Will antique guns become less desirable

[Kramerica]

I come from that younger generation (unfortunately). I’m 27, my guess would be no. Couple reasons, one being there are less people in my age group that are into the shooting sports/ hunting in general. The second reason you touched on it’s just a different taste in gun styles. I’m guilty on the latter part, I personally prefer the look of a bolt AR/ Chassis vs a traditional wood stock. Could be wrong though that’s just my .02

edit: after reading though this thread a little more I’d like to add I absolutely see the skill and art of some traditional stocks, no doubt about that. I get the time, skill and effort that it takes, I work with my hands so I understand it. I’m not into video games so I don’t equate it to that, I think it’s more just a personal preference for me. But for the masses sure I see the video game/ military type angle that drives it.

 

[cotntop]

My grandson is in the 82nd and brings a lot of his friends to our shooting range. I am impressed at the knowledge those youngsters have and the different firearms they bring. When I was at their age I was ignorant to collecting due to no money to buy with and collectibles were plentiful back then. Old stuff will get hard to find as the population grows. What will dictate the future is if people will keep on taking the abuse from the left.

 

[Snuggie]

I have never been into collecting, I spend my money on what I enjoy.

I have a really nice custom ‘67 Malibu. I bought it out of a guys back yard back in 1992. I lost count long ago how much I have spent on it through the years. I kinda joke that I am on a quest to spend $300,000 to have a $30,000 car.

It is nothing but a toy to me. It has no “collector value”, as it was not a SS, nor does it possess any other pedigree. About the only thing original on it is the windshield wiper motor.

The. engine is a 540. Everything else about the car is there to support the power this thing makes. It’s a nice Hot Rod. It’s loud, hot, and when you push the pedal down, you better be hanging on.

The bottom has fell out of the “muscle car” market. Only the most desirable cars still demand the big money that things brought 10 years ago at auctions. And even then you have have to find two guys with enough beer in them to get ito a bidding war.

I blame most of this on those that can tell you the price of everything but do not recognize the value of anything.

View attachment 1191900 View attachment 1191901 View attachment 1191901

That is one beautiful car, SS or not!! Remember them well....

 

[davidjoe]

If they are anything like high end cars (have friends who do frame up restorations on Ferrari, Maserati, Cobra, -you get the drift- and they are crying the blues--cars that went for 500k and up are now fetching high 100's to mid 200's. Seems that the age group that has the money and desire for such items is getting older and older and far fewer younger folks with the itch.
I suspect the trend to continue into other collectibles.
Hell, given the political trends we may be lucky if they are not all banned and confiscated (or buried)

Men buy what they couldn’t have as boys. Display cases, glossy catalogues, movies and TV put indelible images of certain firearms in our kid-brains.

We buoy the price of those limited supply things like muscle cars and sports cars of our youth, later in life when there’s some money to spend.

We don’t generally chase things that were already known or old when we were young because that’s not how imagination works; those were interests of our fathers.

 

[DirtySteve]

I have a Custom 300 H&H mag built on a P14 action I believe. The rifle has an ancient Weaver scope, octagon barrel with stippling don the top to reduce glare. Carved wood stock with the original owner's name engraved on the barrel. The original owner was Paul Blizzard son of Judge Reese Blizzard (US District Court Judge). I have no idea as to its value. I had no interest in it due to the caliber. It probably would be best served by being in a museum in the county where Judge Blizzard lived.

I also have one Sharps rifle and may order a second one soon though not antique the folks at Shiloh make a gun of superior craftsmanship. My neighbor a fan of the Sharps has two, we were talking two days ago about what will happen to then when we move on from this world. We hope that who ever inherits them may in time grow as fond of them as we have become. I hope that the next generation will grow to appreciate the wood to metal fit, pack hardend steel and the fitment of the pewter cap. That ids our hope at least. And if they don't I hope they hang on to it till such time as they do..

 

[Rick300]

I have zero interest in the 60s muscle cars. I think they are viewed through seriously rose-tinted nostalgic glasses by a specific generation that grew up with them. For me it's the early-mid 50s. Peak Americana. I've got a 53 Chevy. If I am ever rich enough to collect cars, I'd go straight to the pre-war cars: Bugatti, Stutz, Bentley, Mercer, Pierce, Packard, Auburn. That's a really interesting time for the automobile, I think. Once boomers are gone, the 60s and 70s muscle car market will be gone too.

Who cares What type of car it is? There are many different categories of collector vehicles and if you think just the muscle cars are going to take a big hit, well.....you'll see.

 

[Urv]

I was talking with my dad who is in his mid 70's and wondering will the collectible guns of his generation be collectible to my generation, I'am 40. He grew up on western tv shows and movies, while the younger crowd grows up on video games and tacticool. So will civil war guns and and other firearms just fade away? Will the value go down since the people that wanted them are dying? I would think the guns that have other collectibility due to who owned them and other traits such as engraving will always be desired.

