Should YOU Join the S&W Collectors Association?

[lestert357]

Having direct access to Dr. Roy Jinks for shipping dates and other questions is alone worth way more than the price of admission to the SWCA! It is probably a unique benefit in the world of firearms collecting today, and really can't be measured in terms of dollars and cents - just consider it invaluable! Joining the SWHF brings an additional level of value and information access that cannot be measured monetarily; Dr. Bill Cross always goes the extra mile to assist SWHF members in any way he can.

 

[s&wchad]

I didn't know how little I knew about S&W, until I joined the forum. Thirteen years and 20,000 posts later, I still manage to learn something almost every day! I've made a lot of friends and the civility and sense of comradery is unlike any other gun board I've seen.

The SWCA takes it to another level. The Journal alone is reason enough to join; the articles contain information that you won't find anywhere else. Access to Roy through the club website is icing on the cake! The membership ranks include the most knowledgeable students, historian and collectors of S&W in the world and their willingness to share that knowledge is priceless.

Unfortunately, I've only been able to attend one Symposium, because of issues at home. It was an awesome experience and and I hope to attend more in the future. Even if you can't make it to the annual meetings, membership is well worth the price.

 

[kmyers]

Been a member of both the SWCA and SWHF for a couple of years and worth every penny of the dues for both. I would also advise any serious Smith fan to join. I am another who finds the Journal alone worth the price of admission.

 

[Old Wheel Man]

I agree with everything above. I joined in 2016 and attended my first Symposium in Charlotte. If anyone has an interest in S&W firearms the SWCA is a great choice. You will be amazed at the magnificent displays by fellow members at the Symposiums. I have already reserved my room for Tulsa. The information available to SWCA members is unlimited.

 

[turnerriver]

Holding Bill Jordan's Combat Magnum, I did have to give it back.

Look at the 5 box case of .32 cartridges I found at a Symposium, I had never seen one and never expected to own one.

I'd wanted a .32 Safety Hammerless for some time, I found this one at the last Symposium.

Did I mention that there was a whole table full of Keith Brown grips at the last Symposium with Keith sitting behind it ?

So join already.
Regards,
turnerriver

 

[steelslaver]

I am sure the symposium are both fun and informative as well as an opportunity to make some new friends and maybe find that "One" you always wanted to have. I have not the opportunity to make one yet. But, I have gotten a couple ship dates from Roy. Plus, one of the members knew I was looking for some triple lock parts. I got offered and accepted a rust finished triple lock with lots of salvageable internals for A great price. People in the group will try to help you out for sure.

You never know. Roy might tell you your gun is real interesting. Its called getting a clue.

 

[cmansguns]

Really late to respond....my apologies

Per my profile I joined in 2016...however prior that date I "lurked" on this website for at least 10 years. I had also lurked on the Colt site, and even joined the Axis Powers (Jan Still) website because I had a Luger (a black widow) and wanted to know more about it.

I've been involved with firearms for all but the first 10 years of my current pushing 75 on this earth, and , like many of you have sold, bartered, or traded away what I know now are treasures with heirloom history. I have instilled in my kids, and grandkids, some of the love of firearms and am looking at gifting rather than selling in my estate papers.

With the above being my personal take, I found absolutely no better place to enjoy, learn about, present your own meager collection (or accumulation...in my case), get opinions, help with history, mechanics, etc. than the SWCA

Did you know that several of our Members are: respected professional authors of firearms books, renowned experts in very specific firearms, curators of famous museums, renowned leather craftsmen and historians, famous grip makers....and on and on...….

Where else on earth can you by one click of your mouse ask a general question of an assembly of experts like on this site????

Join today...…...I guarantee you will be pleased!!!!!

 

[Model52guy]

I think I've learned more about my S&W guns in the last couple of years since I joined the SWCA than I did in the 40 years I've owned a S&W. Asking a question on here usually get a quick accurate answer but the most useful feature is the thread search. A lot of times your question may have already been answered by Roy or one of the other SWCA members.
George

 

[tunnug47]

My interest in firearms began when I was about six years old. A very special aunt gave me a percussion rifle made by my great-great uncle in the mountains of North Carolina. That fueled an interest in firearms that has continued through the years. Some few years back a member, whose name shall remain anonymous unless he decides to self identify, knowing my interest in firearms began encouraging me to join the Smith & Wesson Collectors Association. I figured, "what the heck" and joined. With his prodding I attended the symposium in Charlotte. There I enjoyed a big welcoming and met a lot of fine people. I began checking the forum daily and found myself going to it every time I got online. Fast forward to the Richardson symposium I felt more comfortable, made new friends, picked up a few new toys and in general had a great time. Everyone I've met has been extremely friendly and helpful. At this point I'm looking forward to Tulsa and can hardly wait to get there. This has been one of life's great adventures and it continues. I encourage anyone with a remote interest in Smith and Wesson firearms to join. No finer group of people nor broader knowledge base than one will find here.

