Future Revolver Values Projection / Thoughts
- Thread starter VaTom
- Start date
Let me start off by saying I'm 27 years old. I have gone from buying guns to collecting, looking for quality not quantity, having a very specific focus on S&W's and Winchesters. With that comes the added interest in the accessories, holsters, grips, boxes etc. I am "unique" compared to my peers because I have a keen interest in history and social studies...I appreciate the historical factor of firearms but also the craftsmanship. I've learned in a short period of time that you need to be very focused if you're buying for investment purposes... and LUCK is involved. There is a reason why Triple Locks, "357 Magnums", 27's, early 29's command higher prices and will continue to in the future. Same for Winchesters. But as the time moves on I can tell you need to adapt your strategies if you're investing.
I think we have seen a peak in prices for antique firearms on a BROAD scale. My generation will understand the value/price and "cool factor" of a Colt SAA or Winchester 1873, but up to a certain price. We are too far removed in age and history. That will affect the broad market. The exception comes down to condition, rarity, and configuration. I still see 95%+ condition antique guns making new price highs in the future, even if demand weakens, so will supply. I only buy .44/.45 caliber and .30 WCF Winchesters. It's what people want, and the ammo is still available or being made. We have seen the resurgence in .45 Colt, .45-70, and even .44-40. I have shifted my Winchester focus to the smokeless era and collect the 1900-1945 time period for that reason. If you shoot the gun or can shoot the gun it will help its value. I don't buy...25-20, 32-20, 38-55, 40-82, 45-75, etc for that reason.
Back to Smith & Wesson's the same rules apply, but if for investment sake buy the highest quality and most rare examples you can find and time will tell. I still see a strong 20-30 year run ahead. But as prices go up, the market narrows and that problem will continue. My generation buys plastic because they're cheap and they have student debt. But the millions of new shooters will recognize quality as they age and eventually have the resources to buy the collectibles.
If you want to speculate on what will go up in price...then buy what you like and enjoy owning it. I see a strong future market for Performance Center guns, particularly pre-lock Stainless guns from the 1990s. There were lots of special order configurations and limited quantities for various models. But others tend to agree and prices have sky-rocketed on those guns in literally 3-5 years. I have a few guns that have appreciated 100-300% in that time... it's luck.
A lesson I've learned in investing within the financial markets is you make your profit when you buy not when you sell. My collection began as buying the affordable stuff at a deal, and I covered every small auction I could to find the guns and deals! You have to put in the time if you want the reward. I have now reached the point, where I'm having to "pay up" for quality and the rare stuff. A novice collector gets to the point where you need to decide if you have the stomach and wallet to be a serious "collector"...I'm at that point. It's hard to find a deal on Pre-27s and Triple Locks. That is why many here enjoy simply owning these great firearms, shooting them, and enjoying them! I have guns I won't fire because of their condition, and sometimes that sucks. So I often focus on 95-98% condition guns that I can shoot a couple times a year and still be collectible. So decide what you like, what you can afford, be patient and buy the good guns at a good price if you can. Remember prices don't change overnight... this is a gradual change over decades and don't waste your time worrying about losing or gaining 10-20% on a gun.
I think we have seen a peak in prices for antique firearms on a BROAD scale. My generation will understand the value/price and "cool factor" of a Colt SAA or Winchester 1873, but up to a certain price. We are too far removed in age and history. That will affect the broad market. The exception comes down to condition, rarity, and configuration. I still see 95%+ condition antique guns making new price highs in the future, even if demand weakens, so will supply. I only buy .44/.45 caliber and .30 WCF Winchesters. It's what people want, and the ammo is still available or being made. We have seen the resurgence in .45 Colt, .45-70, and even .44-40. I have shifted my Winchester focus to the smokeless era and collect the 1900-1945 time period for that reason. If you shoot the gun or can shoot the gun it will help its value. I don't buy...25-20, 32-20, 38-55, 40-82, 45-75, etc for that reason.
Back to Smith & Wesson's the same rules apply, but if for investment sake buy the highest quality and most rare examples you can find and time will tell. I still see a strong 20-30 year run ahead. But as prices go up, the market narrows and that problem will continue. My generation buys plastic because they're cheap and they have student debt. But the millions of new shooters will recognize quality as they age and eventually have the resources to buy the collectibles.
