Why has the demand and price of revolvers shot up recently?

People are finding out more and more every day that pretty much anything other than Smith and Wesson or Ruger and it's a crap shoot for a decent double action revolver. The economy or affordable revolvers seem to have more than their share of issues comparatively speaking.

shootbrownelk said:

The new Colt Pythons are probably worth the $1,500.00 if you can find one. Personally, I'd rather have a Freedom Arms revolver than a Colt or a S&W.

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You have a point regarding Freedom Arms revolvers. However, some folks prefer DA revolver with swing out cylinder. Also, S&W offers DX level on M686 and M629 (not sure about M29 these days). That means 1.5" at 50 yards, and with this kind of accuracy, S&W is well into FA territory.

Because the old ones are better.

The prices on all steel firearms have gone up in the last several years. An American-made revolver will set you back $900-1,000. So will an American-made 1911 of equivalent quality. Polymer-framed guns are much cheaper to manufacture, and people are adjusting what they consider to be a "normal" price down to that as the standard.

Guess I'm to old school no plastic (polymer) guns for this old man. I just started to give in to some aluminum frames a few years ago.

IMHO, the answer is probably more complex than one thinks.

Demand? With the huge increase in concealed carry, the simplicity and reliability of a revolver is attractive. Also, with the increased availability of good holsters out there, many folks now feel comfortable with a big bore as their EDC. Handgun hunting has also seen a large increase in popularity lately and most folks who think hunting handgun, think revolver, especially for big game. All three may be a subtle increase on their own, but they add up.

Cost? Add demand and you add cost. Simple economics. Plus the fact that most quality revolvers are made here in the U.S., using American labor. Labor costs have increased dramatically lately, especially due to the skyrocketing cost of healthcare benefits. Revolvers due to the amount of parts/assembly and the way their steel is finished takes more labor than your standard Tupperware gun, even tho the advent of MIM has eliminated hand fitting. Revolvers don't seem to get the discounting at the retail levels like pistols either. Probably that dang supply/demand thingy again.