 

[H Richard]

Being a member of the S&W Forum has opened up an avenue of answers to all my S&W questions. It is so easy to find out when your new (or planned) purchase was shipped from the factory. That can be very beneficial if you are a C&R license holder and far from home.

I have met (on line) many new friends and have visited with several of them and have even been invited to shoot on their ranges, in Denver and in Zurich Switzerland. Than you Stu and Roland.

It gives me pleasure that I can answer questions for many people and have learned considerable skills for revolver tuning and repair. It has given my retirement a lot of enjoyment and satisfaction.

I only regret that I have been unable to attend a Annual Meeting/Symposium.

 

[runscott]

Absolutely - the journal, access to related sub-forums and discounts on letters are reason enough. The two sub-forums have a lot more discussions involving members who have been around for a really, really long time.

As a new member it was especially useful to me. Any goofiness normal to Internet forums seems to be missing in the SWCA sub-forums - it can be sort of a refuge. I've also made some deals in their classifieds that weren't accessible in the regular part of the forum.

 

[max]

I have been a member for maybe 20 years or so. My wife and daughter were going to a medical meeting in Minneapolis the same week as the SWCA meeting, so I went along. I walked in the door and there was the royalty of the S&W world. I bought a gun and when I went to pay the man, he told me to wait until I got home and send him a check. He told me that if I was a member, I couldn't be all bad. He also said that if he didn't get a check, he would come and get it.

I have made many great friends over the years and had the opportunity to see guns most people only see in magazines or on the net. I have learned enough to know how much I don't know.

I think the people are the best part. They are all willing to share their knowledge and experience.

 

[JSR III]

I have been a member of this forum for almost 20 years having joined on June 7 of 2000. I am also a Life Member of the Smith and Wesson Collectors Association and a Founding member of the Smith and Wesson Historical Foundation.

One of the first advantages of joining the S&WCA was having close access to the Chairman of the Board and Founder of the Association, Roy Jinks. Oh and he was also the Smith and Wesson Historian and one time head of the Service Department. His first hand knowledge of the inner workings and daily goings on at the factory are more than worth the cost of admission. He also supplies free shipping date information to five lucky members daily.

In addition to Mr. Jinks, the S&WCA has some of the most knowledgeable Smith and Wesson collectors on the planet and they are more than willing to share their knowledge with either another seasoned collector or the person pondering their first S&W purchase.

Add to that the opportunity to attend one of the annual symposiums when held near your home where one gets to see some of the most significant Smith and Wesson firearms ever assembled under one roof. Occasionally you may even get to purchase one of those treasures as they do sometimes change hands as collectors interests change.

The cherry on top of all listed above is the color journal that is published several times per year containing stories about special or historical Smith and Wesson's that members have researched and are more than willing to share their findings.

As far as I am concerned, there is no finer forum than this one and no finer collectors association than the Smith and Wesson Collectors Association.

Feel free to email me or PM me if you have any questions that I can help you with.

 

[Masterbuck54]

Great bunch of guys & gals!!!

Great information available to all that join.

I haven't attended any of the symposiums yet but hopefully one of these years.

I've had the pleasure to meet a few members at the local gun shows and they are all a great bunch of guys.

So join up and begin the next journey into your S &W collecting no matter how many guns you may own.

Masterbuck54

 

[Rad29]

I joined in 1983 and have attended every annual meeting/symposium since 1984. When I joined, there were only a few "modern" collectors. I was welcomed as a collector even though our tastes (and wallets) were different. The displays and guns I have seen over the past 35+ years have been unbelievable! Historic as well as museum quality! The people i have meet that share the same interest have freely shared their knowledge. Some are now legends in the field of collecting S&W's. Many have become great friends and that friendship has grown beyond just guns.

Social pressures have certainly changed. This is a great organization where you can be proud to own a gun or two, proud to be a member and proud to share in this great hobby. All of us started with a few guns before we thought we were collectors. I would encourage new collectors to get involved, I am sure you will be welcomed!

