I passed on a Model 65-3 today

[ScottyPotty]

I think I might have made a mistake. I was at a local gander mountain and they had a 4" model 65-3, it had a small stamp "FWPD" on the left side, right above the trigger. The worst thing is some one engraved their initials VERY LARGE it looked like a kid did it. It was on the right side of the frame cover. The engraving wasnt very deep and probably could be fixed. It is not in great shape cosmetically, grip had some dents, little holster wear and some minor handling marks. Mechanically it was very good and locked up tight, probably a lot of carry but not much shooting. I could have got it for $300.00 + tax

Should I have walked? or should I go and get it tomorrow?

 

[c good]

Pass. If was a 3", well that is a different story.

 

[ol timer]

Pass. ..........

 

[jack the toad]

I'd pass it.

 

[5532JWK]

I'de probable have passed also on the 4 inch barrel.

 

[mtime7]

you shouldn't regret that.. I would have passed to... But only because the initials

 

[blujax01]

If it didn't have the carved initials and was $350 would you have bought it 'cause there are used side plates on GB for $25 - $35 all day.

 

[ScottyPotty]

I thought the engraving could be buffed out or replaced with a new side plate. I have other 4" .357 so its not filling a huge void in my collection. It would be a nice carry gun and good shooter for the wife, but something stopped me from buying it so I passed. I was just wondering if I made a mistake (like the time when I passed up the 2" & 4" 38spc for $150.00 each)

thanks for your input.

 

[Wee Hooker]

I would have harped on the condition heavily and offered $200 out of kindness. I like a 4" 65 ( MIne is also PD stamped BTW) but feel the gun is well overpriced in the condition described. He has to know that that gun will sit around for a long time for that price .

 

[srgvaz]

If you wanted to make it a project gun by polishing it yourself. I would of offered $250 OTD if the only flaw is the finish you should be able to leverage the price just remind them on how defaced it really is and how it would cost at least $200. to have it refinished.

 

[srgvaz]

(like the time when I passed up the 2" & 4" 38spc for $150.00 each)

At that price you should always question the condition. If that price was from a stranger then question if the gun is hot. The economy and the 10% unemployment rate will keep the gun market busy this year.

 

[luangtom]

I think you did the proper thing in passing on the 4" Model 65 in the condition that you described. Three-inch.....okay. An offer of $200 to $250 would not have been out of line.

 

[Mule88]

I think its still a good value at $300 even with the initials on it as long as its tight and in time.

 

[stantheman86]

You say it's at a Gander Mt.?

They don't deal on used gun prices, at least mine doesn't. Trust me, I have tried, they bring out the "manager" and he says "sorry we must sell them for the prices as they are marked" Gander Mt. is not a gun shop, they are an outdoor store with a firearms section........ that lowballs people on what they give them in trades for used guns, and then price them above the "real" prices. They know someone will eventually walk in there and pay what they mark them at so they will not deal.

$300 would be a steal if the gun was not defaced, some collectors might pay it for the PD marks on it. Buying a new sideplate could be tricky if it doesn't fit, I wouldn't want to attempt to "fit" a sideplate that has been fitted to another gun, it may end up looking worse than the one with the initials on it.

You can still buy beat up 64's for $200-250 so I see no need to pay $300 for a beat up 65, I don't recommend putting lots of .357 through them anyway.

 

[ScottyPotty]

You say it's at a Gander Mt.?

They don't deal on used gun prices, at least mine doesn't. Trust me, I have tried, they bring out the "manager" and he says "sorry we must sell them for the prices as they are marked" Gander Mt. is not a gun shop, they are an outdoor store with a firearms section........ that lowballs people on what they give them in trades for used guns, and then price them above the "real" prices. They know someone will eventually walk in there and pay what they mark them at so they will not deal.

$300 would be a steal if the gun was not defaced, some collectors might pay it for the PD marks on it. Buying a new sideplate could be tricky if it doesn't fit, I wouldn't want to attempt to "fit" a sideplate that has been fitted to another gun, it may end up looking worse than the one with the initials on it.

You can still buy beat up 64's for $200-250 so I see no need to pay $300 for a beat up 65, I don't recommend putting lots of .357 through them anyway.

Yeah - they were asking $349.00 and I got them down to $300.00 which I thought was a fair price. Then I got cold feet and passed on the deal. Sounds like I did OK by passing, thanks again for the feedback.