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Investment Pistol

cwbuff2000cwbuff2000 Member Posts: 2 ✭✭
edited November 2007 in Ask the Experts
I may come in to a few $$$ by windfall.I'd like to buy a handgun for investment purposes,only.If all goes well,I'd like to spend between $800.00-$1200.00 I'm sure this is not a lot to most but is very much to me.I'm hoping that someone might tell me what type of pistol to purchase or an exact pistol to purchase.I want to get something that may grow in value over say 2 or 3 years.I've only messed around w/ military surplus firearms because:1 I've never been able to afford anything but.and 2:I only have a C&R license.If someone could point me in the right direction,I'd really appreciate it.Thank-you in advance. TK

Comments

  • Underdog2264Underdog2264 Member Posts: 164 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I don't claim to be an expert, I have been collecting, buying and selling for 25 years and still don't know doo doo. There are so many guns out there that are appreciating in value it would be hard to pick just one. My 2 cents worth, find something you like, or that is interesting to you, such as early Colt 1911s or Springfield 03a3. Or what ever tickles your fancy. After all If it isn't interesting to you why bother. Do some home work and find the best one you can afford. As for a big jump in value in a short 2-3 years that would be tough, but if you take your time and do a bit of research you won't loose anything investing in firearms.
  • HLOUIE2HLOUIE2 Member Posts: 127 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Guns are much like the stock market and demand really drives prices. You might want to consider a really clean matching and non-import marked P-38. I think these have been a bit of a sleeper. Very early or very late guns seem to do the best and there are plenty around. If you live near a retirement community check to see if they have a gun club. It can be a great source of WW2 bring backs of all kinds. Get familiar with the library and if you take your time it's hard to go too wrong.
  • rhmc24rhmc24 Member Posts: 1,984 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Obsolescent pieces are what I am buying. In the 6-1200 range I have been buying large frame Smith & Wessons, mostly from 1880s to WW one. There are several models, the early break down Double Actions, the Triple Lock and other Hand Ejectors. Most of these will be .44 Russian, .44 Special, 44-40, maybe .45 Colt, .455 British calibers. Other calibers exist but are usually up in price.

    In your choice, whatever type or period, emphasize condition & originality.
  • RobinRobin Member Posts: 1,228 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    My vote goes for a post world war II pre-model 27 or model 27-2 Smith & Wesson in 3.5" or 5" barrel. Investment grade guns generally mean the condition should be an honest 95% or better. If you can't locate one of these, look for some of the S&W N frames in the wood presentation cases with tools, paperwork, etc. I recently saw a S&W N frame in .45 ACP target model of 1955 (model 24 or 25)in your price range, actually $799. at our local Gander Mountain store. Considering the condition it should be a decent investment. I always figured that the enjoyment of owning a nice usable firearm provides the greatest value to the owner. If it happens to increase in value that is a plus. I think if a real investment is your main goal, there are better ways to invest. Good luck
  • gruntledgruntled Member Posts: 8,218 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Buying retail & selling wholesale is a great way to go broke. The gun has to go way up in value just to break even. You should also know that the grade at which you buy will suddenly go down when you want to sell.
    You should buy the gun you want to use or at least enjoy having & if it goes up in value that's great, if not then you get the enjoyment of owning it.
  • Mk 19Mk 19 Member Posts: 8,170
    edited November -1
    I wish that I was in your situation 20 years ago. That was when I could have bought a whole case of Russian SKS's for $60 per gun, now they are worth $400 each. The same thing goes today, find the surplus gun that looks great and buy a bunch of them, they will increase in value in the future. Sniper versions are always a better invetment, something like a 91/30 PU. I know you were asking about handguns, but this is the way I would do it after looking over the market for the past 25 years.
  • givettegivette Member Posts: 10,886
    edited November -1
    CWbuff: Hi! givette here. Well, let's see now...

    1. You have money to invest.
    2. Maximum investment $1200.

    Question: what are your intentions? You say monetary gain only? Firearms is a big risk, and return minimal. Unless you stumble upon that once-in-a-lifetime find. (Old lady selling her husband's guns, etc).

    I have a feeling that since you are a C&R, firearms are somewhat of a hobby/passion. Buy what you like, hoping it will increase in value. Any firearm no longer produced can only but increase in value. But not enough for investment [read: financial security] unless you are willing to drop considerably more than $1200.

    I've never heard of a firearms' investment portfolio being offered on Wall Street. No money in it. Go with what you like, because it's a passion, not an investment. Or put your money into a more reasonable return venue. Joe

    EDIT: I digress, and apologise. Your question asked about a firearm. Well, within your cost parameters/condition, you may wish to contact GB member "rhossack". See if he will be putting his 1911 up for auction, or is otherwise willing to part with it. Joe
  • competentonecompetentone Member Posts: 4,696 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Mk 19
    I wish that I was in your situation 20 years ago. That was when I could have bought a whole case of Russian SKS's for $60 per gun, now they are worth $400 each.

