Should YOU Join the S&W Collectors Association?

[handejector]

Maybe.

I've owned this forum for more than ten years, and I have often been puzzled by people who post some interesting collectible guns, but have apparently never joined the S&W Collectors Association (SWCA), so I'll offer my opinion on whether you should join. I have been a member since 1982. I've been a Life Member for about 12 years.

Basic Facts:
Dues:
USA- $60 for the 1st Year, then $50/year thereafter.
Foreign- $90 for the 1st Year, then $80/year thereafter.
After your first year, you can renew for 5 years at $200 in the US, $330 if foreign.
Foreign members pay more because postage for the multiple mailings per year are higher.
LIFE memberships are available after being a member for five continuous years.

Benefits:
1. The SWCA Journal- You will receive three Journals per year in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. The Journal contains interesting articles written by members about all things S&W, along with club news and a report with pics about the annual meeting. The articles cover all types of S&Ws- Autos, Regular production models, military S&Ws, Antiques, etc. They are not just about high end collectibles!

2. Access to the Members-Only Forum on the SWCA website-
Smith & Wesson Collectors Association – The Collectors Resource for Historic Smith & Wesson Firearms

In the SWCA forum, you can:
Request one ship date per week if space is available. No more than 5 can be posted at any one time. As he has time, Roy provides the month/year and NO other data. Some weeks he provides many, some weeks there are few.
You can ask Roy Jinks questions.
Have Access to Databases on several S&W Models that are growing all the time!
Discuss S&Ws and SWCA matters.

3. The SWCA Roster- The SWCA Roster is basically a phone book of SWCA members. It is published yearly. Most members include their phone numbers, email address, and collecting interests. YOU decide whether to be included or not. ONLY members who are listed in the Roster receive a copy.

4. The Annual Meeting- The SWCA has one meeting per year in June called The Symposium. It is a private show open to pre-registered members only. There are many fabulous displays and sales tables. It starts at noon on Wednesday and runs through breakfast Sunday.

There are usually four 1 hour lectures by different members- two on Thursday, two on Friday. They are very interesting. Here is Roy Jinks giving a lecture on the Model 1926 .44 Special:

You will see stuff that you will never see elsewhere!
Like ALL the Single Actions ever made by S&W:

Like WW II Experimental Carbines in 9mm and 30 Carbine:

Like one of Elmer's favorite S&Ws:

Like the Flush Valve S&W made during The Depression. This valve is how Carl Hellstrom came to be associated with S&W. He was an engineer hired as a consultant to fix the design:

Like maybe the FIRST regular production revolver made by S&W!

Like experimental WW II revolvers in 9mm and 30 Carbine!

Members donate S&W items for an auction that we have on Saturday. All proceeds go to the SWCA. Some REALLY neat stuff appears in the auction, like Catalogs, Ammo, Grips, S&W memorabilia of all kinds, and even a gun now and then. Not long ago, Roy donated a doorknob from D.B. Wesson's office! Keith Brown donates a set of grips each year. There is no buyer's premium.

We also have a gun auction that sells member's guns on consignment. The Buyer pays a 10% Buyer's Premium. The Seller pays a 10% Seller's Commission, so the seller realizes 90% of the hammer price. The seller can voluntarily pay a higher percentage commission. The buyer's premium and the seller's commission go to the SWCA.
Jim Supica is our auctioneer.

We have a cocktail party/socializing time on Thursday night with a cash bar. Food is provided, and it is GOOD.

There is a Show-and-Tell held one night where members show and pass around favorite guns and items. VERY informative.

There is a Banquet Saturday night at which awards for the displays are presented.

In short, a Symposium is a great time!

5. Discount on Letters-
Letters for S&Ws now cost $100. SWCA members get a $10 discount. If you are also a member of the S&W Historical Foundation, a letter is $75. More on the SWHF is below.



