Team 3rd Gen Psychology Test

[TTSH]

Actually, this could be considered a psychology test for any collector/accumulator of discontinued or hard-to-find all-metal semi-auto handguns. But I am most interested in the thoughts of the S&W semi-auto crowd.

Situation: One day while out gun shop hopping or at a show, you find just the rare S&W all-metal semi-auto you've been looking for... and it is priced 25% below your target price! Great news, right? But the shop or show is closing or you forgot your wallet or the background check system is down or you're already maxed out on your credit card some other crazy stupid reason that you can't do the deal that day or put it on layaway. Son of a gun!

So off you go... depressed and dejected.

But then the next day, you stop at another shop and guess what? A near identical gun to the first one is there in the same condition with even more extras and it is 40% below your target price! You think: Man, I should buy a lottery ticket today with this great luck!!! This time, you're able to buy the gun and dance out of there with a big fat smile on your face!

Question: Do you go back and buy the first gun (25% off) too?

[mauser9]

I might TTSH and list it on Gunbroker!

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by mauser9

I might TTSH and list it on Gunbroker!

LOL!!! Ahhhh... a Smith & Wesson profiteer!

[N4KVE]

Negative, there's always a reason for everything, so the reason for the delay at the first store was so you could find the better deal at the second store. Unless you are a FFL, you are technically not allowed to go back for that first gun for the purpose of buying it to flip it on Gunbroker. So just be happy with the better deal. GARY

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by N4KVE

Negative, there's always a reason for everything, so the reason for the delay at the first store was so you could find the better deal at the second store.

Good answer! I kinda feel the same way. It's that "everything happens for a reason" thing that might make me think twice about pushing my good luck too far.

Originally Posted by N4KVE

Unless you are a FFL, you are technically not allowed to go back for that first gun for the purpose of buying it to flip it on Gunbroker. So just be happy with the better deal. GARY

Technically true, but "investment buying" happens thousands of times each day and there is virtually no way to prove it.

[scoobysnacker]

Wow, I haven't been following your posts, but this is an awfully specific scenario- did this just happen to you?
If so, congrats!

If it were to happen to me-
My personal idea of "grail gun" in this scenario, although I'm not actively pursuing one, would be a short-rail CZ 75, the original model. I've never seen one in person, just the pre B and current ones.
I'm a single parent, my son is in college but still lives with me (we have lots of room), and he shares my enjoyment of shooting and collecting firearms.

So YES, if I ever had this happen, I would buy the one, and then go get the other for him.

It wasn't over a couple of days, but we do both own pre B's; and when I recently bought a Sig P226 at discount, I also bought another pistol that caught his eye (a CZ 27 at a low price), when I was filling out the paperwork. So the precedent has been set.

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by scoobysnacker

Wow, I haven't been following your posts, but this is an awfully specific scenario- did this just happen to you?
If so, congrats!

If it were to happen to me-
My personal idea of "grail gun" in this scenario, although I'm not actively pursuing one, would be a short-rail CZ 75, the original model. I've never seen one in person, just the pre B and current ones.
I'm a single parent, my son is in college but still lives with me (we have lots of room), and he shares my enjoyment of shooting and collecting firearms.

So YES, if I ever had this happen, I would buy the one, and then go get the other for him.

It wasn't over a couple of days, but we do both own pre B's; and when I recently bought a Sig P226 at discount, I also bought another pistol that caught his eye (a CZ 27 at a low price), when I was filling out the paperwork. So the precedent has been set.

It did sort of happen to me recently... ... but I am actually asking because a friend has just found himself in practically the same situation. Only the percentages and brand have been changed to protect the innocent.

And no, I didn't buy the second gun... not yet anyway!

Speaking of CZ, I picked up my first one (CZ 75 BD) just two months back and I am already itching to buy another one. It's neither easy nor cheap to obtain one in a crazy restricted place like Massachusetts but it finally happened! Next one is going to be tougher to get, but the wait will just make it all the more satisfying if/when it finally happens.

