Firearms' long-term value
- Thread starter Steelers252006
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1st Gen Colt SAA's were selling for $100 and less in the 1960's - based on what I've heard. A nice 1st Gen SAA would sell for well over $2,000 today - up to $50,000, depending on condition and rarity.
I believe Colt Pythons sold for $150 in the mid '60's. If you kept it NIB, you could expect to sell it for over $2,000 today. But, just about 12 years ago, you could buy really nice Pythons for under $500. In just 12 years, you could almost triple your money.
If you purchased Chinese AK's in 1987 - you would have paid about $300 new in box - retail. If you sold them in 1995 for about $800 - more than double your money in less than 10 years.
In 2002, I could purchase AC556 folding stock versions for $2,500 (and I did). Ten years later, they sell for about 2.5 times that amount.
I believe Colt Pythons sold for $150 in the mid '60's. If you kept it NIB, you could expect to sell it for over $2,000 today. But, just about 12 years ago, you could buy really nice Pythons for under $500. In just 12 years, you could almost triple your money.
If you purchased Chinese AK's in 1987 - you would have paid about $300 new in box - retail. If you sold them in 1995 for about $800 - more than double your money in less than 10 years.
In 2002, I could purchase AC556 folding stock versions for $2,500 (and I did). Ten years later, they sell for about 2.5 times that amount.
Skans only thing with regards to your examples, specific types of firearms. General run of the mil guns IMO will not bring home the bacon. In todays world look at the prices you posted. Will the increase hold true if those gun are bought today at todays prices and increase in value as in your example in say 20 years. Maybe
Don, you raise an excellent question. The truth is I don't really know. But, I do think that the following types of guns will continue to increase in value, even at today's prices: 1st Gen Colt SAA's; WWI and WWII 1911's; Colt Pythons; Most, if not all, machine guns; Older Hi-Powers; Hand-made shotguns; Superposed O/U's. Of course you have to buy them at the right price, but on these, the right price would just be a fair price - not some price an unknowledgeable person sell for.
I don't know why someone would buy "run-of-the-mill" guns for investment purposes - Yes, I'd agree, not a good investment bet.
I'd bet you could name some others that you believe have good upside. But, prices can go down too - this has happened to many of the ''80's "assault pistols" I purchased. No firearm is a sure bet; but then again no investment is - not even government bonds!
FWIW, keeping guns in your safe is much safer than keeping money in your safe (bank account, bonds and CD's included). It's a sure bet that your currency will be worth much less 20 years from now.
I don't know why someone would buy "run-of-the-mill" guns for investment purposes - Yes, I'd agree, not a good investment bet.
I'd bet you could name some others that you believe have good upside. But, prices can go down too - this has happened to many of the ''80's "assault pistols" I purchased. No firearm is a sure bet; but then again no investment is - not even government bonds!
FWIW, keeping guns in your safe is much safer than keeping money in your safe (bank account, bonds and CD's included). It's a sure bet that your currency will be worth much less 20 years from now.
Budda, congratulations, although now I wonder who sold you the gun for $300... wonder if it was the same person who sold my buddy a low mileage, complete with detachable hardtop 1968 Mercedes 280SL convertible for $4900 in 1996... Those people are out there, but finding them isn't so easy.
Skans, the trick seems to be finding top end type weapons, very well-made and well-liked, that are eventually discontinued. It's hard to predict that; note that the mid-80's $500 vs early 60's $150 on the Python was a case of barely holding value: value didn't shoot up until discontinuation of the Python.
So firearms could be decent investments, but in the majority of cases they are not.
Skans, the trick seems to be finding top end type weapons, very well-made and well-liked, that are eventually discontinued. It's hard to predict that; note that the mid-80's $500 vs early 60's $150 on the Python was a case of barely holding value: value didn't shoot up until discontinuation of the Python.
So firearms could be decent investments, but in the majority of cases they are not.
Yep, the only firearm in the safe that has increased in value is the Python. Everything else IMO if sold would at best bring minimal profit if any. The only handgun that is pristine is the Python. It has a couple of thousand rounds through it but for some reason has no marks or wear on it. In the current state of affairs I'm so broke I can't pay attention so investing in firearms is a mute point.
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