Used Handguns Enjoying a Thriving Market

Used revolvers and other handguns have jumped up considerably in value. Firearms specialist Scott Lutz said, Colt Diamondbacks are especially popular, fetching anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 apiece, depending on condition and engraving.

Any Smith & Wesson revolver no longer in production is getting Blue Book-plus prices, especially the small- and medium-sized models. Lutz recently watched a Model 19 K Frame in .357 mag, with a 2.5 inch barrel, go for $600, when $400 would have taken the same revolver just two years ago.

The H&R Sportsman, a 9-shot .22 LR caliber revolver, is quite popular at the lower priced end of the collectible’s market. Usually selling for under $400 apiece, even for vintage examples, people are assembling nice collections of these durable and reliable revolvers—without going broke competing with the Smith & Wesson and Colt collectors.