[scoobysnacker]

whoa... my post is gone???

ok, my answer is yes, i would buy it

edit
nevermind, for some reason my last post wouldn't show, even after checking to see it (I see TTSH 'liked' it, but the post wasn't appearing in the thread from my point of view). Must just have been a glitch.
Carry on!

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by scoobysnacker

whoa... my post is gone???

ok, my answer is yes, i would buy it

No, not gone. Something is weird with the 'Net and/or this site today. Refresh on the page a couple times and it will magically reappear!

[ladder13]

If I had your money, no brainer.

[GeoJelly]

Originally Posted by scoobysnacker

whoa... my post is gone???

ok, my answer is yes, i would buy it

edit
nevermind, for some reason my last post wouldn't show, even after checking to see it (I see TTSH 'liked' it, but the post wasn't appearing in the thread from my point of view). Must just have been a glitch.
Carry on!

Completely unrelated to 3rd Gen's - but SWF has been really wacky today and just wacky the last few days. Lots of database errors and I wasn't able to log in until after 6PM today. Back on topic - someone has a RAMI for sale here locally and I have been lusting after it. I think they're pretty slick and I think/assume they would use CZ75 mags ...

[Tom S.]

Silly question, of course you buy both - and a third one if you run across it. Haven't you ever heard the saying "when you die, he with the most toys wins"?

[Gunhacker]

Originally Posted by TTSH

It did sort of happen to me recently... ... but I am actually asking because a friend has just found himself in practically the same situation. Only the percentages and brand have been changed to protect the innocent.

And no, I didn't buy the second gun... not yet anyway!

Speaking of CZ, I picked up my first one (CZ 75 BD) just two months back and I am already itching to buy another one. It's neither easy nor cheap to obtain one in a crazy restricted place like Massachusetts but it finally happened! Next one is going to be tougher to get, but the wait will just make it all the more satisfying if/when it finally happens.

That scenario has happened to me a few times and my feeling on it was/is be happy with what I ended up with, and let another one of my S&W accumulating brethren have the other one by tipping them off.

Roger that on the CZ 75's... I bought a CZ75 BD and I want a 74 Compact to go with it, but I'm running into much he same difficulty as you in finding more CZ's here in CA.

I'm told that CZUSA is horribly back logged after having shutdown production to relocate to a larger facility.... it also doesn't help when the popularity of the CZ 75 is on the same level of another iconic pistol , the 1911.

[ISCS Yoda]

Question: Do you go back and buy the first gun (25% off) too?

Assuming I don't mind spending the money then yes, I would, but only on one condition - they cannot be the same gun. Unless there is some "collection" reason I generally do not duplicate guns. Now it is true that I have some guns that are similar the only ones I have that are virtually duplicates are my snubby K frames, particularly the Model 10s. And I still can't actually explain how or why I did that.

I think it is because I accumulate as much as I collect but that's just a personality defect I can't overcome!

[BAM-BAM]

Sure ..... that's how you get a.... back-up........ to a back-up


if you really like a gun/model...... that's a carry gun........ and you have a chance to grab another at a great price ........do it ............................

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by ladder13

If I had your money, no brainer.

If you only had my money you'd probably jump off the nearest bridge! My financial situation, now 10 years into retirement, is best described as "totally hopeless"! But you can't stop living.

I know if I found a gun I really, really wanted at a great price and bought it... and then later found the same all-metal gun even cheaper... that I would probably end up with both of them. But does it work the other way around? That's really the question.

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by GeoJelly

Completely unrelated to 3rd Gen's - but SWF has been really wacky today and just wacky the last few days. Lots of database errors and I wasn't able to log in until after 6PM today. Back on topic - someone has a RAMI for sale here locally and I have been lusting after it. I think they're pretty slick and I think/assume they would use CZ75 mags ...

No question that the RAMI is pretty slick, but I've got my sights set next on the CZ 75D PCR Compact... almost impossible to find in crazy-restricted Massachusetts or in 10-rounds anywhere.

