about whether best to buy older used model or brand new. I want to buy an SW Model 25 in 45 Long Colt and probably a Model 36 Chief's Special, both in nickel plate. Now, speaking only of SW guns would I be better off, money and quality both considered, to buy an excellent (box, etc does not have to be there) original model of each of these in nickel plate or is it better to buy a brand new model put out by the company as their classics? The 25 MSRP in the new is slightly over $1000 so would that probably be available from a dealer for around $800? And, what would an excellent original nickel 25 made in the 1978-91 era cost me? The same type of approach makes the same question for the Chief's Special. To discuss my question....many times the older item is higher quality than present manufacture but maybe this is not true of guns so much. Also, I am not sure an excellent older one will be much cheaper than a new one but I think I have seen this in many other gun items. (Case in point, I bought a really, really nice walnut 10/22 Ruger from a dealer,in 2007,made in 1990 with box and papers out the door for $190. I can't hardly buy a new one for that with cheaper wood. You get the point.)
Thank you in advance for sharing your knowledge and using your time to help me.
Thank you in advance for sharing your knowledge and using your time to help me.