A few of these are coming up in the Rock Island Auction next month, and a few came up for sale last year. I only became really interested in them last year, so I do not know what the 'trend' is for these. It seems that, for only 977 of these ever made, an awful lot have come up for sale recently -- I think, due to the dispersal of some very old collections. The ones coming up for sale next month all seem to have problems, one way or another. Also, it seems that the younger folks show little interest in this antique stuff. Do you think I ought to hold out for the right one to come along, maybe even seeing a decrease in prices over the next 25 yrs or so (I can be patient and wait awhile, if need be)? Or, do you think this dispersal of some very old collections with regards to these is unusual, and that I should consider purchasing one soon? Perhaps those who have followed trends with regards to these would provide more insight. I heard already via private message from a very knowledgeable individual on this site already, and I thank him immensely and think his insight is probably spot-on, but, without revealing him or what he said, I just want to see what others think.
Smith & Wesson Model 320 Revolving Rifle
- Thread starter mrcvs
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My concern has been for some time that some of the very high ticket collectible firearms may not find homes in the future due to the greying of the serious collectors with deep pockets. Seems like many of the newer gun folks are more interested in shooting modern stuff than preserving the older guns. As the numbers dwindle, so will the purchasing pool and that may negatively affect future prices. Luckily, I don't sell anything and my heirs will have to deal with these issues.
There are a number of factors in place.
First is funds. Second is what level of quality/rarity are you looking for.
Out of the 977 made there are a few that would command a hefty sum. If they have issues as you said, prices should be low. Unless two or more people what it, sky might be the limit. One thing to remember is, how fast could you sell one if you ever had to resell. I own a Revolving Rifle and since the first day I've owned it, I've turned down offers to sell it. It has little finish, no case, but, it has both sights. It is serial number one and owned by Joseph Wesson.
First is funds. Second is what level of quality/rarity are you looking for.
Out of the 977 made there are a few that would command a hefty sum. If they have issues as you said, prices should be low. Unless two or more people what it, sky might be the limit. One thing to remember is, how fast could you sell one if you ever had to resell. I own a Revolving Rifle and since the first day I've owned it, I've turned down offers to sell it. It has little finish, no case, but, it has both sights. It is serial number one and owned by Joseph Wesson.
This is exactly what the esteemed forum member said via private message, and I sort of suspected the same, realizing the lack of 'young blood' in the hobby. The only thing that made me think maybe I ought to try and get one soon is because there are not many 320's out there and quite a few of these have come up for sale recently and one thinks one might be missing an opportunity.
Great -- I will hold off for now. Trying to pay off a mortgage early and only 25 more payments to go unless I find something I really need to have!
deadin
US Veteran
But "low" is such a relative term when it comes to RR's.
alaskavett
US Veteran
This is one of the reasons I enjoy to involve younger folks in all aspects of our passion. If we want to keep firearms in our lives we need to get our children and Grandchildren involved in the shooting and collection sports. I'm sure each of us remembers our first BB gun or .22 rifle fondly. I can bet we all remember who gave it to us (or where we got it) and who helped us to learn to shoot it. It all carries forward into the collecting side of the house. Take them to gun shows, show them your "pre plastic" REAL guns and light the fire in the younger folks... Get them out and teach them the safe and responsible use and ownership of firearms. They will then carry on and this will ensure the things we love will be here for following generations. Kyle
mmaher94087
Member
My take on the purchasing of antique Smith & Wesson's is, due to the restrictive gun laws in Europe being 1897 and prior, that many quality pieces are being snapped up by foreign investors and that will negate any price drop in the future. My mantra is: if one can afford it; buy it now in the best condition possible for the money available. Once owned; then one can figure what to do with it in the future. Do not buy junk as it will always be junk. It may not be possible to find factory parts for repair and if so, they will be expensive. As will having parts reproduced. As to the dispersion of older collections (and the availability of rarer pieces); it seems that this opportunity appears about every 30 years or so. I recommend taking advantage of this if possible. I've got to go; my head hurts. Mike #283
BigBill
Absent Comrade
One of my LGS had the four walls filled with revolving rifles. There were some really big calibers too to me they looked like 60caliber. What gems they were. They went out of business due to greed in the family decades ago. I wonder what ever happened to all those revolving rifles.
