So Just Why Are Wheelguns So Outrageously Priced These Days?

[driz]

I mean come on autos have taken over more and more of the real protection world and are generally better for that purpose with little argument. So just why are wheel guns, any make , so ridiculously expensive especially compared to the so much more reasonable autos. I almost wish I had bought my old CS 1 Smith when Customs offered to sell them to us for $185 when we transitioned to model 59's 9mm's.
I am trying to round up any decent sort of 4" mid weight for my daughters boyfriend who is reluctant to get into autos just yet and wow There is just no way he (or me) is gonna pay those ludicrous prices out there today. Of course living in NeuYorkistan doesn't help any but I didn't see much last year in Fla that even came close to reasonable either.

 

[Big Cholla]

The simple answer is ..... "The Law of Supply and Demand". And, I will add IMHO..... they are worth it! ..............

 

[Muss Muggins]

Quite simply, they don't make 'em like they used to . . .

 

[Sconnie]

Old guys (like me) with money (not like me). That and I attribute it to me getting back into shooting and loving revolvers about two years ago...I always pick the slowest lane at the grocery store....so of course the prices of revolvers went sky high when I rekindled my interest. Yea, the logic is convoluted but that takes me back to the old guy thing.

 

[moralem]

It is not just the guns it is everything in our society today. What is the average price of a car or a home or a college education. Put the gun in relation to these other items and it is down right a bargain. Buy now because if you really want one later the price is only going to go higher. You didn't mention what you thought was an out of control price, but there are some decent 400 dollar SW models 38 and 10 out there that can be had in that ball park. It just takes time to find. Don't give up and don't get down on the wheel gun market, get on board now because those of us selling aren't going to reduce our prices. Just the law of supply and demand and government intervention. Good luck.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Supply and Demand.
A lot of us old guys really like the older guns.
And there is a fair amount of spendable money out there.
I'm not a seller. Sometimes I'm a buyer.

 

[Irn-Bru]

I still see many of the new S&W wheel guns at reasonable prices.

 

[cowart]

wheel guns, any make...
I am trying to round up any decent sort of 4" mid weight

Here you go - a NIB 4" mid weight .357 for less than $400. You did say "any make"...

Taurus 65B4 M65 6RD 357MAG/38SP 4" $392.00 SHIPS FREE

Or a used S&W for less than $300

Smith & Wesson 10 Revolver, 38 Special, 4" Heavy Barrel, Square Butt, Good, SALE

 

[UncleEd]

Not as many revolvers are made compared to the numbers of automatics which in most cases are much, much cheaper to make.

And revolvers cost more to produce than autos, especially the plastic autos.

I gather the OP was a LEO and in the so-called good old days
Smith, Colt discounted to keep the police market. Now it's the
autos' turn and cops get Glocks rather cheaply.

But whatever the cost of a revolver---Ruger GP100s sell for right around $600 and comparable Smiths, i.e. the 686, for another C-note or so---but as at least one poster noted,
they are worth it.

As to the used gun market, the older Smiths now bring a premium because of the perceived quality and a great market demand. I gather the OP wants one and so do thousands of others!

 

[NYlakesider]

"So Just Why Are Wheelguns So Outrageously Priced These Days?"

I guess a good reason is I like them. I appreciate their looks and they just seem to have a certain panache compared to the bottom feeders! Double that for Tupperware specials B.Fs.

I'm a bit picky and have mostly S&Ws (no lockers) an early Ruger Security Six and a Colt Dick Special. Looking to add a 2'' Cobra to my accumulation. I tested out one of the little 5 shot Rugers at the LGS last week and even thought it looks a bit strange am vacillating about calling it mine!

 

[tops]

Revolvers are not outrageously priced.
Good things are not cheap and cheap things are not good. Larry

 

[italiansport]

Revolvers , at least the classic examples, do not lend themselves to complete mass production. Just about all of the early Smiths and Colts had to be hand fitted by a skilled individual in order for them to function properly. Add this to that fact that they were hand polished before bluing and I think you can see the answer.
This type of skilled work was feasible back when wages were a lot lower but is totally unfeasible today to produce a revolver most would be wiling to pay for.
They are products of a bygone era and the primary reason many of us cherish the examples we own today.
Jim

 

[rwsmith]

Besides other reasons.....

I think revolvers involve more machining steps and fitting.

 

[MarkAlt]

Quality comes at a cost.

For those that appreciate a fine revolver, no explanation is necessary.

If you don't see the beauty and functionality in a crafted wood and steel wheelgun, no amount of explanation would suffice.

Personally, I enjoy autoloaders too, but prefer classic Colts. Just preference and the job at hand.