I think it will with paid hunting around here no young kids get to hunt like i did there interest is in videos

 

[hoz53]

Tell me about it. I sold my 1969 Z28 last year. Luckily I found another old guy that was still buying, the younger kids either didn't have the money or just didn't "get it". I still got way less than I could have just a couple of years before. I don't think we've ever seen anything like this new generation. They could care less about "things", they want "experiences". What used to be passed down from generation to generation has for the most part come to an end. They don't want anything to do with "old crap" and will gladly get rid of it for junk. It's sad they have no historical values. One of my most prized guns is the 44-40 lever action that my great uncle's father brought with him on the wagon train to California. I wish that rifle could talk! Who knows what's going to happen to it.

You hit it dead on there. I see that in my nephew. At first it kind of floored my how they don’t even seem to grasp it, let alone make a decision about it. Mabie they will change as they get older. I guess when it comes to the guns I don’t have anyone to pass down to, Everyone else is in the same boat.

 

[msinc]

You hit it dead on there. I see that in my nephew. At first it kind of floored my how they don’t even seem to grasp it, let alone make a decision about it. Mabie they will change as they get older. I guess when it comes to the guns I don’t have anyone to pass down to, Everyone else is in the same boat.

Now Hoz you know that just aint so about not havin' anyone to pass them guns down to!!!! You might not realize it but you got a hillbilly cousin right here in Md.!!!!!!!

 

[dellet]

Antique guns Pffffffffft.

How can anyone get interested something they have never seen or shot?

You rarely see antiques at shows anymore, even less at a public range. People are afraid to shoot the old stuff, or not interested in something that can't shoot a five inch group at 1000 yards, which they think is the normal off the shelf accuracy.

So in some ways antique guys due it to themselves by not promoting the guns.

It can be a lot of work to shoot true antiques, pre WWI and even some of the between the war stuff. Honestly not too many people have the attention span for it these days. Probably going to need to learn to cast if you want the best results, going to need to be part wildcatter, might even need to ask somebody for help. if you have to do all that stuff just to get a few shots off it can be pretty traumatic.

I can't afford $2000 painting to hang on the wall and a rifle a I can't shoot makes about as much sense to me. I do have a couple rifles with matching brass where the brass has more firings than most modern target barrels have before they are thrown in the garbage.

It's a different mindset, preserving for the next generation. Not wear it out throw it away and move on to the next one.

Or collect them like they are art work. Hang them on the wall and let everyone look knowing their value is based on the wims and fancies of the times.

The value will be in the interest, if you want a return on your dollar, probably ought to generate some interest in the product. Might just save the shooting sports in the process.

 

[hoz53]

Now Hoz you know that just aint so about not havin' anyone to pass them guns down to!!!! You might not realize it but you got a hillbilly cousin right here in Md.!!!!!!!

Well Geez MS, I think you may be older than me so how will this work— Thanks for “reminding” me though and I appreciate the thought. I will put a few in the will 4u and I’m sure you’ll do the same for me

 

[hoz53]

I was talking with my dad who is in his mid 70's and wondering will the collectible guns of his generation be collectible to my generation, I'am 40. He grew up on western tv shows and movies, while the younger crowd grows up on video games and tacticool. So will civil war guns and and other firearms just fade away? Will the value go down since the people that wanted them are dying? I would think the guns that have other collectibility due to who owned them and other traits such as engraving will always be desired.

Bottom Line for me is not about the money, that doesn’t matter. I wish a member(s) of the younger generation would take an interest in the ones with sentimental/family value and cherish them the way I do and pass them on when the time comes themselves. I’d gladly give them to them as I’m sure many here would. Its rare these days though. I don’t believe it’s happening in my family.

 

[joshb]

They're not watching a physical sport. They're watching others play video games. With old line pro sports on the downhill side, this is the future.

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People pay for that??

 

[RDavies]

This post is making me think. Two things make me smile, one thing makes me a grumpy old man.
Will I one day be able to walk into gun shops and pick up some old Purdeys and Holland and Hollands from the $50 bin?
My 15 year old son who up until recently I couldn't tear away from video games is now super keen into shooting (whether it is plinking, hunting, shotguns, pistols or F class.) and at last is asking to come along whenever I go out and is asking about competitions.
The bit which makes me grumpy is in the 3 times he has shot F class he has only dropped 3 points and he beat me today shooting a 7mm.

 

[dolek]

This post is making me think. Two things make me smile, one thing makes me a grumpy old man.
Will I one day be able to walk into gun shops and pick up some old Purdeys and Holland and Hollands from the $50 bin?
My 15 year old son who up until recently I couldn't tear away from video games is now super keen into shooting (whether it is plinking, hunting, shotguns, pistols or F class.) and at last is asking to come along whenever I go out and is asking about competitions.
The bit which makes me grumpy is in the 3 times he has shot F class he has only dropped 3 points and he beat me today shooting a 7mm.

