The Passing of an Age

[ShadyDexter]

So, I was just reading something that said to expect volatility in the price of WWII weapons as the generation that fought the war passed. Personally, I am enchanted by World War Era (both) rifles and have nearly no problem dropping Benny's to pick em up. Is that not normal, or do other share my love affair with the idea of rifles shot in anger?

[Mike OTDP]

No, you are not alone.

In general, there has been a dramatic appreciation in the value of military longarms over the last twenty years or so. Back in the 1960s, surplus Mausers were considered only as fodder for sporter conversions. Today, the basic military rifles command a premium, while the conversions are considered to have been butchered by Bubba.

That being said, there are humps in the appreciation curve. World War II stuff has appreciated significantly, but I think it has stabilized except for Garands - the day CMP runs out of M-1s, their price will increase 50%. And CMP will run out eventually. With the upcoming Civil War sesquicentennial from 2011-2015, Civil War arms will see a dramatic increase in price. And World War 1 guns will appreciate significantly around the Great War Centennial.

I'm reminded of something my father taught me...you never lose money on original guns.

[Darrell]

AIM still has a number of Garands and M1 carbines for sale, from a private collection. The Garands are $850 and up, the carbines $750 and up.

http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/US_M ... ifles.html

[JohnOC]

Some of the volatility may be in the downward direction. As collectors of the generation pass, some large private collections are going to hit the local market at good prices and good values.

[FelixEstrella]

I'm reminded of something my father taught me...you never lose money on original guns.

Qualified with "... that are out of production."

I will guarantee you that you'll lose money if you buy a brand-new Ruger. Same way you lose money on a brand new car the second you drive it off the lot.