Holding values

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Tcoburn

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New at this so here goes,

Rumors are that with the creation of Smiths & Wesson Classic Series the value of the original revolvers will be dropping. I will continue to collect as I have become addicted to the "N" frames, but have a well rounded collection. Just curious as to the opinions of the more experienced.
 
There is no way on this Earth or anywhere in the universe that the S&W Classic series will cause values of the original revolvers to drop.

At most, the Classic Series use the same model name, but they lack the perceived advantages of the originals (pinned, recessed where appropriate, handwork, etc.) and they add the "infernal" :) lock, which not only puts the offending device in, but which also changes the lines of the frame, and to my observation, not in a good way.

Sorry, but the most that can be said about the Classic Series is that you can shoot a gun with the same model number as a collector's item without shooting your collector's item.
 
Thanks

I could not believe that the original would ever yield to a newer remake. I have fired some of the remakes and own some actually but my "N" frame model 28 remains tops for carry. I am happy to realize history and classic manufacturing still has its place in the market.
 
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To keep beating on the dead horse (smile) there is nothing "classic" about the Classic Series currently sold by S&W. If nothing else the stupid IL would remove them from that category.

And as stated by a couple of the previous responses, the fit and finish is nothing compared to an original. Sorry, but who ever told you they were going to drive down the value/price of the originals probably just wanted to sell you a Classic Series...or give you a very low price for your real S&W classic!

Dave
 
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Speaking as an N frame enthusiast, there are pre-war and pre-model number "classics" such as the Triple Lock, Heavy Duty, Outdoorsman, Registered Magnum, .44HE Military 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Models, 1950 Target .44, .357 Magnum, Highway Patrolman, and the .44 Magnum. These are true classic examples of the Smith & Wesson N-frame revolver.
56527 44HE3rd right.jpg IMG_2719.JPG S63838 HD 1946.jpg May 1 2010 035.jpg

Then there are the early 1990's era "Classics", the 29, DX, and Magna and 629's; 625-5 SDS, 627 Magnum Hunter, and others. Round butt, full lug, hammer-mounted firing pin, pre-MIM. I believe that the early 1990's "Classics" and pre-MIM's may one day be desirable among collectors.
SW29CKrein05Walkabout.JPG

Other potential desirables include S-prefix N frames, early Mountain Guns, 24-3, 25-9, 29-5 and 29-6, and 629-4. But that's just me.

This is not to say the current "Classic" series are not good revolvers or that they may not be future collectibles. They will have to earn the title.
 
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Not gunna happen. Each year Chevrolet puts out a newer Corvette but I don't see that driving down the prices for truly classic Vetts. As A10 said, "A new gun is a new gun..." and not to be confused with the classic S&Ws.
 
In my opinion the new classics make the values of the old guns increase? The new ones feel kind of cheap and the old ones feel great. Thr only new one I have actually had in my hand was a Model 17. Ther is no comparison to my no dash 1960 model. Brian
 
I think the fact that S&W makes a "classic series" infers that there is a very strong market for the older models, that S&W is attempting to capitalize on. When they offer these models, which are considered sub par in many ways vs old versions, it may reinforce how the old ones, with their consistent quality, will never be made again thus reinforcing their values in today's market. There is a set number of collectible vintage S&Ws for us to fight over, X, and that's it.

Why buy a new copy, when the old one can be found cheaper with some patience?

In addition, I'm not sure that there is enough of the classic ones around to satisfy the overwhelming demand for the vintage S&W hand ejectors. And that would be assuming that people put the new ones in a high regard, which many do not.

In short, the classic series has had little to no effect on the values IMO, and that will not change.
 
Really????

Tcoburn said:
Rumors are that with the creation of Smiths & Wesson Classic Series the value of the original revolvers will be dropping.
Click to expand...

