Pistols For Profit: Smart Investment Choices

Pistols can be a great investment, but it's important to distinguish between a gun that's a good store of value and one that's a good investment. A store of value is something that's likely to maintain its value over time, whereas an investment is something that's likely to increase in value over time.

Pistols that are both desirable and financially attainable are often very liquid as far as durable goods go. A 9mm Springfield XD, for example, may not be seen as a traditional investment like a bar of silver or a Rolex watch, but it's likely that someone will always be interested in purchasing it.

When it comes to pistols that are likely to increase in value over time, it's important to consider factors such as popularity, historical significance, and rarity. For example, the Walther PPK became famous as James Bond's gun of choice, making it a wise investment due to its cinematic appeal and compact, reliable design.

- Colt Python Revolver: Known as the Rolls-Royce of revolvers, the Colt Python stands out for its sleek design and top-notch accuracy, making it a favourite among gun owners.

- Winchester Model 1866: Nicknamed the Yellow Boy for its shiny brass frame, this gun holds a rich history as a weapon that helped win the West, making it a must-have for collectors.

- Smith & Wesson Model 29: This revolver gained fame through its appearance in the movie Dirty Harry, but it's also a solid piece of craftsmanship that's highly valued by collectors.

- Glock 19: The Glock 19 is a true modern classic that can be found in police holsters and action movies. Its fame and reliability have made it a popular choice for personal defence and collectors, ensuring a consistent market for it.

- Sig Sauer P226: The Sig Sauer P226 has been chosen by elite forces such as the Navy SEALs, giving it serious street cred. Its tough, reliable design and military use make it appealing to collectors and investors.

Glocks: a true Jack-of-All-Trades

Glocks are versatile pistols that have become a favourite among civilians, police, and military personnel alike. With their lightweight polymer frame, durability, reliability, and ease of modification, it's no surprise that Glocks are considered a jack-of-all-trades in the pistol world.

The original Glock 17 and its more compact sibling, the Glock 19, have topped the list of best value-holding pistols. Introduced almost 40 years ago, these pistols have stood the test of time and maintained their popularity. The Glock 17 was first created to meet the Austrian Armed Forces' need for a replacement for their WWII-era Walther P38s. While the polymer handguns initially faced scepticism, they eventually gained acceptance by multiple armed forces, including those of Norway, Sweden, and the UK.

Glocks are widely used for self-defence, target practice, and competitions. Their compact size, especially the Glock 19, makes them ideal for concealed carry. Additionally, their durability and reliability have made them a trusted choice for law enforcement and military personnel. The Glock 43X MOS 9mm Optic Ready, for instance, is a popular police trade-in that offers tried-and-true reliability at a discounted price.

Glocks are also known for their customisability. Shooters can easily build, modify, and upgrade their Glocks to suit their specific needs and preferences. This adaptability has contributed to their enduring popularity and makes them a versatile option for various users.

When it comes to investing in Glocks, they may not offer the same returns as traditional investments like stocks or certain collectible firearms. However, Glocks are known for holding their value well. Their widespread use and reputation for quality mean there is always a market for them. Additionally, the Glock's polymer construction ensures longevity, and their parts are designed to last for years, even in various conditions.

In conclusion, Glocks are a jack-of-all-trades in the pistol world, offering versatility, durability, and reliability for a wide range of users. Their popularity and customisability make them a solid investment, as they are likely to maintain their value over time. So, if you're looking for a pistol that will serve multiple purposes and retain its worth, a Glock is an excellent option to consider.

Smith & Wesson: a worthy adversary to Glocks

Smith & Wesson and Glock pistols are both popular choices in the handgun market, known for their reliability, durability, and performance. But how do they compare head-to-head, and is Smith & Wesson a worthy adversary to Glock?

Price

On average, Glock models tend to be slightly more expensive than Smith & Wesson's M&P series. However, it's important to remember that price can vary depending on factors such as the model, dealer, location, and additional features or accessories.

Home Defense and Personal Safety

Both Glock and Smith & Wesson offer excellent reliability and performance, making them suitable options for home defense. When it comes to personal safety, the decision often comes down to individual preference.

Concealed Carry

For concealed carry, size and comfort are critical. Both brands offer compact models designed for this purpose, with the M&P series having a slight edge in terms of ergonomics and comfort for some users.

Reliability and Durability

Both handguns are known for their ability to withstand heavy use and harsh conditions, a testament to their reliability and durability. However, Glock has built a legendary reputation for its "indestructible" design and ability to function in nearly any situation, giving it a slight edge in durability.

Accuracy and Performance

The M&P vs Glock debate is fairly even when it comes to accuracy and performance, with both handguns offering excellent accuracy out of the box. The M&P series may have a slight advantage due to its out-of-the-box trigger, but this can vary from shooter to shooter.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Glocks are renowned for their simplicity, reliability, and wide availability of aftermarket parts. In contrast, the M&P series is often praised for its ergonomic design, aggressive grip texture, and ambidextrous controls.

Some users criticize Glock's grip angle and lack of a standard manual safety, while the M&P has been criticized for its hinged trigger design and initial lack of aftermarket support, which has improved over time.

User Reviews

Glock users often laud their pistols for the brand's reputation for reliability and durability. M&P users, on the other hand, often praise the gun's ergonomics, controllability, and overall value for money.