Myths about the SWCA I've heard over the years:

1. The SWCA is for advanced collectors only.
Not true. You don't have to collect Reg Mags or have 50 Pre-War guns. If you have any interest in the older guns, or discontinued guns, company history, or the evolution of different models, or even variations of modern guns and/or currently produced guns, you might want to join.
There is NOTHING wrong with collecting 3rd Gen Autos, Performance Center Guns, or the M&P or Sigma Autos.
Do you have the "collector's heart", meaning do you have a desire to observe, study, learn about, and accumulate knowledge and accumulate any, many, or all of the various guns produced by S&W?
If so, I think you would enjoy membership.

2. The SWCA is composed of a bunch of arrogant, rich snobs.
Again, not true. The SWCA is composed of a cross section of society. By and large, it is as nice a bunch of people as you will encounter in life. Some members are wealthy. Some are young, working class people raising kids and have to budget in buying a gun only once or twice a year.
When I joined, I was in my early 30s, working construction through various recessions, and raising young kids. We needed a sponsor to join back then, and I would see Bill Orr at gun shows. We both lived in Georgia. Bill was a very wealthy man, was an S&W distributor, and had amassed a huge collection of valuable S&Ws. Look at the photo credits in The History of Smith & Wesson by Roy Jinks. He saw my interest in S&Ws, and recommended that I join. I protested that I did not have, and could not afford to collect a lot of guns. Bill encouraged me to join anyway for the Journal, for the chance to get to know other S&W collectors, and perhaps to attend the annual meeting. He gave me an application signed by him as my sponsor.
It was decades before I could attend an annual meeting, but I enjoyed the Journal articles and getting to know other collectors in phone calls. I have not encountered too many arrogant snobs.

3. The Annual Meetings are too expensive for the average S&W enthusiast.
It does cost to attend the Symposium. That's because it is an expensive endeavor to conduct. It costs $200 to register to attend for the whole show. One display table is included in that fee. Extra display tables and sales tables are $30 each. The Banquet and the food at the cocktail party are included but you buy your own booze at the cocktail party.
Your spouse can attend for $100 more, including the cocktail party food and Banquet.
You must stay at the host hotel or pay $200 more to register. The host hotel is usually $100-129 per night. They comp us the display room, so we must guarantee the hotel a minimum number of rooms get rented or we pay extra for the display hall.
You can attend for ONE day for $75. You must specify WHICH day. That does not include the free display table, nor the goody bag, nor the cocktail party, nor the banquet. If that day is Thursday, you can pay $60 MORE ($75 + $60) and attend the cocktail party, but you still have to buy your own booze. Again, the food is GREAT. If that one day is Saturday, you can pay $50 MORE ($75 + $50) and attend the Banquet.

We provide 24 Hour Security for the display hall for the duration of the show. The Security is local POLICE officers.
We have to buy liability insurance for the show.
With the show fees, travel, and hotel, it can cost $1000-1500 to attend the meeting. Maybe more if you fly, your spouse attends, and you eat/drink a lot.
I have attended the last fifteen Annual Meetings. It is worth the expense! You gets what ya pays for!
This year is the 50th anniversary of the SWCA, and this Symposium will be the greatest yet. God willing, I'll be there!
11-21-20-
Edited to add: Covid forced us to cancel the annual meeting for 2020. It was postponed till September, 2021, and will be in Tulsa, OK. We will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the SWCA at that meeting.

About The S&W Historical Foundation:
You should also consider joining the S&W Historical Foundation (SWHF). The SWHF has spent a fortune digitizing the existing records of S&W. Much historical data has been preserved forever.
Read more here- Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation
Membership is $100 and never expires.
I am proud to be the 18th Founding Member.
As mentioned above, being a member of the SWCA and the SWHF will get you a $25 discount on letters,
so $100 minus $25 = $75 for members of both organizations.
You can see the website here- S&W Historical Foundation


Feel free to ask questions. Many members here will answer and offer their experience with the SWCA.

A sponsor is not required to join. Go here to get an application. You can fill it out and pay online OR mail it in:
SWCA Application

You can pay dues with PayPal.
The membership application is now updated to show the PayPal address.
Of course, you can always mail a check or money order.

