Today's best values in classic firearms

[BigBill]

All around the sametime,
Chinese Norinco SKS early ones were $59.
Russian SKS early ones were $99.
Russian AK47 early ones were $125.

The turn of the century 22 single shot rifles, the early 1900 to mid 22 pump rifles. The kids took them to school and hunted, shot dinner on the walk home. Try that today. But some of these rifles are still affordable.
The savage, western field, Steven pump 22's.

We still see the Winchester model 12, 120, 1200, 1300 12ga shotguns still affordable.

Here's something I can't figure out. Someone owns a DA revolver and shoots it SA yet they don't own a SA revolver? The SA rugers are still affordable. Of course the new ones in the case today have dust on them.

 

[pharmer]

This and the Ruger Mark series of 22lr pistols.

I'm voting the MKII series. Joe

 

[model70hunter]

I'm liking this thread.

Rburg is right on about the Win M-94 being cheaper in 32 Win. I've seen a few lots cheaper than a 30-30.

I like what 3030remchester said about the M-12. But then on M-12's he just preaching to my choir. It built it's fame and sold a few million copies.

Sure REM and Mossberg have built more, and they are reliable shotguns. I've owned many of both. but then they are made of 11 stamped parts, 13 if you add in the 2 screws for the recoil pad at low prices.

I have my late Fathers 3 screw Ruger single six with the 4 5/8th bbl made in late 59. I started shooting it in the early 60's and it is still solid as a new one.

The guys that mention early Ruger 22 autos are probably right. Not to long ago they were pretty cheap. Not so today.

I would like to find some Mossberg 22 target rifles but maybe waited to long.

I had many pre 64 M 70s, Id like to find an old action with the feeding clip cutouts in the action, just the action. I had some but the guns were too nice to change, I'v been holding onto a 30-06 target bbl for years and would like to make an iron sight target rifle. A late M 54 action would work.

Really old or early 760's and 870's are getting hard to find. Nice solid machined parts.

I'm missed this boat, Fn Mausers. Seems like everyone in the last 6 or 7 years has learned what a Sears Fn bolt action really is.

 

[DJDave]

Monson Mass. 15-2 Dan Wesson Revolvers.

Possibly Any AR-15 After Nov of this year.

 

[ralph7]

Argentine 1911's are basically an old school Colt with different roll marks.
I see these going for around $600 and think that is a deal for what you get.

 

[bushmaster1313]

Surely you jest. "M94Win.30-30" is one word. Larry

A thutty thutty is a 94

 

[model3sw]

In different price ranges but lately the prices have been very reasonable lately.

All High Standard .22 pistols WWII to 1990s. Usually sell for much less than Blue Book prices except if ANIB or if a specific higher grade model. with fancy upgrades / options.

Colt Police Positive

Colt Officer's Models

Colt New Service

S&W Post War 5 screw Masterpiece .22 & .38

S&W S&W Victory and other US surplus V-SNs

Winchester .22 rifles from the 1950s & 1960s in excellent condition depending upon the specific model

S&W Models 39-2 (strong surge in popularity over the past 5 years)

Certain 1990s genre S&W Performance Centers

S&W 3rd Gen auto pistols in all calibers.

S&W M&Ps 1899 through 1905 4th in Target configuration to 1942

For the past 50 years both Colt & Winchester commemorative models (except very few) have been losers. One day that will turn around, I believe. Makes little sense. e.g, a certain year Colt SAA commemorative 2nd gen is worth much less than a Non-commemorative. It is STILL a 2nd Gen SAA, no ?

 

[Watchdog]

The model undervalued gun I know of is the Winchester model 12.

Exactly. It isn't called "The Perfect Repeater" for nothing.

 

[beagleye]

I think the Interarms MK X is a heck of a bargain. I have picked up several thru the years for 2-3 bills. They are solid(!) guns that will last for generations. They are all steel and equipped with adjustable triggers and accurate. It's a straight up 98 (still being made) action so parts won't be a problem for a few millenniums. The calibers you find are great, 30-06 is the norm. I have encountered or owned also 243, 270, 7x57, 375 HH.

If you just want a working gun for a backup or a loaner, for the money I don't think you can do better than an interarms.

Ugly stocks however.

 

[Faulkner]

I'm thinking that the M1 carbines I bought cheap back in the late 1980's and early 1990's are going to help fund my retirement.

