Deal or no deal, steal or no steal? What's the point. We save a little on one gun and spend more on the next one. It all comes out in the wash. I'm frugal but I want the most bang for my buck too yet I want what I want. If that means paying a little more or less it's ok either way. Then I read did I get a deal? My brand new s&w n frames from my LGS with the IL were $699. These are $1,100/$1,200 list. I think my dealer still made a $100 or more on each revolver.
Then I seen in the used case a nib unshot s&w m29-10 6 1/2" blue with presentation case and the blue plastic case for $699 too. It's in excellent++ condition. Then I spotted a older new s&w m24 in nickel with 6 1/2" barrel in 44 special. It's marked $750.

The prices can be all over the lot. Do you pass it up only to pay more down the road?

I passed on the new RedHawks in 357 & 41 magnums. They were $500 each. Now there used for $900/$1000? Pay me now or pay me later. Deal or steal?

When I was logging I bought equipment at wholesale prices. I found most items were a 100% markup. If it lists for $100 it cost me $50. The clearances on chainsaw bars were $7 for a $50 new bar. The deals turned into steals.

I think there is that much of a markup throughout the industry. And yes list prices do vary. But we're we lose we make up somewhere else.