What is a "collectable gun"?

[Skans]

I would like to hear everyone's personal definition of a "collectable gun". Here's what I'm not quite understanding: it seems that there is a general consensus that some guns are "shooter grade" and some guns are "collector grade" How do each of you collectors make the distinction?

[B.C.]

Personal choice.....some people shoot what I would call collectors, and others collect shooters and never shoot them....

[Colt-SL]

A collectible gun, to me, is simply one I want in my collection. One that I want to possess. To me, a shooter grade gun is one which has a flaw or two, maybe a little rough in finish but functions properly. A collector grade gun is one that has higher value for any number of reasons. Could be its rarity, could be its high pricing, etc.

[Cruiser RN]

In the strict sense a "Collector Gun" is one that is new in box.without a turn line.This is also extended to one's that are 99% without box or papers.Some people also have a affinity to a specific model gun such as SAA,Peacemakers.ect and despite wear to the finish they are considered "Collectors" becase of rarity or the the purchaser's affinity to the gun.Then there are "Shooter" grade.These may have dings,honest holster wear,ect but are mechanically sound and visit the range and/or live in a CC holster.My personal definition of "Shooter" grade guns include my stable of Colts.My instructor's Detective Special has been Royal Blued,My Nickel Detective Special has been polished,both have custom Stag Grips and they look good while seeing lots of range and carry time Here is a link to my growing stable Webshots Entertainment, the best popular photography Webshots Entertainment, the best popular photography Webshots Entertainment, the best popular photography

[John Fugate]

The terminolgy is where its gets tricky, collector grade guns and collector guns are two different animals. Even a collector gun may or may not be collector grade. Shooter grade guns are guns less than collector quality in the eyes of a collector. When you hear the term "a shooter " or " just a shooter" in the collector world its a gun not worthy of collecting or meeting the standards of a collector. You will also see the term "shooter" used as a gun one shoots or hunts with, example " thats my shooter" All these terms may sound the same but have different meanings in different situations.

John

[John Fugate]

In the strict sense a "Collector Gun" is one that is new in box.without a turn line.This is also extended to one's that are 99% without box or papers.Some people also have a affinity to a specific model gun such as SAA,Peacemakers.ect and despite wear to the finish they are considered "Collectors" becase of rarity or the the purchaser's affinity to the gun.Then there are "Shooter" grade.These may have dings,honest holster wear,ect but are mechanically sound and visit the range and/or live in a CC holster.My personal definition of "Shooter" grade guns include my stable of Colts.My instructor's Detective Special has been Royal Blued,My Nickel Detective Special has been polished,both have custom Stag Grips and they look good while seeing lots of range and carry time Here is a link to my growing stable Webshots Entertainment, the best popular photography Webshots Entertainment, the best popular photography Webshots Entertainment, the best popular photography

An example of a collector gun in collector quality may also be a 1886 Deluxe in 90% original condition. " Thats a monster in 90% condition" The scale varies whats is and whats not collector quality based on many factors rariety and condition, age . For a 1978 6 inch Blue python to be considered collector quality it needs to be 100% new in its original box. On the other hand I would say a 1938 Colt Detective in 97% even without a box would be considered collector quality. Each guns weighs differently. A hundred year old SAA will recieve forgiveness in 85% condition in the collector world and will be accepted with bells on, where a 30 year old python with two minute scratches will not. Each gun has to be evaluated differently, you are seldom comparing apple to apple in the collector gun world.

John

[ei8ht]

A collectible gun, to me, is simply one I want in my collection. One that I want to possess. To me, a shooter grade gun is one which has a flaw or two, maybe a little rough in finish but functions properly. A collector grade gun is one that has higher value for any number of reasons. Could be its rarity, could be its high pricing, etc.

What You Said. It is more subjective to the individuals interest other than the obvious 99% condition box queen.
I have some real beaters that would be shooters to some but fit my collection and are priceless to me.
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[Kid Sopris]

I think all guns are collectable, Some are collected or purveyed and even shot. The extent of what we collect or shoot, is directly related to how deep our pockets are and "one man's junk is another man's treasure" or something like that.

[MtnSpur]

Cruiser RN probably sums it up for the everyman. But your orignal question was "What is a Collectable (sic Collectible) gun". A no longer manufactured weapon in good condition is still collectible because they are simply NOT made anymore, irrespective of worth. So in a sense it's a collectible but NOT to a "Collector" if that makes sense. Differences of opinion reign supreme in every catagory of things people collect from stamps, coins and cars. Fun huh?

[capstan]

I consider ANY Colt I have as collectable. I also have a couple Ruger security sixs that I consider collectable and I have a few Smith and Wessons and several rifles that I consider collectable. In the case of all these guns -they dont make em anymore, so, to me, they are collectable. I never understood the idea that a Colt must be in "mint" condition to be called collectable. A perfect Colt New in Box or Like new in box obviously would bring more money when you sell it BUT you probably paid a lot more for it. Most Colts will bring more money if you sell them some years down the road,no matter what their condition (assuming you paid a decent price for them to begin with). I of course would prefer Mint guns but I have bought some with a liitle wear that have allready gone up in value way more than I paid for them.
When you think of guns made before WWII or earlier, there is almost NO new in box guns yet they are very collectable in what I would consider very rough condition.
Ive looked at some New Service Colts that look horrible yet they have a very high price.
Then first Gen Single Action Army revolvers are in a class by themselves -they sure arent new in box or even remotely close to it.