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by Tom S.

Silly question, of course you buy both - and a third one if you run across it. Haven't you ever heard the saying "when you die, he with the most toys wins"?

Originally Posted by Gunhacker

That scenario has happened to me me a few times and my feeling is be happy with what I ended up with, and let another one of my S&W accumulating brethren have the other one by tipping them off.

Different strokes for different folks.

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by ISCS Yoda

Assuming I don't mind spending the money then yes, I would, but only on one condition - they cannot be the same gun. Unless there is some "collection" reason I generally do not duplicate guns. Now it is true that I have some guns that are similar the only ones I have that are virtually duplicates are my snubby K frames, particularly the Model 10s. And I still can't actually explain how or why I did that.

I think it is because I accumulate as much as I collect but that's just a personality defect I can't overcome!

Good, well-thought-out answer! I like your logic!

Originally Posted by BAM-BAM

Sure ..... that's how you get a.... back-up........ to a back-up

if you really like a gun/model...... that's a carry gun........ and you have a chance to grab another at a great price ........do it ............................

That's also how I ended up with four Model 3913's! My need for a back-up... and then a parts gun... and then a back-up to the back-up!

And no... never four duplicates ever again!!!

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by Gunhacker

Roger that on the CZ 75's... I bought a CZ75 BD and I want a 75 Compact to go with it, but I'm running into much the same difficulty as you in finding more CZ's here in CA.

I'm told that CZUSA is horribly back logged after having shutdown production to relocate to a larger facility... it also doesn't help when the popularity of the CZ 75 is on the same level of another iconic pistol, the 1911.

Great minds think alike! The sad truth is that I haven't acquired a new-to-me 3rd Gen in almost a year now... but I am still buying all-metal handguns from Sig, Beretta, CZ and even picked up an "A2" from Rock Island. And, of course, the nifty 39-2 that I recently found.

Next will be the CZ 75D PCR Compact if I can possibly find one. If not, I'll go back to looking for a Hi-Power or K-22. Note the pattern here? All-metal handguns!!! I'm weening myself off of all cheap, disposable plastic.

[GaryS]

That's how I ended up with two 3913s and a 3914NL.

To answer you question though, it would depend on the gun.

A 4513TSW, most likely. A rare as hens teeth 3914DAO or 3914TSW, most definitely. A 3954TSW, yes.

Originally Posted by TTSH

Good, well-thought-out answer! I like your logic!


That's also how I ended up with four Model 3913's! My need for a back-up... and then a parts gun... and then a back-up to the back-up!

And no... never four duplicates ever again!!!

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by GaryS

That's how I ended up with two 3913s and a 3914NL.

To answer you question though, it would depend on the gun.

A 4513TSW, most likely. A rare as hens teeth 3914DAO or 3914TSW, most definitely. A 3954TSW, yes.

Good point. For me too, it would probably depend on the particular gun. Two of the rarest ones and the price (lower or higher) probably wouldn't matter either way. In my friend's case, they are not crazy rare guns but not exactly commonplace either.

I think S&W 3rd Gens... and arguably 1st & 2nd Gens as well... fall into a unique category of reasonably modern and desirable semi-autos that are now long discontinued (yes, with few notable exceptions) and getting rarer and rarer with each passing year. That probably affects our buying habits a lot more than the buying habits of folks collecting guns that are still available brand new one way or another.

[StakeOut]

I met with a seller FTF last year to buy a NIB blue Model 39-2 for a very fair and reasonable price.

During the meeting he informed me he had 2 more NIB blue Model 39-2s and 3 NIB blue Model 59s if I was interested.

I ended up buying all 6 NIB guns that I have used for trades since then.

I don't have any of the 6 NIB 39-2 or 59s any more but I do have some very nice revolvers that I enjoy shooting.

[Slufstuff]

I would buy both. Two is one, one is none.

