2 grand, one gun. What would you get?

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sigp220.45

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My Dad wants to put $2,000 into one gun as sort of a certificate of deposit. He's asked me to help him pick something. It wouldn't necessarily be a safe queen, but it would mostly just be a place to park the money for a while so it needs to be something that isn't likely to lose value. He's not looking for a quick turnaround, so it doesn't need to be something that would skyrocket in value, either.

I've considered a Python, but I'm afraid that crazy bubble might burst soon.

My short list is a NIB Colt SAA from the current production, a decent matching Luger, or a pre-war Smith of some make. I've also thought about a Browning Superposed.

Any ideas?

Thanks!
 
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There are many as good or better than money in a bank but needless to say you must buy very wisely and know what the real going values for condition have been. A colt SAA would be near the top of the list. NOT necessarily a current production, but a older honest and honestly priced one. I am sure the same can be said for a s&w registered mag etc. Good high condition winchesters too. Many different guns out there too that would be safe bets however it all highly depends on your knowledge of buying. I wouldnt mess with anything BUT winchester, colt or smith and wesson. Frankly, if you have to ask I doubt your judgement is a good bet on the master plan and I really dont mean to give that as a insult and highly apologize if taken that way.
 
Look for something rare and in high condition. With that kind of money you should be able to do okay finding something that meets those two requirements. You might even be able to get two pistols. Those two factors will always demand more money later on unlike varying trends in model, size, color, or caliber.

Think of the value of a gun I know you are familiar with, the FBI 1076. Rare and if in high condition with original box will demand value and they've only increased over the last few years.
 
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My highest value gun that I own IS a 2 1/2" 1971 nickle python. I bought it on a wild 1/2 off price sale I think in january of 1971 or 72. I paid about $165s (1/2 retail at the time) for it and have had several offers for around $4,000s for it!! Less than a week ago near me in a pawn shop I seen a 4" stainless steel python that looked new or next to it for $1,800s. I didnt ask if it had the box and docs since I wasnt buying. Even if it didnt have them and even without dickering, I would have considered it a safe buy for your goal. If interested go here. If you do, tell clarance I sent you. They are good people to do business with.
Beaver Sport and Pawn - Southern Utah Guns, Ammo, Hunting and Fishing - Home



 
feralmerril said:
There are many as good or better than money in a bank but needless to say you must buy very wisely and know what the real going values for condition have been. A colt SAA would be near the top of the list. NOT necessarily a current production, but a older honest and honestly priced one. I am sure the same can be said for a s&w registered mag etc. Good high condition winchesters too. Many different guns out there too that would be safe bets however it all highly depends on your knowledge of buying. I wouldnt mess with anything BUT winchester, colt or smith and wesson. Frankly, if you have to ask I doubt your judgement is a good bet on the master plan and I really dont mean to give that as a insult and highly apologize if taken that way.
Click to expand...

Haha! No one has ever accused me of having good judgement about much of anything.

I'm just looking for input on specific guns in his price range, which isn't high enough to get really high-grade stuff.
 
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I'm not sure the Beanie Baby of revolvers, the Python, would be on my list. They aren't that rare. Pretty much if you want a new in box Python in almost any configuration you can find them any day of the week. A lot of Pythons, just like 3rd Gen SAA were bought and tossed in the safe. I look at them like commemoratives which have pretty much never been a good place to put your money. Then there is the fake box and refinished Pythons being passed off as NIB. It is market one can burned and burned badly. The current prices sure look like bubble to me, the Python just isn't that rare. If I owned any Pythons I would be taking my profit and selling right now. Sorry Colt guys; I just don't see today's Python prices as reflecting any kind of reality.

Old Winchester are bit soft on the market unless they are super high condition rare variations. Colt SAA kind of are the same these days. I guess us old guys that grew up on western movies are beginning to drop off as is the interest in old Colts and Winchesters for much of the market.

High condition American side by side shotguns are doing well, especially in small gauges but you had better know your stuff before you start swimming in that pool. Like most collectable firearms it is easy to get burned. Upgrades, refinished guns and mechanical messes are pretty common.

If I'm buying today I would look at early S&W 28s and 19s, including the pre models, in nib condition. They were working guns so high condition NIB is very rare. Prices are still kind of low when compared to other close models. You might add high condition pre 29 and 27 which have shown upwards trends that last few years but are still affordable. If you buy today at a reasonable price for $2000 you could put a few in the safe and not get hurt. If you buy high condition guns that have hints of use you can take them out of safe once in awhile and have fun with them. That is the best of both worlds.
 
find handguns in usa that meet canadian antique status requirements, import them and make a bundle.(antique revolvers are not considered a restricted firearm and so can be legally carried and discharged anywhere a non restricted firearm can be) large calibre revolvers like 44 russian/ american are favoured. there are some webleys in 45 acp that command big bucks as well.
but beware ,like feralmerril has indicated, you better be on your game
 
Bill Bates said:
I'm not sure the Beanie Baby of revolvers, the Python, would be on my list. They aren't that rare. Pretty much if you want a new in box Python in almost any configuration you can find them any day of the week. A lot of Pythons, just like 3rd Gen SAA were bought and tossed in the safe. I look at them like commemoratives which have pretty much never been a good place to put your money. Then there is the fake box and refinished Pythons being passed off as NIB. It is market one can burned and burned badly. The current prices sure look like bubble to me, the Python just isn't that rare. If I owned any Pythons I would be taking my profit and selling right now. Sorry Colt guys; I just don't see today's Python prices as reflecting any kind of reality.