 

[Drm50]

I think some of you guys better stick to your handguns. The lever
actions are climbing fast, True. But in Winchesters pre 64s bring
more money than newer models. Also a 32, 25/35, ect is bringing
top money(1894)- because 30/30 was biggest part of production.
In Marlins the JM prices are rising steadily. Pre safety and 32&35
bringing a premium. Savage 99s, through the roof, spool feed
models and obsolete cals bringing the bucks. The small frame
levers in Win & Marlin are crazy on price.
I totally agree Win 12 is most under valued gun on the market.
It was the pump all others were judged by. I can buy a nice one
for $350, 15yrs ago it would have bought twice that in dollars
that were worth more.

 

[SweetMK]

I am hoping sequential serial number, unfired, guns go up in value,,,

 

[Krell1]

I agree that High Standard .22 pistols could have quite a bit of value. I think a comment was made specifically if they've been upgraded or a higher grade model. I have one that's High Standard in frame only. It has a ribbed match barrel, target sights and has had work done on the trigger. I don't think I could put a price on it.

Another, at least to me, would be the S&W Model 52. They are fantastic guns, scarce and command a hefty price tag for one that's in decent shape. These are specialty guns though and may not be for everybody.

 

[model3sw]

I agree that High Standard .22 pistols could have quite a bit of value. I think a comment was made specifically if they've been upgraded or a higher grade model. I have one that's High Standard in frame only. It has a ribbed match barrel, target sights and has had work done on the trigger. I don't think I could put a price on it.

Another, at least to me, would be the S&W Model 52. They are fantastic guns, scarce and command a hefty price tag for one that's in decent shape. These are specialty guns though and may not be for everybody.

It's just that there were millions produced. Over time there are not as many target shooters as the old timers and previous generations. Also, most youngsters without the guidance and appreciation of "fine" pistols want plastic guns. That's a big reason the prices took a dive.

I like the Giles (John Giles (RIP), Odessa, FL) custom .22 High Standards. Those have not depreciated.

All of my sons learned on a High Standard and were all gifted a HS upon their 21st Birthday.

The model 52 S&W is likely "the" most accurate and pleasant to shoot pistol, STRAIGHT OUT OF THE BOX. It doesn't need any custom work because it is already perfect.

 

[shouldazagged]

Smith M10 or 64.

Stevens 311 side-by-side--inexpensive, rugged double gun.

Ruger P series--paving stone ergonomics, but tough and reliable.

Marlin (JM) M60--inexpensive and plentiful.

Older Remington 700ADL.

Makarov 9X18.

Bersa Thunder.

Model 12 or Ithaca 37.

Older Browning A5 or Remington M11.

Gen 2 Glock 19 or 17.

Rossi M88 clone of Smith M60. Quite decent little gun with a bit of polish of the innards.

 

[Krell1]

It's just that there were millions produced. Over time there are not as many target shooters as the old timers and previous generations. Also, most youngsters without the guidance and appreciation of "fine" pistols want plastic guns. That's a big reason the prices took a dive.

I like the Giles (John Giles (RIP), Odessa, FL) custom .22 High Standards. Those have not depreciated.

All of my sons learned on a High Standard and were all gifted a HS upon their 21st Birthday.

The model 52 S&W is likely "the" most accurate and pleasant to shoot pistol, STRAIGHT OUT OF THE BOX. It doesn't need any custom work because it is already perfect.

My High Standard happens to be a John Giles custom. It's, without a doubt, the best .22 target gun you would ever want. I also have the Giles .45 wadcutter gun. He also made a .45 hardball version. I wanted a .38 from him as well to complete my "collection" but didn't have the cash at the time to seal the deal. That's how I eventually added the Model 52 . All were exceptional guns.

 

[nutsforsmiths]

I agree, the Winchester 12 is a heck of a buy.

Also, the Astra Constable in 22LR is a really good buy as well. They are accurate and very well made. They weren't expensive in their day, and that is still true today, but they are well made pistols.

 

[Muddyboot]

The Swiss K-31 rifle, one of the finest rifles ever built....

 

[RobertJ.]

I bought this Remington Model 11 a couple years ago for $250, and I've seen a few in that price range since.

I consider it an inexpensive Browning A5.

And I like the fact it was made back when JMB was still alive and well, and was the turning point in how he got paid.

 

[spad124]

Sporterized Mauser style bolt actions that were sporterized before the milsurp craze started are great values now. Many of these are now being sold by the grandkids of vets who turned their bring backs into sporters. They have no connection to "grandpa's old gun" and just want to get rid of it. Often these sporters were tuned by gunsmiths or rebarreled with premium barrels when they were converted and are much more accurate than stock military rifles. I'm finding sporters for about $250 when a fair condition military version goes for $700-$800.