[Dancer145]

For what you have there is no cure

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by StakeOut

I met with a seller FTF last year to buy a NIB blue Model 39-2 for a very fair and reasonable price.

During the meeting he informed me he had 2 more NIB blue Model 39-2s and 3 NIB blue Model 59s if I was interested.

I ended up buying all 6 NIB guns that I have used for trades since then.

I don't have any of the 6 NIB 39-2 or 59s any more but I do have some very nice revolvers that I enjoy shooting.

Wow!!! You certainly hit the 1st Gen super-jackpot... ... but then you turned around and sold them all? Yikes!!!

I could never have done that.

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by Slufstuff

I would buy both. Two is one, one is none.

Hard to argue with that. It's called "redundancy"... a basic design tenet of any system which must not fail when needed.

[BAM-BAM]

Originally Posted by StakeOut

I met with a seller FTF last year to buy a NIB blue Model 39-2 for a very fair and reasonable price.

During the meeting he informed me he had 2 more NIB blue Model 39-2s and 3 NIB blue Model 59s if I was interested.

I ended up buying all 6 NIB guns that I have used for trades since then.

I don't have any of the 6 NIB 39-2 or 59s any more but I do have some very nice revolvers that I enjoy shooting.

LOL I've owned 4 or 5 different 39's over the years..................they were all traded for Smith revolvers......... about 8/9months ago I bought another ...... well.... actually........

LOL I "repurchased" the same one I'd traded to that shop towards a nice Model 18 or 19......about 6 or 7 years ago!

See how long this one lasts....... this time!!!!!!

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by BAM-BAM

LOL I've owned 4 or 5 different 39's over the years..................they were all traded for Smith revolvers......... about 8/9months ago I bought another ...... well.... actually........

LOL I "repurchased" the same one I'd traded to that shop towards a nice Model 18 or 19......about 6 or 7 years ago!

See how long this one lasts....... this time!!!!!!

So now the big question: How much more did you have to pay to buy it back than what you originally got in trade for it?

[Tom S.]

Originally Posted by TTSH

If you only had my money you'd probably jump off the nearest bridge! My financial situation, now 10 years into retirement, is best described as "totally hopeless"! But you can't stop living.

I know if I found a gun I really, really wanted at a great price and bought it... and then later found the same all-metal gun even cheaper... that I would probably end up with both of them. But does it work the other way around? That's really the question.

I passed my 10 year retirement mark this past January. I find an occasional gas station or liquor store "job" to be a good source of disposable income.

[GaryS]

A friend of mine told me that he had an offer to do part time work for Enterprise Rent a Car shuttling vehicles between various locations. $25.00/hour to drive around.

Not a bad deal, but as per usual with him, he's dithering and by the time he decides, the job will be gone.

Probably a bit safer than your method.

But, I digress.

Originally Posted by Tom S.

I passed my 10 year retirement mark this past January. I find an occasional gas station or liquor store "job" to be a good source of disposable income.

[digiroc]

Looking for a 457 to replace my Kimber as a carry gun I found one in good shape with 10 mags for around $775 after shipping and transfer costs. (the 10 mags made it worth it for me).

Put another couple hundred in it for Master Chief's magic and fixing the tragic self install of big dot sights that cost another buck and a half so I've got over a grand in it (but I like it!).

Then stopping by a local gun show with 25 minutes before closing and after scanning remaining dealers tables found another with holster wear marked at $300. Offered $250 and took it home to be the mate to the first one.



Did I do well or go wrong?

digiroc

[digiroc]

Originally Posted by Tom S.

I passed my 10 year retirement mark this past January. I find an occasional gas station or liquor store "job" to be a good source of disposable income.

Wait Tom, are you working or robbing these stores?

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by Tom S.

I passed my 10 year retirement mark this past January. I find an occasional gas station or liquor store "job" to be a good source of disposable income.

Originally Posted by digiroc

Wait Tom, are you working or robbing these stores?

I was wondering the very same thing but I didn't want to question it in a public forum!

