Got a call this morning from my friend that was at the OGCA show in Ohio. Guy came by the table with a very early pre model 19, 98+% condition,numbered cardboard box,tools & paper work,numbered target grips and factory letter. I believe it was the first or second month of production. Serial number was k260100 range.

The asking price was $1500, I started at $1200, came up to $1400 and he came down to $1450. I passed, felt $1400 was a fair price.

I think I screwed up!

We were going back and forth over $50, it was the negotiator in me just wouldn't give on the 50. My loss.....

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George Jamison

I wouldn't feel too bad about it. You still have $1450 available to make some other foolish purchase.

I would have passed at that price myself, but I think if I had already gone 95% of the way I would have gone the extra 5% if I REALLY wanted the gun.

A very early Combat Magnum. I think quite unusual to find one with original box, papers and tools with target stocks numbered to the gun and lettered. $1450 seems steep but when will you see another one?

Jeff
SWCA #1457

Once again---

It is not possible to pay too much for a good gun. It is only possible to pay whatever the price too soon. The remedy for paying too soon is to do nothing----just sit and wait.

In this case, I reckon the $1500 would prove to be a good price in about three weeks----$2,000 in about three months.

What's the problem?!!

And yes, I think you screwed-up too!!

Ralph Tremaine

I think the price was very fair given the great condition of the gun, how complete it was, how early it was, and the fact that it was already lettered.

Of course the value is debatable here, but the undeniable error here is the "walk away" over a lousy $50. For one, the walk away symbolizes "hey buddy, I KNOW that I can find one for $1400, so take my $1400 or leave it" which we know is false. Examples that nice and that complete are hard to find.

The other problem with the walk away is consideration of the numbers. YOU, by your own account, was already willing to spend $1400. Food for thought: 5% of $1400 is $70. So in essence, you basically walked away for a 3.5% cost difference? For this kind of a gun? The tax rate for where I live is 7%, so it would be like me asking the dealer to pay half my taxes, and if he doesn't, I pass on a HARD TO FIND complete lettered S&W? I rest my case

In truth, we have all made mistakes such as this, so don't feel too bad about it...

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}-----Jim----->
~SWCA #2732~

George:

So you walked from something that you really wanted over the price of a dinner at Applebees with your wife. I think I would have had PB&J and come home with the COMPLETE PRE-19 PACKAGE?? Over $50, it for sure would have come home with me.

I went to a gun show yesterday, and I did not see any (yup zero, nada, zip) S&W's that I was even remotely interested in - regardless of the price.

You should have purchased it and then your post would have been "Look at the Jewell I Found at the Show..." And everyone would be saying "how cool" and pushing the "Like" button.

On the other hand - you could take a photo of the 14 Benjamins and 1 Grant all lined up on a table (or in a light box) and posted that photo in the Lounge part of the forum with a title "The Pre-19 that Could Have Been..." and see what kind of reaction that would get.

Now... Does that make you feel better?

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Richard
Engraved S&W fan

Geez guys,

Y'all really like to kick a feller when he's down, don't cha?

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Geez give the guy a break - even though I agree - he screwed up!!!! $50 give up a bottle of bourbon, eat hamburger not steak, drink store brand coke not Pepsi, and the list goes on. Yup!!!!

That right there made me laugh-out-loud!!! Sorry George, but he has a point there - a dinner at applebees!

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}-----Jim----->
~SWCA #2732~

Which would be the easiest to get next week? A pistol like that or $1450? Larry

I will try to throw you a bone. Dont sweat it. The "few dollars more" mentality is what has M28 going for $3k plus and everything else going for well beyond what most feel they are actually worth. In this case you knew what the other guys price was which is different than an auction setting but still it takes discipline to know what you can afford and are willing spend and to walk away once the price goes above that point. I wish I had that kind of discipline more often. I fall into the "bought to early" justification group.

How can anyone say what the 28-1 is worth when there are no other sales to compare it to because apparently almost no one has seen another? I think people need to give this sold price vs "worth" stuff a rest. If you don't think its worth it, then don't bid, and buy up all the 28-2s, and other garden variety guns because they are a good "value" at $400 when there are a ton of them to be had. No one can say anything about the value of that 28-1 when its the only factory documented gun sold that any of us know about and that means a great deal here. Perhaps it would go for more if it ever sells again. Lord knows the GB ad for that gun left a lot to be desired!

The gun of this thread is also in a special category since its hard to find, COMPLETE and lettered, so this business of what someone pays for a lesser gun, or trying to avoid paying too much, when you may not see another like that for years is basically rubbish. Avoiding a gun for $50 when the bottom dollar is $1450 is far from any "discipline" that I would want to have...

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}-----Jim----->
~SWCA #2732~

Sure it was too high. But aren't they all? If you really wanted it, you would've bought it.
It's not complicated, not really.
I'd have bought it, but that's just my thinkin'.

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Halfway and one more step

Yes it was too high, Yes you screwed up. If I had been willing to pay $1400, I wouldn't have let $50 bucks stop me.

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Support your Police, & NRA

You drew your line in the sand, and you didn't cross it. Good for you. Not an uncommon gun, just in an uncommon condition...I'm going to say eh... there will be other uncommon guns to buy... always are.

Was in a lgs 3 or so years ago. There was a certain new gun for $1499. I asked him to include sales tax, he said he would split it with me, I said no, thanks. I kicked myself over not buying over $52, especially when the next years gun had a price increase of $180 for the same model.

A year later, same model gun came up on auction online. $1365, and the shipping & transfer came to about $55. Be patient.

George you say the serial number was K260100 range. What you're not saying is it below or above that number. Above that number, Worth bargaining for. Under that number, you better go find that guy. Quick.
DW

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"NUTS"

If this was the Crossroads show you're talking about I would agree the pickings were slim as I was there on Saturday as well.
Jim