I have always been a firearms nut but about five years ago I sold all of my plastic guns and moved into Browning hi powers and 1911's of various flavors. Along the way and approaching forty I have found a soft spot for revolvers. The craftsmanship is what intrigues me about all of the firearms built between the 60's and early 80's. That being said I am curious as to your thoughts on buying things like 17's, 19's, 48's, as not only shooting tools but long term investments? The revolver market seems to be pushing on and prices seem to be higher than even a year ago. What are things going to be like in 10 - 15 years because everyone my age goes to a poly instead of steel? Thoughts?

I say buy what you want when you see it for a price you are willing to pay as I don't see revolvers getting any cheaper down the road! Why would you move from steel to plastic in 15 years? They are going to have to bury me with my Steel guns!

My thoughts are buy all right now. The price is going up and 15-20 years from now good luck finding one

I started buying Smith's back in the early 70's.....I have my "work" guns, my hunting guns, target guns and safe queens.
I also have invested in other brands and types, and many of them that I bought back in the 70's, 80's and 90's are no longer available in this country....bottom line is, they are the best investments I ever made.....they are not going to decrease in value or get any cheaper. Invest in a big gun safe, and fill it up.

If you like it, then get it. Like you, I am mainly a 1911 kinda guy, but I have bought a couple of revolvers as of late. They are a pure joy to shoot, and a very nice departure from the 1911 shooting (variety is the spice of life). As others have said, these beauties are probably not coming down in price. I really don't buy guns as investments -- I get them to shoot, BUT if they happen to increase in value, that's added bonus.

Years ago I was in the same position, but shooting a pre-70 Series Colt Gold Cup in .45 ACP. I came across a Model 1905 Target 4th Change revolver which shipped in early 1932 and fell in love with the workmanship. Next I was bequeathed a 6" Colt Python revolver, another example of fine workmanship. By then I was hooked on revolvers and haven't looked back. Buy what appeals to you and don't regard it as an investment, but as a source of visual and tactile pleasure. And don't limit yourself to the '60s - '80s time period if you're looking for craftsmanship.

__________________
"Liberty or Death"

I've only bought guns to shoot and knives to cut stuff: I've never been able to afford to buy them as investments. I love revolvers for the craftsmanship, the long-refined design, the way they look and feel, but most of all because I trust them implicitly to be about as nearly 100% reliable as a handgun can be.

I've owned a couple of Glocks I liked very well, and a Kel-Tec P32 that was okay except that it didn't fit my hand and I couldn't shoot it accurately. No other polymer guns. I'm just very fond of steel revolvers and semi-autos.

My son and his three boys all appreciate revolvers and other guns made of steel and will receive the few I still have when I die, so I know of two more generations that will keep the breed alive. I think there will always be people who value and shoot them.

I applaud your decision to acquire some revolvers. You're going to love them--at your age, for a very long time.

__________________
Oh well, what the hell.

Some will say they won't buy (LNIB) guns or (safe queens) etc,
because they only buy working guns blah blah blah..
I posted pictures of a Very Nice pre-27 that i was fortunate
enough to find when i had the money on hand. It was Like New
in Box with all the "goodies" and a 3 1/2" bbl to boot.
Everything matching, CHERRY. Most guys gave their Congrats,
and some even posted a few pix of their favorite pre-27's
in like condition that they we're very proud to own and
rightly so. But one clown has to post that, "While it is nice
I only buy working guns" "I'll bet this one never gets shot".
What the heck is that? I never said i was'nt shooting it and
who cares what this clown thinks. BUY WHAT YOU LIKE....
They forget that the worn, beat up, looking model 15 they
love so much was once new in the box.
I try to buy the best condition guns i can afford. They will
"always" be worth more and nobody has told me i can't
shoot my "New" looking guns if i choose to do so.
I won't be around forever and my 3 grandkids will get guns
that we're well taken cared for.
Buy the best condition you can afford and you'll not be
disappointed.

Chuck

__________________
They hold no Quarter

Buy em', shoot 'em but take care of 'em and you can't go wrong. I've been buying and shooting Smiths since the seventies and when I think back of some of the purchases I made back then it's pretty incredible. Like a new M41 for $325, new N-frame magnums for $350- $400. I wish I had bought more!

Here is a quick example. I picked up a mint, collector quality 27-2 with a 5" barrel, case, papers and tools for 800 a few years back. Last week 1300 was not enough to buy one just like that gun on GB.

I too have sold off every last modern polymer framed firearm and all but one DA auto to concentrate on the classics: S&W revolvers (even some with the lock!!!) and 1911 style pistols.

A few of my purchases from just three years ago have certainly appreciated significantly. I bought this 98% 27-2 (1975) with all original tools, papers and presentation case for $475. I've seen them sell for close to $1200 on auctions and $900 in gun stores.

the plastic guns will always bee around smith's from the 70's & 80's are only going up in price like vintage muscle cars. they may build new ones but nothing like the old stuff.

Thanks for all of your wisdom. I have been wrestling with this for a little while. I live in an area where most everyone is caught up in glocks and xd's. oh and don't forget the AR Platform. I understand those have their place but for me the feel of wood grips and cocking a the hammer back is amazing.

Uh oh. One of those guys asking for "thoughts?".

Well, I am probably a more dedicated admirer of the 1911 than most casual shooters, but I appreciate "plastic" pistols for what they are and have a few. That seems to be pretty common here. I don't buy guns as investments but generally agree with Chuck's premise to buy the best example of whatever I am looking for, use it - and take care of it. That has always been good advice for best economy, but not necessarily for buying as an investment, which pretty much precludes shooting. If you like the idea of buying guns as an investment, proceed. Being a shooter, I don't really like it and so do very little of it.

It seems that the marketing conversion to plastic fantastics is fairly complete. Younger shooters born and raised in the Glock-era may eventually gravitate to more conventional arms if they continue to develop their interest in shooting, but if they just want a firearm to put in the nightstand drawer to protect the family, probably not. The future of firearms in this country, as it becomes more and more urban, will be target shooting at gun clubs and organized ranges. In any activity that places a premium on precision shooting, so far the plastic, striker-fired pistols are not leading the way. That may change, but right now there seems to be no interest in it.