What is a collector grade Airgun?

[uglymike]

I'm not a collector but I have to be honest. These examples you folks have show have been almost sensual in nature, for me anyway. Wonderful on several different levels, in both form and function. As to the OP question on what constitutes a collectors grade airgun? I humbly submit Whiscombe.

 

[wijib]

My HW55M

and my SLR98 (.177 Hyedua )

 

[jsptech]

This one?

View attachment 413124

Yes!

 

[dgeesaman]

Back to the original question, I believe “collector grade” if mentioned in a for sale ad, means an older gun in exceptionally good physical condition. Even unboxing or handling such guns risks degrading their grade. I find them very appealing but way out of my price range and they don’t physically fit into my life.

There are other kinds of guns I still consider collectible but I avoid the term “collectible grade”: now-rare guns in good working condition, and guns that have special story behind them. A friend recently sold one of the latter - it’s an air rifle that was used by an Olympic champion. The seller offered to remove some of the tape and even bite marks from the shooter (she had a habit of resting her teeth on the stock between shots) but the buyer insisted all of that stayed as-is. I agree - I would have wanted the same exact original.

I’m also a fan of guns that can be shot and enjoyed a bit without ruining the value. I’ve bought, owned, and eventually sold a few of these. This is a great way to learn more and experience more without building up a collection that never gets enjoyed and one day ends up at a massive auction sale.

 

[Bear-of-Grayling]

A true “collectors grade” airgun/anything, is when a collector is foaming at the mouth to own it.

 

[Ievgen721]

I dare to assert, that air guns are not collectible items. Air guns, including old ones, are bought to be used, and not hung on the wall or placed in glass bulletproof safes. We are just a small circle of people who love air guns, that's all.That’s why I don’t call my air guns a collection, rather an arsenal.

 

[vintageairguncollector@gm]

Collector grade means airgun meet the standards in the Blue book of Airguns. I like to buy boxed airguns I like them in the box with all accessories and documentation. Like the boxed Acvoke I just bought with the pellets too.