Any of you just about gave up on collecting S&W's?

[Rpg]

Every now and again, I locate a S&W that interests me.

I can't buy them all, or even many of them.

But since I'm not a systematic collector, I occasionally have the happy circumstances of locating something interesting and having some extra cash.

If it's stainless, I'm not interested.

If it's built before 1980 or so, I may have some interest.

If it's built in the '70s or earlier, my interest is greater.

If it's pre model, my interest is even greater.

If it's after 1980, I see it as something i need not preserve and can beat up with a clear conscious.

Sort of a disposable firearm, akin to a zip lock bag.

But that's just my taste.

 

[LVSteve]

I got bitten by the milsurp bug. The variety and low cost sucked me in. I tried to keep it Enfields (born British) and Mosins (lots of variations and cheap) but somehow a bunch of Mausers found their way into the house, too.

 

[LTC]

Like many here I have accumulated a number of S&W's over the past 5-6 years. I was a late starter. I started with K frames and graduated to N frames. I have from .22lr 17's to .45 Colt 25-5's. All are blue and Walnut.
I have about all I want and most are shot at least occasionally.

I have been drawn to milsurps and have centered my interests to training arms. Springfield 1922, SMLE converted MkIII and MkIII*, Winchester 52 pre A's, BSA Martini's, Mauser type KKW's. I really enjoy the search.

I need something to keep my mind active during my retirement years.

LTC

 

[S&WForty]

I'm similar to SquarePizza. I have all I need. I more or less have all I want. I only have 5 revolvers, all new models bought in 2013 and 2014. If I don't quit reading this forum, I am sure I'll end up finding another model I want. I longed for a 686 for years before getting one, so I won't be buying something for mere want anytime soon.

 

[PlaytheAces]

I haven't given up as much as I pretty have those I want, and my wants were fairly modest to begin with compared to many. Just isn't anything I want that bad anymore.

I'm not exactly ancient, but I'm old enough that I think I'm pretty much past the collecting/accumulating stage. I actually have a Ruger and a Colt sitting on my desk that I've been mulling putting on the block. I think the time is fast approaching where if I don't shoot it, I'm ready to let loose of it.

At least the non S&Ws.

 

[Brian41]

I'm like some others in that I have most of what I want in S&W revolvers. It took a lot of years and fortunately they were cheaper then and I worked a fair amount of overtime to afford them. I'm retired now and don't have the extra money anymore either. I have started doing some trading now and my last two 1911s I got that way.
I did wind up with some cash from some trades a year or so ago. I put that in my gun fund but have yet to find something I must own. Nice to know it's there if needed though.
I'm wanting to concentrate on shooting them more now that I have the time to do so. Can't hardly wait for the weather to improve so I can shoot again.

 

[BKDinTexas]

Yes I have.

 

[pawncop]

I will continue to accumulate as I come across those firearms that call to me.

As I am not an official collector, mine will be my version of the neverending story.

 

[Mike McLellan]

I've forced myself to collect only K frame revolvers. The new ones (Post 1981) don't interest me, and I have a good assortment of older shooters. I don't have, or need; a K-32, a model 45, or any of the WWII historically significant guns.

I still browse the various gun sites, but I'm pretty much satisfied with what I have. However, if I run into a 1905 2nd model in with extractor pins, target sights, 6" barrel, and not too pretty, I'd be interested.

 

[dant]

Yep, same here, its not as fun anymore, way too costly, yes, some still come to me and I find them for others, always like to "look/see" and still tinker on them, but have run the gamut of all of them, S&W, Colt ,High Standard, and even Rugers, and now and then a US military gun or two.....
keeping things "local" , close to home.

 

[boatme99]

I've never considered myself a collector. I just buy what catches my eye at the time.

I have gotten a bit more discerning with the years, and hanging out here has given me enough knowledge to dangerous.
In fact, the danger is so real, I bought a 15-3 this week.

I should have seen the warning signs:
Sweating palms.
Visiting the pawn shops to kill time.
Perusing Cheesy Shoppers and Farthing Savers at breakfast.
Burn holes mysteriously appearing in my pockets.
The subtle rationalization that $XXX is really a darn good deal.

But collecting?
No, I'm not collecting.

 

[peterdeb]

Like a lot of OP here, I have all I want or need, Rifles and handguns and ammo. I won't sell them and occasionally shoot them. I will browse gunbroker or armslist just to see whats out there and their prices but I have lost the craving to buy just one more. I guess everything reaches its saturation point eventually, I know I have. Don't get me wrong, I still love spending time wiping down a Model 10 or 36. In fact, I think that is what satisfies the urge to buy.

 

[Old 44 Guy]

My love affair with S&W's began in the 50's before marriage & kids. Had quite a few of vintage Smith's. Most have fallen to family members as the years went by. All I have now are modern stainless pieces. So much for collecting I now shoot them all.

 

[629shooter]

I still have a few that I would like to have.

 

[MaricopaKid]

When I turned 65 I began selling a few; started collecting aches and pains.