If you want to speculate on what will go up in price...then buy what you like and enjoy owning it. I see a strong future market for Performance Center guns, particularly pre-lock Stainless guns from the 1990s. There were lots of special order configurations and limited quantities for various models. But others tend to agree and prices have sky-rocketed on those guns in literally 3-5 years. I have a few guns that have appreciated 100-300% in that time... it's luck.
A lesson I've learned in investing within the financial markets is you make your profit when you buy not when you sell. My collection began as buying the affordable stuff at a deal, and I covered every small auction I could to find the guns and deals! You have to put in the time if you want the reward. I have now reached the point, where I'm having to "pay up" for quality and the rare stuff. A novice collector gets to the point where you need to decide if you have the stomach and wallet to be a serious "collector"...I'm at that point. It's hard to find a deal on Pre-27s and Triple Locks. That is why many here enjoy simply owning these great firearms, shooting them, and enjoying them! I have guns I won't fire because of their condition, and sometimes that sucks. So I often focus on 95-98% condition guns that I can shoot a couple times a year and still be collectible. So decide what you like, what you can afford, be patient and buy the good guns at a good price if you can. Remember prices don't change overnight... this is a gradual change over decades and don't waste your time worrying about losing or gaining 10-20% on a gun.
My opinion for what it is worth?
As posters above have already said we are not getting any younger, and we don't seem to be attracting younger people to the SWCA in droves.
I truly hope that my immediate family pursues their interest in my guns to the point that someday...they too may join SWCA, the NRA and whatever other interests tickle their fancy.
Along with myself and maybe others here, I watch with interest that SWCA and now the Historical Foundation are taking measures to carry on the invaluable, priceless work of Mr. Roy and hopefully Mr. Don too.
What may happen to the value of those "old" revolvers with or without box and docs if you would no longer be able to get a "letter" that was signed, sealed and delivered by a real true historian of S & W. If you want to know look at what you get from Colt, or worse yet, try to get any "real" documentation on a Garand........it is all impersonal, clerk searches and/or opinions (very good opinions in some cases, but still opinions).
To increase our chances of Smith & Wesson firearms and accessories staying relevant and increasing in value in the future?? My advice? Talk up the SWCA every chance you get to family, friends, range buddies, shows, LGS, especially to younger people. My kids don't have the money, much less the time, but I still see the gleam in their eyes when the Outdoorsman, or the Model 60, the Highway Patrolman come out of the safe for talking time.
As posters above have already said we are not getting any younger, and we don't seem to be attracting younger people to the SWCA in droves.
I truly hope that my immediate family pursues their interest in my guns to the point that someday...they too may join SWCA, the NRA and whatever other interests tickle their fancy.
Along with myself and maybe others here, I watch with interest that SWCA and now the Historical Foundation are taking measures to carry on the invaluable, priceless work of Mr. Roy and hopefully Mr. Don too.
What may happen to the value of those "old" revolvers with or without box and docs if you would no longer be able to get a "letter" that was signed, sealed and delivered by a real true historian of S & W. If you want to know look at what you get from Colt, or worse yet, try to get any "real" documentation on a Garand........it is all impersonal, clerk searches and/or opinions (very good opinions in some cases, but still opinions).
To increase our chances of Smith & Wesson firearms and accessories staying relevant and increasing in value in the future?? My advice? Talk up the SWCA every chance you get to family, friends, range buddies, shows, LGS, especially to younger people. My kids don't have the money, much less the time, but I still see the gleam in their eyes when the Outdoorsman, or the Model 60, the Highway Patrolman come out of the safe for talking time.
Jack Flash
Member
My welcome to the gent who is 27 and loves the old revolvers. But he is swimming against the stream. Earlier comments about the S&W Collectors photos are right on target. We are (mostly) older guys.
To the OP:
Don't think that buying a run of the mill M10 is a good investment. I saw a beauty in the LGS the other day and plan to go back and get it. But I want it because I want it. I will keep it in the basement, loaded, in case I need it while I'm down there. It will augment other security arrangements. When I sell it, I will be happy if I break even.