Love it, great story . Good to see he took an interest in the sport . When I asked my Son why he had sudden interest after a 20 year hiatus(he turns 33 today)...his simple reply hit me in the heart..."because I see you guys having so much fun,and I want to have more fun with my dad and brother" . And like your son,after a very short time he is one heck of a shot .

 

[DumpHollow]

Ngoforth, I would have to agree with you very sadly that once the older generation goes they will probably be nothing more than an oddity. Most of the younger generation say 40 and under have not much appreciation for fine craftsmanship and the Winchester heritage as we know it.I am sure there will be some exceptions. There’s a good chance that Winchester will become a bad word by the cancel culture. I know the heiress to the Winchester fortune went mad because of her perception of what her father’s inventions caused to some people. Myself I believe that all guns should be used for their intention such as hunting target
shooting etc. I regularly hunt with a Pre64 Winchester model 70 in 250-3000 and truly enjoy every second of it. I do not look at making money on things such as this. I will use this rifle until I can’t hunt anymore and what happens to it after that will be of no concern to me anymore.View attachment 1191813

Everytime that you post that picture, I am green with envy. I had a 1954 made pre-64 270 that was a twin to your rifle except it had the factory Lyman 48 and 17 sights. It was purchased out of a collection and was an honest 98% rifle. I had a 2.5x8 Leupold on it. Used to sight it in before each deer season and took it to camp as a backup. Shot one deer with it and put it away. When I finally parted with it, I doubled my money. Never lost a penny on any pre-64 Winchesters. I consider them the Golden Age of craftsmanship in factory rifles. All machined parts and hand fitting. There will be argument that todays offerings are more accurate at a lower price point but they will never have the bank vault feel of a machined and fitted pre-64 Model 12, Model 70, Model 61, Model 94 or 52. My current day "Model 70's" are H-S Precision hunting rifles. They are great tools but do not have the Karma of walnut and blued steel that was hand fitted.

 

[jds holler]

Everything I own that would be considered "antique" is well used, and also usable. Guess I'm kind of glad that I never spent the bucks to obtain guns that I would never shoot.

I understand the guy who puts value on pristine antique things; it's just as valid of a hobby as anything else. Anyone can appreciate the beauty of a quality piece without having to be the one who owns it. I do love the philosophy of the poster who mentioned his quest to spend $300,000 to own a $30,000 car. He's had a great time creating his own dream car. jd

 

[1K6BRA]

Everytime that you post that picture, I am green with envy. I had a 1954 made pre-64 270 that was a twin to your rifle except it had the factory Lyman 48 and 17 sights. It was purchased out of a collection and was an honest 98% rifle. I had a 2.5x8 Leupold on it. Used to sight it in before each deer season and took it to camp as a backup. Shot one deer with it and put it away. When I finally parted with it, I doubled my money. Never lost a penny on any pre-64 Winchesters. I consider them the Golden Age of craftsmanship in factory rifles. All machined parts and hand fitting. There will be argument that todays offerings are more accurate at a lower price point but they will never have the bank vault feel of a machined and fitted pre-64 Model 12, Model 70, Model 61, Model 94 or 52. My current day "Model 70's" are H-S Precision hunting rifles. They are great tools but do not have the Karma of walnut and blued steel that was hand fitted.

This is my humble opinion but I don’t see any redeeming value ever in anything plastic other than the memories made with that particular rifle in the field.And I guess that is all that matters but I tend to look deeper into it.

 

[rjtfroggy]

I'm 68 and I like the old stuff too, be it guns, cars, houses it doesn't matter, like it all.
I marvel at the craftsmen ship seen in so much of it. Will I ever own one I doubt it. I like to use my things, in the rain in the snow, hot out cold out don't matter and some times they get slightly abused and if it was a antigue I would be sick over it, so I stick with newer stuff.
I still get upset when I ding a stock or I see a new mark in one of the vehicles but hey they don't have the value of the older stuff so I vent then get over it.

 

[dellet]

I'm 68 and I like the old stuff too, be it guns, cars, houses it doesn't matter, like it all.
I marvel at the craftsmen ship seen in so much of it. Will I ever own one I doubt it. I like to use my things, in the rain in the snow, hot out cold out don't matter and some times they get slightly abused and if it was a antigue I would be sick over it, so I stick with newer stuff.
I still get upset when I ding a stock or I see a new mark in one of the vehicles but hey they don't have the value of the older stuff so I vent then get over it.

Most antiques were a mans tools. They used them. If they are in decent shape now, they too care of them. Target rifles might have been pampered more than hunting and still will be. if it survived the last 100 years should survive the next.

I have a Civil War Sharps converted to 50-70 after the war. On my worst day in the field, it just smiles and says "thanks for the walk in the park". It came to me with a couple dings and scratches and I might have added a couple. Next owner won't notice the difference.

Most of my old stuff the most important things are bore chamber and crown. The rest is negotiable.