I think the push-pull of getting the information necessary to give a reasonable estimate, is the best part of the learning process for new posters. Yeah, most of them never come back, but some do and become collectors. I am a case in point of the latter. When I joined the forum in 2011, I owned a 19-3, a 29-3, a model 60 and 63, and a k22. I had just purchased a model 53. Since that time, over 75 Smith & Wessons have passed thru my hands and my collection of 50 S&Ws includes some very collectible pieces. Plant seeds, they don't all grow, but some will.

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Robert
SWCA #2906, SWHF #760

I have never replied with a post to someone asking about a new to them firearm's value, because I have NO experience in firearm values. SF VET

I do that a lot just to read the room on various forums.

For example a decade or so ago I bought a a first year (1978) near mint condition, no box 9422 XTR. I posted pics details and price paid knowing it would bring people out of the wood work claiming that was way too high. At the time it was not a deal but a fair market price. Today a comparable 9422 XTR will sell for $1100-$1300, about twice what I paid for it. It’s hard to call that a bad return.

The low ball estimators forget three things:

- not everyone is interested in immediately or almost immediately flipping a firearm for profit (and those doing so, legally and ethically need to be operating under an FFL);

- If you really want one and there are not many out there, get it now, even if the price is too high in other people’s opinion. You’ll have it now to enjoy rather than spending years looking for another one and ultimately paying just as much or more; and

- when a firearm is no longer made, it almost always appreciates in value. Thus you never pay too much, you just buy too early, and if you hold onto it long enough you’ll get your money back out of it.

——

That’s basically my response to the folks who are told the paid too much.

The value of money over time is an interesting concept. Some of us may make money. Some of us will loose money, but be convinced that we actually made money.

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NRA Endowment Member

[QUOTE=BB57;141942795
- If you really want one and there are not many out there, get it now, even if the price is too high in other people’s opinion. You’ll have it now to enjoy rather than spending years looking for another one and ultimately paying just as much or more;

——

That’s basically my response to the folks who are told the paid too much.[/QUOTE]

Good thinking! I worked to have money to buy the things I wanted. I would not go in debt for something I really didn't need but if I had cash I never let a few dollars hold me back. Larry

A question I ask a lot (to myself and others)..."When did you last see one like it for less?" And "When do you next expect to see one at all?"

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John 3:16 .

A question I ask a lot (to myself and others)..."When did you last see one like it for less?" And "When do you next expect to see one at all?"

Sorry for the duplicate. computer hung up for a few minutes.

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John 3:16 .

Don't forget "Will it be here when I come back?"

That's when I throw a few bucks at it, and stick it on layaway. If I change my mind the deposit goes onto store credit. I'll use it sooner or later for something.

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John 3:16 .

My buddy owned an auto parts store and I would hang out there all the time. People would come in ask about car parts, get prices, buy the parts then ask him "can I do this"? One time a guy came in and asked for an oil filter for a red and black Suburban. I was behind the counter and my buddy was behind the partition. I saw his eyes roll so I told the guy I would look up the part. Rummaged through the catalogs like I knew what I was doing then I told him "nope, we only have the oil filter for the green and tan Suburban". The guy had no clue, he was a doctor, said thank you and left. My buddy spit his coffee half way across the office and almost peed his pants laughing. Bottom line is some people always want someone else to do their thinking for them.

I will second the first person that said "Well said."

If you want to post on a forum that condescends to newbies, just go over to Shotgun Forum.

And Aukula, how would you like it if you went to that doctor complaining of chest pains and he got fed up with your inability to be more specific?

A “sticky” is where good intentions go to die.