    Most of that price rise is nothing more than inflation.

    I would never recommend that anyone buy "things" solely as an investment. There are just too many variables to try to predict future market demands for "stuff."

    The best advice I ever heard about buying "art" came from someone making a lot of money selling artwork he had purchased years before. His advice: Buy what you LIKE and WANT, if it goes up in value, you'll be happy with the return, if it doesn't, then you have had the enjoyment of owning something you wanted.

    If you're coming into some money, I'd suggest picking a firearm to buy that you've always wanted to own, but could never justify spending money on. Shoot it if you want, or just store it and take it out to look at, it that is what you'd like. If it goes up in value and you want to sell it later, do so if you want. If it doesn't go up in value, you'll be happy owning something you really wanted.
  • duckhunterduckhunter Member Posts: 7,687 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    After 60 years in this business. Buy what you like to look at. If it goes up more that 5% a year you are lucky. You can get %5 at your bank.
  • claysclays Member Posts: 1,928 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I would suggest a 70series Colt Gold Cup. Look for one as new in the box with papers. They can still be found for around $1200.
  • perry shooterperry shooter Member Posts: 17,105 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    As other have said buy what you like . But something IMHO to avoid is any gun made as a collector item they seldom ever bring as much increase in value as a plain Jane model. Keep all paperwork and box in mint shape. Colt in pistols and Winchester in rifles have always been the the best as far as increase in value By a 98% gun for a NIB gun you can't shoot without taking a big hit in value but collectors don't want a 80% gun either.
  • COLTCOLT Member Posts: 12,637 ******
    edited November -1
    ...If you research and know what your buying and buy it right, you cannot find a much more pleasurable way to invest and watch it grow; with some very nice appreciation.

    ...Yes, I am very biased when it comes to Colt, for many reasons, about the least of which is the money; and that's not to say they did have some runs (still do) of guns that bite. With some "smarts" and given your not a complete dolt, it is very hard to loose any money on a Colt or lots of other guns for that matter; it's ALL in knowing WTH your doing, if your a carpenter, you might not want to open up a nail salon

    ...I'm biased for several reasons. I'm a Colt fan,several reasons but to address your question; one of many reason's is because of the appreciation. Buy a nice Colt and you will not be dissappointed as it's value rises at a faster rate than most other nominal priced handguns.

    ...I don't know how much experience you have with hand guns/long guns...but if you have little, you would be far better off investing in an annuity. You cannot accumulate the knowledge to know what to buy and at what price, on a whim OR overnight and expect to make money.

    ...As for Colt's, you want pretty much a bone stock gun, not one that has been changed, proffessionaly or by anyone; the appreciation is in the originality of the piece.

    ...That does not mean you can't buy one and add some drop-in parts or change some springs etc. as long as you keep the original parts and are able to put the gun back to factory original, no harm no foul unless your alteration is permenant; such as a tang cut or porting the original slide etc.

    ...Colt's have and are appreciating at a fantastic rate, IF you know what to buy and at what price; that is where "know your gun" comes into play BIG time.

    ...Certain pre series 70's , series 70's, series 80's are reasonably priced and will appreciate at very nice rate, again, if you KNOW what to buy. IF you know what to buy you should know the going rate vs a steal, that said, you can even buy a nice Colt 1991A1 at a good price and it will still appreciate faster than most handguns of other brands; but that is not THE most desirable of Colt's, other models will appreciate faster.

    ...Though I will never sell a Colt there is one factor that HAS to be present in the buying equation when I buy, and that is to buy a Colt well under the going rate; in other words, it has to have at least $150++ equity built in at the time of purchase period...or I pass and keep looking. IF I can't turn around and sell the gun and MAKE at least that much profit the same day, as a general rule I will not buy it unless it is a "certain one" that Ive been looking long and hard for.

    ...Example: At least one of the last three Colt's Ive bought was undervalued buy a minumum of $300 to $500, seller was happy, and I was VERY happy [^]

    ...That is but one example. There is not a more fun, enjoyable way to have an investment that grows as aggressively and is as relitavely safe as buying nice Colt's.

    ..The amount of money you mentioned you are willing to spend is MORE than enough to buy a nice Colt to get started, but I cannot stress enough, if you do not know what you are looking for; you could end up with a gun that you paid too much for and having to wait for a year or two for the gun to appreciate in value to just the price you gave for it, which all in all is not THAT bad compared to other guns...but that is NOT what your looking for.
    ...Think of stocks, think long term and it's hard to go wrong with a Colt, not impossible but hard.

    ...Plenty of great deals out there to be had with a LOT of knowledge and I am no expert, I ask a LOT of questions here and elsewhere, but that is one part of the education process too. If your going to get "serious" with your endevour, be prepared to spend a lot of time checking prices DAILY (for me), learn the models and what to look for in a bone stock gun, be patient and buy right and Colt's will give you a lot of pleasure and a great rate of appreciation; in my case that will be passed on, worth far more than what I invested, luck...[;)]

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