S&W 586 As Investment?

Guns as generally better investments than traditional sources such as real estate and index funds are few and far between.

Sounds like a good deal on a gun that you will be able to at least get your money back in though. Even if you shoot it.

^^^^

Guns are lousy investments, period. Are there exceptions? Of course there are but a used 586, even in excellent condition, isn't one of them. Sorry!

Dave

Buy it. Your money will be safe.

I have reservations. I love L frames, don't get me wrong. I just don't see much appreciation over ordinary inflation over the next 10 years. A no-dash is more desirable (I wouldn't call it collectible) to some than later versions, but this isn't like a Colt snake gun. Even though to many they are more desirable, I just don't see that strong a demand for no-dashes.

Point of reference: Just a month ago a 586 no-dash closed (actually sold) for $465 on GunBroker. Granted it was used not NIB. Still, not a strong showing.

I think you could get your cash back, but that's about it. I could be all wrong. Frequently am.

Most all of my guns are worth more today than when I bought them. The money invested in bank would be worth MORE. You collect things like that because you like them and want to use them, not to watch their value grow. There are a handful of exceptions, but a 586 ain't one of them. They are a pretty common gun and $600 already seems too high.

At $300. it’s an investment, at your price it’s a gamble.

xring said:

If I move quickly, I can grab a NIB...ok, used but unfired blued 586 no dash 4" in box, with papers for 600, maybe 580. It looks unmolested. Worthy investment if I kept it in this condition down the road for 8 years? Thanks!

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8 years? Maybe 80.

huntsman said:

At $300. it’s an investment, at your price it’s a gamble.

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Took the words right out of my mouth....

Although guns are generally a poor investment I figure they are a safe investment if you get good enough deals.
I never pay full market value for a used gun so unless something goes really wrong I should at least be able to break even. Cars are a bad investment. Start losing value as soon as you sign the paperwork.

I'm not sure L frame revolvers will ever be as popular as K frames but I could be wrong. The newer generation seems to prefer stainless revolvers, not blue and walnut like older guys like me. It being blue might hurt your chances of increasing in value too.

If I bought it, it would be shot almost immediately, it's just the way I roll lol.

xring said:

Half of my thinking about this was that the first firearm I ever purchased was a 586 in 1982, after their release. Pure nostalgia. Thanks people. I'll pass.

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If you want it for nostalgia, get it. Don't listen to us. But if it's an investment you want, buy Ford stock.

xring said:

Half of my thinking about this was that the first firearm I ever purchased was a 586 in 1982, after their release. Pure nostalgia. Thanks people. I'll pass.

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I think it's a great gun but as a shooter, not a safe queen. Go for the nostalgia but to all the way and have fun at the range too.

As an investment to appreciate sufficiently in 8 years, there are better choices. Look for older S&W revolvers with pinned barrels and recessed (counter bored) cylinders. A good start might be a model 19 up to dash 4. The 2.5” barrel guns are considered the most desirable and more expensive. A 4” or 6” in nickel or blue can be had for close to the money you will pay for the 686 and appreciate faster. If buying for investment, buy the best condition gun that you can find.

Prelock Smith's will always command a premium over their more modern counterparts however, the 586 is not likely to reach high premiums as while it's prelock it is not p &r. I think if you pay that price you'll have no problem selling it for what you bought it for maybe a lil more. I just sold a no dash 686 that I had 540 into and got an Uberti Cattleman and 350 cash for id say I came out on the higher end on that deal. Some people will pay more if they've been looking and can't find one but it's all a luck of the draw (pun intended)

I would rather have $600 invested in the stock market for that time frame. Gun "investments" are all about quality, desirability, scarcity, and don't forget... the right buyer who sees the value of what you have. The 586 is quality; and probably has some scarcity in the excellent condition; but I'm not sure how many people will desire one in 8 years (at least for a premium price).

I knew a guy who had an investment piece in a LNIB Wildey handgun. Even though it was something that a lot of people desire and is of good quality, it was in 45 Win Mag, not 475 Wildey. For buyers, it's one of those things where if you're going to drop that kind of money on a Wildey, most people want the "Bronson gun" in 475 Wildey. Gun investments depend on people's tastes, which are very fickle.

No late-model gun is an investment, with the possible exception of transferable machine guns. Which are moving out of "late model" anyway.

I've been telling my wife that "but it's an investment" lie for many years. My stock picks have provided much greater return.

I have (had) two nickle 6 inch no dash 586's. The first one I bought in 1995 and has some sentimental value so I'll never sell it. The second one I bought used (see below) in 2013 for $350. Pristine condition, no box or paperwork and close to 200 rounds through it before I sold it last month for $850.
I bought it as a shooter not as an investment but It probably saw range time only four or five times over the years. I listed it in a local forum and had five offers in 30 minutes. So, after six years, I unintentionally received a 100% plus return on my initial purchase price and used that money to buy a Model 57 41 Magnum.
Of course depending on condition, demand and location your mileage may vary but I wouldn't recommend firearms as an investment not that some firearms wouldn't increase in value if you could predict the future. Of course If the Democrats get a foothold in the White House again all bets are off......

Thats way too much to pay and still expect a significant return in 8 years. You may make a couple hundred, but I wouldn’t plan on doubling your money or anything.

Buy the guns you want and can afford.
Do your investing with a reputable financial advisor.

You can probably get the newly made one for that price on a good sale.

I rarely buy guns for an investment I buy them to shoot , having said that guns are way to fluid as far as price goes too much up and down. So if I do sell them I either break even or sometimes I make some extra but usually I lose money so If you want to invest buy property. JMHO.