Do you think that modern ML firearms have any investment value?

[Frontier's]

White would probably be about the best investment if you can find them cheap.

 

[Dusty_Traveler]

White would probably be about the best investment if you can find them cheap.

As in Doc White?

 

[Polecat_Tom]

I believe gold will give you a better return on investment than a factory built muzzleloading gun.

 

[maillemaker]

Specialty, semi-custom-made guns like a Shiloh Sharps may appreciate in value.

You never know what will be collectible in the future, though.

 

[Frontier's]

As in Doc White?

Correct

 

[Relic shooter]

Speaking from 6+decades as a former custom builder, competitive shooter & avid collector of antique firearms, yes these can be a very good investments if your experienced with shooting antique firearms.
If not well experienced in collecting & shooting, buy from a trusted source or get advice from someone who is qualified.

** I Personally do not shoot antique firearms that are in mint condition, those get sold to collectors who just display them.


Bottom line, the decades of thrills wife & I have had at rendezvous, hunting, & competing with historical firearms far exceeds any thrills I've had over making a fast buck.

*I do not recommend any of the above to those who are not prepared to provide meticulous care of historical firearms for the next generation to enjoy.
Relic shooter

 

[cynthialee]

guns are like silver, it is a way to hold value but not a good way to make money
a TC Hawken in good condition will always have value, but it will never really become such a hot item that it increases in value

 

[ZUG]

A muzzle loading gun made by a well noted custom maker will hold its value and will be worth more to someone who knows their value. Same is true with modern guns - Colt for example. Any Colt is worth more now than a few years ago. I was offered a lightly used Colt Anaconda for $200 back in 1985 - I passed because it was something I did not want or need. I also passed on a as new used 4" Colt Diamondback at $190 in 1986 - check the prices of any snake gun now a days. I still regret not buying these two revolvers to this day.

I have a few new in box guns that I will pass on to my son and let him decide what he wants to do with them. For now, I like the thought of having them in my collection and admire them from time to time. Same with my knife collection both folding and fix bladed ones. One does not collect for the thought of selling for a profit but for the enjoyment. .

 

[Louisk]

I consider them to be an investment in my own future. Buy a few muzzleloaders now when I have more income and less time to have in a retired future (hopefully) when I have less income and more time. Then hope to pass them down to children or grandchildren.

 

[mikesto44]

Just a heads up I have been buying and selling firearms for about 55 years plus. If you plan on making guns as an investment. You really should study the market. Winchester are a good thing to buy
But investing in custom guns by certain makers is a crap shoot at best. One thing you need to understand is a items value can change quickly. To make a profit you have to know where to market your firearms for the most money.
Location, location...

 

[Flint1]

If one were to buy a factory produced firearm such as Pedersoli, etc. the only reason it would cost more in the future would be inflation and production costs increasing. Perhaps if a particular model by that manufacturer would be discontinued it might increase in value slightly more, but probably not much. If it were a custom gun manufactured by a well known builder and very fancy with a ton of ornate carving and silver inlays, it probably would be an investment. Some flintlock rifles are works of art. But it would probably have to remain unfired. In the late 1990s to very early 2000s Narrangansett built 250 Ferguson reproductions that sold for $2500. They included a bayonet and scabbard, sling, and display case with a stand. It seems like one other accessory was included but I can't remember what now. Whenever I see one come up for sale, about once every 4 or 5 blue moons, they have generally at least doubled in value, even without the case and accessories. Most owners cannot resist the temptation to fire one, but if an unfired one of those with the accessories ever came up for sale it would probably be many times more than the original cost. If you take good care of your firearms you may be able to sell them for a small profit but you won't be able to make a living that way. Many years ago our muzzle loading club used to move our monthly meetings around to different members' houses. An elderly member of the club who passed away long ago used to sit and listen to us discuss what different firearms were worth. After about 10 minutes he would always say their worth whatever anyone is willing to pay for it. Best answer anyone has ever given on the subject.