The annual symposium is one of the best benefits. The member talks are always educational and entertaining. Find displays of what interests you and learn more about those S&W's you both love. Folks are very passionate about what they collect and display and freely share their expertise. Ask questions and that new knowledge may help in your next purchase.

Hope to see you at one of Symposiums!

Bob

 

[Muley Gil]

I joined the forum while I was in Kosovo. I re-connected with an old college friend, tennexplorer, through a post I made. He had just joined the SWCA and as soon as his probation was up, he sponsored me. We went to our first symposium in Richmond in 2007. He has attended a number since then and I was at the one in Charlotte a few years back.

As mentioned many times above, getting to know the people is the greatest thing, followed by the sheer knowledge possessed by the membership.

 

[wordsmith]

I joined in early 1983 because of three other S&W 'nuts' that I'd met, started hanging out with, and more importantly --learning from-- at gun shows across the Deep South. Ray Crowder, John Corley & Lee Jarrett, each already (as I also soon became) a 'devoted disciple' of Bill Orr, legendary collector and one of the original S&WCA Founders. The five of us became 'attached', rather permanently and forever-after, thank God. Mr. Bill and John are gone now but their friendship and influence still rides with me every day of my life, just as I know it does Ray and Lee. Bill Orr never really gave any of us a choice about being S&WCA members, that's just how it was gonna' be.... and, over the years since I've done the same to more folks than I can count.

All in all, the people of the S&WCA are among the truly rich elements of my life. It's all and only about sharing, whether that sharing be knowledge and expertise about the guns we love, or just sharing daily living here on the Earth.

For me it's been worth every second, all the way...
David

 

[linde]

my story

It doesn't seem possible that I have been a member of the S&W Collector's Association for 30 years. It certainly didn't start out with a passion for collecting Smith & Wessons but it sure evolved into one.

•bought my first S&W in October 1966 (a Model 36-1) . . . carried it for a year but considered it a tool . . . never gave a second thought to becoming a "collector"
•about 20 years later I inherited a 1930s vintage .38 M&P Target that inspired me to learn more about it (in particular) and Smith & Wesson (in general)
•met a S&WCA member at a St. Louis gun show shortly after the 1989 Association's annual meeting there and he sponsored my membership in 1990
•started out with a clear focus . . . .38 M&P targets at first and evolving to early post-WWII .38 M&Ps which were easier to find locally
•my Smith & Wesson interests have evolved over the years from utility . . . to collecting with a clear focus . . . to accumulate . . . to having a deep appreciation for all things S&W . . . to the current "catch & release" program. It seems the hunt and cleanup is the most exciting part of the hobby for me!
•only wish I had kept all the ones I've owned and traded off

If you can relate to any part of my story you too may enjoy and appreciate sharing your interests with kindred spirits within the Association. It's a great group of members who quickly become friends. And there is an enormous amount of knowledge and, more importantly, a willingness to share their knowledge. I've learned a great deal and try to give back by sharing what I learn.

Russ

S&WCA Life Member #854
S&W Historical Foundation Member #234

 

[yourang?]

I am a lurker, on line and in real life.

I have been a member for the SWCA for 10 years or so…can't remember.
Joined the Historical Foundation just a few years ago.
I look at the forum, public and private very rarely, and never post.

The wealth of knowledge in both forums is vast, and it is amazing how
much information people are able and willing to share.

I have gone to one symposium. That was in North Carolina, a couple years ago.
(work had prevented me from participating previously, which pained me to no end)
but since there is no work now, I can and will go to the 50th. Sounds like it is going to be great too.

As a Symposium rookie newbie, members went out of their way to make me and my wife feel welcome. Member's wives
made mine feel part of the group,
and my wife knows when one is accepted and when one is not.
She was immediately accepted.
And that is one of the reasons why we'll be at Tulsa.
I would hate to go to something that would make her
feel uncomfortable. She is actually looking forward to going.

I am rambling. The SWCA group is a great bunch of people.
Since we have an immediate bond, that cuts through a lot of the BS.
Doesn't matter if you have known the person for 1 minute or
30 or 40 or 50 years.

Consider joining. If you are serious about collecting S&W, you owe it to yourself to check it out.
There is still time to join and enjoy the symposium in Tulsa.

 

[sceva]

I joined last year and wish I had done it earlier. Mr. Jinks willingness to give a ship month and year for members is worth the price of admission by itself. The journals are great reading and even if you can't go to the symposiums you can collect the Challenge Coins that Mrs. Jinks has been designing for each since 2013. They are available for purchase by members