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[mrcvs]

I cannot reason why you would not want to join if you have an interest in Smith & Wesson revolvers.

Many reasons given in the OPs post.

Great folks, many a wealth of information!

 

[john14_18]

I have only been a member of the SWCA for about a month even though I have been a member of the forum for over 10 years and wish I had joined the SWCA years ago. Being able to get a ship date on a gun and ask Roy Jinks questions, alone is worth the membership fee. My collection comes and goes, depending on what bills I have come up. The guys on there are down to earth people, just like on the forum, who are willing to help you in any way they can. There is also a classified section that sometimes will have items not listed on the regular forum. I would highly recommend joining even if you only have a small interest in S&W.

 

[LPD256]

Lee-I’m looking forward to my first Symposium in June. I would categorize myself as an accumulator, not necessarily a collector. I was recruited by Tim O’Laughlin and Deputydon at a local gun show. I’ve learned a couple of things. First, I had no idea how limited my knowledge was, and still is. Every member I’ve asked, has been glad to help with some of my admittedly silly questions. Second, I have felt a kinship with all of the members that I’ve met at various shows and in turn hope I’ve been able to pass along a few tidbits in my areas of expertise. Finally, the dues are very reasonable. I’ve saved money on letters that cover the cost. Frankly, I’ve spent more money on pizza for my kids. So I would encourage anyone that enjoys our hobby to make a small commitment. The benefits far outweigh the cost.

 

[andy52]

For me it came down to the number of S&Ws collected. In my earlier days I only had a few S&Ws and really didn't consider myself a "Collector". However since my retirement I've add considerably to my collection, when I approached 30-35 I decided yep I'm a collector so it was time to join the Association. This June will be my first symposium and I'm looking forward to putting faces with the names I see on the forum.

 

[handejector]

For me it came down to the number of S&Ws collected. In my earlier days I only had a few S&Ws and really didn't consider myself a "Collector". However since my retirement I've add considerably to my collection, when I approached 30-35 I decided yep I'm a collector so it was time to join the Association. This June will be my first symposium and I'm looking forward to putting faces with the names I see on the forum.

I know what you mean, but I would encourage younger people to go ahead and join BEFORE they obtain many guns. They will become more knowledgeable (Read SMARTER) buyers. They can then scout pawn shops, gun shows, the internet, and gun shops for desirable guns at good or at least reasonable prices. Even though they are on a limited budget, the knowledge they gain will allow them to occasionally buy a good gun at a bargain price to keep, or even flip for a few dollars profit to finance collecting. Knowledge is POWER.


As I said above, it was decades before I could afford the time and money to attend an annual meeting. Working construction with young kids, I often had to sell off the few guns I had accumulated when a layoff or recession or the "stuff" of life would strike, like a transmission falling out. However, I had bought wisely, and could almost always sell at a profit or at least break even. I could also use my knowledge to buy, sell, and trade at a profitable level and pay for my addiction.

 

[dusty3030]

I would add that the SWCA is unique in that it adds another level to this hobby in making it personal. With the roster you get to meet and network with other local collectors / enthusiasts. It's one thing to be an anonymous member of an internet forum, it's a much richer experience to get to meet your fellow collectors in person.

 

[turnerriver]

Let me put it this way-I collect holsters ( to put my Smith & Wessons in ) and they still let me in. No snobs, no arrogance, I don’t know how rich or poor anybody except me is and the Symposium is a highlight of each year for me. No reason not to join, many great reasons to join.
You want to be an advanced collector with a stunning collection some day down the road ? Join now and it may well happen; as Lee’s story shows that’s the way it happened for a lot of members.
Regards,
turnerriver

 

[andy52]

I know what you mean, but I would encourage younger people to go ahead and join BEFORE they obtain many guns. They will become more knowledgeable (Read SMARTER) buyers. They can then scout pawn shops, gun shows, the internet, and gun shops for desirable guns at good or at least reasonable prices. Even though they are on a limited budget, the knowledge they gain will allow them to occasionally buy a good gun at a bargain price to keep, or even flip for a few dollars profit to finance collecting. Knowledge is POWER.