Who knows? If the price is low enough on the M19s / M15s there may be a little room for growth. But I wouldn't bank on it. If you want an investment, put your money in the stock market.
To the OP:
Don't think that buying a run of the mill M10 is a good investment. I saw a beauty in the LGS the other day and plan to go back and get it. But I want it because I want it. I will keep it in the basement, loaded, in case I need it while I'm down there. It will augment other security arrangements. When I sell it, I will be happy if I break even.
Who knows? If the price is low enough on the M19s / M15s there may be a little room for growth. But I wouldn't bank on it. If you want an investment, put your money in the stock market.
Im am old member, looking at 70. Im selling the S&Ws I really dont want anymore. My sons all ready have the favorites. I have kept a few that are promised that I will retain. Just enjoy looking at and playing with. My advice, just sell them and let them go. It does not hurt. Best
My collection is MY collection. It is valuable to ME. I have no idea if anyone else will ever value it in sufficiently significant dollars for me to call the guns an investment.
Sticking to revolvers, I have what I have because I wanted what I have. I have obtained good deals, I have paid close to full/sometimes full retail for guns that I wanted. I shoot them all here and there. I just cannot imagine them being worth ten times their value any time soon.
Plain vanilla top quality Smith & Wesson revolvers are fun to collect. I don't think of them as a real investment for my retirement.
Sticking to revolvers, I have what I have because I wanted what I have. I have obtained good deals, I have paid close to full/sometimes full retail for guns that I wanted. I shoot them all here and there. I just cannot imagine them being worth ten times their value any time soon.
Plain vanilla top quality Smith & Wesson revolvers are fun to collect. I don't think of them as a real investment for my retirement.
deangoodman
Member
I never bought a gun intending to make money. I collect Smiths because i like them. When i find one, or two, that i like I buy it. Like the OP i focus on the p&r pre-lock models because i like the quality.
On the supply side I see more of them now than i did a few years ago, mainly being sold to the lgs by the heirs of the original owner.
Both my son and daughter appreciate them and want them to stay in the family. For my son it's the large frame 29s. Nothing like the .44mag at the range to make us grin. For my daughter the .38s and .22lr are what she enjoys.
They arent making any more of them. Some get used and abused, and others get turned in at buybacks. But imo there will always be a market for quality.
On the supply side I see more of them now than i did a few years ago, mainly being sold to the lgs by the heirs of the original owner.
Both my son and daughter appreciate them and want them to stay in the family. For my son it's the large frame 29s. Nothing like the .44mag at the range to make us grin. For my daughter the .38s and .22lr are what she enjoys.
They arent making any more of them. Some get used and abused, and others get turned in at buybacks. But imo there will always be a market for quality.
Targets Guy
US Veteran
I think we will be fine until phasers hit the streets in large numbers.
loeman
Member
Buy what you like. Shoot it, enjoy it! If it gains value, you win! If not, what's the problem? You own a fine firearm that has served your purposes and maybe your heirs admirably. I've never looked at guns as an investment, but in reality they always have been...by default. I've never lost a dime when selling and if the truth be told I've always gained handsomely.
The next P&R S&W I see and like at a good price, I'm taking it home.
The next P&R S&W I see and like at a good price, I'm taking it home.
silversnake
Member
- Joined
- Sep 25, 2015
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I expect prices to keep going up, at least in the short term.
The new revolvers simply aren't as well made and the market for gun buyers is expanding rapidly. Even if only a few of the new buyers get into classic revolvers, demand will still rise while supply never can.
Of course if I'm wrong I will console myself by buying more
The new revolvers simply aren't as well made and the market for gun buyers is expanding rapidly. Even if only a few of the new buyers get into classic revolvers, demand will still rise while supply never can.
Of course if I'm wrong I will console myself by buying more
One day the fans of the plastic pistols will realize that all they have is remoldable, recyclable and disposable stuff that has zero collector's value. Collectable Glocks? I don't think so. The old iron suffers from the cycles and whims of the market, like any other other collectables, but will always have value.
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