May 27th, 2024
8minute read
In todays article, the author explores the idea of investing in guns.
This is purely an informational article that considers if guns are a good investment.
It is not investment advice.
This gun from the 1960s suggests that investing in guns might be a sound financial strategy. But is it really? In this article, the author examines the idea of guns as an investment.
The authors views are his own and not necessarily those ofThe Armory Life.
Always consult a qualified financial advisor when examining investment opportunities.
Its likely youve seen it before.
Surplus M1911A1 pistols are often seen as a good investment. But any high-quality modern firearm, such as theSpringfield Mil-Spec 1911, can store value over time.
How about a Kar 98k for $30, or a 1903 Springfield rifle for $40?
For a few of us, these ads invite a trip down memory lane.
The rest of us are left yearning for a time machine.
Even accounting for inflation, these U.S. GI 1911A1 pistols were screaming deals. Over the years there have been a variety of surplus firearms that have appreciated in value.
Lets explore whats tricky and potentially troublesome about that concept.
Fundamentally, the United States Dollar is worth less over time.
A trip to the grocery store can be as instructive as a university macroeconomics course!
Military surplus rifles, like this Springfield Armory made Krag-Jørgensen Model 1898, tend to appreciate over time. Things like condition, rarity and popularity all influence value.
That sounds pretty good to most of us!
That same $40 would be worth $5,926 today.
For yuks, I also crunched a few numbers when it comes to investing in yourself.
Authentic Single Action Army revolvers are quite popular with gun collectors. Even so, condition matters a great deal when determining an asking price. Protect your guns from damage and corrosion.
According to this gunwriters back-of-envelope calculations, anyway.
Now lets apply that same logic to firearms.
Those firearms move forgonzobucks these days.
A pistol like the Springfield XD can be an excellent store of value. It is a practical defensive firearm that is likely to maintain its value indefinitely.
However, there are far more vintage and antique firearms that are not worth very much to anyone.
The excitement fades when they have them appraised.
Beyond that, consider the logistics of storage and selling.
This 1965 offered Canadian surplus M1 Carbines for $60. Additional magazines cost only $1 each.
Additionally, who do you imagine is going to buy at your asking price?
Problem was, just about no-walk ins were prepared to drop that kind of coin.
Consult an attorney prior to engaging in the purchase and resale of any firearm for profit.]
Certainly, my local shops found themselves utterly cleaned out of literallyany9mm pistol at the height of the pandemic.
All that said, heres the more fun way to look at things.
Suppose you find yourself drooling over one of Springfield Armorys vaunted Professional models.
That $3,600 price tag is certainly not small potatoes.
I think a lot of people would answer yes to that question.