Does anyone offer a new one today?
Does anyone offer a new one today?
Taurus/Rossi does, in .45/.410, .44 Mag and .22/.22WMR.
Rossi USA
"Circuit Judge" 410/45Colt Revolving Shotgun/Rifle from Taurus/Rossi
They've been around for a few years but if you're interested you should probably pick one up - Taurus seems to introduce and then drop models on a relatively short cycle.
In years past there were also revolving rifle versions of the Single Action Army made by the Italian gun makers, but I don't know that they are still being made. Black powder versions have also been made, based on the Remington 1858.
BigBill - I think this thread is about S&W Revolving Rifles. Are you referring to Colt or reproductions when you say big calibers in revolving rifles? S&W RRs came only in .32 caliber.
Driftwood Johnson
Member
Howdy
This one is going on auction tomorrow at the Amoskeag Auction in Manchester NH. I got a chance to examine it at the pre-auction viewing. First time I ever handled one. The checkering on the grip and forearm are pretty worn, but overall it is a beautiful piece. The auction house is estimating it will go for from $6000 to $8000. A little bit rich for my blood. I will jot down what it sells for.
Auction Item
This one is going on auction tomorrow at the Amoskeag Auction in Manchester NH. I got a chance to examine it at the pre-auction viewing. First time I ever handled one. The checkering on the grip and forearm are pretty worn, but overall it is a beautiful piece. The auction house is estimating it will go for from $6000 to $8000. A little bit rich for my blood. I will jot down what it sells for.
Auction Item
They must have updated their link above since the the price realized is now there.
SOLD FOR $5750.00
Watchdog
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Very well said.
singleshot1891
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I think at that price it was a bargain.
WB
WB
DWalt
Member
Does anyone remember the (partial) S&W RR that was on Pawn Stars a year or so ago? The barrel had been hacksawed off and the owner once had the original buttstock but threw it away.
Driftwood Johnson
Member
Howdy
Sorry, I forgot to get back here about the revolving rifle that sold at the Amoskeag Auction last Saturday. I wrote down the price in my catalog, but forgot to get back here. The winning bid was $5000, but the 15% dealer's premium brought it up to the $5750 that is reported on the web page. It was estimated that it would go for between $6000 - $8000. So $5000 is well below the estimate.
I did get a chance to examine it, it was a very nice looking gun. The mottled hard rubber forend and grips were very attractive, but the checkering on them had been worn down almost smooth. It locked up as tight as the day it left the factory.
Sorry, I forgot to get back here about the revolving rifle that sold at the Amoskeag Auction last Saturday. I wrote down the price in my catalog, but forgot to get back here. The winning bid was $5000, but the 15% dealer's premium brought it up to the $5750 that is reported on the web page. It was estimated that it would go for between $6000 - $8000. So $5000 is well below the estimate.
I did get a chance to examine it, it was a very nice looking gun. The mottled hard rubber forend and grips were very attractive, but the checkering on them had been worn down almost smooth. It locked up as tight as the day it left the factory.
Driftwood Johnson
Member
I stopped watching that show when their 'expert' demonstrated he did not know anything about the proper way to load a SAA.
While I was at the SWCA annual show in KC, Pawn Stars had the show on with the woman with the cut down Revolving Rifle. The serial number is 476.
The other thing about that show that bugged me. They wouldn't but any gun, unless they could shoot it. Tell you what, after you buy it from me, you can do whatever you want. But, ONLY after you buy it. In other words, they shoot it and it blows up, sorry your out X amount of dollars.
No way.