First of all, you're probably in the wrong section of the forum to get an unbiased answer, as those of us that frequent this section believe that the finest revolvers ever made were those S&W's made prior to the 1960's. Second, those who hearken to those "rumors" have not held the "original".:) A few photos to illustrate:

K-22 Outdoorsman (with HBH):



38/44 Outdoorsman (with HBH):



Model 29:



357 Magnum (Post war style):



357 Magnum (pre-war vairety):



In the context of the above, I am comfortable with my belief that the values of the "originals" will continue to hold their own.:)
 
RKmesa said:
A few photos to illustrate:

K-22 Outdoorsman (with HBH):



38/44 Outdoorsman (with HBH):



Model 29:



357 Magnum (Post war style):



357 Magnum (pre-war vairety):

Click to expand...

Absolute photographic evidence that the "Classic Series" will never come close to the originals. Very, very, very nice, Richard!
 
Please link to this rumor. Respectfully, considering where you posted this dribble it sounds more like trolling.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 4
 
Very simply put.........'There is no way I would take an even trade of a new one for an old one.......
Would you ?
If the answer is no (as I suspect it might be) then I doubt the value of the older revolvers will drop.

Markets for antiques or 'semi- antiques' are artificially created. Why would someone pay a million for an original painting when a copy would serve just as well to fill up a wall space...? If you get my drift....

Like an other antique....it's practical value has very little to do with it......it is the perceived value and only worth what someone is willing to pay for it...
 
Tcoburn said:
New at this so here goes,

Rumors are that with the creation of Smiths & Wesson Classic Series the value of the original revolvers will be dropping. I will continue to collect as I have become addicted to the "N" frames, but have a well rounded collection. Just curious as to the opinions of the more experienced.
Click to expand...

Re-introduction of past historical guns never, never reduce the value of the original guns.
For example the values of original European made Walther PP and PPKs vs. post war late 1970s US made Interarms PPKs or the iffy reliability of the current S&W PPKs. It didn't with European post WWII Mauser HSc pistols or Interarms Lugers vs. WWII Mausers and Mauser made Lugers. It didn't for 1st generation or 2nd generation Colt Single Action Armys vs. 3rd generation Colt SAAs. It doesn't affect the value of original AR-10 rifles vs. the newer ArmaLite rifles made in Geneseo. Il. Original configuration AR-10s sell between 20K-30K. Even kit rifles using original AR-10 upper receivers and barrels with reverse engineered US made 1980s lower receivers sell in the 4K range. The new ArmaLite company doesn't have a product that sells in the 4K range.

The so-called "Classic" line of S&W N frames definitely doensn't reduce the value of older original production S&W N frames either.
 
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Sorry if I impugned the honor of the some individuals, I understand the difference I have held and shot many of both. I would never pass on an original for a newer remake. My concern was not with the price as much with availability. I have stretched my dollars and paid a little more for some than I should have just to own some magnificent firearms. My collection grows constantly.. As I am new and appreciate this forum: can somebody explain what "Respectfully, considering where you posted this dribble it sounds more like trolling." means.
 
Tcoburn said:
Sorry if I impugned the honor of the some individuals, I understand the difference I have held and shot many of both. I would never pass on an original for a newer remake. My concern was not with the price as much with availability. I have stretched my dollars and paid a little more for some than I should have just to own some magnificent firearms. My collection grows constantly.. As I am new and appreciate this forum: can somebody explain what "Respectfully, considering where you posted this dribble it sounds more like trolling." means.
Click to expand...

Ignore him, or block his posts in the future. You can ask any question you want. I don't see where you were trying to start a divisive post. You don't have to quote where you heard a rumor, either.
The gent doesn't even know the word is drivel, not dribble.
 
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Malysh said:
Re-introduction of past historical guns never, never reduce the value of the original guns.
For example the values of original European made Walther PP and PPKs vs. post war late 1970s US made Interarms PPKs or the iffy reliability of the current S&W PPKs. It didn't with European post WWII Mauser HSc pistols or Interarms Lugers vs. WWII Mausers and Mauser made Lugers. It didn't for 1st generation or 2nd generation Colt Single Action Armys vs. 3rd generation Colt SAAs. It doesn't affect the value of original AR-10 rifles vs. the newer ArmaLite rifles made in Geneseo. Il. Original configuration AR-10s sell between 20K-30K. Even kit rifles using original AR-10 upper receivers and barrels with reverse engineered US made 1980s lower receivers sell in the 4K range. The new ArmaLite company doesn't have a product that sells in the 4K range.

