigger whim.

Can there really be any order for a collection or is it best to just keep a fistful of cash at the ready? I do think I'm leaning towards the (6)17 or 586/686.

Comments, suggestions or tales are surely welcomed.

[-db-]

With S&W revolvers, it seems like many, myself included, start off grabbing a handful of guns shortly after the bug bites and then slow down a bit as we learn more and start being more picky, waiting for the right guns, as we figure out exactly what it is we prefer and begin looking for particular models with certain features and whatnot.

I bought 6 or so my first year here a couple years ago but haven't bought any since. Not that I regret the purchases or don't like revolvers anymore or anything like that, but I'm just concentrating more on learning as much as I can about all the choices out there and narrowing down what I'd like to get, waiting for the right guns to come along.

[redlevel]

Originally Posted by kcult

best to just keep a fistful of cash at the ready

^^^^^^^^^
This.

[pawncop]

kcult,

Good question and a HUGE variety of answers.

For me, there is no pattern of what I buy. I am an accumulator of fine firearms and not a dedicated collector.

Therefore, my trigger is tripped by guns that I have read about, or have owned in the past and let get away, or just plain cool - my definition of cool, no one else's.

My advice is to remember - the joy is in the quest.

[chud333]

Good advice from Pawncop. Collect whatever peaks your interest, or what turns you on. Don't worry about collecting certain models based on rarity alone or calibers. If you plan on shooting what you buy, and it sounds like thats the case, then collect along those lines. Buy guns that you enjoy shooting that are aesthically pleasing to "YOU". Forget about what Ed or Bill or Jim, buy all the time and you'll be a happy collector/shooter. Oh, and lots of cash readily available helps too.

[oldman45]

I buy a gun when I see one I like and it is at a price I can afford. My idea of a bring home gun is it must look nice, no plastic, no black, a barrel of 5 inches or less and no scratches.

I am not into tactical and do not need a railed gun.

As you shoot your guns and learn more about them, there will be things you will not care for in guns and things you really want in a guns.

Money will always be an issue with any type collection. Many of us here could go through a $100,000.00 in less than a month on guns.

Collecting guns is way cheaper than doing drugs, chasing women or having a wife and way more satisfying.

[chief38]

It's like any other hobby....... you have to be attracted to a certain a certain piece to want it and no one else can tell you what you should like.

I collect Lionel Electric Trains and I like to acquire complete consists of a particular Road name. For instance, if I buy a Pennsylvania GG1 Electric Engine I want all the cars, caboose etc. to go with it. I have a friend in the hobby that ONLY collects the Locomotives and is not interested in the rest of the consist.

Still other guys in the hobby collect the electrically operated Accessories and like those more than the trains themselves. Another friend I have will ONLY buy a sealed boxed set and he NEVER opens them up. For all he knows the boxes could contain bricks! Whatever??!!

When it comes to guns I know guys that have a zillion examples & versions of the Chief's Special Revolver and their collection is solely restricted to that. Fellas like myself have a more broad range in their collection. It's what ever "makes your boat float" - as they say.

The great thing about out hobby these days is that you can usually come out of a purchase without taking a loss, and might even stand to make a few bucks because it's so hot right now.

Enjoy the quest!

Chief38

[snowman]

Given a 19 and a 48?

I'd go back to your benefactor and so what else he has.

Andy

[Rule3]

I think it is more Boatload of Cash.

Blued, Stainless, long, short, calibers, box, no box, correct grips

old, really old, yada yada.

Buy what you like and can afford.

12 step meeting every Sunday.

[Thuer]

Start your Smith collection with the Military and Police.
That is the bread and butter gun of Smith and Wesson.

I love this revolver. It is a trusty revolver and never let you down.

[kcult]

Originally Posted by snowman

Given a 19 and a 48?

I'd go back to your benefactor and so what else he has.

Andy

I am really enjoying all the comments, but this one I will respond to first.

Dad is my benefactor. Half of my entire gun collection has come from him. Believe it or not, I finally told him to stop. I let him know how appreciative I was, but enough is enough. Stop giving me guns!

To date, he has given me, in no particular order, the M19-3, the 48-3, an unfired NRA edition henry golden boy, a WASR AK-47 (with 8-20, 4-30 and 1-40 round mags with 240 rds of 7.62), a Mossberg 500ATP, A Mini 30, a SA Ultra Compact .45 and my most cherished Browning Hi Power.