I think Tom_S. is just goofing on us!

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by digiroc

Looking for a 457 to replace my Kimber as a carry gun I found one in good shape with 10 mags for around $775 after shipping and transfer costs. (the 10 mags made it worth it for me).

Put another couple hundred in it for Master Chief's magic and fixing the tragic self install of big dot sights that cost another buck and a half so I've got over a grand in it (but I like it!).

Then stopping by a local gun show with 25 minutes before closing and after scanning remaining dealers tables found another with holster wear marked at $300. Offered $250 and took it home to be the mate to the first one.

Did I do well or go wrong?

Well, the math is far from straightforward with 10 magazines involved... but I'd say that your second Model 457 cost you less than the first one. The question on the table for Team 3rd Gen is: Would you have done it the other way around?

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by GaryS

A friend of mine told me that he had an offer to do part time work for Enterprise Rent a Car shuttling vehicles between various locations. $25.00/hour to drive around.

Now, that's my kind of part-time job given that I can't stand for long with my crazy painful hips... but something tells me that's a job based at or near an airport to pay that kind of money.

[digiroc]

In a related note I bought a Cericoated 915 with night sights for around $400 after shipping and transfer then put a wood grip on it to match the desert tan frame finish. The slide was pretty rough with holster wear but I sent the night sights off to be relamped at Trigicon anyway.

Then at a LGS I found another 915 with low mount adjustable sights, after some dickering I paid an out-the-door $350 for it. I swapped slides to make a carry 915 with night sights and a range gun with adjustable sights that looks a bit modernized with the desert tan two-tone.



I can't seem to help from buying two of any 3rd gen I want to add to my collection. Is this a common symptom here?

digiroc

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by digiroc

I can't seem to help from buying two of any 3rd gen I want to add to my collection. Is this a common symptom here?

Nothing at all strange about 3rd Gen'rs buying multiples. I have exact duplicates (2 or more) on 6 of my 3rd Gen models and twins (stainless and black versions) on a couple more. But in each case, I did better on the subsequent deal than on the first one.

[digiroc]

Originally Posted by TTSH

Well, the math is far from straightforward with 10 magazines involved... but I'd say that your second Model 457 cost you less than the first one. The question on the table for Team 3rd Gen is: Would you have done it the other way around?

Well I would have done any way around. The way I look at it I paid less for two superior guns than I did for my Kimber. So there you have it.

The Kimber is pretty nice with some carry wear, I think I'll sell it now that I've got a few 3G's in .45



digiroc

[BAM-BAM]

Originally Posted by TTSH

So now the big question: How much more did you have to pay to buy it back than what you originally got in trade for it?

I'd have to go check ...... but IIRC less than $100.

[GaryS]

I was told that it's in one of the Bridgewaters, but I forget specifically which one.

Originally Posted by TTSH

Now, that's my kind of part-time job given that I can't stand for long with my crazy painful hips... but something tells me that's a job based at or near an airport to pay that kind of money.

[GaryS]

Psychology. You're more relaxed on the second one and less likely to buy it because you don't have one. You have one and if you don't get a second one, it's okay because another one will come along.

Originally Posted by TTSH

Nothing at all strange about 3rd Gen'rs buying multiples. I have exact duplicates (2 or more) on 6 of my 3rd Gen models and twins (stainless and black versions) on a couple more. But in each case, I did better on the subsequent deal than on the first one.

[GaryS]

The temptation is always there to buy a duplicate. I still look carefully at any 457 that comes up for sale. If I find a stainless version, I'd probably buy it and sell my black version.

Or maybe like you, despite the Agita it would cause TTSH, I might have the black one Ceracoated!

I've been thinning my 39xx compact herd a bit since I have a number of the harder to find in my state variants, so the Plain Jane 3913 isn't that appealing to me. Which is not to say that I won't buy any more 39xx compacts as there are a couple of variants I'd love to have if they came my way.

