Investment in pistol. Is there such a thing?

Not really. Some guns (pistols included) will appreciate in value some if they're discontinued - particularly if they're cherished and rare (the Colt Python for example), but for the most part they lose a bit of value when used.

The good thing though, is that assuming they stay in good shape, guns don't really depreceate like a car or something where the decline in value is continuous over time. A pistol or any other gun takes an immediate hit when it becomes used and then generally will maintain that value (and even go up with inflation) over time.

In that way, while they're not a good investment, they are fairly safe purchases. I have computer parts like TV capture cards and what were the top of the line video cards that I paid $300 when new and 10 years later you couldn't sell them for $10 each. Cars are similar. Pay $30,000 for a nice car and in 10 years it'll be worth $3000 tops. If I buy a $300 handgun 10 years later if I need the money I could probably get $225 out of it.

Sure but not much produced in the last 50yrs..

Unless you have some rare relic, these guns lose their value the minute it leaves the store. But I have to admit, they don't progressively lose their value in time versus a used car. But they are fairly easy to sell if you need money fast. Once my mom needed money desperately and I needed to help her. I sold 4 good handguns in less than 1 week - Glock 19, CZ75B, Stoeger Cougar in .40 and a SIg P220 carry. I took a loss of about 20-25% of its original price.

Absolutely. Even short term if you know what you are doing. A "friend" recently bought a H&K P7M10 for $2500 and sold it for $3500 very soon after. Not too bad, right? As far as NEW and CURRENT production, that's a different story, but even then it's possible if you know what to look for (i.e., special/limited editions).

Only if they appreciate in value over time and there is market.

The way I see it is, were I to place $1k and a $1k handgun next to one another in my safe, and get back to them five years later, which will have maintained the greater value? When you consider both present and future political/economic possibilities, I would (and will) spend it on the handgun.

They pretty much hold their value compared to other items like electronics, cars, tools. However, there are much better investments out there.



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I encourage you to look up info on the NAA Ranger. That was a gun to invest in! Stupid me thought to wait and now I will be never have one

I agree with #2. I wish I had an original Bren Ten right about now.

The thing about any item, it won't likely be collectible if it was INTENDED to be collectible at the time it was sold. It's items that become rare through a bizarre turn of events that become rare and valuable.

I can't speak for pistols, but I have noticed that the rifles I bought with my C&R license appear to have gone up in value since they sold out from the various importers. Of course past results are not a guarantee of future results and I haven't actually tried to sell any of mine.

I think the purchase of a used pistol might be a relatively good store of value if you also plan to use it, but otherwise it's probably as good, or bad, as individual stock picking.

The only investments I make are in firearms.
Most people I know lost money in their 401K, I have yet to lose a penny in my 40Gun K.
Buy when you find a bargain, sell for a profit.
Plus, you get to shoot the guns.


Jim

I think it is a matter of setting expectations.

If you consider a bank account an "investment", I suspect your return might be pretty similar after transaction costs. Joking aside, that is how I justify holding on to pistols--if I needed the cash, I will probably get about the same as I would letting it sit in savings (i.e., not much, but you are likely not to lose it).

I've bought and sold quite a few firearms......i've always come out ahead. But i've never bought investment type guns, just users.

Revolver prices seem to keep rising faster than other pistols.

How good are you at spotting trends? That's the question, and in doing so you'd better sell when the market is right. It's not something that's just going to appreciate at a steady rate. I can think of numerous guns that go through a period of being the "in" thing to have, and if you can predict these, you might do alright. If not, it'll hold value.

Is there such a thing as investment in pistols? Pistols that you can buy and expect appreciation in value when you have done playing and want to move on t something else?

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While guns tend to hold their value better than almost any other consumer product, significant appreciation in value is rare. If you want to use or collect guns, you probably won't lose a lot of money if you have to sell them later, but if you are looking to earn money you are better off with more common investment options.

I have on occasion doubled my money in less then a month. A friend holds a record of doing better then that in 10 minutes...

In all fairness none of the above were brand-new purchases.

The first mentioned was a World War Two, Walther P-38 that my friend spotted which had police rather then military markings. If he'd held it 'till today he would have made between 4 to 5 times what he bought it for.

One of those I mentioned (among many) was a Smith & Wesson .38 Military & Police revolver made in 1941 for the U.S. Navy. Again the markings made the difference, as the contract total was only for 3000 pieces.

To score, you have to do some research and keep your eyes open, but in the used gun department of retailers, pawn shops, auctions and gun shows; those who are knowledgeable can make money. Sometimes a lot of it.

Unless there is something unusual going on, buying new guns at retail prices will take a long time to turn a meaningful profit.

I would imagine that a nice Nazi Luger in good condition would be a pretty safe investment.

I would imagine that a nice Nazi Luger in good condition would be a pretty safe investment.

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I would be supprised. A "nice Nazi Luger in good condition" is worth a lot of money already. if you were to buy one today for current market value I'm sure in 20 years it would be worth even more, but is the appreciation likely to outstrip what you could get from a good mutual fund? I doubt it.

If they ever stop making Colt single actions, which could easily happen, then their value would spike. That would be my best guess for new production pistols that are likely to spike in value in our lifetimes.

157 guns that are well increased in value.

There is a list of 157 guns that are more valuable right now. They might not hold that appreciation if a bill doesn't pass. I would guess a HiPoint carbine is worth more than what was paid for it, but if you do not like your specimen it might be a good time to turn it back to cash.

The popular heavily used pistols are likely to change little in value, especially if they remain on the market.

If you find the right gun at the right price, you can make a profit. Like a Wilson that I bought then sold a few years later, I was able to double my money (could've gotten more but needed a quick sell) and went from a semi-custom gun to a custom gun. I even had money left over after both transactions

I also have a Springfield Professional Operator that I had an offer of $3000 if I sell it, I bought that for $1500.

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shiftyer1 said:

I've bought and sold quite a few firearms......i've always come out ahead. But i've never bought investment type guns, just users.

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I agree I buy them as toys and have never lost money over years. I am now retooling so to speak my collection, selling guns I haven't used regularly over the years or had duplicates and buying what I want. I did pretty well. Just the last two weeks profited $150.00 on a Savage, $175.00 on a Ruger 6 shooter and a few others.
As an income over years I wouldn't count on it though.

el Godfather said:

Dear THR:
Is there such a thing as investment in pistols? Pistols that you can buy and expect appreciation in value when you have done playing and want to move on t something else?

I cant seem to see it happening in production pistols. What don you guys think?

Thank you

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NO. You missed the boat when they were selling military 1911A1s for about $40/per gun. Now all original sample in very good shape goes for over $1500. The only blessing is the best of the lot from Remington?-Rand is less expensive because many were made.

Sometimes one can find real good deals where gun can be sold for more then it was bought for. Last year during what Americans call black friday? Joe was selling surplus H&K P7 police guns in very good shape for $450/gun. There is some potential for appreciation there. I could have had pick of the best but declined because I have enough money and didn't want to bother making more by selling gun(s).