Value in 20 Years - Model 15-8 or 36-6 ?

[SFIDEC]

If choosing to put one of these in safe for 20 years...thoughts on which to stow away. Both have boxes and paperwork.

 

[Tanners Owner]

Tough call, as I shoot all my guns. Some more frequently than others, but I shoot them all.

 

[Rpg]

You'd do much better over time with much earlier examples of the M 15 or M 36.

Straight, no dash M 36's are commonly available as are M 15-4's and earlier pinned barrel versions.

 

[colt_saa]

While I do own many firearms that are unfired since leaving the factory, I never consciously put something away for 20 years.

I have the same two firearms, though my 4" model 15 is one of the color case hardened versions and I changed the grips on both

I shoot both of mine

It is a tough call for me. The Nickel from the Performance Center in those days was spectacular but then the 36 Full Lug Target is a great looking little revolver.

If I were going to keep one unfired since leaving the factory, it would be the 4" model 15

 

[amazingflapjack]

Almost any S&W that does not have a hole in its side will appreciate better than many investments, in my view.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

How many Model 15-8s were made? Looks like MIM parts were initiated on the 15-8.

There were, reportedly, 615 of the Model 36-6 Targets. Case hardened hammer and trigger.

I'd go with the small production number and non-MIM parts.

But that's just me.

20 years, though? Who will still be here?

Bob

 

[silversnake]

Agree with two-bit cowboy, probably the 36 because of the lack of MIM parts.

If the idea is to make money from your collection I would sell both and purchase an older P&R revolver instead, preferably one built prior to WW2.

 

[Vespers]

I have a 15-4 that I bought new in 1982. It's a 2 inch that is unfired! I don't know what it's worth? But I'm not planning on selling it. I was offered $500 for it and I passed!

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

At a minimum I believe S&W prices will do what they've done for the last 40-plus years, which is increase in value directly in proportion to the rate of inflation. For example, a M686 that sold for $262.50 in 1981 will trade hands today for something in the $650 to $750 range, provided it's well cared for.

Guns in rough condition sell for less. Pristine unfired guns new-in-box sell for more. But even these adds and deducts, for the most part, follow in proportion with the rate of inflation.

Investment-grade guns will perhaps increase at a slightly higher rate. But they're more expensive to begin with, so in the long run they also appreciate at the rate of inflation plus some fractional adder.

 

[reddog81]

Whichever one you can get the better deal on. Like Kernel Crittenden mentioned - Guns usually increase in value at the rate of inflation. Exceptions are rare. Both of those are common models that have been produced for decades and will go up in value at a similar rate.

 

[H Richard]

Knowing the 36-6 was limited to 615 guns made, I normally go with the older guns, I would probably go that way. I do not know how many of the 15-8's were produced, but even if a comparable amount, I would still go with the 36-6. (and yes, I have one and I haven't fired it in about 8 years).

 

[tlmetesh]

If you're buying the gun simply to put it in the safe for 2 decades, then you're buying the gun for the wrong reason.

 

[SFIDEC]

S&W 4th Edition Link

Was looking for information online regarding this Model 15-8 and came across the following link while searching. I was pleasantly surprised when finding what looks like a complete Catalog 4th Edition. Maybe I'm just new and didn't know this was available.

Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson - Jim Supica, Richard Nahas - Google Books

 

[JohnRippert]

I think that with the newer models condition is going to be the deciding factor on worth in the future. If one is in better overall condition than the other, keep the better one in the safe.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

timetesh makes an interesting point, but I know folks who buy lots of "items," including cars, just to put them away for years.

With your clarification that there were only 207 Mod 15-8s made I more clearly see your consideration. Since it was made in 2001 does it have an internal lock (your photo doesn't show it, but I see that colt_saa's doesn't). If so I'd certainly hide the Mod 36-6 away.

Also, there's something about the phrase Chiefs Special Target that rings louder in my ears than 15-8, although I did finally see that your 15-8 is a Performance Center piece so that makes it a bit more interesting, I suppose.

My two bits,

Bob

 

[SFIDEC]

Model 36-6 vs.15-8 as Safequeen?

Thanks for the excellent input about which low production newer S&W revolver (36-6 vs. 15-8) to stow away as possible investment. I appreciate the variety of responses from different perspectives. This Forum provides information and experience like no other. I will side with Two-Bit Cowboy, Silversnake, & H Richard that the 36-6 will probably be the future collectible but also agree with timetesh, Rpg, Tanners Owner, and colt saa that revolvers are meant for shooting. Both revolvers will be shot because I need to know how they perform. Collecting is secondary to the thrill of the hunt, researching, and knowing how a S&W target revolver finds the Bullseye. Silversnake points out about selling both and getting an older model. Already have a Pre 15 4 screw (attached picture). Fine revolvers they are. Thanks again Folks!!!