Ammo Test: 147gr Winchester Ranger "T" Series - RA9T

[MRC]

I got on the LWS380 preorder list in 2001 after seeing a write-up in a gun magazine.  In late 2003 I was able to place the order and I received the 191st one sold in July of 2004.  By that time I had a Colt Pony and a Pocket Nine and I never opened the box on the Seecamp.

I sold it in 2009 for $1800.

You probably remember back in the 90's that there was a 2 year wait for the LWS32's.  Guys were snapping them up for $600 at the gun shows when MSRP was $375.  I think that is right as I remember paying that for mine.

[tracker]

They were hot, indeed, and on the leading edge of the pocket carry trend. I don't recall the details as you do but I remember they were in great demand and short supply.

[cargaritaville]

All things change. I just listed last week my NIB Seecamp .380 on GunBroker for $1450.00. It sold in 1 hr at full price. I have 2 new ones on order from Whalley at the $700's price. Why does one think that the old ones are worth double from the new ones?

[JoshA]

Here is a VERY early LWS380 I watched today but decided not to bid.  This was in Larry's safe and the new owners sold it at auction.

The LWS380's really did not hit the street until 2004. 


http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=457298369

Wow!! That's amazing! $1850 😙 well one cool thing about the Seecamp 380 is that (like the R9 is the worlds smallest 9mm) it is the worlds smallest 380 auto pistol. Quite a unique gig.

[JoshA]

All things change. I just listed last week my NIB Seecamp .380 on GunBroker for $1450.00. It sold in 1 hr at full price. I have 2 new ones on order from Whalley at the $700's price. Why does one think that the old ones are worth double from the new ones?

What I want to know is why the R9 story isn't the same? Why are they going close to what they always did and the seecamps are going for up to 2X more than they were selling for??

[MRC]

All things change. I just listed last week my NIB Seecamp .380 on GunBroker for $1450.00. It sold in 1 hr at full price. I have 2 new ones on order from Whalley at the $700's price. Why does one think that the old ones are worth double from the new ones?

There is a long wait for LWS380's right now.  I know a guy who has been on the preorder list for 2 years right now.  When did Whalley think you would get yours?

Also, maybe the "Milford, Ct" Seecamps will carry a certain premium like a Pre 64 Winchester.  Who knows?

[tracker]

There is no doubt that the CT Seecamps will and are commanding a premium. The difference between them and the R9s are that there is no seamless succession plan that says "Pineville NC R9." Limbo does not command a premium yet.

[tracker]

Also, after checking, the LWS 25 launched in 1981 followed by the LWS 32 and then the .380 in 1999. They have been in production for a lot longer than the R9.

[MRC]

All things change. I just listed last week my NIB Seecamp .380 on GunBroker for $1450.00. It sold in 1 hr at full price. I have 2 new ones on order from Whalley at the $700's price. Why does one think that the old ones are worth double from the new ones?

What I want to know is why the R9 story isn't the same? Why are they going close to what they always did and the seecamps are going for up to 2X more than they were selling for??

That Seecamp that sold for $1850 was made in 1999, 4 years before the 380's hit the street.

If someone came up with a prototype R9 made 4 years before introduction to the public, it would command a good price I would assume.

Seecamps also have a lot wider audience than Rohrbaughs.

[cargaritaville]

There is a long wait for LWS380's right now.  I know a guy who has been on the preorder list for 2 years right now.  When did Whalley think you would get yours?

I was told that they would be set up to mfg. the .380s by 1/1/15. The .32s are already hitting dealers now. There are going to be a lot of Seecamps hitting the shelves.

[tracker]

No doubt about the wider following; also, the LWS .32 and .380 can be sold in world markets whereas the 9mm is restricted for sale in many countries because it is a "military caliber."

[MRC]

I was told that they would be set up to mfg. the .380s by 1/1/15. The .32s are already hitting dealers now. There are going to be a lot of Seecamps hitting the shelves.

The new owners are still working off of Larry's old backlog.  The 380 is not an easy gun to build and I would guess there is a 12+ month wait which will keep the prices up.

I really think that production will stay low on the Seecamps,  That has been a proven marketing tool for the company in my opinion.

[JoshA]

Overlays from the Seecamp Website

http://www.seecamp.com/overlays.htm

I just saw this. Thanks MRC. This is why I went and shelled out the cash for a couple seecamps. Amazing LITTLE pistol. Who cares if it hurts to run 380? It's still amazing. I did receive a mag extension. We'll see how it works.

I hope my Moe $30 special wasn't made by Larry or Curly. Fingers crossed.

[MRC]

I care that it hurts!

Neat little gun but not for me.

[JoshA]

Lol. It's for deep deep concealment (speedo). It's cool that it does what no other auto loader in its class can do is what I guess I appreciate. I don't carry mine but I will try out the moe special and see what it's all about. Again. And I'll probably swear off of it. Again. 😬