What Makes a Handgun Collectible?
Obviously, the best gun for a collector would be a brand new, never been fired, in the box, with papers, and (for the droolers) never even had the hamer pulled back. But aside from that, what makes a gun collectible? If you have a gun that has had maybe only one box of rounds shot through it, is it still a collector? What if it has never been shot, but the friends you show it to just can't help but cock the trigger once and let the hammer fly on a dry shell. Everyone wants to do it when you show it to them, resulting in some slight turn marks in the cylinder. Does this small wear degrade the value? What if the cylinder has some minor turn marks and you send it back to the manufacturer for refinishing. Is the gun now devaluated because the cylinder was refinished? Sorry if this sounds stupid, but I am interested.
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Numberous factors make a firearm collectable. I'll hit a few:
Low total production numbers (probably the biggest factor)
high popular following (such as colts)
odd/obsolete calibers can greatly increase or decrease value
low serial number
documented gun (was in a movie, carried by a famous person, etc - typically will need to be documented for value to change)
odd/rare factory options
Of course you already mentioned some things which are specific to the gun itself (condition, box, papers, original purchase ticket, tools, cleaning kit, chokes, extra cylinders, etc)
Most guns will have a NIB value, but depending on the firearm, it might only be $25 above an excellent condition gun of the same model if it isn't a true collector.
If ya wanna post the guns make, model and the serial (you can block out the last 2 digits if you prefer with XX's) we'll try to give you the values for 'em.0 -
Appreciate the response. Not really talking about a specific gun. I am interested in what to look for when selecting a purchase. Really interested in the refurbishing aspect. Colt will let you return a gun for a complete refinish. Does this devaluate? 0 -
Yes, refinishing greatly reduces the value of the gun, up to 65% isn't uncommon. However, I'm not sure the value loss would be QUITE as high when having the original manufacturor redo it. I once saw a gun that was probably 30% original finish and by the time the guy had all the metal refinished and the stock's dings removed he spent all that money to do it, and couldn't even get what he originally bought the gun for, I think it was a $400 mistake.
Again, if were talking about run of the mill stuff that is meant to be shot then the values aren't as drastic. Some of the guys on here talk about WWII 1911 .45's and how much thier worth in "as issued" state, but if they've been redone they are just a $250 shooter.
Go over to the general discussion forum and sign up for my gun traders guide giveaway (maybe you'll win). It explains some of the basics of this type of stuff.
Best of luck to ya.0 -
As previously mentioned,
1) Low production numbers
2) Must be recognized as a classic design from the day it came out, (ie: Luger, SAA, 1911, etc.)
3) Quality workmanship and materials
4) Previous ownership by a noted individual.
If you have two or more of "Rembrandt's Criteria", it will be a collectible item.0 -
Right on REMBRANDT! I like the formula...
Mateomasfeo0 -
Opps, hit send too quick! One question, what is "Low Production" numbers? How many are considered low?
Mateomasfeo0 -
Some might say 10,000 or less....I'd say under 5,000 produced 0 -
So, REMBRANDT, you stated your formula as:
quote:1) Low production numbers
2) Must be recognized as a classic design from the day it came out, (ie: Luger, SAA, 1911, etc.)
3) Quality workmanship and materials
4) Previous ownership by a noted individual.
Let's apply that to my latest purchase and see how it works. I purchased a NIB Benelli M1014. SO:
1. Low pro. numbers --- Yes, 2500
2. Classic design. - - Hmm. Maybe?
3. Quality workmanship -- Yes
4. Previous ownership --- No
So even if you throw out #2 and #4 it still has two of the criteria (sort of like an AWB formula!), so it should be collectable.
Whadda ya think REMBRANDT? And then what about applying the formula to say a HK USC and a HK Mark 23?
This is fun!
Mateomasfeo0 -
Could be....of course 3 of 4 would be better, and 4 of 4 would be a homerun.
There are two other factors to consider....is the gun still in production and then there's the "Time Factor"....given enough time even a cracked piece of pottery will have value.0 -
Good points again REMBRANDT.
Of course time is always a biggie...hell, one day they may want us to turn em all in, then the investment value would kinda suck!!
So what have we learned, class? We learned there are guidelines, but no exact formula. Still gotta use a little "Common Sense!"
Mateomasfeo0 -
not to spoil everyones equations but....in all due respect....the market commands the value. advertising effects demand. customers are then lead by the nose into puchasing things they are 'told' is rare. happens all the time. just read an american rifleman or guns and ammo mag. people will believe anything. case in point...why all the interest in garands in the last 10 years? before....you couldnt give them away. or how about import shotguns now? if you get bombarded enough, youll start believing it and then a the sale takes place. thus....the demand runs the value up and i can assure you, sellers arent gonna sell them for less. they ride the wave until something else gets advertised and when people with them sitting in their closets break them out....the market is ready to suck them up. welcome to capitalism folks. god help us the day a single shot h&r becomes collectible. you just watch what will happen!
former air operations officer SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 2. former navy skeet team, navy rifle/pistol team member. co-owner skeetmaster tubes inc.. owner/operator professional shooting instruction.0
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