Old Winchester are bit soft on the market unless they are super high condition rare variations. Colt SAA kind of are the same these days. I guess us old guys that grew up on western movies are beginning to drop off as is the interest in old Colts and Winchesters for much of the market.

High condition American side by side shotguns are doing well, especially in small gauges but you had better know your stuff before you start swimming in that pool. Like most collectable firearms it is easy to get burned. Upgrades, refinished guns and mechanical messes are pretty common.

If I'm buying today I would look at early S&W 28s and 19s, including the pre models, in nib condition. They were working guns so high condition NIB is very rare. Prices are still kind of low when compared to other close models. You might add high condition pre 29 and 27 which have shown upwards trends that last few years but are still affordable. If you buy today at a reasonable price for $2000 you could put a few in the safe and not get hurt. If you buy high condition guns that have hints of use you can take them out of safe once in awhile and have fun with them. That is the best of both worlds.
Click to expand...

I think this is a good assessment with what's going on right now, and where things are likely going. How much higher can Python's really go? The pricing increases seem too much, too fast. I look at this, and agree that several Smiths have great potential for growth.
I agree to put your investment in 2 or more if possible. Also would try to buy something that there would be an interest in actually owning or using.
 
I thought I wanted a Python until I actually handled one.

I really don't like the large gaps in front of and behind they cylinder. It's like how we prefer recessed cylinders because of the aesthetics.

It has the nice bluing, and the rib on top is kind of cool. Awesome action.

But I really don't like so much daylight around the cylinder.

The Python has reached pop-star status; bigger than life, and its reputation far exceeds the reality. People always love mythical, mystical, unobtanium baubles to spend big buck$ on.

$2000 one gun? For me, something historical like a rare war era 1911, Luger etc.

For that kind of money I want a return on investment (Pythons for me are too risky).
 
S&W Model 617 4 inch barrel 10 shot cylinder

S&W Model 686 4 inch barrel 6 shot cylinder

and then i would use the remaining money to buy ammo for both guns.
 
It Would be a toss up between a Mint condition Colt Python or a Wilson combat 1911. I'd probably decide which by getting the first of these two that I found available. I dream of them both.....
 
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This one was mfg in 1979 or 80. I bought it with no box or docs in 1991. It didnt look fired, still looks the same. I see I paid $407.36. I think it would bring a safe $2,200s or so today. That probley was the going price back then, not particularly a smoking deal. I added the faux ivory with colt gold emblems about two years ago for around a $100s.
I would say if you could find similar for $1,900s it would be better than money in the bank. I did not closely examine the SS 4" in beaver but if as good as it looked to me it would be a better than safe buy. I aint got the $1,800s, already have these two pythons so passed it.



 
Since most CD's have fairly low interest rates.... Firearms are a good alternative, however, a bit more difficult to dispose of when necessary.

Pre-64 Winchester Model 70. Prices of these have continued to appreciate.

Any of a number of good quality over/under shotguns.

Revolver: Colt Python or Anaconda. Forget the King Cobra. S&W 610.
 
Gaps in the cylinder? How about the front gap in the all mighty 27? Look at the difference between it and the 19. I have a 5" 27-2, a 3" 66-3 and those two pythons. Carrying the pythons is like wearing a rolex watch to work in a foundry! Years ago I shot, reloaded and experimented a lot. Dont do 5% of what I did in the 70s, but I compared my 357s python and trooper off the bench rested with many loads against my 5" 27-2 that I also bought new. The colts outshot it.
I will say the old model colt trooper was my favorite. Thats because they are lighter than the python, 27 or 28s. Had a couple of them too. However the grip frame does fit my hands better on smiths. You can take care of that though with custom grips. A well bought python is a safe investment along with many other guns. However the python, SAA are fast sellers. I also like new services etc but not many of the younger generation buyers even know what they are. To be safe you have to stick with whats "in" with the younger mindset.
 
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Two words....Win-Chester.:D

Good condition pre 64's have gained value steadily since they were made.

Another thought might be a new in the box Browning 22 auto. For two grand, he should be able to find one of the higher grade engraved models.
 
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I think I'd feel better buying a couple of guns, rather than putting all into what might be a bubble gun.

