Where are the best places to pick up old, discontinued revolvers?

[BOVindy]

Howdy guys. Like the question states, have you guys had any luck finding old or oddball revolvers anywhere in particular. I'd guess that gun shows are pretty good places to find old items, but sometimes I hear about small gun stores or pawn shops having cool older guns. What has your experience been? Thank you for your time. -Ben

 

[Snapdragon]

Hi Ben. In my experience, pawn shops have mostly crap pistols. I've seen a few revolvers, mostly run of the mill Smiths and Tauruses. Gun shows don't seem to have a lot of revolvers either, around where I am. It's just hit or miss. I'm sure there are some local gun shops that have a selection, but again, in my area there isn't. I'd love to walk into a LGS and find some cool revolvers.

You can find about anything you want on GunBroker if you look for it. You could also place a WTB ad here on INGO.

 

[357 Terms]

I guess it depends on what your looking for.

Do you want rare?
Do you want them to be in excellent shape?

JG sales recently had "old" 4in heavy barreled S&W md10"s for $350.

 

[IndyGlockMan]

Estate auctions.
A lot of cool old stuff resurfaces at gun auctions

 

[BOVindy]

Out of curiosity, would you just google estate auctions in your area or is it more of an invite only thing?

 

[MPD742]

I agree with estates but I also hit up the smaller gun shops too.

 

[IndyGlockMan]

most estate auctions are public and usually advertised by the auction company
google estate auctions for Indiana and I'm sure you'll find some.
A couple years ago, I went to a huge one at Earl's Auction on the west side of Indy.

 

[BOVindy]

Thanks for the advice. I'll definitely try to find some estate auctions to go to soon. I'd love to pick up some of the older, well-built 22s. Also, is there a good way to tell if they are selling firearms, or is it pretty much dependent upon what information they decide to list online? Thank you for your time. -Ben

 

[Kirk Freeman]

How to find a corvette in a barn?

1. Do your homework.

You have this book? https://www.amazon.com/Standard-Cat...3X&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&tag=vifrthpo-20

2. Embrace the power of NO.

3. Bring cash.

4. Put in work.

A corvette in a barn (and the corvette was MINE for about a day): View From The Porch: Gun show find...

 

[BOVindy]

Nice article, and the book would certainly help get an idea of what's out there and what you should be willing to pay. I'll definitely look into it. My only regret with buying books like that is that my eyes wood widen and my wallet would shrink with fear.

 

[NHT3]

I've seen more go through Elmores and PSS than anywhere else but they seldom last very long if they are in good shape.

Certified Glock & M&P armorer
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]NRA Basic pistol instructor[FONT=&quot] /[/FONT][FONT=&quot] RSO[/FONT]

 

[indiucky]

a corvette in a barn (and the corvette was MINE for about a day): View From The Porch: Gun show find...

That made my heart skip a little.....Just something about N frames in .44 special...

Mike Venturino told a story about how when he was a student in his 20's in the coal fields of West Virginia a local shop had one of Sid Hatfield's triple lock .44's for sale on consignment at a LGS...It belonged to Sid's nephew and had a letter with the provenance and Mike said at the time he REALLY wanted a .44 magnum and couldn't afford both so he passed...

He said not a day goes by that he doesn't replay that moment in his head and wishes for a time machine....

 

[BOVindy]

There's just something about those early 1900's revolvers that makes me want to pick up a trenchcoat, fedora, and some cigars so I can relive the good 'ol days.

 

[Leadeye]

It's just a matter of hunting around and Gunbroker can be your friend if you can't find it locally.

 

[Snapdragon]

Don't know if you are looking for something servicable or unique or both, but some of the best deals I've seen have been on Smith M10's and M64's. Gunbroker usually has some trade-ins for around the $300-350 range. My police trade-in model 64 is the best-shooting wheelgun I've got, and it cost me $299.

 

[walt o]

You have to BEAT THE BUSHES walk the shows slowly and look and talk to the dealers actually find good deals at CABELAS and some chain gun stores . Remember that the sales people are just that,Not necessary GUN experts. The small shops are either sharp or don't stay in business long. Just remember DON,T try to skin the seller .If the price is too high for your pocket book at least you got to look and hold the gun that might be your GRAIL gun. Be prepared to spend his price if you really want it and it fits your collection . THis is 1 i just got made in 1917 a S&W regulation police . they look and feel like a toy cap gun

 

[jspy5]

I'm not a S&W guy but I like the looks and size of that walt...

 

[sloughfoot]

Widows often have guns for sale. Pay them a fair price. The kids are liable to give them away when she goes. That is all I am going to say....

 

[Hookeye]

Usually if the widow's husband was a gun guy, there's a vulture that's been waiting to swoop in and clean her out (and not give her a fair price).
Thankfully that seems to be happening less these days.

The kids or the widow herself, know the things are of some value, may even have heard about Gunbroker and done a few checks.

I know of one guy, whp was the hunting bud of another, who tried to screw the widow with a ridiculous offer.
She did alright selling her deceased's collection in an auction.

He had nice stuff, she had no hassle, so got good money in a single event. Enought items it would have been a bit of a PITA to drop a bunch off at a few shops to do consignments. Plus then it would have taken a lot longer.

Her husband was a good guy, so some of his buds bought stuff. Auctioneer also had notoriety to draw in people from some ways off.

But that was a gun specific auction. And the stuff was not on the inexpensive side (Freedom Arms, Sako etc).

For scores on the smaller lots of items, lesser value...............smaller auctions would be my area of interest. But I have seen some really high prices at those.

Occassionally a guy can make a solid score.............but I have no idea what the success rate is (how many auctions, miles traveled, before a deal is had).

My LGS handles the FFL stuff of some auctions............guys on average pay way too much for what they got.

 

[Hookeye]

BTW, when I die............my stuff is passed out according to a will.
Screw you guys!