Maybe I spoke too soon because he still has a 586 and a 686.

It's time I became a big boy and bought my own pieces.

[bloo]

What ever it is you like get the best you can afford and don't be afraid to trade up. Better to have a few quality guns than a lot of low quality ones. And shoot them ! I won't own a gun I can't shoot. They were made for shooting not as investments. People rip on me for shooting four of my guns that were unfired until I got them. A 47 pre 17 two pre 29s and a collector grade M1 from the CMP. I got them to shoot not sit in a safe. As for reducing the value I don't plan on selling them so when my sons inherit them they will be getting them for free. So even if I reduce the value by shooting them the kids are making out. The main thing is to enjoy them the way you like them. Don't just get them because someone said you needed one.

Ted

[bloo]

Originally Posted by kcult

I am really enjoying all the comments, but this one I will respond to first.

Dad is my benefactor. Half of my entire gun collection has come from him. Believe it or not, I finally told him to stop. I let him know how appreciative I was, but enough is enough. Stop giving me guns!

To date, he has given me, in no particular order, the M19-3, the 48-3, an unfired NRA edition henry golden boy, a WASR AK-47 (with 8-20, 4-30 and 1-40 round mags with 240 rds of 7.62), a Mossberg 500ATP, A Mini 30, a SA Ultra Compact .45 and my most cherished Browning Hi Power.

Maybe I spoke too soon because he still has a 586 and a 686.


It's time I became a big boy and bought my own pieces.

Don't know the ages of you and your dad but as we get older it isn't a bad idea to start giving things away before the inheritance tax man shows up. And maybe he just enjoys giving them to you and knows they will go to a good home.

Ted

[Marshwheeling]

Originally Posted by kcult

It's time I became a big boy and bought my own pieces.

Humor him. He probably gets a lot of pleasure out of being able to give you his guns. Then spend your money on a neat birthday present for him. Maybe a gun, or perhaps something else you know he'll enjoy. It will come back to you soon enough.

[jlrhiner]

Is he looking to adopt?

[GJH77]

Originally Posted by kcult

Dad is my benefactor. Half of my entire gun collection has come from him. Believe it or not, I finally told him to stop. I let him know how appreciative I was, but enough is enough. Stop giving me guns!

But he may just want to treat them like grandkids- he can enjoy them with you any time, and when finished you can take them home and clean them!
For whatever reason, have a great time with them and him.

[loutent]

Originally Posted by kcult

I'm definitely a S&W n00b and I find myself aimlessly perusing want ads and auction sites. I would like to narrow my focus and be able to find nice (but not too nice) examples to add to my collection. Again, I want nice, but I also want to shoot.

My collection so far includes a M19-3 w/box, a M48-3 w/box, a 629-3 and a 29-4 Classic Hunter. I was given the 19 and 48, so that was a great way to start. I purchased the 629 on a whim and then four weeks later, the 29-4 on a bigger whim.

Can there really be any order for a collection or is it best to just keep a fistful of cash at the ready? I do think I'm leaning towards the (6)17 or 586/686.

Comments, suggestions or tales are surely welcomed.

I only got interested in S&W's a few years ago myself after buying a 638 at the LGS. As I started learning more (thanks to this forum) I had a rough idea of what I wanted - the 27, 28 and 29 were on top, then a 19, 17 or 18, 36 and my latest a 10-5. I am always looking for 586, 25, 60, 66 and another 27, 28 and 29 with different barrel lengths.

It's a sickness!

[Fishslayer]

Originally Posted by kcult

best to just keep a fistful of cash at the ready?

^^^ This is good! Cash money in hand is also a plus when negotiating.

Also do your homework. I've missed some deals because I didn't know what I was looking at.

Have a general idea of what you're after and read up on it. Then when you find it, you can POUNCE!

Here in Kalifornistan great deals are few & don't hang around long. I'm STILL kicking myself for that 3" M66 I passed up...

[Fishslayer]

Originally Posted by kcult

It's time I became a big boy and bought my own pieces.

Handing down weapons from father to son probably goes back to some caveman bestowing his favorite cavegirl club to his oldest son.

Take them and treasure them.

And take dad out for a nice meal from time to time.