Buy two of this list:

3 1/2 27
3" 24
3" 29
3" 696
A Pre 29

That way you diversify and I don't feel like these guns are bumping up against sanity in pricing. JMO
 
S&W45Colt said:
I think I'd feel better buying a couple of guns, rather than putting all into what might be a bubble gun.

Buy two of this list:

3 1/2 27
3" 24
3" 29
3" 696
A Pre 29

That way you diversify and I don't feel like these guns are bumping up against sanity in pricing. JMO
Click to expand...


These are great choices for pre-lock S&W revolvers that will never lose value, despite currently trading at high prices.
 
Another gun that has been taking off is the USFA revolvers since they have quit building them. Many claim they were higher quality than colts.
I would be looking at like new pre 64 winchesters in any models, pre lock smiths, older like new colts. A freedom arms if bought right, some brownings etc. Let me show you a few I have that I am talking about.
A winchester 63 I found new in the box 30 years after end of production

A like new 1952 winchester model 64 I bought around 1980.

A browning BSS made around 1980 that I bought on a half price sale.

Browning safari 308 also late 70s early 80s era, another 1/2 price sale

Ithica supream skeet 20 guage, also bought for half price around 1985. Still havent shot it.

There are many antique guns that money can be made on but you really have to know your stuff. I dont see or want any gun made in the last 25 or so years made that would be a safe bet for your purposes except for colt single actions if bought "right" or the USFA single actions.
 
I chose the best rifle I could buy quality wise in 223 its the Russian izmash saiga in 233 for $259 & the 308 for $289. They came with extra mag. I felt bad about owing such an affordable
quality rifle and not buying the slamma-jamamic ar 15, I purchased a saiga for all six family members.
It's our version of homeland security. I was never fond of the ak/akm because of there poor fit when they were butchered when they eliminated the full auto feature by the meat cutters. But when I seen this brand new Russian izmash saiga being offered I jumped on it and never looked back. With its flawless battle field design for many decades I wanted the brand new Russian rifle. After cleaning it and living it with moly even the trigger was smoother too. These rifles spit out the 223 & 308 rounds like no other semi auto rifle I have. Don't let the stamped sheet metal design fool you too. The saiga in 308 shoots 1 1/2" groups at 100yds with a 16" barrel using surplus south African 308 ball ammo. If you go to the saiga12 site you will see some guys shooting 1/2" moas using new over the counter better quality ammo. These are the sporting version of the ak/akm rifle. Don't let the looks fool you.
 
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mc5aw said:
For $2K I'd buy a pair of new Colt ARs, keep them NIB until the next ban panic, then turn them over for a profit. Not if, but when.
Click to expand...

There will be another run on them, politicians are like the scorpions in that old fable, they can't help themselves it's in their nature. An enterprising fellow will easily double his investment dollar with a Colt AR.
 
Pre 64 Winchester model 70 in Supergrade or Featherweight in 358 at 95% or better if you can find one. Guarenteed profit but locating one at that price could be a chore.
 
There are so many great suggestions in this thread, it would be hard to choose what to spend the $2K on. The high quality and collectible revolvers (Colt, USFA, S&W) have the best "slow & steady" value, while the Colt AR probably has the greatest potential for a spike in appreciation.

The former group reminds me of the traditional stocks everyone had in their portfolios ... the Fortune 500 companies that always appreciated and paid dividends. The latter choice is reminiscent of the dot-com stocks of the 1990s. Some folks cleaned up while the market ran, other got their clocks cleaned when the market crashed. At the height of last year's buying panic, I sold a LNIB pre-Ilion Bushmaster M4 (completely stock, base model) for $2,500 at my small town LGS. Not even two years prior, I purchased it for $1k. I never had any other firearm appreciate at such a dramatic rate in so short a time. The AR market has come back to reality now, so those who bought high are stuck for the immediate future. But the folks who have hung onto beautiful revolvers are watching their firearms move steadily upward.

For longer term holding, I'd go with virtually any nice condition vintage Colt or S&W. For short term speculation, it's the Colt AR. The USFAs are currently trading at their peak pricing, and I'm not confident that $2K on a USFA now is going to appreciate much more over the next few years, especially if the rumor holds true that Doug Donnelly is going to produce some limited SAs again in 2015.
 
mg357 said:
S&W Model 617 4 inch barrel 10 shot cylinder

S&W Model 686 4 inch barrel 6 shot cylinder

and then i would use the remaining money to buy ammo for both guns.
Click to expand...

Throw in a
S&W Model 629 6 inch barrel

and you'd have a wonderful trio.
 
K-22

I would nominate a high condition pre-war K-22 Outdoorsman with box, etc. Of course, the K-22/40 (second model) would be the most desirable and pricey. These things have skyrocketed, and I don't think they are done yet.
 
The ideas of a numbers matching Nazi luger is good, or a large caliber pre 64 Winchester. You might also think about a couple pre model number Smiths. There are a couple real nice prewar heavy duties in the For Sale section. S&W Outdoorsmen are good too.
 
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