What makes a S&W collector?

[peterdeb]

Is it the number of S&W firearms you own? Is it the different models you own? Is it the condition of those firearms?
Is it a combination of them? I never thought of myself as a collector, just an enthusiast, as my S&W purchases have mostly been used but not abused. Lately, I find myself purchasing LNIB S&W's, complete package in their original box with the goodies. I'm just hoping I haven't metamorphosed into a collector....but maybe??
My Smith and Wessonitis has taken full hold.

 

[Heinz]

The second Smith and Wesson, especially if it is out of production

 

[robertrwalsh]

It's different strokes for different folks. Some people collect only revolvers. Some only semi-autos. Some military or police guns. Some people collect shooters. Some people collect only pristine examples. Everybody is different. That is what makes life intereting.

 

[.455_Hunter]

I am firmly in the enthusiast camp- used, but not abused, firearms that I can shoot, carry and enjoy. The concept of NIB with all the accoutrements has almost zero appeal to me.

 

[22hipower]

Depends. . . are you thinking you're a serious collector? Or maybe a real collector? Or a pristine collector? An investment collector? There are other variants too.

Some think a "serious collector" won't have any guns that aren't ANIB with everything that came in the box. . .and the box the box came in too.

Some might suggest that a "pristine collector" might not have all the piece parts but certainly wouldn't have any that aren't in "pristine" condition.

A "real collector" is a bit more elusive, but it is unlikely that a real collector would be confused with a serious collector or a pristine collector.

I'm not sure what constitutes an "investment collector" but presumably someone who collects in anticipation of great gains in value over time.

It's less complicated I think, just to be an accumulator or even an aggregator. That way we can even have a few that show a little wear and that we shoot occasionally.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Truckman]

It boils down to just having an interest in S&W...My interest is historical, although the beauty of form and function are also a draw for me......Ben

 

[Slufstuff]

I collect US military handguns, focusing on US military issued revolvers. I consider myself also a S&W collector but limited mainly to military connected Smith & Wesson's. I will say that S&W makes up well over half of my military collection (though that is as much because I do not choose to go down the M1911 rabbit hole as anything else).

As for condition collecting, a military focus kind of forces you into "used but excellent/good condition" territory. I try to get the best condition my budget allows, but I do not let honest wear keep me from buying rarer examples I need.

 

[The Gila Bender]

I am what's known as an "Accumulator". Enthusiast, enjoyer of the craft and community, attracted to well-used blue steel objects. I accumulate shooter grade N frames and a select few vintage safe queens. My bad habit is finding and reconditioning old and often unloved S&W's back to serviceable condition, mostly so I can make up a stories about them. The Model of 1926 .44 Military, "Warts and All", is one of my favorite shooters. 1946-'49 transition period long action N frames seem to be the smoothest double actions in my pile. Maybe it's because they are well-seasoned and, well, old and experienced. Like me.

 

[LostintheOzone]

I don't think collectors buy new firearms unless they happen to be reproductions of some bygone model like a Schofield.

My idea of a collector is someone who likes the historical connection.

But then I'm not a collector so I really couldn't define it.

 

[panamajack310]

Hey I have the exact same problem. I shoot all the time but I also have found over the past 10 years I have collected a number of NIB revolvers and 3rd gen S&W autos. I can’t bring myself to shoot them. So I guess I am in the same boat as you are.

 

[walter o]

I collect variations in the progression of the mechanics of the revolver .
from early internal & external operation of the working of the parts together. Following the progression through the model changes to present day to me it is like looking at a watch innards.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I've bought and sold Smith & Wesson revolvers for 52 years.

I fought becoming a collector because I didn't think I had the
interest or dedication to one facet of the subject.

When I finally gained an interest in one model I still avoided the
moniker "collector." That model came and went, then another, and
finally the Chiefs Special bug bit me, and for nearly a decade it's
stuck.

I now consider myself a collector, and the transition didn't hurt one bit.

Joining the S&W Collectors Association was a great move. The
fellowship, the Journal, and especially the annual symposium:
they're the best. Great stuff awaits those who take the dive.

I've branched out to include Bodyguards in my interests. I still
have seven Chiefs and two Bodyguards on my want list. I might
never see any of the nine, but the hunt is still great fun.

