All's well that ends well... I guess. pic heavy

epj

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A couple of months back I decided I was going to sell my 25-2 with presentation case to fund another firearms purchase. I listed it on the forum at what I thought was a fair price, and within an hour or so there was an "I'll take it". Obviously priced too cheap!:D The gun had to be shipped, and to make a long story short, I failed to properly communicate to my FFL the necessity of properly packaging the gun separately from the case.

The gun and case arrived in Pennsylvania in pieces. The box was broken, the bottom liner in pieces, and a good sized chip out of the bottom of one of the grip panels. The buyer and I tried for a couple of weeks to find a replacement case and grips at a reasonable price, but none were to be had. Bottom line, I got the gun back.

Here's some before and after shipping pictures:

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Fortunately, the gun itself, which is in about 99% condition wasn't damaged. It is a rather unusual 25-2 in that it has the red ramp/white outline sights. Also, it has checkered rosewood grips which are a bit unusual.
I posted my plight on the forum and it wasn't long before Mike Kieffer (VM) wrote and told me he could take care of the grips. Joe Cebull sent an email to the effect that he could fix the liner. The services of both gentlemen were very reasonably priced. I decided I could fix the box and refinish it. The box had a large stain on the lid. Looked sort of like someone had spilled a bottle of Hoppes #9 or similar substance on it in the dim and distant past. Anyway, here's the results:

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What with repairs, shipping, FFL fees, etc., I'm still out about $175 on the deal. I have filed a claim with the post office and hope to recover at least a portion of the loss. Not holding my breath, however.

Even though I rarely shoot the 25-2, I've decided it's a keeper. I was looking to fund the purchase of a 9mm M&P Pro, but my FIL gave me a STI 9mm 1911 for Xmas, so my 9mm itch is scratched for the time being. It's been an aggrivation, but thanks to the help from fellow forum members all is well. :D
 
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Ed - glad I could be a part of putting your gun back together. Rosewood stocks are hard to find - I love the pores and the pretty colors.
It was nice to meet you FTF at B'ham show too.
Maybe this will be a good lesson for you - don't ever think about getting rid of your old Classics! :)
 
Ed - glad I could be a part of putting your gun back together. Rosewood stocks are hard to find - I love the pores and the pretty colors.
It was nice to meet you FTF at B'ham show too.
Maybe this will be a good lesson for you - don't ever think about getting rid of your old Classics! :)

I think there is a show this coming weekend at the Bessemer Civic Center. Planning to go?
Yeah, I'm gonna hang on to my old classic for a while longer. I've bought and sold a bunch of N frames over the years, but this one seems to be resisting leaving!:D
 
Thanks!

Thanks for the good word Ed! I would like to clear up one point in Ed's post! I DID NOT repair his liners, I swapped them. He sent me the pieces for a progect in the long cold winters months(some day)! Thanks for posting pics of the finished project!
jcelect SWCA#LM723
 
I think in the long run you'll be glad it worked out this way, the M&P's are a dime a dozen. Nice looking 25-2!
 
I love a happy ending [sniff]

Super looking 25 and goodies!
 
I think there is a show this coming weekend at the Bessemer Civic Center. Planning to go?
Yeah, I'm gonna hang on to my old classic for a while longer. I've bought and sold a bunch of N frames over the years, but this one seems to be resisting leaving!:D

I have talked to Greg about this just this morning - there's a show in Columbus GA. too. I'm going to try and make one of them but not sure yet.

Another Atta-Boy for Joe and his work! He's done a case for me, we've traded numerous times, and as a Bonus - I got to meet him FTF @ OGCA show.
 
The Bessemer show isn't as big as BJCC, but I seem to find better deals there than downtown. The BJCC show has shrunk a lot in the past couple of years.
 
Wow Ed, that is a beauty. I believe I'd hang on to that one.
If VM and I don't go to Columbus I'm pretty sure we'll be at Bessemer. We were thinking about the Columbus show just to try something different.
Any members here go to the Columbus, Ga. show? Worth the trip?
 
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