The so-called "Classic" line of S&W N frames definitely doensn't reduce the value of older original production S&W N frames either.
Click to expand...
I think this is the case with most reissues of anything. I'm a professional guitarist. Several companies have done reissues of the coveted vintage guitars from the fifties and sixties. Some even "relic" them, so they are worn like a well used original. They make the hardware the same. They try to wind the pickups the same. And many of those are very nice guitars. However, a Fender Custom Shop Relic '54 Stratocaster will never bring a twentieth the price of a real '54 Stratocaster, even though they are quite close in sound, looks and feel to the real thing. The "Classic Series" Smith and Wessons are very different from the old guns they are supposed to emulate. I have no desire whatsoever for any of the Classic Series. I lust after the real thing, and bit by bit, I will get the ones I want if they are priced within my means.
 
Tcoburn said:
Sorry if I impugned the honor of the some individuals, I understand the difference I have held and shot many of both. I would never pass on an original for a newer remake. My concern was not with the price as much with availability. I have stretched my dollars and paid a little more for some than I should have just to own some magnificent firearms. My collection grows constantly.. As I am new and appreciate this forum: can somebody explain what "Respectfully, considering where you posted this dribble it sounds more like trolling." means.
Click to expand...

Don't worry about it. You stated you were a collector in your first post, and most of us knew you were asking a sincere question. Welcome to the forum. Feel free to ask any questions you want. It's generally a really friendly place here.
 
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Tcoburn said:
Sorry if I impugned the honor of the some individuals, I understand the difference I have held and shot many of both. I would never pass on an original for a newer remake. My concern was not with the price as much with availability. I have stretched my dollars and paid a little more for some than I should have just to own some magnificent firearms. My collection grows constantly.. As I am new and appreciate this forum: can somebody explain what "Respectfully, considering where you posted this dribble it sounds more like trolling." means.
Click to expand...

I would be happy to right after apologizing to the spelling hawks. mobile devices arent the easiest things to post from nor do i worry much about spelling or punctuation so long as the intent is conveyed.

my comment was perhaps premature but based on where it was posted and how ludicrous is was on its face i was certain that its intent was only to inflame. on a mobile device i dont see post count, LEO, service or NRA symbols or membership status so i have nothing to go by other than the comment. saying that the new "classic line" is going to diminish the value of the originals is something I have even yet to hear at a gunshow where "drivel" flows freely. its absolutely ridiculous and will actually have the opposite effect as many here have pointed out and prices on the real deal classics have demonstrated. I included the word "respectfully" on the chance your intent of posting was legitate. i was sincere in posting it. Considering this is the largest and most frequented S&W forum and the rumor you speak of to my knowledge hasnt been spread or spoken here, I was simply wondering where that would have come from. Very obviously it isnt a legitimate or well respected source. I was simply wanting to read or see the line of thinking / logic that would support such a rumor. Sort of like going to DU to read about current events.

My apologies to any who read more into my post than what was intended.
 
This is why I didn't hesitate too long to jump on that 586 no dash.
They just aren't making them like that anymore.
That, and I'm a sucker for a DA revolver with a fantastic trigger pull.
 
explination

I was simply restating a statement made by an individual that is involved in firearms and does not collect. I made the statement the art, the feel, the weight, dependability and history of the older classic Smith will always keep me an avid follower of the older model firearms. He did not understand why I would pay a premium price for an older revolver in this failing economy. I closed my statement with him stating, "I prefer wood over press board, because I prefer craftsmanship over production." I hope this answers some questions.
 
I do believe the economy, lack of money, collectors and dealers entering and exiting the hobby affect values more than anything.
 
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