As I said above, it was decades before I could afford the time and money to attend an annual meeting. Working construction with young kids, I often had to sell off the few guns I had accumulated when a layoff or recession or the "stuff" of life would strike, like a transmission falling out. However, I had bought wisely, and could almost always sell at a profit or at least break even. I could also use my knowledge to buy, sell, and trade at a profitable level and pay for my addiction.

Most definitely agree especially with the information available today. I'm sure your like me in the early days there was no internet, cable TV or anything like that. Information on S&Ws was pretty much limited to word of mouth and sales catalogs.
My very first S&W bought new in 1976 was a model 19 and in the early 80s a 586. Like you I had a family to raise at the time and my gun funds were limited. If I would have had the funds and the knowledge that I now have I'd be sitting on a gold mine of pre model S&Ws. A registered Magnum could be bought back then for much, much less then now.

 

[crsides]

Great post Lee.

Thanks

 

[andy52]

Let me put it this way-I collect holsters ( to put my Smith & Wessons in ) and they still let me in. No snobs, no arrogance, I don’t know how rich or poor anybody except me is and the Symposium is a highlight of each year for me. No reason not to join, many great reasons to join.
You want to be an advanced collector with a stunning collection some day down the road ? Join now and it may well happen; as Lee’s story shows that’s the way it happened for a lot of members.
Regards,
turnerriver

Yes and your a holster enabler.... I've taken up that bad habit of yours and it cost almost as much as buying gun but my S&Ws sure look good sitting in those nice old holsters.

 

[RKmesa]

I joined 11-12 years ago and I have attended 3 Symposiums. I love being a member - I love the articles in the Journal, I love the access to ship dates and other info available in the members-only section of the Forum. AND I especially love the Symposiums!!! They are a treat. Can you say Kid in a Candy/Toy Shop

The Symposiums are filled with great guns and wonderful people. It is one of the most educational events that I have ever attended. A few examples of the cool things that occur at the Symposiums:

1) About 10 years ago, I walked into the "Gun Room" of the Tucson Symposium, to be greeted by a full wall of Registered Magnums (probably 50-60 of them in pristine condition)! It was Cheryl Cheely's display of "Ray's Babies" - talk about sensory overload. In addition, Bill Cross brought a few of his Alvin White engraved 44 Magnums, the sight of which sunk an engraving hook in my soul. After a couple of days there, my cheeks hurt from smiling so much.

2) I knew almost nothing about S&W semiautomatic pistols, but at the Reno Symposium, my display table happened to be right next to a fantastic collection of Model 39s. There was also another wonderful collection of Model 39s at that Symposium. Both of the Model 39 exhibitors took one-on-one time educating me in the beauty, function and history of the Model 39. I still don't know a lot about that historical firearm, but the time spent learning from the experts was fascinating - thanks RS.

3) In Richardson last summer, I spent hours learning about the top break S&Ws - which I knew almost nothing about. The displays were outstanding and members freely spent hours walking me through their interests and collection - sometimes we would spend 30-40 minutes discussing one gun. It was fascinating!

Wonderful guns, wonderful people and very educational. The SWCA brings a whole additional "pallet of colors" to brighten any collection of S&Ws. It is one of the better investments that I have made.

Thanks to all the members that have made my experience enjoyable.

And as always, thanks for letting me share,

 

[Borderboss]

I'm definitely going to join. There's no reason not to. The cost is just a fraction of what we'll pay for one gun, and membership could keep me from making a bad mistake.

Where are the Symposiums typically held?

 

[Watchdog]

Mr. Jarrett does an excellent job of enumerating all the good reasons for joining the SWCA, and clears up the myths about the organization.

I can't remember exactly when I joined, but ever since then I've always said that the SWCA Journal alone is worth the price of membership.

If you enjoy this forum, and continue to take advantage of the depth of knowledge exhibited here, my question to you will always be...why wouldn't you join the SWCA and add even more to your knowledge of the firearms you love and spend money on?