 

[J. R. WEEMS]

Revolvers , at least the classic examples, do not lend themselves to complete mass production. Just about all of the early Smiths and Colts had to be hand fitted by a skilled individual in order for them to function properly. Add this to that fact that they were hand polished before bluing and I think you can see the answer.
This type of skilled work was feasible back when wages were a lot lower but is totally unfeasible today to produce a revolver most would be wiling to pay for.
They are products of a bygone era and the primary reason many of us cherish the examples we own today.
Jim

Not only the above, but for the most part I just don't think they CAN make such guns for a decent price, regardless--- JMHO

 

[gregintenn]

Rock Island Model 51261 M200 - 38 Special $237.00 SHIPS FREE

$237. Seems reasonable to me.

 

[DeathGrip]

Thanks for visiting the Gunshine State. I hope you tipped well.

 

[Zipdog]

I mean come on autos have taken over more and more of the real protection world and are generally better for that purpose with little argument. So just why are wheel guns, any make , so ridiculously expensive especially compared to the so much more reasonable autos. I almost wish I had bought my old CS 1 Smith when Customs offered to sell them to us for $185 when we transitioned to model 59's 9mm's.
I am trying to round up any decent sort of 4" mid weight for my daughters boyfriend who is reluctant to get into autos just yet and wow There is just no way he (or me) is gonna pay those ludicrous prices out there today. Of course living in NeuYorkistan doesn't help any but I didn't see much last year in Fla that even came close to reasonable either.

Sorry my friend but you have everything backwards. You should be asking why are the plastic guns so expensive. Anyone who understands manufacturing knows it is far cheaper to manufacture something like a Glock compared to a revolver. National Public Radio did a feature on Glocks and their manufacturing costs. Glocks manufacturing cost on the average semi auto is $80.00. That won't take you very far to machine a revolver even if the material was free. 80 dollars to make and they sell for $500. Don't know the manufacturing costs on a revolver but I'm sure someone on this forum does.

 

[alwaysoutdoors]

Someone knows nothing about costs to make things!

 

[retiredbadge8091]

High quality all steel S&W, Colt and for the most part Ruger revolvers are in demand and many models and/or variations are no longer being manufactured and are in high demand. Take my Model 25-7 .45 Cal. of 1989. I believe only 2000 or so of these revolvers were manufactured. What do you think it would take to buy mine from me?

 

[Rick_A]

Metal is more expensive than plastic.

The lightweight 38's are relatively inexpensive...Taurus 85UL, S&W Airweight, Ruger LCR, Charter Arms Undercover.

The Rossi and Charter Arms 357's aren't too bad.

The Armscor revolvers, as mentioned aren't very expensive either.

Anything really worth owning in the firearms industry is about 1k or so and up. Looking at it as a lifetime investment, that's small beans.

 

[finesse_r]

I don't think quality revolvers are over priced. Some of the junk ones are.

As strange as it may sound strange, the engineering and tolerances on a revolver requires more precision than dose the engineering most semi-autos. Add to that you cannot stamp them out in polymer plastic, but have to use high quality steel and they are just more expensive to build out. But it is more than just cost to manufacture.

If you compare the S&W, Ruger, and even Colt revolvers built in the 1980's and 1990's to the third Generation S&W semi-auto loaders, you will probably find the revolvers selling for more. This is in part due to the flood of low price, easy manufactured semi-autos that have been dumped on the market by everyone and their brother. It is not that the 686 of 1990 is better than the 4013TSW of 1990, but it will sell for more most of the time. That does not mean the 686 is over priced. Just the opposite. Those all metal third generation S&W semi-auto loaders are about the best buy in hand guns you can find, and are still under priced.

So there are several factors including the old favorite supply and demand. Gun manufactures are rushing to make those cheap plastic fantastic semi-autos right now, so the market on them is over supplied. As the production price slowly increases on quality revolvers, I don't look for their prices to improve (or lower) in the future.

I really prefer the older S&W and Ruger revolvers. The Colts are too pricey for what you get. The best buy in Revolvers of course would the Ruger Six series in .38 and .357 magnum. Next would be the pre-lock S&W revolvers. The best Colt revolvers are too expensive and the other aren't worth having. You can still find a quality Six Series revolver for $350 to $600 depending on how cosmetically perfect you need it to be. Comparable S&W will run you $100 to $200 more unless you get in to revolvers like the 696, the 625, or the 610 and a few others where they are not that many available. Also many 3 inch revolvers will bring a premium.

But once you decide what you want a little shopping will usually allow you to find a quality revolver for a reasonable price. Just don't expect to find a 696 no dash in pristine shape at a reasonable price. Guns like the 696 carry too much collector value to be reasonable in price. But a 3 inch model 64 which is a fine weapon is still reasonably priced, as are the 2 3/4" Six Series Guns.

