Should I have bought this?

[rct269]

A couple of bottom lines for these should I buy, or should I have bought this-----whatever "this" may be topics:

1. The value of any and all of this stuff is based almost exclusively on condition. Exceptions arise when the provenance rules.

2. High condition guns hold their value----or appreciate. Low condition guns depreciate.

Ralph Tremaine

I just thought of a VERY good example to share:

The time is 1999---the beginning. The end is 2007.

I was growing weary of coming home from shows empty handed in my hunt for S&W's---especially tired of saying "No such luck!" when the Boss Lady asked, "Did'ja get anything?"

A good friend, and lunatic fringe Ruger collector (with 800+ guns!!) suggested, "Why don't you try Rugers for awhile?" So I did.

The first one (two actually, Single Six's #'s 208 & 209) came along in 1999---the last in 2007. I kept them for a spell---right up until I was running out of room for S&W's in the display case. There were 34 of them---one each of every 3 screw single action---all calibers, all barrel lengths----and all high condition guns. I don't know how much money I spent putting that collection together, but let's say $20-25,000. Then I packed them up, took them down to David Carroll's, and told him to get rid of them. The best guess as to what they might bring came from some Ruger aficionados of David's acquaintance----"mid 40's". I was pleased with the prospect. They brought in the mid 50's.

Like I said, high condition guns appreciate.

 

[glowe]

. . . The store has it on consignment, mislabeled, and is asking $750. I think I can get it for at most $700, maybe less. . .

I see K22, 1st Model Outdoorsman's revolvers selling for under $700 quite often, If you are not in a hurry to buy. For me, LGS are the highest prices paid by buyers in most cases, so I do lots of my buying online. LGS are either selling on consignment and the owner askes too much, or the are selling to make a profit. Most gun shops will admit they try not to take in a gun for over 50% of its value.

Keep track of online gun auctions and you will see them selling for around $700 often. Gunbroker just sold a nice one, over 75% for $615.

Just a moment...

Personally, I would not shoot a 95% Outdoorsman all the time, since there are affordable shooter's out there for much less. I also do not believe that shooter grade K22 1st Models are $1,000 unless you only shop at LGS.

 

[jmace57]

I'll give an "it depends" answer. I have a 1956 K-22 that is probably 50% blue, but it has the finest action I've ever experienced. I have other pre and post-war Outdoorsman/K-22s that LOOK a lot better, but when I pick one to actually SHOOT, the well-loved one is the one I choose.