Future Classics 1980 to Present

[loeman]

OK, we're not talking about Registered Magnums here, they are certified, undeniable classics. What about the Smiths that fit into the parameters of this thread? What do you think collectors 10 to 30 years from now will be actively seeking (1980 to Present) for their collections?

I just bought one that I think will be a future desirable. It's a Model 681. An all business 357 and there was not a huge number made. What do you think?

I'll post some pics of my "new" 681 soon.

 

[coogan]

I think like anything it will always be the lesser produced models. The down side is that the sheer number of guns being produced today dwarfs those of yesteryear. I have read an NRA estimate that the number of guns owned around 1994 in the US was 190 million and is now hovering around 310 million. I don't know what criteria was used or the realistic accuracy of those numbers is (and my memory may be off a bit on them as well).

Night Guards had a short run. Some of the PD models as well. Performance Centers, etc. The Model 610 is a good one, Mountain Guns are another. P&R 629s are a sleeper in my book.

 

[Wheel Fan]

Maybe they'll stop making internal locks - so all the revolvers with IL's will be collectible. I kid of course.

How about an R8? Of course anything collectible now will be then.

 

[sqhead]

I think any stainless no-lock revolver lnib condition,with the shorter barrels ,will be the guns collectors will look for..the snubby 63,651,631,66,686 etc

 

[fyimo]

I think any of the pre lock no dash models in excellent condition with the box and goodies with be high end collectibles. Models like the 586, 686, 629, 617 to name a few.

 

[SweetMK]

Although I do collect the aforementioned guns, I feel there is little chance their value could exceed typical stock market gains.

The diversity sure is fun, though!!

 

[chipking]

Just a guess but 696's, any of the (pre Lock) Mountain guns, 3 1/2" M27s no matter when made, 3" 24-3s and 624s, Model 65 Ladysmiths.
Chip King

 

[clevolver]

I think any of the pre lock no dash models in excellent condition with the box and goodies with be high end collectibles. Models like the 586, 686, 629, 617 to name a few.

I'd echo that, and add the 625 to that list. Post locks, there really aren't any that I'd consider "future classics".

 

[revho]

Lew Hortons will probably be in there. Customized runs from Jovino.

 

[58619owner]

586 and 686's for sure.

 

[Laketime]

My feeling is that any future collectors will presently be the 20 - 30 age group today.This group as a whole seem to only be interested with black plastic guns.Unless culturally , something changes to redirect attention to revolvers, we might be looking at their demise in whole.

 

[Cpt. Obvious]

681/581, fantastic guns with relatively low production numbers. Any P&R stainless guns, and any short barreled guns, especially in 45 acp or colt, 44 SPL or magnum. And not that they aren't already, but the 9mm J and K frames.

 

[Beemerguy53]

I think some of the Performance Center models, such as the F-Comp, will be prized by collectors. Also the 696, the 625, and anything that came with factory finger-grooved combat grips and still has them...

 

[cherrypointmarine]

I see no one mentioned the 627.I have a no dash with an unfluted cylinder.Besides being an assume shooter,I have been told it is on the most wanted list.I also have a 686 plus Mt gun,and a 629 Mt gun,both of which I would think would make the list.

 

[murphydog]

Just as with the odd gun that "could not have been factory", never say never with fickle future collectors and what they will want. I personally remember 3.5" model 27s, 547s and 696s sitting on shelves gathering dust, and now look at how they sell.

 

[H Richard]

The guns that aren't the most popular now and therefore the lowest # made, will usually be the more desirable collectors in the future. Look at the Mod. 61, the .22 RF Pocket Escort. It was made for three years and dealers had them on their shelves and couldn't give them away. Have you seen one lately? And when you do see one the price is getting up there. I still don't think they are particularly attractive, just unique.

 

[DR505]

627-0 Model of 1989 gets my vote.

 

[holo]

my 681

 

[vegasgunhand]

Being a retired Special Agent for U.S. Customs, I have to say the CS-1. It's already bringing top dollars!

 

[wbraswell]

Maybe I'm more of a skeptic. Anything that goes bang will be a classic.