 

[Modified]

I'd say collector is just an accumulator who has sorted out which guns bring the most all around pleasure to them.

I think I became a S&W collector when I parted 4 lesser guns that I had accumulated to acquire 1 much more pleasing gun. I had to have the accumulation to know what I liked and didn't like, and the process is ever ongoing, but now I have settled into exactly the guns that I derive the greatest pleasure from searching for and acquiring.

So I would say I am now a collector.

I think the second best thing about being a S&W collector (second after the wonderful people), is the broad range of collecting niches available with S&Ws. There is no real "having one of each" S&W. Even if you think you have all of the variations you just run into club guns and you will never have all of them. Even if you had all the money in the world a lifetime of collecting couldn't get you a "complete" collection of every S&W variation.

And that's great because there is pretty much something perfect for everyone's tastes and temperament and budget. Something pleasing, and fun, and high quality.

Which loops back to the best part of S&W Collecting, the people. Even when a fellow is in competition with someone in their particular niche it's friendly. I get genuine pleasure from seeing people I know get guns I would personally love to own because I know how much they appreciate that gun too.

And when you get to hang out with the great people who enjoy other niches outside of yours; boy then you get to have some real fun being introduced to other S&W rabbit holes you didn't even know existed.

And not everyone needs to be a collector. There's plenty of room for shooters, and reloaders, and accumulators in the S&W community. Those are just more niches outside of all of the myriad of models and features and modifications and historical information you get with S&Ws.

 

[Frailer]

My definition of a “collection” is a group of items that were deliberately assembled and that share a common theme. How narrow or broad that theme might be is up to the collector.

The question of what makes one a “collector” is more difficult to answer. If pressed on the issue, I would suggest that if you find yourself buying an item that is redundant (meaning you already have something that will fulfill its identical function) just because you want it…you might be a collector.

 

[Model29-26.5]

Last Dec I had never fired a firearm of any kind. Only plastic BB’s.
Now I own 21 pinned Smiths with two more I’m about to lay out for..
Some real real nice ones in my opinion and a three or four that are nice shooters.
Some might consider them all shooters?
Couple that were advertised as either unfired or fired very little.
I know what I’m collecting and what I’m willing to lay out for.
I guess I don’t consider myself a serious collector because I’m a newbie, but I have definitely been collecting.
Honeymoon phase for me and really enjoying learning about the history and different models, finishes and manufacturing.
I am hooked.
I always loved the aesthetic of the SW

 

[austintexas]

Collector

I kinda started out as a accumulator. When I was in college I worked in a joint on campus (short order cook,soda jerk, cleanup guy for the dance floor).My boss was a pistol shooter, showed me his K-22, K-32, K-38 and I was partially hooked on Smiths, Before I could get started I flunked out of collage and ended up joining the Air Force before the draft could get me. In Libya ('62) I bought my first Smith (Victory Model), but I also bought a 1916 Luger, Highway patrolman (and sold it), Model 19 (I still have)and a Colt Woodsman. Later in life('68) I traded the woodsman for a 32-20 from a cop in Chicago and that started my fascination of Smiths. A big help in my collection was when I retired from the AF, started my second Job that had a good retirement . I had more free funds to spend on my hobby. When the house and cars got paid off and I started buying more expensive Smiths. I don't think anyone starts out as a collector.
SWCA 892

 

[SWFan27]

Good taste and some cash to have fun with.

 

[robvious]

the difference for me is intention... I am an accumulator my pile has meandered without focus... and as of now I have no intention of focus... I am content with my lil pile of stuff

 

[lawandorder]

Money. $$$$$$$$

 

[ken158]

In the beginning, I would have to trade what I had to get what I wanted… As time passed, I would be able to keep what I had and buy what I wanted. I was always looking for the “perfect’ model for whatever use I had envisioned. Carrying, hunting or shooting targets. As the guns begin to multiply in the safe you realize you are now some kind of a collector. As far as collecting as an investment, I find that is not accurate once you put the numbers on paper until / unless you obtain such a serious collection that others will pay a serious price to own one of your guns. I believe the thrill of the chase is what keeps a collector going as well as doing something with his time other than stare at a monthly investment statement.