doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Where to park my money?

In times past I held securities licenses 6, 63 & 26. I advised lots of folks about mutual funds, life insurance as a savings vehicle and bonds. I invested in them myself until one day I came to realize that what I was doing was a lot like going to the casinos in Las Vegas with the exceptions that I was not getting free drinks, luxurious low priced hotel rooms and floor shows with naked women. Since then I put my little bit of money in land and guns. I have never lost money in either one. JMHO

Best Regards, George

I have limited experience with Birmingham guns (I own exactly one), but I did take my Lacey hammergun to a well known and highly respected gunsmith for a bit of attention. His comment, after he finished the work, was along the lines of "That's really a well made gun. Where do you find things like that?" The moral of this story is, don't limit your shopping to the big name makers if shooters are what you seek. I bought this one right, because there is no name recognition. I love it.

Just curious, why would someone target the collection of Birmingham guns solely or specifically? On the average, aren't they less collectible then their London equivalent? I'm not ripping on them, just curious as to the thinking. It'd be like saying I only collect 2nd edition books.

In re-reading my post above it could be taken as condescending. Not my objective. I'm asking to be tutored on the merits of focusing a collection on Birmingham guns.

Rook:
The original poster proposed getting into British guns for under $3000 that would at least hold their value, or perhaps gain in value, over time. That excludes the top London marques. Birmingham guns, by the best craftsmen there, were made to virtually the same levels, but can be had for much less on average. As time goes by, ("play it again, Sam") there is also a good chance that these fine Birmingham products will gain in stature as well as value. Hence no or little loss.

You can buy a Bond Street suit and know you have the best. But a London tailor who moves to north Birmingham loses none of his skill, but must accordingly charge less for his wares. Still, the suit fits just as well, and is equally well made.

Best, Kensal

For my money George L. strategy seems to work for me. They are long term but I get to use them.
Belgian, Brummie & German usable art.

Guns, as investments, are much ado about nothing. A prized gun, as a family inheritance, can far out weigh any return on investment. Buy the best you can afford, that fits you well and that you can shoot and enjoy. Then pass it on to a family member who will enjoy it after you are gone. If you have a family member who you know will enjoy the gift then make it very special. Make a journal with pictures of you and your gun to give the journal along with the gun for the family to enjoy later. Fifty photographs will be much more important than a few dollars in increased value when you take into account inflation.

If you buy good solid value today they will still be good values years from now. Had you asked ten years ago I would have told you to buy A&D boxlocks or good hammer guns. Most of the real great value buys are gone but they are still priced as reasonable as anything you will be able to buy. The hunt is where the fun is not the act of the purchase. So look and enjoy your quest.

I think someone here mentioned that they had collected/acquired good guns over their life and his grown children had no interest and he had decided to sell off his guns before he left it as a burden to his wife to do. Good idea, I thought, after having to deal with a death of a friend and his guns. Nothing was pleasant about that, I didn't end up with any guns, the widow wasn't happy with the revenue, and I spent a lot of time on it gratis.

Truth be known, many of the "big name" London guns were and are made with parts generated in Birmingham and other towns in Great Britain, especially boxlocks. These normally are sturdy well made guns but have the extra clout of having a London name engraved on them. As Kensal pointed out,to a large extent, you are buying the name along with the gun. To give an example:

I own a matched pair of 12 bore guns by Elderkin & Sons. They have 25 inch barrels and nicely rounded boxlock actions. They look identical to Churchill Prodigys and IMO are equal in quality, but I bought them for less than half of what I would have to have paid for a similar set of Churchills.

Best Regards, George

I agree with what kensal rise said a good English boxlock ejector would be my choice I would spend my money on one decent gun rather than three average, and it does not have to be a top name just look for the quality dont buy something thats been messed about with.