 

[Jack Flash]

I mean come on autos have taken over more and more of the real protection world and are generally better for that purpose with little argument. So just why are wheel guns, any make , so ridiculously expensive especially compared to the so much more reasonable autos. ...

I think you would get more than just a little argument about the bolded statement.

The military went to auto loaders a century ago, so that debate is over. But the military has mostly young, physically fit recruits whom they can train all day, every day, until they are satisfied with the results. Then they can mandate practice and test for proficiency. A similar case can be made for the police.

Contrast this with the civilian market. Do I need to tell you that there are a lot of little old grannies who find the intricacies of the auto loaders daunting (loading, unloading, racking the slide, safeties, ...) and are just unwilling or unable to master them? Not to pick on granny, there are many younger males / females that can't / won't put in the effort.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Almost everybody wants them and almost nobody makes them.

 

[Warren Sear]

It is always the buyer who sets the price.

 

[oldfart64]

I mean come on autos have taken over more and more of the real protection world and are generally better for that purpose with little argument. So just why are wheel guns, any make , so ridiculously expensive especially compared to the so much more reasonable autos. I almost wish I had bought my old CS 1 Smith when Customs offered to sell them to us for $185 when we transitioned to model 59's 9mm's.
I am trying to round up any decent sort of 4" mid weight for my daughters boyfriend who is reluctant to get into autos just yet and wow There is just no way he (or me) is gonna pay those ludicrous prices out there today. Of course living in NeuYorkistan doesn't help any but I didn't see much last year in Fla that even came close to reasonable either.

my view, in stupid states like mine they are trying to pass laws outlawing semi auto's . This only leaves wheel guns. and so the prices go up in advance of all of this. Stupid isn't it?

 

[Kanewpadle]

Just saw a pristine a Smith 15-6 for $479.00 last week. Good price IMO. Shop around.

 

[Fishslayer]

Ya want outrageous come out to The People's Republik. We have this nifty thing called the "not too unsafe roster." The .gov gets to decide what handguns (My money is on rifles joining that roster eventually) we plebes are allowed to own. Cops, naturally, are exempt from this because they are trained professionals.

For any semiauto to get added it has to incorporate microstamping, a technology that doesn't exist in any viable form.

So revolvers it is, and pre MIM S&W command some pretty hefty sums...

 

[rwsmith]

LOM

Contrast this with the civilian market. Do I need to tell you that there are a lot of little old grannies who find the intricacies of the auto loaders daunting (loading, unloading, racking the slide, safeties, ...) and are just unwilling or unable to master them? Not to pick on granny, there are many younger males / females that can't / won't put in the effort.

Little Old Men are put off by semis, too. I now have three semis after I said I wouldn't have one, but things change. I still prefer the simplicity and reliability of a revolver. You never have to think, Is there a round in the chamber, is it even cocked? Semis are great but getting that first shot off is a little unpredictable. AFTER you get the first shot off, though, you are pretty well home.

 

[model70hunter]

If demand warranted it revolver production might be increased. But it will still be made the least expensive way, including MIM.

Right now most places are making autos as fast as they can. No space, trained employees or the tools to make it happen. Ruger seems to be the lone wolf in opening new factories to produce their many types of guns.

We all wonder about ammo shortages but they tell us they are running up to 3 shifts making all they can. Which is usually 9 mm, 40 SW and 45 acp. I would think most handgun makers are also in this boat making autos and not much time for other lines.

I think training a person to put an auto together would take minimal time, how long did IUt take your DI to teach you? Revolvers are much more complicated even with exacto identical MIM parts.

Kimber came out with a new one, specialized for CCW 357.

One would think Colt and S&W could figure something out.

Then there is the wages for american workers...

I think a MIM Python, DS, Cobra, pre 60, pre 27 type revolvers would sell priced accordingly. Smith seems to do ok with their smaller runs. It appears to be there we just need to see it happen.

Colt I want to see a SAA 4 5/8ths" in 44 Special for the same price as the new Competition 1911, $899.00. Smith I want to see a new K-22 Masterpiece that is lights out accurate for the same price as many auto 22's, $499.00.

Both of you get it done.

P.S. The price for older guns is driven by a fanatical group of collectors who prize and value quality hand fitted and no longer made guns. Some of us may be here today, watching and holding a prize close to the vest. So no you can't buy my pre 27 nor my 1966 Colt National Match. The sad truth is they don't make them like that any more. Yes I also own some MIM guns. They are lifeless tools, mere objects that do their job.