SO HOW MUCH $ IS OF NO CONCERN?

haifabuddy

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You are buying a K frame to your liking. You know in the condition found, or the box, extra grips, etc., that comes with it, it is a very good deal. If you had to overpay a bit, how far would you go? $50? $100? $150?
 
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Depends upon the features. I saw an M66 for $600 in a local store. It had been tuned, solid finish and nice night sights. It may actually be worth that; however, there were many new guns in the store in that range. For most pre-lock S&W's, I'd probably pay up to $50 over average...but it would have to be a gun with 3" barrel.

One comment made to me by one of the gun store folks was: "People tend to overvalue their stuff when they go to sell it."
 
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I would admit the Model 16-4 revolvers have sucked a lot of cash out of my wallet. The answer is what is your threshold. I bought "triplets" of LIKE new in box 16-4's (three different barrel lengths) and was happy. The forum member bought them from a gunshop who was closing and kept them unfired. I would not pay the same for the same model revolver if it had beat up and not taken care of.
 
"One comment made to me by one of the gun store folks was: "People tend to overvalue their stuff when they go to sell it." "

Amazing how many people think that a gun shop will pay retail or retail minus 10%,because "that's what it's worth,so that's what they should get for it". Gets especially bizarre when it's a third rate make,in so-so condition.
As in most businesses, the money is in used items,and in many locales,selling a handgun is a hassle,dealers pay appropriately.
 
One comment made to me by one of the gun store folks was: "People tend to overvalue their stuff when they go to sell it."
Funny how gun shops can see that flaw in others, but not in themselves... :D

To answer the question:
The tendency to say "what's an extra $50 if I really want it?" is hard to fight. The trouble is, soon you're saying "What's another $100?" and on and on...

I try to set a price and hold to it. Like many things else in my life, success is not guaranteed. :o :rolleyes:
 
I'm in agreement with everyone on this topic! I am frugal most of the time... and yet when I hear the sultry siren of a coveted gun I have a tendency to turn into putty!

At the moment I am trying my best to mentally block the cries of a 657 over 15 miles away! I can hear it! Yikes!
 
Amazing how many people think that a gun shop will pay retail or retail minus 10%,because "that's what it's worth,so that's what they should get for it". Gets especially bizarre when it's a third rate make,in so-so condition

Boy, is this ever true in the car business. People want your new vehicles at a discount, but want full retail (+++) for their trade.
 
Today it is very much a case of 'What's it worth to ME' .
I buy what I really desire and shoot and handload for.
Market values are driven today by the internet auctions.
Having researched quite a bit I have an idea what a particular model
I desire will sell for at auction.
If I find it for less at a local show, I know it's a deal.

I have paid substantially less than value for many of my Smiths that I
shoot and enjoy.
This makes it easier to overpay by a bit ,,$50. or $75. for the
next one.
It all evens out.

Rgards ,, Allen Frame
 
Today it is very much a case of 'What's it worth to ME' .
I buy what I really desire and shoot and handload for.
Market values are driven today by the internet auctions.
Having researched quite a bit I have an idea what a particular model
I desire will sell for at auction.
If I find it for less at a local show, I know it's a deal.

I have paid substantially less than value for many of my Smiths that I
shoot and enjoy.
This makes it easier to overpay by a bit ,,$50. or $75. for the
next one.
It all evens out.

Rgards ,, Allen Frame

This hits the nail on the head with me. I currently have appx 30 S+W's, and if I averaged out the costs, I definitely paid less overall than their real value.
See how easy it is to convince yourself to pay for the gun you want. I certainly do have the disease.
Tom
 
At the moment I am trying my best to mentally block the cries of a 657 over 15 miles away! I can hear it! Yikes!

Submit. If you don't that siren will continue to haunt you!

I've overpaid $100 for a couple of guns I really wanted, but like Allen Frame said, it all evens out.
 
The way I address this type of question is to remind people of what they are buying, how much use they get from it, and what it costs to own over a period of time. The last being the most important aspect.

What other item can you purchase that holds its value so well, that over a period of a decade, it cost you nothing to enjoy and use ? I haven't found anything yet that compares. And this evaluation for most guns hold up well.

Even if you pay a bit too much, a decade later you will be either out very little, get your money back, or make money. And this is from an item that you can use, and requires little maintenance to keep in good condition. Buy a good gun, take care of it, and use it for a lifetime at near zero maintenance cost.

Where people loose money is when they feel a need to sell or trade a gun within the first few years. Even then, what is the real cost of owning the gun when looked upon as a yearly expense, and when compared to the expense of other things you purchase or do.
 
$50 ain't slowing me down. $100 puts me on the fence. $150 and I fold my cash and put it back in my pocket. That said, the deal depends entirely on where we start. Joe
 
You are buying a K frame to your liking. You know in the condition found, or the box, extra grips, etc., that comes with it, it is a very good deal. If you had to overpay a bit, how far would you go? $50? $100? $150?

$50
Sonny
 
"One comment made to me by one of the gun store folks was: "People tend to overvalue their stuff when they go to sell it." "

Amazing how many people think that a gun shop will pay retail or retail minus 10%,because "that's what it's worth,so that's what they should get for it". Gets especially bizarre when it's a third rate make,in so-so condition.
As in most businesses, the money is in used items,and in many locales,selling a handgun is a hassle,dealers pay appropriately.

I agree with you 99.9% of the time on this. In this case, it was one of my friends making the comment. He's just a clerk and has nothing to do with pricing in general (and the seller of used guns sets the price).
 
I think we have to remember that shops have to pay the help and keep the lights on. When they take in trades or consignments, they have to make some profit. You can always make an offer and see where it goes. If it is one of your holy grail guns, then struggle over the cost and either pay it, hope it sits around and they come down later or walk. We buy these found prizes with extra money set aside after the bills are paid - kinda like buying lottery tickets. The hunt is part of the fun!
 
Some I've paid too much for-some I've gotten screaming deals on-As I speak now, I could sell my collection for more than I paid for it collectively-some guns I would take a beating on-some would sell for a premium ove what I paid.
Is it the best investment? Hell no not by a long shot-but then again neither was my wife. But they both give me immense pleasure and I like to have both around-so if is costs more-thats my choice. Besides, what would I do with no guns, a pocket full of money and a 30 year old red head with big'uns anyway ;)
Kinda like having kids-we'd all have a lot more money without them-but would we have near as much fun?????? :cool:
 
I don't buy $3K guns. For me, I look for (and have found) many deals on used guns (SIGs and S&Ws).

So for something I really want I'll go $50-100 high (recently an M65-3 3", used but in really nice shape & sweet trigger for $475 shipped - in the past a LNIB Factory Nickel P220 for $825).

But usually for the more 'common' guns, I'm a bargain hunter. Yes, looking for a deal. Because given time, someone wont realize what they have or need to sell fast. Then I'm there with cold hard cash. And when you're a bargain hunter you have to be ready to move FAST, to know what is worth it and what is REALLY worth it. ;)

- Rhino
 
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