This is quite the thread! Opinions and experiences sure do vary.
At a pre-Covid local show I found an 8 3/8ths 586, a barrel length I didn't have in any model, and wasn't really sold on to begin with. Still, it would be my first L frame so I offered a bit less. He countered only $5 up but I held. He said "You'd walk away over 5 bucks?!" I gave a little laugh and said "I could say the same thing about YOU!" That made him laugh in acknowledgment and we made the deal.
I realized that negotiating is a lot more pleasant when the item isn't something you necessarily really want. Of course now it's grown on me and I've put a nicer set of Walnut target stocks on it.
At an earlier show I made an offer on a 4" 617-4 and the seller made a face like "Oooh, you are SO close!" He then cautiously countered up $5 and I took it home. Now that model I had been pricing and had no intention of walking away without it. I was there when the gates opened and was probably one of his first visitors, so I was a bit surprised he didn't hold out.
Both gentlemen had enjoyable personalities and I felt comfortable in making offers. I still look for them at the shows, not because I think I can get better deals but their friendly vibes made for good buying experiences.
Last edited by toddimusnimski; 09-06-2021 at 11:16 PM.
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