To the OP, just curious but did you ask the gent about what specifically was wrong, what he was seeing that made him say it was bad or just why he thought it was bad?
Don't be afraid to move. Trust me there is nothing in IL/MD/MA/NJ that cannot be had somewhere else. CA, I gotta admit, that's a real conundrum. But you could move just across the border?
As far as the prices on auction sites, some one here (thanks for everything dbx!) and I were talking about this very thing and one point he brought up is with shipping and gun shop transfer fees sellers are probably trying to recoup what they paid plus a kicker for the shipping they'll pay to...
You have to shoot them and enjoy. That way, assuming you're a good Christian gentleman, when you see him again you can tell him what a time you had and what a time he missed.
Any job where you work for someone else is by definition not low stress. Is this for income or to keep busy?
I was laid off a few years ago and had to find a job before I filled up my time so much that I wouldn't be able to look for one. I plan on retiring in 2.5 years. I'm moving down to my...
Transaction went well. Gun was as represented and shown in the pictures and he was easy to work with and accommodated my odd timing well. I also learned a bit about collecting S&W, so that was a bonus. :D
If it's a search for information "What is the value" I think is a valid question. What is the poster going to DO with the information? If it's only for validation or affirmation of a gun already bought, what's the point? Other than for self flagellation or congratulation? Like mpg on a car...