 

[Relic shooter]

If one were to buy a factory produced firearm such as Pedersoli, etc. the only reason it would cost more in the future would be inflation and production costs increasing. Perhaps if a particular model by that manufacturer would be discontinued it might increase in value slightly more, but probably not much. If it were a custom gun manufactured by a well known builder and very fancy with a ton of ornate carving and silver inlays, it probably would be an investment. Some flintlock rifles are works of art. But it would probably have to remain unfired. In the late 1990s to very early 2000s Narrangansett built 250 Ferguson reproductions that sold for $2500. They included a bayonet and scabbard, sling, and display case with a stand. It seems like one other accessory was included but I can't remember what now. Whenever I see one come up for sale, about once every 4 or 5 blue moons, they have generally at least doubled in value, even without the case and accessories. Most owners cannot resist the temptation to fire one, but if an unfired one of those with the accessories ever came up for sale it would probably be many times more than the original cost. If you take good care of your firearms you may be able to sell them for a small profit but you won't be able to make a living that way. Many years ago our muzzle loading club used to move our monthly meetings around to different members' houses. An elderly member of the club who passed away long ago used to sit and listen to us discuss what different firearms were worth. After about 10 minutes he would always say their worth whatever anyone is willing to pay for it. Best answer anyone has ever given on the subject.

So true, especially if the firearm is a perfect fit !!

 

[earlwb]

Maybe after 50-60 years or so. I remember that most of the old WWI and WWII weapons were sold for as little as scrap metal prices up until the 1960s. But 50 years later, rifles bought for just
their actions are going for premium prices nowadays.

 

[Trigger]

Is a risk with firearms as an investment. Just because.

If they get taken away.. for whatever reason. Then it's small claims maybe..
Or..
Gun stores don't want. there not paying value.

Most people I know that collect.. legit.. there not selling there collecting. And they are paranoid over everything because what they have and everything is to much and value..

Secret rooms.. double alarms system.. cameras and all..

 

[stikshooter]

IMO investing in any type of firearm is a bit of a manure shoot. Of course classic and unobtainium "traditional" (and original BP) firearms are worth many times more than what they originally sold for and even more than what they sold for only several years ago. That goes without saying, that is if you follow such things.

That said, do you think that modern replica BP firearms are worth owning for a future return on your investment.

I'll keep my opinion to myself for the moment, I want to hear what you all think.

NOPE /nuff said!/Ed

 

[bptactical]

Define “Modern”

1970’s Renaissance Era of Muzzeloading?
Quality Rifles from that era such as Green River, Sharon, Jonathan Browning, Uberti Sante Fe, custom builds from some noted builders with quality components such as Large & Sharon barrels, Cherry Corners, Roller and the like?
Yes

Current era?

Builds by Zihn, Brooks, Bergmann, Selb and the like?
Yes

 

[reddogge]

No, you buy them because you like them and like to collect them. Then, when you get old, you hopefully sell them for more money than you paid for them. It's a poor way to invest money if you ask me. Last year I sold a large military rifle, pistol, and collectible arms collection and did make money on just about everything but I didn't buy one of those guns thinking about making money. I bought them because I liked them.

 

[TrophyGuy]

Not a good investment. If you are keen on any durable item and take care of it you can rationalize buying it, and you might get lucky in the short term and realize a profit. We don't like to admit it but all bang stick stuff is low volume in our economy, a relative micro market, and it's heavily restricted. As such there will always be short term volatility and wild price swings.

 

[Relic shooter]

Opinions galore !
There would be no Muzzleloader Forum, worldwide rendezvous being held, shoots at Friendship or antique arms gun shows if Americans lost interest in the value of historical firearms.
As with money markets & stocks there are always increases & decreases in values due to corrupt politics.
Most Americans love firearms because they made America free, excepting some states.

 

[Sparks of Dutch Glory]

Not sure but some old CVA's I bought for 50-100 are fetching stoopid prices now
Ain't exactly gold type returns but I ain't never lost money on a gun
But I ain't never got rich neither
I've done it for the love of the weapon and the priceless joy they bring to me