 

[handejector]

Where are the Symposiums typically held?

They move around the lower 48 to give members a chance to catch one close to their home base.
Here is a list of where they have been held.
This year's 50th Anniversary show is being held in Tulsa because the SWCA was more or less sprouted there, and it is close to center.

 

[dave1918a2]

Love to join, but don't have a printer. How do I get an app?

 

[Kansasgunner]

The friendships that I have made with other members of this association are priceless!
All the other benefits that Lee mentioned are bonuses.
The Tulsa Symposium will be my eighth consecutive, since becoming a member.

 

[LLOYD17]

I know what you mean, but I would encourage younger people to go ahead and join BEFORE they obtain many guns. They will become more knowledgeable (Read SMARTER) buyers. They can then scout pawn shops, gun shows, the internet, and gun shops for desirable guns at good or at least reasonable prices. Even though they are on a limited budget, the knowledge they gain will allow them to occasionally buy a good gun at a bargain price to keep, or even flip for a few dollars profit to finance collecting. Knowledge is POWER.

With the amount of detail I’ve learned through this forum and the membership, it’s turned the hobby into a treasure hunt. I’ve told the wife the hobby is self-sustaining so if I can find a gem for cheap and use it to enhance my collection we're both happy.

And then all the other perks listed above. I’m technically considered a millennial, am currently active duty and have two small kids as an example of the cross-section of the membership.

 

[colt_saa]

I joined 12 or more years ago.

I think I waited so long because I had the common misconception that this was just Old Snobby Rich Guys Gun Club that looked down on anyone that did not own a Registered Magnum. Well, my entire collection and knowledge was toward post-1980 Smith & Wessons. So what's in it or me

Then I met one member locally and he was just a regular guy. Through him, I met other local SWCA members.

I work the typical 26 hour workday a full 8 days a week, at least that is how it feels. I struggle for each purchase I make and I follow my Father's advice.

My Father used to say that having a good collection was easy. Just buy a few good pieces each year and never sell them. In a few years you will have a collection.

I have followed that advice since 1977.

I am a museum lover, so I do understand why you might want to keep and preserve somethings. Perhaps that is what drew me to the SWCA

The Symposiums always fell on the same days as my industry's annual event. So I had no choice, I worked.

The first Symposium I attended was in Charlotte. The first display along the side of the room where the registration table was had me in awe.

14 tables long with no duplication from the front of the room to the back, this was a display of pristine condition, in the box, Post War Blue Revolvers. WHOA . . . I was in Heaven

It was very impressive and educational. I even offered to help the Collector box these back up for transport home just to handle them (wearing gloves of course)

By the time I got around to my second Symposium in Richardson (5 years later), I already had members that communicated back and forth with me for my insight into the things I collect. I thought that was cool

I am still trying to gather enough funds to swing my third Symposium in Tulsa. Being the organization's 50th Anniversary I expect it to be a huge deal.

I will have to drive to the Symposium because I intend to display the 356TSW Cartridge and its Firearms.
This will be my first display, what pushed me in that direction is that I brought one of my 356TSW chambered autoloaders, the 3566 Limited with two top ends, to the "Show and Tell" segment. The interest in the cartridge and firearms truly surprised me

The SWCA is not a bunch of Old Fuddy Duddys talking Registered Magnums, it is a Big, Knowledgable, Friendly, Diverse Family of folks that ALL have a PASSION for the Artistry in Arms that is Smith & Wesson

 

[g-dad]

What a great presentation Lee!!

My situation is quite like some of the others. While trading with forum member Terry Popkin, he suggested I join and offered to be my sponsor. Glad I did!

It was 2 years before I was able to attend my first and so far only symposium which was in Charlotte which also was practically in my back yard. From the first moment I walked in everyone without exception made me feel welcome. I didn't have a display table but did have a sales table. However I spent more time looking at the displays than I did at my table. I hope to see these great people again in Tulsa and make some new friends!