I think I've regretted selling about eighty percent of the guns I have parted with. On the other hand, I've come to accept that I can't keep them all. This came particularly clear after I realized that I owned over thirty Smith & Wesson revolvers and there seemed no end in sight. So I started to upgrade my "accumulation" when possible and turn it into a "collection". Here's a classic example:
A few years ago I bought a 99% Model 27-2 and some months later found the correct presentation case. As so often happens, I promptly ran across what I really wanted: A very nice 1955 vintage .357 Magnum Model of 1950 with target grips. The price was right and I purchased the gun for cash. Not long after, I ran across the gun pictured: A 1954 K22 Combat Masterpiece with red-ramp insert, non-relieved targets, and target hammer/target trigger. Too good to be true! By this time, though, there was a slight cash-flow issue, so something had to go. My collecting interests include top-breaks and pre-model numbered guns, so the M27-2 didn't really fit. I negotiated a trade: The K22 and $200 for my M27-2, and that's one trade I have not regretted. I shoot the K22 more than any gun I own, preferring it to my 6" K22 Target Masterpiece. I don't miss the M27-2, as the .357 Magnum shoots as well and is a true classic. The configuration of the K22 is fairly unusual and I plan to letter it to see how much is original.
This process was a real lesson to me. Trading less-desireable guns for more-desireable guns keeps my interest in this hobby fresh. Now all I need to do is find a nice .44 Triple-Lock to replace my shooter. Anyone looking to do some trading? The K22 is not available...
A few years ago I bought a 99% Model 27-2 and some months later found the correct presentation case. As so often happens, I promptly ran across what I really wanted: A very nice 1955 vintage .357 Magnum Model of 1950 with target grips. The price was right and I purchased the gun for cash. Not long after, I ran across the gun pictured: A 1954 K22 Combat Masterpiece with red-ramp insert, non-relieved targets, and target hammer/target trigger. Too good to be true! By this time, though, there was a slight cash-flow issue, so something had to go. My collecting interests include top-breaks and pre-model numbered guns, so the M27-2 didn't really fit. I negotiated a trade: The K22 and $200 for my M27-2, and that's one trade I have not regretted. I shoot the K22 more than any gun I own, preferring it to my 6" K22 Target Masterpiece. I don't miss the M27-2, as the .357 Magnum shoots as well and is a true classic. The configuration of the K22 is fairly unusual and I plan to letter it to see how much is original.
This process was a real lesson to me. Trading less-desireable guns for more-desireable guns keeps my interest in this hobby fresh. Now all I need to do is find a nice .44 Triple-Lock to replace my shooter. Anyone looking to do some trading? The K22 is not available...
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