Whether you choose a Glock or a Smith & Wesson M&P, you're getting a high-quality firearm well-suited for a range of purposes. The best handgun between the two truly depends on individual preference, so it's essential to handle and shoot both before making a decision. Remember, the best gun is the one you shoot well and carry regularly.

Heckler & Koch VP9: a true-ambidextrous handgun

The Heckler & Koch VP9 is a true-ambidextrous handgun, with a slide release present on both sides of the frame and a magazine release that can be easily activated by left- or right-handed shooters. It is a striker-fired pistol with a polymer frame, and the VP designation in the name stands for "Volkspistole", or "people's pistol". It is the third striker-fired pistol produced by Heckler & Koch, and the first since the P7 series pistols were introduced in the 1980s.

The VP9 has a number of features that make it a top choice for shooters. It has a best-in-class trigger, with a short, light take-up and a solid, single-action type break followed by a short positive reset. The VP9 also has an ergonomic, adjustable grip with interchangeable backstraps and grip panels, allowing for 27 unique configurations to fit any shooter's hand. The pistol also features a hammer-forged polygonal barrel, which contributes to a longer service life and a slight increase in muzzle velocity.

The VP9 is available in a variety of configurations, including standard and optics-ready models, as well as different magazine capacities. It has been recognised by several publications, including Guns & Ammo and American Rifleman, as an excellent handgun, and is used by law enforcement and military organisations around the world.

Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ: easiest to rack

The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ line of pistols is designed with one key feature in mind: an easy-to-rack slide. This makes it perfect for those with compromised grip strength, whether due to natural causes, medical conditions, or simply old age. The internal hammer fire system reduces felt slide tension by half, making it much easier to use than other pistols.

The EZ line is an extension of Smith & Wesson's popular M&P Shield series of compact concealed carry pistols. The M&P Shield EZ comes in two versions: 9mm and .380 ACP. The .380 ACP is smaller and lighter than the 9mm, and its slide is even easier to rack. Both versions are highly reliable and shoot accurately, with minimal recoil, especially the .380 ACP.

The M&P Shield EZ features 3-dot sights, with an adjustable rear sight, and is available with or without an ambidextrous thumb safety. It also features a visual and physical tactile loaded chamber indicator. The magazines are built with load assist tabs, making them extremely easy to load without the need for a speed loader. The grip serrations provide excellent grip, and the grip safety works exactly as it should, only firing when the gun is properly gripped.

The M&P Shield EZ is an excellent choice for a first-time gun owner or anyone with weaker grip strength. It is highly reliable, accurate, and offers great value for money.

Other Pistols That Make Great Investments

While the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ stands out for its ease of use, there are several other pistols that are considered great investments due to their popularity, historical significance, or use by military forces. Here are a few examples:

• Glock 17 and Glock 19: These pistols have been on the market for nearly 40 years and are widely used by civilian shooters, law enforcement, and military forces.
• Sig Sauer P226: Used by elite military groups such as the Navy SEALs and the British SAS, this pistol is known for its versatility, reliability, and toughness.
• Beretta 92FS, M9, and M9A1: The M9 was adopted by the U.S. Army in 1985, and the M9A1 is designed to accompany servicemen and women into modern battlefields.
• Colt 1911: Introduced in 1911, this handgun was in service with the U.S. armed forces until the mid-1980s. It remains a popular and highly respected firearm among shooters of all levels.
• Browning Hi-Power: This pistol was in continuous production for 82 years and was adopted by over 50 countries' militaries, making it one of the most widely used guns on this list.
• Walther PPK: Made famous by James Bond, this compact and reliable pistol continues to attract new generations of fans and collectors.

Smith & Wesson Model 686 Plus: the revolver you've been waiting for

The Smith & Wesson Model 686 Plus is a high-quality revolver that packs a punch. With its L-frame design, this revolver is built to withstand the prolonged use of full-power .357 magnum loads, as well as compatibility with .38 Special ammunition. One unique feature of the 686 Plus is its 7-round cylinder, giving you an extra shot compared to conventional 6-shooters. This makes it comparable to a 1911-style pistol in terms of capacity, but with less weight and a more compact overall package.

The full-length ejector rod shroud adds weight to the front, reducing muzzle flip and allowing for faster sight acquisition on follow-up shots. The single-action trigger pull is light and crisp for precise shooting, while the double-action pull smoothly cycles the cylinder for rapid-fire. The red-ramp front sight, pinned to an integral sight ramp, and the adjustable rear sight ensure quick and easy target acquisition.

The 686 Plus has a stainless steel construction, providing corrosion resistance and low maintenance, making it ideal for prolonged holster carry or outdoor use. The synthetic rubber grip provides a secure hold in any weather condition and helps absorb recoil. With its great balance, smooth handling, and superb accuracy, the Smith & Wesson Model 686 Plus is an extremely versatile and powerful revolver for hunting, home defence, law enforcement, and target competition.

The revolver has a 3-inch barrel and weighs in at 36.6 ounces. It typically features black wooden grips and an unfluted cylinder. The MSRP for the Smith & Wesson 686 Plus Deluxe is $1,019.99, and it is available in stores and from retailers.

If you're in the market for a revolver, the Smith & Wesson Model 686 Plus is an excellent choice, offering superior performance, accuracy, and versatility.

Frequently asked questions