not sure which one to get...

[korben7p3c]

... what are your thoughts on which gun to own. The 686-2 SS 6" with some miles, otherwise, a new 686 6" SS. To me it would seem obvious to buy the new one and put all the miles on it myself. I'm not into the collectivity nature of the guns, but the value of a new one.
Maybe I've answered my own questions already.

 

[korben7p3c]

... what are your thoughts on which gun to own. The 686-2 SS 6" with some miles, otherwise, a new 686 6" SS. To me it would seem obvious to buy the new one and put all the miles on it myself. I'm not into the collectivity nature of the guns, but the value of a new one.
Maybe I've answered my own questions already.

 

[TN RAT]

You have to buy what YOU truly want, however.......

I can give you an analogy that explains my point better. There is a new 29-10 on the market that mimics the 29-2 that I have. It comes in the wood box, and is usually for sell no lower than $1,000 when new. My buddy handled one that was $750 used, but it looked new.

I purchased my original 29-2 with box and all tools in excellent condition with the smooth targets for $650. Mine looks much better than any new 29-10 I have looked at, does not have the cheap, ill fitting stocks, and does not have the lock, for almost $400 less than a new one.

So my questions is this? Why not invest some time and effort into finding a prelock model that you like that is in great shape, possibly pay more than it is worth, but still come out with a less expensive gun in the process?

A Model 10/64 is another example of this phenomen with new lock models selling for $500 or more when you can get a perfectly useable model for less than $300 OTD.

 

[Camster]

I think that you have answered your own question.Some guys prefer used,some guys can only afford used,some guys won't buy a gun with the lock.Myself, I like to buy new,want it in perfect shape,want to keep it in as close to that condition as I can.I shoot them all,but few drop below 99+%.

 

[Camster]

Good points made by TN rat.I often look for NOS guns,as there is something about the quality and finish,even the markings-they have a little more soul than some of the current offerings.I was thinking that this didn't particularly apply to stainless guns,but it is apparent when I look at my 617-1 and compare it to my recent production 617 ten shot gun.

 

[feralmerril]

I have been lucky. The biggest part of my collection is used. I just have NEVER bought a bad gun and that is litteraly several hundred guns over many years. Not counting several interesting relics or projects.
They are only new once. Many of the used guns out there probley were taken out and shot once or twice. You get a eye for it.

 

[deanodog]

A GOOD used one and spend the rest on ammo. I'm old and don't know much