As a general rule I see guns as fitting into three categories. Those that are “collectables†kept primarily for display and as investments (and good ones make very good investments). Then “shooters†that you own to use. Finely there are the best of all, shooters that either have, or may be expected to acquire a collectable value in the future.
If you dabble in collectables you’d better know what you’re doing. Not “any old gun†is necessarily valuable or likely to become such. Unless it is (A) vary rare, or (B) exceptionally popular, condition will play a big part in what it’s worth. Finish wear can be factored into the price, but if major parts are messed up (such as the sights or grips) it probably won’t increase in value much over time if inflation is considered. Gun collectors will pay through the nose for examples that are original and in prime condition, knowing that they are the most likely to appreciate.
Ordinary “shooters†are tools or toys – intended to be used. Obviously there is nothing wrong with this, but the owner/user probably doesn’t pick and chose on the basis of what they expect the gun will be worth later.
But there are “shooters,†like your S&W Target Masterpiece (model 14) that is a superb shooter that is also appreciating in value as potential buyers see them as tomorrow’s collectable. As current manufacturers turn to sometimes questionable modern technology to reduce manufacturing costs the older guns become more attractive to some, who are willing to pay to get what they want.
When considering modern guns (as opposed to antiques) there is no reason your collection of “shooters†can’t represent good investments. During the late 1940’s through 1950’s you could buy a mint/like new war surplus military model 1911/1911-A1 .45 pistol in brand new condition for $25.00 or less. Today, if the pistol was shot some but carefully maintained and not abused or altered it might be worth between $1,500.00 to $2,000.00 and rapidly going up. As you can see one can have their cake and eat it too.