How about a "For Sale: Semi-beat up Shooter?"

[Redcoat3340]

I've done well in the classified sections here. Great people, selling great guns and gear, honestly described and fairly priced.
I'm not complaining.

So just an observation: A bunch (many? most?) of the guns listed tend to be, from my perspective, listed in great shape, semi-pristine, with boxes and papers and tools, and hardly shot. More for collectors than accumulators.

On my budget (retired guy with a modest number of pretty neat guns...I can't say I "need" anything, really; but the desire to add to what's in the safe is still there) I'd get a big kick out of someone listing: "S&W 49 or 5906 or 645 or....that looks terrible with bluing worn and scratches, grips needing refinishing, but mechanically sound with decent bore." Ya know, a shooter.

I tend not to sell what I have, but I have a couple that could be easily described that way (an .32 FEG P66 [Walther PP clone] with an amazing trigger but looks like ****; or a CS45 that looks meh but functions like a dream). I think there's a bunch of us that would be all over something like those like a cold sweat.

I may get around to emptying the safe a bit some day; but under the motto of "Do as I say, not as I do" I'd still like to see such listings.

[BLUEDOT37]

Originally Posted by Redcoat3340

...I'd get a big kick out of someone listing: "S&W 49 or 5906 or 645 or....that looks terrible with bluing worn and scratches, grips needing refinishing, but mechanically sound with decent bore." Ya know, a shooter.

And you're assuming they're going to price it accordingly.

Don't you want to pay for the extra character in it?

.

[NevadaBob]

I wouldn't mind responding to an ad that states "great mechanical condition but bluing is in fair condition". To me that says the gun has performed well through the years but she's no beauty queen. And if there's rust/pitting: forget it!
I just bought a SW 908 from guns.com and the ad had terrible pics (as in the photo was too dark and I couldn't discern anything about the exterior appearance). It was listed as "good condition". Had me thinking that "one man's GOOD is another man's POOR". The price was $400 and there was a "make offer" button. I offered $380. Upon receipt of the firearm I was happy to find out that it looks in very good condition! Will be going out shooting this coming week.

[THE PILGRIM]

A few ago I offered to trade a Nikon Lens for a Ruger 9mm Boat Anchor.
The Ruger guy wanted the Lens but told me he really needed money.
He did in fact sell it for $ and I don’t get a Ruger Truck Gun.

[dave1918a2]

Took this pre 17 on trade several years ago because it was tight and clean. Finish is a little (not very) rough, but the grips number to the gun and it is still the best shooting K-22 I've owned. dates to 1953.

[Drm50]

S&W best forum to deal with members. Still have to watch for scammers.