Would You Pay More for a Unique Serial Number?

[bigggbbruce]

i always like to show off my 1917 in threads like this.

Interesting.. but I'd rather been issued #77,777

 

[rburg]

Well, I have in the past and I probably will in the future. No biggie. Of course every serial number should be unique, but that's not what the OP means.

 

[sheepdawg]

I would for this 1903.

 

[samandglove1]

I would. I have in the past. I'm sure I'll do it again in the future.

 

[LVSteve]

It's $80 in how much in total? If it's $80 on top of a $350 gun, then no. If it's $80 on a $850 gun, then probably.

 

[Pilot172P]

It's $80 in how much in total? If it's $80 on top of a $350 gun, then no. If it's $80 on a $850 gun, then probably.

The local 33333 numberd gun will cost $1080 out the door. For purchase online after shipping and transfer, about $980. So about $100 difference, or 10% more for the cool number. As others said, buying it locally allows me to inspect the gun first, although it is new with warranty. Also don't have to mess around mailing a payment and doing a transfer later. I just think the number is cool and was surprised to see it.

 

[BUFF]

The first sergeant I worked for had a Ruger Security-Six with the serial number MADDOG for his duty weapon.

 

[alwslate]

$100 more because the serial number is all 3s? I wouldn't. Do you
think if you decide to trade in in on something else in the future the
dealer is going to offer you $100 more on trade in because of the 3s?
The only way I would pay more for a unique number would be if it had
special meaning for me, like a birth year or something. Obviously
opinions will vary considerably on this issue.

 

[Pisgah]

Huh? Last I checked, 33334 is a unique serial number, too. And 33335, and 33336, and...

 

[Trooperdan]

When I was stationed in Germany in the '70's, I worked part-time at the Rhein-Main gun club. I recall a S&W 59 that was number 258000... always regretted not buying it.

 

[Rick_A]

All serial numbers are already unique.

I have nothing with interesting serial numbers.

The difference is likely mostly tax as most shops will not pay your tax in a price match for an online item.

Most likely that one will sell swifty.

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, as they say...

I would gladly pay 7-10% more for something I physically have my hands on vs a random shipment.

 

[Alpo]

Do y'all REALLY believe that all serial numbers are unique?

Not only is 33333 gonna be found on Smith and Colt and Winchester guns, but Smith probably has it on several guns, since, prior to GCA68, they only numbered in models. You could get a 32HE SN 2000, and a 38 M&P SN 2000, and a 44 Magnum SN 2000 and a Combat Magnum SN 2000 and a 1881 DA SN 2000, etc, etc, etc.

Now, since this is post-68, if I buy a Smith, any model, numbered ABC123, it is the ONLY Smith numbered that. Still don't mean there ain't a Colt or a Winchester or a Remington with that number.

Last I looked, "Unique" means, "There ain't but the one".

 

[Model39]

I Would And Did

It makes a nice gun even more unique.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

No.

Short answer.....

 

[ISCS Yoda]

The first sergeant I worked for had a Ruger Security-Six with the serial number MADDOG for his duty weapon.

As a general rule, in my experience if you buy the right gun through the right dealer or directly from a manufacturer, they will serialize the gun to you/for at no charge. I have seen it a few times. Like if I wanted ISCS YODA on a new handgun I believe it could be arranged without any extra cost from some makers. Maybe not all but if it wasn't free I wouldn't bother.

 

[NYlakesider]

I do have a couple guns with LOW serial numbers (94 Winchester & a Weatherby shotgun) but doubt that means too much. I was given the Winchester 32.40 in 1960s and bought the Weathereby off the rack in mid 70s!

Now I would spend a bit more money If I could put the serial number of my choice on the gun when I ordered it
Like my initials and or DOB or something like that. Lakesider #1 would be nice!

 

[AlHunt]

I've been looking for a new Colt Delta Elite 10mm and came across one at a local store with serial number 33333. Their price is about $80 more than I can get one online for. I'm not sure if it's worth the extra $80 compared to an online price. I did account for shipping, tax, and transfer. It's $80 difference out the door. They did match the lowest in stock price locally. I'd really like to have it though, and keep thinking about it. I can afford it and think it would be unique to have it. The Delta Elite is somewhat collectible, so I'm sure it would matter some to another buyer. If it was just an average more common gun, I'd say the number wouldn't matter much. What do you guys think? Should I get it?

A bird in the hand is worth an $80 bush. Or something like that. I'd pay a small premium to be able to examine the gun in person prior to purchase. $80 isn't really "small", but I'd probably still bite the bullet.

 

[Lonestar57]

For me I don't think it really adds value but as we've seen there is a collectors niche that go after them. I bought a S&W 340PD a couple of years ago and the salesman doing the paperwork said "boy should be easy to remember your serial number" It's an alpha numeric serial with the numbers 5,6,7, and 8.

 

[WVSig]

No and I do not buy or put value in consecutive serial numbers.

 

[Penmon]

A bird in the hand is better than a page full on the inter web.
To me that by itself is worth 80.00, plus you're helping out a local business.