Nice article on the history of Raven pistols.

[AKguy1985]

I have a 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gen so far. Still looking for a 1st and 5th gen.

I had a first Gen raven I got from my mechanic for $90. Sold it awhile ago.

 

[RLSanders]

I have a 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gen so far. Still looking for a 1st and 5th gen.

Don’t know how I missed this thread. Glad to hear I’m not the only one looking for fine examples of each Raven generation. I’m just missing gen 4 but it’ll be easy to find. There are a few on GB now. My gen 1 is on the bottom left. Gen 2 is top left. Two gen 3s, one right of center and one near the top left. Gen 5 is near the bottom right with aftermarket bright white grips. Like a dummy, I threw away the pink grips it came with.

Regarding the old cheap firearms all being related, it’s all explained I. This brilliant video.

 

[RLSanders]

I have one. Just inherited from a cousin. Blue with ivory grips, 3 mags. Appears unfired.

Lucky. Great piece.

 

[Catt57]

Just found a better example of the models and dates.

 

[Bill_Long_Tan]

Also explains the difference in the model generations

https://www.hipointfirearmsforums.com/threads/the-raven-the-ring-of-fire-pistol-that-started-it-all.336330/

View attachment 239220

Thanks for the link. An elderly lady I knew years ago kept one beside her all day every day.
I always wanted to look at it / test fire it because of its reputation.
She wouldnt let anyone near it
Over time I began wondering if it was unloaded and she didnt want anyone to know.

 

[BlindOne]

I have the 2nd generation one, still goes bang every time .

 

[Catt57]

I still need a 1st gen. I have all the rest.

 

[GorillaG]

It's funny how some guns go up dramatically in price over the years for no logical reason. Many of these "Saturday night special" guns that used to go as cheap as 20-30 bucks now can bring north of 200.00. .22 rifles I used to pick up for 40 bucks often go over 200.00 also. And some of these military surplus guns shoot up in price the minute the initial import flood subsides. Also the cheap, fake machine guns like the Tec-22's and Ten 9's are going in the hundreds, far more than they cost new and they're basically junk. The funny thing is you can still find remarkable vintage quality big name guns for bargain prices if you're very patient and thorough in searching. I have some Colt and S&W's I paid close to the going rate for but far more, that you would be amazed at how low they were priced. Often at auctions where I was the only bidder or one of only two.

 

[Bill_Long_Tan]

It's funny how some guns go up dramatically in price over the years for no logical reason. Many of these "Saturday night special" guns that used to go as cheap as 20-30 bucks now can bring north of 200.00. .22 rifles I used to pick up for 40 bucks often go over 200.00 also. And some of these military surplus guns shoot up in price the minute the initial import flood subsides. Also the cheap, fake machine guns like the Tec-22's and Ten 9's are going in the hundreds, far more than they cost new and they're basically junk. The funny thing is you can still find remarkable vintage quality big name guns for bargain prices if you're very patient and thorough in searching. I have some Colt and S&W's I paid close to the going rate for but far more, that you would be amazed at how low they were priced. Often at auctions where I was the only bidder or one of only two.

A lot of prices are just inflation.

According to an inflation calculator online it takes about 190 bucks in 2024 to buy what 50 bucks would buy in 1980.

They can print money but they can not create value.