I keep hearing that the SxS double gun market is fading and that prices are stagnant because new collectors and shooters are not replacing the current crop. But that is not at all what I see, across the spectrum, from parts guns to shooters to high condition and high grade guns. I'm specifically talking about vintage American doubles which is where my interests are greatest.
I started out concentrating on L.C. Smiths, but would buy anything that piqued my interest and was priced right. I have not seen any L.C. Smiths that are selling for less than I could frequently buy them for 8, 10, 15 years ago. Same with Parkers. One reason I shifted my interests to Syracuse Lefevers is that they seemed to be very undervalued compared to Smiths and Parkers, especially considering their much lower production numbers. That situation has changed dramatically, and actual selling prices are much higher than they were. Not only that, but I am seeing more bidders on average in the internet auctions I watch, and I am seeing a lot of new screen names of bidders who I never saw only a few years ago. The good old days for buying Lefevers are largely over.
Remingtons are still kind of a sleeper, and bargains can be found if you shop carefully. Same with Ithacas. My last N.I.D. was a nice all original early field grade 16 gauge with very good bluing, wood, and over 60% case colors. It sat all day, 2 or 3 years ago, at a pretty large gun show with a $275 price tag on it. Cheap! I kept telling myself I didn't need it, and at the end of the day, I bought it for $225. Bakers were selling very reasonably 10-15 years ago, but they too have shot up considerably since about 2008. Foxes took a big jump when McIntosh's book came out, and asking prices were often higher than Blue Book. I went a long time without buying a Fox for that reason. They seem to have stabilized in recent years, but sure haven't dropped much, if at all, especially in the smaller gauges. I don't think I have a double in my collection that I couldn't sell for a profit at this time. Are there investments that would have done better? Absolutely. But you can't shoot gold, silver, real estate, or stock certificates. However, once I had enough guns, I made it a rule to never pay too much or to let my emotions drive my purchases. I don't NEED any gun, so I can afford to wait for the good deals that inevitably happen. Knowing what you are buying is extremely important. Knowing how to buy lets you have more toys to play with.