Originally Posted by digiroc

In a related note I bought a Cericoated 915 with night sights for around $400 after shipping and transfer then put a wood grip on it to match the desert tan frame finish. The slide was pretty rough with holster wear but I sent the night sights off to be relamped at Trigicon anyway.

Then at a LGS I found another 915 with low mount adjustable sights, after some dickering I paid an out-the-door $350 for it. I swapped slides to make a carry 915 with night sights and a range gun with adjustable sights that looks a bit modernized with the desert tan two-tone.



I can't seem to help from buying two of any 3rd gen I want to add to my collection. Is this a common symptom here?

digiroc

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by BAM-BAM

I'd have to go check ...... but IIRC less than $100.

Not too bad a penalty to pay I guess.

Originally Posted by GaryS

I was told that it's in one of the Bridgewaters, but I forget specifically which one.

Weird. They must have a major distribution center there.

Originally Posted by GaryS

Psychology. You're more relaxed on the second one and less likely to buy it because you don't have one. You have one and if you don't get a second one, it's okay because another one will come along.

Bingo! I think we have a winner! Well played Dr. GaryS.

Originally Posted by GaryS

Or maybe like you, despite the Agita it would cause TTSH, I might have the black one Cerakoted!

Please! I've already got major chest pains today. The architect we hired for our retirement place is months behind schedule and not giving us what we want or need. I've just about ready to have a nervous breakdown here.

[BAM-BAM]

LOL......... 39s hold a strange attraction for me.......

If I don't own one..... and pick one up..... I can't get over how really really good it feels in the hand...............................gotta have one with fixed sights..

But I've never used/carried any 39 I've owned......why.....

They are bigger than my 3913/14s so I don't concealed carry one....... if I want a gun the size of a 39 I'll grab a 5906 or 915 with 15-17 rounds.....

so they've all gone towards Smith Revolvers.

[GaryS]

I'm sorry to hear about you architect problems. That's never any fun. A friend of ours had her builder go bankrupt half way through the construction. She ended up being the general contractor and had to find more money to finish the house. I'm sure there's litigation involved, of some sort.

I can try to find out more details if you're seriously interested. My friend sometimes gets the details of a story confused. It as easily be Bellingham or Billerica!

Originally Posted by TTSH

Not too bad a penalty to pay I guess.

Weird. They must have a major distribution center there.

Bingo! I think we have a winner! Well played Dr. GaryS.

Please! I've already got major chest pains today. The architect we hired for our retirement place is months behind schedule and not giving us what we want or need. I've just about ready to have a nervous breakdown here.

[Tom S.]

Originally Posted by digiroc

Wait Tom, are you working or robbing these stores?

Actually, I've been watching episodes of Breaking Bad and thinking about making a career change....

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by GaryS

I'm sorry to hear about you architect problems. That's never any fun. A friend of ours had her builder go bankrupt half way through the construction. She ended up being the general contractor and had to find more money to finish the house. I'm sure there's litigation involved, of some sort.

I can try to find out more details if you're seriously interested. My friend sometimes gets the details of a story confused. It as easily be Bellingham or Billerica!

Nope... no fun at all. Time is our enemy and we've already made too many painful mistakes hiring the wrong people. The task of making it right is now going to shift to our builder. He better be able to work miracles or we are in deep trouble.

A part-time job? I guarantee you that no sane person would ever hire me under current circumstances.

[digiroc]

Originally Posted by GaryS

The temptation is always there to buy a duplicate. I still look carefully at any 457 that comes up for sale. If I find a stainless version, I'd probably buy it and sell my black version.

Or maybe like you, despite the Agita it would cause TTSH, I might have the black one Ceracoated!
...

I already had the 4513 but I prefer black finish on a carry gun. Not really a fan of "painted" guns but the desert tan 915 did appeal to me as something "different" in my 3G collection.

digiroc

[snowcat]

" Question: Do you go back and buy the first gun (25% off) too? "
Of course, that's why I have 4 1046's