I seriously can't take anymore of the 3rd gen prices

Guns shop deals...

The best deals are available through local gun shops -- where 3rd Gens have been acquired at "Blue Book" prices -- and the shop doesn't want to fool with GunBroker or GunsAmerica. (Or from individuals unfamiliar with GB or GA...)

GB and GA are a mixed blessing. They have driven up prices -- but it's often only on these two services where you can find desirable 3rd Gen guns to begin with...

Case in point: Recently, a pawn shop in N.C. had a 95%+ R4 4506 on consignment for a trade on a Glock 21 listed with GB (yeah, I know ONE of you probably got that particular 4506 eventually...)

In fact, it was very likely one of the "rarest of the rare" R-4s -- by all indications. It even had the "holograms" -- as the shop owner described them...

Over the phone, the pawn shop owner went over it with me with a fine tooth comb -- and it was primo. I was doing everything I could to line up an FFL to make the trip with me -- as the pistol was advertised on GB as subject to prior sale from walkin traffic...

The pawn shop owner had told me, plainly, that if I'd walked through the door, he'd have sold it for $500 -- which means I might could have gotten it for $400-$425 -- and might even could have worked out a more advantageous trade as part of the "bundle".

However, somewhere in the process, the gun's actual owner wanted to try GB's auction function -- and it finally went for well over $700 once the mad-cap bidding brawl started. I dropped out after $650...

(And this was in spite of the fact that the GB ad said it was available for local sale. I nearly drove two hours before checking with the pawn shop owner to see whether what he told me still applied.)

He said, "No, we decided to see what it will bring on GB..."

I can promise you, I'd have been SEVERELY perturbed if I'd driven 2 hours up there on the basis of that ad -- only to find the shop had reneged on the ad...

Glad I checked and rechecked...

But this is what we're up against.

(The GOOD news for me is, I've got all BASIC 3rd Gens I absolutely MUST have -- and am working on what I want...with some extras to spare and maybe consider trading to hone the list...)
 
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I just won a 5926 on GB for $385 shipped. It appears to be in good condition. My FFL will only charge $15 for the transfer, so I'm feeling like I got away okay on this one. It appears to be in relatively good shape. Markings on it indicate it came from a police department in AZ.

Was bidding on a KCPD 4026 when someone hit "Buy It Now" for $600. Not really a bad price considering it is an uncommon firearm. Now I will probably have to wait years to see another.
 
4506517 said:
I just won a 5926 on GB for $385 shipped. It appears to be in good condition. My FFL will only charge $15 for the transfer, so I'm feeling like I got away okay on this one. It appears to be in relatively good shape. Markings on it indicate it came from a police department in AZ.

Was bidding on a KCPD 4026 when someone hit "Buy It Now" for $600. Not really a bad price considering it is an uncommon firearm. Now I will probably have to wait years to see another.
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when I bought my 3913TSW, it took 18 months and I have not seen another in going on 2 years now. I would buy that 4026 for that, that is a nice gun.
 
Well it is a second generation auto, but a year ago I picked up a 745 for $375.00. No box, but in very good condition. There are deals out there, but it's harder to find them than it used to be. Or so I'm told by old timers.
 
What's that trite phrase...?

What's that most recent cliche and hallmark of the Obama years that so concisely characterizes what's happened with 3rd Gen prices...?

"Welcome to the 'new normal'..."
 
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So why don't you remove the post?

raidersrule said:
Valid point and I really wasn't trying to insult his common sense (which means putting that in there is probably counter-productive to what I was trying to say).

And I am really not trying to be defensive or degrading in the least.

I suppose I should have just said that I wanted to present a different point of view as opposed to what he said.

You are right that our chosen hobby does lend itself to self-defense and defense of loved ones.

I personally just find it easier to practice the same way, every time. That way I'm not creating negative muscle memory or relying on a skill that I don't practice very often in a bad situation.

You are under-selling yourself if you think practice and the willingness to defend yourself puts you behind the eight ball in a self-defense situation. Be confident in your skills and you're extremely likely to come out on top if, God forbid, something like that should every happen to you.

Thanks for the insightful response.
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So why don't you remove the post? I did -- and that will help get this thread back on track...
 
I purchased a new 3914 in the box with all original books and registration papers for $200. 2 magazines along with cleaning brushes and original paper wrap. I have no idea of the value of these guns. Also should I have it checked before firing it for the first time. Beautiful weapon. I called S&W and gave them the serial #. They said it was produced in Nov 1989.
 
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Gary33031 said:
I purchased a new 3914 in the box with all original books and registration papers for $200. 2 magazines along with cleaning brushes and original paper wrap. I have no idea of the value of these guns. Also should I have it checked before firing it for the first time. Beautiful weapon. I called S&W and gave them the serial #. They said it was produced in Nov 1989.
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I would say
you made out like the proverbial fat rat! $200 bucks!?!? Why do these deals always happen for someone else? I know you're going to enjoy that gun, & if you don't, you should be able to sell it for at least double what you payed.
 
Picked this 4006 up yesterday from LGS for $395 w/2 mags.
...and no sales tax in Oregon.

It had just been traded in and the prior owner was in the shop. Got to talk to him about how the pistol functioned.

Non LEO gun. Minimal exterior scuffing. No holster wear. Very little evidence of being shot. Safe queen much of its life. Feels terrific and tight. Holds real nice (really like the straight grip) and trigger breaks real nice.

Only down side is no box or original paper work.

Will shoot it this week end.

How'd I do?

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I think you did very well! I have a Model 4006 Cali Parks that I enjoy shooting. That's cool that the gun walked in with the owner then walked out the door with you a little while later. You were in the right place at the right time.:cool:
 
Thanks.

I was happy with it when I saw it sitting there. Condition is everything and this one is clean. And the prior owner said it hit what he aimed at.

Went in looking for a 1911 and walked out with this.

Seems like a lucky find.
 
Barefootdog said:
Thanks.

I was happy with it when I saw it sitting there. Condition is everything and this one is clean. And the prior owner said it hit what he aimed at.

Went in looking for a 1911 and walked out with this.

Seems like a lucky find.
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I think you did good for a gun with little wear. I recently got a 4006 with three mags for $400 out the door. It has a minor amount of holster wear. I love shooting it! To me, it's better than a 1911.
 
I'd say your the big winner, great gun for a great price. I would guess great deals are out there but you have to be in the right place at the right time. Enjoy shooting it, I enjoy the heck out of mine.
 
I'm proud to say that I'm doing my best to boost the 3rd gen prices, having probably overpaid for two of the last 3 S&Ws I bought. I'm too old to haggle - never liked that process anyway. If I'm tired, I take a nap. If I'm hungry, I head for the kitchen. If I see a gun I want (really want, not just mildly cotton to, I'll get it as cheaply as I can, but dad-blame it, I'm gonna git that sucka!
I take solace in the fact that I also disbursed two 3rd gen pistols at less than market value. That was to family, it's true, but the ledger is better balanced now. When my nieces decide to get rid of Uncle Thomas' pistols, they can sell them for below market value and still make money.
 
I agree completely, I recently missed out on this CS9 when it was sold on gunbroker. So made an offer to the winner of a Shield and $300.00. I wanted it bad, like new so ended up with over 700.00 invested, but after years of looking I got the one I wanted.
 

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