The future of collecting S&W autos-what's your crystal ball say?
- Thread starter heekma
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If collectable = investment, then I think there are better ways to make your money grow. Guns like the Colt single action revolvers and the Colt 1911 are collectables because they are associated with an interesting time in American history. They seem to appreciate in value.
But look at the Model 10 revolver that has 100 years of history and a close connection with law enforcement. Those guns, with millions produced can be bought for very low amounts. People do collect Model 10s but they are not an investment. I think the same thing will happen to the steel and alloy semi-auto guns. Some people will collect them by model number and features and some will look for low production numbers but over the long term there will be few people who "have to have" one of these guns.
Bill
But look at the Model 10 revolver that has 100 years of history and a close connection with law enforcement. Those guns, with millions produced can be bought for very low amounts. People do collect Model 10s but they are not an investment. I think the same thing will happen to the steel and alloy semi-auto guns. Some people will collect them by model number and features and some will look for low production numbers but over the long term there will be few people who "have to have" one of these guns.
Bill
Kavinsky
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Well if the latest shotshow is any indication steel frame 2nd and 3rd are going to be getting rarer and more expensive as time goes on as it seems like everyone is coming out with more polymer guns to atempt to steal people and contracts away from glock
and with the 4th gen teething issues it couldnt be more aptly timed if they wanted it to be.
and with the 4th gen teething issues it couldnt be more aptly timed if they wanted it to be.
carbuncle
Member
My crystal ball says I have a lot of 3rd gen guns on my wish list.
swinokur
Member
Denzel Washington carried a pair of 4506's in Training Day
My list of the blue chip (now and in the future) collectible S&W automatics:
Pre-39 and steel frame Model 39
Model 41
Model 539
As far as the later guns go, I agree regarding the 10mm's, and find it hard to quibble over the list posted above by Denver Dick. I'd add to his mention of the 3913 to watch out particularly for that model in its LadySmith configuration.
Pre-39 and steel frame Model 39
Model 41
Model 539
As far as the later guns go, I agree regarding the 10mm's, and find it hard to quibble over the list posted above by Denver Dick. I'd add to his mention of the 3913 to watch out particularly for that model in its LadySmith configuration.
RedCardinal
Member
My crystal ball says keep collecting, especially the Performance Center models. I have said it once before, and I will say it again. I collect Performance Center pistols because I can also shoot them. Back in 1994 I bought my first Performance Center pistol, the Shorty 40. It was a safe queen until I traded it in 2011. After my unsuccessful efforts to find a NIB FBI 1076, I purchased another PC pistol in late 2007. It was an 845, and I couldn’t stop with that one. Thanks to Grinder’s photos, I now have many more PC pistols. Most are new except three that are excellent plus. Until recently, I had not shot a PC pistol, only the S&W 39 and 52. Then I qualified to use three as LE duty pistols—the 9 Recon, the IDPA 5906 4” and the 945 4”. These PC pistols performed better than I ever expected. They out performed my H&K, Glock, and Sig 229 with their superb triggers and solid and smooth slide cycling. The improvement in my accuracy was awesome with the 9 Recon producing a 100% score. I attribute the improvement in accuracy to the solid and smooth operation of the slide which seemed to dampen the felt recoil while the smooth and crisp trigger enabled me to put shot after shot in and around the x ring. These PC pistols took the stress out of qualifying and replaced it with pure excitement and joy.
I always thought the S&W pistol was the better looking pistol, and they fit my hand well. I started collecting them because of their looks, fit and quality, the S&W lifetime warranty not withstanding. Over the years the Performance Center has produced a variety of models and collecting a representative sample of these pistols will provide a lot of excitement in the hunt and pride in the investment value of the covey. However, the performance experienced when shooting one is priceless. Shooting a PC collection just doubles the pleasure and doubles the fun. I expect to spend less time collecting and more time shooting. Nevertheless, I will continue the hunt for one or two more of the elusive ones (3566 Tactical 5" and 4006 IDPA 4") so my grandchildren will have something besides Tupperware to shoot.
I always thought the S&W pistol was the better looking pistol, and they fit my hand well. I started collecting them because of their looks, fit and quality, the S&W lifetime warranty not withstanding. Over the years the Performance Center has produced a variety of models and collecting a representative sample of these pistols will provide a lot of excitement in the hunt and pride in the investment value of the covey. However, the performance experienced when shooting one is priceless. Shooting a PC collection just doubles the pleasure and doubles the fun. I expect to spend less time collecting and more time shooting. Nevertheless, I will continue the hunt for one or two more of the elusive ones (3566 Tactical 5" and 4006 IDPA 4") so my grandchildren will have something besides Tupperware to shoot.
Hoping to close this deal..
What about the SW 59 NIB? I have a chance to buy this... I think it will be collectable in 10-20 years. I hope to make deal this weekend. In my house by next. We shall see. I like it!
What about the SW 59 NIB? I have a chance to buy this... I think it will be collectable in 10-20 years. I hope to make deal this weekend. In my house by next. We shall see. I like it!
That is a nice Model 59. Good luck with the purchase.
Mike Q.
Mike Q.
Dot_mdb
Member
That Model 59 is a beauty.
Bill
Bill
amazingflapjack
US Veteran
I have a couple m-59's, one like the one posted-in my safe, but it is there because I have another one that I have shot for over 25 years, and I don't want to find myself without one. It is a world class pistiol. I have a 4506 no dash, a 1006, and a 4006 HB, and I really am fond of them all. As far as value in the future, we could, and I hope we don't, find ourselves in a situation where almost any gun of any kind will be valuable beyond what we can imagine, but that would probably mean very bad times. As to S&W metal pistols, as well as other quality manufactures, I think scarcity is a big factor, but it isn't determined by low production numbers alone. Popular demand makes things that were/are made, even in large numbers, scarce. I think that as the guys in their 30's and 40's look at us old guys, and recognize the validity in our attraction to these pistols, they will continue to be drawn to them, and likewise, that mentality will filter down to even younger guys as well. My gut tells me that even now that this is happening, and that there is becoming a diminishing supply of these guns, and the current police trade in glut of guns is just helping that trend in my opinion, because it enables folks with modest means to buy these great guns, maybe initially through frugality, but once thay have them and shoot them, the guns become their own best advocates, and then these happy shooters tell their friends. Plus-there is going to be an increasing group that want something that will be a family fixture, and somehow plastic just does not fill that role for most folks, at least not for me; there is just something American about American made guns crafted out of steel. That's how I see it. Flapjack.
I have a 4006 that I bought new in 1986. I cannot believe how cheap a 4006 can be found, typically a well seasoned cops's carry piece, now retired. (the 4006 that is...)
I carry mine. I prefer it for carry over my other guns in almost all circumstances. It's heavy, digs into my side and I wouldn't consider selling it for a moment because it has never failed to fire, not ever. Heavy is a joy to shoot. Maybe mine with the adjustable rear sight will appreciate better that a Novak rear model, but it's not for sale. I bought it to shoot it. If you want to invest in firearms, consider a firearm that you really like to shoot, take good care of it and if it does not appreciate from market demand, some lucky descendant may enjoy it as much as you did.
I carry mine. I prefer it for carry over my other guns in almost all circumstances. It's heavy, digs into my side and I wouldn't consider selling it for a moment because it has never failed to fire, not ever. Heavy is a joy to shoot. Maybe mine with the adjustable rear sight will appreciate better that a Novak rear model, but it's not for sale. I bought it to shoot it. If you want to invest in firearms, consider a firearm that you really like to shoot, take good care of it and if it does not appreciate from market demand, some lucky descendant may enjoy it as much as you did.
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