Collecting Plastic Pistols??

[Redcoat3340]

I've been thinking about my "collecting," especially my S&Ws, both pistols and revolvers.

And I have a couple of questions:

1. Back in the "day" were folks buying Smith pistols (1st, 2nd, and 3rd gen [or any others ala BHP or Colt Gold Cups]) as simply the best "tools" available for LEO work, or hunting, or self protection, or competition; or for the future as an investment? And why or why not?

2. How about today? I wonder the breakdown of people buying metal pistols/revolvers as an investment or collectors' pieces, versus for actual use (again, LEO, hunting, self-protection, etc.)

I know from my own purchasing that I wanted an example of all three generations of Smith pistols, in 39, 59, (and 69), plus 40 and 45; and 38S&W, 38 special, .357, and .45 in revolvers. I never bought (read could afford) collector grade guns, but took great joy in amassing them in shooter grades.

But I wanted most of them for actual shooting or carry (CS9, 4513TSW, 4013TSW, M&P .40, Shield). I've never considered buying, say, an M&P as an investment.

So here's the big question:
What do folks think about whether people are buying plastic pistols (M&P, Sig 320, Glock, etc.) for anything other than actual shooting? Are folks buying, say Glock 19s, and putting them in the safe, complete with packaging and papers to sell in 5 or 10 years. (Or, who was smart enough to buy a couple of Pythons 10 years ago to store in order to reap the goofy prices they are going for now?)

In other words are peoples' attitudes towards buying different today than they were 20 years ago...or have we always just bought the most modern thing to use, took good care of it, and luckily now find they are worth more and more.

I just buy stuff I like and could probably get by with 5 or 6 handguns -- a smallish 9mm, a medium sized .40 and a regular sized 45; instead of the bunch-a-guns I have in the safe. (And could probably forego the .40)...same with revolvers: J-frame, 38 special ala model 10, and 4" 357.

Wadda ya think? Is anyone "collecting" plastic?

 

[Moo Moo]

I've picked up a Gen 3 Glock 23 and 22 for my collection as this was what I use to be issued with when I was in the Police. Given Australian Gun Laws, I've only purchased them used and at a low price as these models will never really increase in value if I purchased them brand new.

I'm now after a Glock 27 to complete the collection.

 

[merl67]

People collect all sorts of things for various reasons. While it is hard for us to imaging someone collecting plastic guns I am sure there are those that do. Take for instance the 98 Mauser in all of its different variations at the close of WW2 there were thousand brought back from Europe, and who know how many more imported post war they were cheap so were 1911's M1's, and many others no one thought of them as collectables back then. Many Mausers were sporterized to suit their owners. Now those same guns are worth quite a bit. I drive a 1964 Chevrolet C10 stepside I can remember as a kid my daddy buying similar trucks for no more than a few hundred bucks now days that won't buy you a fender. I look at new trucks and think they will never be considered classic, but who knows...

 

[THE PILGRIM]

I used to collect Swizzle Sticks and Match Books.
That was when I hung around places which had those items.
I also buy and keep the guns I like, many of which are Smiths.
If you like Plastic Guns, go for it!
You are officially authorized.
The Green Light is on!

 

[LostintheOzone]

No.

Firearms are a poor 'investment'. I have a fund that's doing 15% this year. Try and match that without an FFL.

Collecting is a loosing investment unless you go after the high end pieces. Start at $2500. There isn't any plastic in that category.

 

[.357magger]

If you ask this question on any of the sites dedicated to "Combat Tupperware " you'll be bombarded with comments about tactical utility, the use of firearms simply as a tool and selection of the best tool, and ergonomics. Those getting hot and bothered about Gen 1 Glocks are few and far between.

I'm sure somebody collects them, but if you think you're going to beat the S&P with your Glock collection...uh...you won't.

 

[merl67]

No.

Firearms are a poor 'investment'. I have a fund that's doing 15% this year. Try and match that without an FFL.

Collecting is a loosing investment unless you go after the high end pieces. Start at $2500. There isn't any plastic in that category.

I have to respectfully disagree as a pure stand alone investment yes it would not be wise. I had a collection of Mauser rifles an Enfield a Arisaka type 38 I had accumulated these over a period of about 10 years. There were 7 rifles in all I never paid retail and was careful with my purchases. 2 years ago I decided to sell (wife was convinced I was dying) and buy myself a classic truck records indicated I had spent approximately $2000 on these when the last one sold I had $5000 to find the truck I wanted, my wife was amazed as she never really supported my habit I mean hobby. Now if my math is correct that works out to about 9.5%, give or take. I wish I could figure the risk vs loss numbers, but that's above my pay grade. Yes I could have made more with typical investments, but it wouldn't have been near as fun. I now collect S&W revolvers using the same principles the best part is my wife now thinks I might just know what I am doing. For what it's worth I do have a 401K in good old mutual funds, and a savings account I look at the guns as part of a diversified portfolio.

 

[bdGreen]

I bought this one through the P.D. Never carried it on duty. But, given the opportunity and the deep discount, why not.

Been a few years, but, see no reason to get rid of it either.
I will keep it.

It is one that goes on the road with me, everywhere.

enjoy,

bdGreen

 

[jeffrefrig]

I have an acquaintance who has, I believe, 19 Glocks. He said all of them are around 20 years old or older. He's just a shooter, not a collector for profit. I guess he just likes Glocks. But only the older ones for some reason. Maybe somebody like that may be willing to pay a premium for some obscure Glock NIB, but I doubt anyone bought anything polymer 25 years ago thinking $$$$$.

