Which semi-collectables are today's good values?

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bushmaster1313

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I like what I call "semi-collectable shootable" firearms.
To me, such guns have high marks in:

Utility
Looks
Craftsmanship
Wood
Blueing
Overall cool factor

To me a perfect example is the High Standard 18-7 riot gun.
In the past year these have sold in excellent used condition for between $250and $350.

Another is the Police Wingmaster 870 at $250.

I'd also like to say the following, but I am not so sure:

Savage 99 at $450-$500
Pre-64 Model 70 at $700.
Smith & Wesson 27-2 at $500-$600
Model 12 Factory Riot at $500

Any others come to mind?

PLease keep in mind that I am not talking investment appreciation, just great guns at prices where they can be used and be expected to keep their value

Thanks
 
I've lately been interested in Mosin Nagants.

They've got a long military history.
There's a bazillion of 'em out there so they're not particularly expensive.
They are, to my eye, a handsome rifle.
There are enough variants that you can collect quite a few without having duplicates. And each variant usually has some interesting story.

Ammo is still plentiful & cheap so you can actually shoot your collection.

As for value, prices haven't been going down.
 
I think there are a some out there - here are just a few.

1. Mosin - As said above, currently there are lots of them - the supply will end some day. There will still be lots of them, but the market will not be flooded and prices will go up, somewhat. When your are starting at 100.00 +/- doubling your money is easy to do...200.00!
2. Eastern Block Pistols - Makarov, P64, PA63, Walther P1, etc. - Again, not as collectable as say a P38 or luger, but supply and demand will again work its magic.
3. Surplus AK type guns - 2 reasons. Risk of future law changes and running out of original parts / parts kits. This includes the AK74 types and the AK47 types, WASRs, PSL, and Tantils.

The other thing they all have in common, is the cost of manufacture new is higher than the cost of these on the market due to the fact that they are surplus and the original manufacturing costs were subsidized by the socialist country producing them.... IE can no longer be made at that price point!
 
The Swiss K31 would be at the top of my list for the highest quality for the dollar. Older Mossberg rimfires are also very high quality, and great shooters, that are very undervalued when compared to Winchesters or Remingtons of the same era. On the handgun side of things, there have been a lot of S&W model 10's selling cheap lately. Also a lot of classic shotguns like Browning auto-5's and Ithaca 37's that have had poly-chokes or cutts compensators installed can be had on the cheap.
 
Winchester 94, I would think. Gone for good, as an American made gun. Nice older examples will only appreciate.
 
I'd say that from the ones you listed, the Savage 99 and Pre-64 model 70 particularly stand out (I have neither - really would like a Savage 99, and I've got literally a 1964 Mod 70 that was made JUST after the dreaded changes were made :().

I also think the Winchester Model 94 as mentioned is a good choice. Year ago my brother bought one and at the same time I bought a Marlin 336 as I liked it better (and still think it's a better firearm from a technical perspective), but I'm sure the 94's will only go up.

While on the topics of a semi-collectable and .30-30's, if you like bolt guns a Remington 788 in .30-30 is a heck of a nice gun to get your hands on. Still in the $600-700 range.

Not sure if this is just a regional thing, but I can also say that a lot of people here locally really do prize the older Remington 870's Wingmasters that were made with a smooth-top barrels. I know it's unfathomable, but a LOT of people I know really can't stand a vent-rib on a barrel.
 
Hello friends and neighbors // $300 - $350 Ruger Security, Service, Speed Sixes, even the Single Six .22 -.22 mag combo.

Compared to the new SS .357 offerings at twice the price.
Click to expand...

The older Ruger wheelguns definitely have a following.

I prefer S&W but would very much like to own a 3 screw Blackhawk in .44 Magnum. ;)
 
Honestly? Those century arms Sterling/stens

It's semi collectable and the prices I'm seeing for them are good.
 
Sig P210 and the military-version of it, the Swiss Army Pistole 49. Depends on how you define value I suppose, but the prices keep going up and there's no debate about how well they shoot. I should start a thread. ;)
 
I would add the Colt Trooper, especially in .22. With Python prices out of sight, it's only going to increase in value.
 
M-1 Garand (from CMP). You could shoot the daylights out of it (assuming a rack/GI graded one) and never depreciate it a dime. 5-600 bucks very well spent---but plan on double 'cause they get 'lonely' more often than not.
 
Colt 357, Trooper, Trooper MK III, and MK V, and King Cobra........You get a lot of gun for the money. The 357 and Trooper are a Python action with a less fancy barrel. The MK III is a stout rascal. The MK V/King Cobra is an updated version of the MK III. The guns are gonna appreciate far better than most other sub-$1k revolvers.

Colt D frames...You can get an Agent/Cobra/Detective Special for about the price of the other gun's new snubs. Yeah, you are buying old compared to new, but you are once again buying guns that are proving to appreciate rapidly. The going prices have pretty much doubled in the last decade.
 
A friend in his late 50s who is quite familiar with certain milsurps was amazed by his K-31's accuracy with the first shots.

Days ago I chatted briefly with a Swiss couple, and asked the man whether he had served in the Army Reserves (dumb question).

He did not recognize the designation K-31, and I could not remember the actual name for it.
 
Almost everything over 50 years old that qualifies for Curio & Relic status is collectible right now.
 
It wasn't mentined o in the post, but I came back from LGS last night with this:

cimg0377x.jpg
 
Arisakas and K31s spring to mind. Both are available and quite undervalued, though the Arisakas are gaining fast lately.
 
I would buy what you like first. Most will retain their value if the gun is taken care of. Generally you are likely to break even on a gun purchase after about 3 years if you pay current market prices and then sell. Stick with the name brands.

My favorites are: Colt revolvers, especially the Trooper Mark III, Detective Special, Cobra, and King Cobra. Pythons and Diamondbacks are getting too expensive for me. But if you find one priced below market, you can't go wrong. Just about any pre-lock S&W revolver is desireable if in excellent condition.

The SKS is a good choice if you find them under $300. They used to sell for about what the Mosin's sell for now.
 
Ill just put it out now, the japenese arisakas are probably gonna be the next "k98" in that now that all the nice k98s are disapearing i see that in a few years all the nice arisakas are gonna start disapearing and soon be up to 3-500$ a piece.
 
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