The thread asking for sponsors for the SWCA got me to thinking, would it be worth it to me to join? I don't own any older commercial S&W's, and the only vintage Smiths I own are a 1917 and a Victory model. But I do really enjoy the history of firearms. And of course if I had the opportunity, I would love to own some of the classics. So I'm looking for input....talk me into joining...assuming I can find a sponsor of course!
Thanks

There are three main benefits of joining the S&WCA. First, we publish three journals per year that are filled with great articles about S&W firearms. Second, we have an eGroup that is for members only that allows you to communicate directly with other members of the S&WCA about S&W firearms. Roy Jinks is a major participant in the eGroup and answers many questions that no one else can. Third, we have an annual meeting with displays of S&Ws you will never see anywhere else, and the annual meeting allows you to meet and eventually network with other members. I have obtained some of my best guns through my contacts in S&WCA.

Bill Cross
President, S&WCA

I am a real rookie at the collecting, but I really treasure my SWCA membership. I have been to two meetings and going to my third this summer. I highly recommend it.

Yup, it is worthwhile to be a member. I'm just an old wore out cop and I had a GREAT time at the meeting in Richmond in '07.

The members and their spouses are great folks.

Even max! max's problem is that he won't let anyone else buy the beer; he insists on doing the buying.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Curious, what are the requirements for membership?

Ditto all the above. Like any organization, you get out of it more than you put in it, if you are serious about your hobby interests and have at least a modest budget for same. I have been collecting ( some say accumulating!) guns of all kinds for all most 80 yrs. now, and have gone through many phases of collecting interests, Lugers, Auto pistols,Colts, Winchester, S&Ws, etc. and am one of the Founding members of several collector assoc., including S&WCA. Guns come & go, but the knowledge gained and the friends I've made have stayed with me over the years, and I'm still learning new things daily and making more friends. Your call, but I'm betting you will never regret it, if you join the S&WCA and most of all "Participate!" ( It's close, but you still have time to join and attend the June annual meeting in Troy, MI.) Good Luck, Ed.

bamabiker...An interest in the collecting of Smith & Wesson firearms and memorabilia (including literature, etc.). I also believe an interest in the history of Smith & Wesson (the company) also makes your membership much more interesting.

Bill

My only regret is my SWCA # is as high as it is. I should have joined years ago. I have always had a pretty decent working knowledge of Smiths but the knowledge that I have gained from this forum and my association membership has expanded what I knew 100 fold.

Plus if you do the Tulsa show you can rest at the SWCA table...almost worth the dues by itself

what are the annual dues for a swca membership?

You can rest at the SWCA table in Tulsa? That alone is worth the price of admission. Wish I'd known that

I'm member since a few weeks and I've learned more in this time than in the 20 years before, since I begun to start my interest in handguns, especially S&W and early American revolvers of all brands.

Its always interesting to read and discuss about our common interest. The journal is real interesting.

Edit: I see it's an old thread.
To answer the question: please read the part "become a member" on the SWCA website http://www.theswca.org/become_a_member.html

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best regards
Denni

I joined last year at Tulsa, Lee sponsored me. I just accumulate hand-ejectors, no real system or niche to it. You can go to the BBQ at Tulsa, and meet nice folks and see really cool stuff. The journal is super.

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Wayne
Torn & Frayed

I'm glad I joined. Great bunch of guys (and Gals!) and I learn something from every issue of the magazine.

Do it!

So how does one join SWCA?

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Doug "N Frame Addict"
CO

Best $60 I ever spent.

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SWCA #2601

You find a member to sponsor you or get a letter of reference from an FFL that has known you at least five years, then fill out an application. Things are pretty well explained on the application, which can be found at Smith & Wesson Collectors Association

It truly is a wonderful group to be a part of - absolutely fantastic people! I can't really even call myself a collector yet based on the size of my "collection," but what I lack in guns, I make up for in interest. I can't recommend joining highly enough.

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Peter
S&WCA #2620

Does having as many Ruger as S & W disqualify me?

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Vet, gun owner, liberal

Buckingham...I am a life member of the RCA, S&WCA, and founding member of the S&WHF and the Ruger Owners and Collectors Society. I have been collecting Ruger FT 44s and early Super Blackhawks as long as I have been collecting S&W 44 Magnums. You are certainly welcome.

Bill

It's nice to be a part of this group. Even though I can't teach much I sure as hell learn a lot!

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Jorge

Buckingham - Well, maybe they'll take you as a provisional member! ; )

In addition to all of the above, learning the triple secret handshake was the most fun I've had joining any club.

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James Redfield
LM #497

+1 on that. Of course, that leads to S&WHF membership, more shooting, shameless accumulating, and spending far too much time here. Not that there's anything wrong with that

Oh, and LERKing here is not a bad thing.

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50 Years of DSOTM

For me it was the secret decoder ring. Good folks, good times, good resources!

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Randy
Provenance nerd

I recently joined in the last couple of months. I do not own any historic or rare S&Ws but simply love all things Smith. I am glad I joined. Do it, I don't think you will regret it.

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SWCA #2922

I am a former member and my reasons for not re upping are my own. I would recommend being a member if for any other reason to get to go to the annual meeting. My first meeting was in Utah in '06 and the memory still sticks to this day. You can learn a lot of great stuff you would otherwise not have access to. Go for it.

DW

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"NUTS"

In addition to learning the secret handshake, another significant benefit was bestowed upon me about fifteen years ago.

The phone rang. It was someone I had never heard of, but he identified himself as an SWCA member. He said he'd been looking through the SWCA Roster, and saw I collected target guns. "Correct." "Do you have a Triplelock?" "No." "Do you want one?" "Yes!!"

There followed a description of one he wanted to sell, which concluded with these words: "Ralph, this is the best one we've ever seen."

That gun lives at my house now. It's the best one I've ever seen too.

Never would have happened but for the SWCA Roster.

Ralph Tremaine