 

[mikerjf]

Was gold a good investment? Beanie Babies? Enron stock-the "smartest guys in the room"? Real estate? How about Lucent? Toilet paper? Ammo?

Virtually every investment, it depends - when did you buy it and when did you sell it?

(To which I would add, and what did the dollar do meanwhile?)

 

[Onomea]

I have never bought a gun as an investment. I buy 'em just because I like 'em.

Sold off most of the accumulation a few years ago. I think I broke about even. But, that wasn't the point. The accumulating, the research, the negotiations, the acquisitions, the shooting.... it was all, well, entertaining.

I enjoyed it. And that was the point. I feel it was money well spent.

 

[Golddollar]

I have never bought a gun as an investment. I buy 'em just because I like 'em.

This is pretty much my intention when I am buying guns. For the most part I figure on taking them out to shot them at some point. The only two I am pretty sure I will keep unfired deliberately are the Punxsutawney Phil Commemorative S & W Model 629 .44 Magnum revolver and the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club Winchester Model 94 .30-30 that marks the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club.

 

[Ματθιας]

I have a buddy who collects all things Glock. He has most if not all the models and variations within the models - no G18, though. He even manged to find both a G25 and a G28. With the exceptions of the G25, and G28, I believe most, if not all are NIB. He has the knives, tools and all sorts of promo stuff. To me, it is a pretty impressive collection!

I collected a bunch of military surplus firearms pre-2008. They were cheap and under $200. I collected them because I like(d) them. Now, I look at them as an investment.

Mosins (Russian) were $50, on sale 15-20 years ago. They were a dime a dozen. Even up until a few years ago, they could be had for ~$150. Now they seem to start at $400 and are going up. I think the most I paid for any milsurp was $350. Almost every single one of the milsurps I have is over $300, at least, looking at GB prices and stuff being sold on various websites.. Right now, I'm just sitting on them. I'll sell them, eventually...

 

[murphydog]

I can guarantee you there are collectors out there stashing away NIB (insert brand and model of polymer semiautomatic pistols here). Eventually, they will no longer be made with their current specific features and a future buyer will get the "gotta have it" bug and pay extra money for one, or they want a "birth year" gun, or will have some other reason to want it.

Of course companies sometimes come up with plastic guns that seem pretty collectible for various reasons - the recent ex-US military Sig-Sauer M17s come to mind.

On the surface it seems easy to discount these non all wood and steel guns as future collectibles, but common NIB guns eventually go up in value. And they are still guns with intrinsic utility, not Beanie Babies or Pet Rocks.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

My stock broker was pretty much worthless, he not once had advice that panned out in 17 years! My brother and I gave him a card a card at his retirement reception about 4 years ago. We were talking how bad the returns were on investments, but then he says "What else you going to do with your money?" I said buy guns, Pre-War large frame, large caliber 95% or better Smiths or Colts. He smarts of and say was is the return? I replied I have a friend that was up 350%to 400% in the last 6 years. Then he pops off , "what on one or two guns?" No, on 45 to 50 and is still buying. When you don't need the money to eat You just keep re-investing. (Same phrase he used all the time!) Now my friend is still getting 100% plus a year, His original 25 grand is about 200 grand!

"Yes, but is it a safe investment?" My response is, Remember Enron, World Com, and AT&T Tanked the same week. (Dad lost about 2.5 million in 48 hours!) The problem is: On good old guns, somebody dies for you to make a good buy!

Ivan

 

[Laketime]

As much as I’m not a fan of plastic pistols, I know that I am outnumbered by those that are. Those who are and future generations will definitely be seeking to buy those early ones .Current collector’s may disagree with that prediction because they themselves are not interested in those.But we are not talking about them here in this category.And like everything else those early NIB or near to will bring in crazy money.

 

[PPS1980]

People collect all sorts of things for various reasons. While it is hard for us to imaging someone collecting plastic guns I am sure there are those that do. Take for instance the 98 Mauser in all of its different variations at the close of WW2 there were thousand brought back from Europe, and who know how many more imported post war they were cheap so were 1911's M1's, and many others no one thought of them as collectables back then. Many Mausers were sporterized to suit their owners. Now those same guns are worth quite a bit. I drive a 1964 Chevrolet C10 stepside I can remember as a kid my daddy buying similar trucks for no more than a few hundred bucks now days that won't buy you a fender. I look at new trucks and think they will never be considered classic, but who knows...

Funny you mention pickups. My daughter is showing me some of the "affordable" collector pickups and many are those awful boxy pickups from the 70s and 80s. Each generation has their take on these things. I already know people who collect "plastic" pistols. While I own no pistol I don't carry, I do own 4 P99s (9mm, 40, 357, and compact 9). Took me 4+ years to find the 357! So I guess I'm one of those guys.

 

[Moo Moo]

As far as collectible Glocks, from what I've seen on the net, the Gen 3 RTF's 17 and 22's are the most wanted by Glock fans.

 

[Neversink n Klapperthal]

Old Smiths are collectable due to great workmanship that we usually dont see in most of todays guns. They are guns of a bygone time.Just dont see this happening with plastic guns

 

[growr]

Can you imagine this at a gun show/ museum in the future If they still exist...

"Grandpa look!!! I found a Glock .......man, haven't seen one of those in years....you used to have one of those didn't you?"

Randy