Buying guns: Cash or Credit

[Geneseo1911]

Let me start by saying, I'm not trying to pick on anyone specific.

I see quite a few threads around here talking about finding guns in pawn shops and putting them on lawaway. So far, the threads I've noticed are generally speaking about $200-$300 guns. My thought is this:
Unless you have the cash, do you really need to be buying guns?

I'm sure there are exceptions, such as buying a first gun for self defense on limited means, but IMNSHO, this buying of toys regardless of means is what put this country into the mess it is (according to the media) in. The question I put to THR is:

If you find a good deal on a gun, but can't afford it, do you still buy it?
Am I the only one who considers guns #2 and up as luxuries that should be bought with cash?

It occurs to me that if you can't swing $200 cash for a used gun, you have other, more important priorities for that money. I agree that in this country we should be free to spend our hard earned money however we see fit, I'm just wanting some thoughts on this.

 

[rbernie]

I'm just wanting some thoughts on this

My thought is that, with all due respect, how I manage my finances is none of your business.

 

[ZO6Vettever]

Quote from rbernie
"My thought is that, with all due respect, how I manage my finances is none of your business."
```````````````````````````````````````````````
I thought the same thing but didn't want to say it.

 

[moooose102]

only cash for me. in the words of my father, "if i've got it, i'll spend it!"

 

[EHL]

priorities first, but sometimes buying a gun before it goes bye bye due to a looming AWB, becomes a priority.

 

[rogertc1]

CASH Agree on spending it...around 4 guns a month for the last 2 years...just keep finding more.

 

[JohnBT]

"Unless you have the cash, do you really need to be buying guns?"

The way I was raised I don't need to be buying anything I can't afford to pay for.

To answer the question, I write checks.

The stores trust me (and the car dealers fwiw), but I still get delayed by the State Police "instant check" system about half the time. I passed the original check for a carry permit and later on the renewal, so I doubt there's a problem on my end. Grrr.

Can you tell I'm irritated about not having the gun I bought and paid for out of town last Friday.

Yes, I understand the State Police have cut back on staff and/or overtime and that purchases are up. I. Don't. Care.

John

 

[Vicious-Peanut]

I use my Debit card, which as we know is the same as cash. I have never used layaway on anything, just never had the need, if I cant afford it I don't need it.

 

[Corporal K]

And why are we in an economic crisis....

 

[66912]

I actually prefer lay-away, at least with my FFL. He does not charge interest and lets me pay it off when I can. This is sometimes the only option for those who are unable to run around with hundreds if not thousands of dollars in their pocket. Credit however.......not an option for me, But hey, if you can pay it off and stay out of trouble then too each their own.

 

[Zundfolge]

Cash on the barrelhead, always; I'll pass up a good deal if I don't have the money.

This should apply to more than just guns. Aside from your home (and maybe a car) you shouldn't buy anything you can't afford to pay cash for. Period.


(now lay-a-way isn't really using credit, its more of a targeted savings account)

 

[GBExpat]

None of the poll choices are a fit for me.

I have often purchased firearms with a Visa or Amex ... but I always pay them down to zero each month, so ...

 

[N003k]

Depends on the gun, if the guns over $1000, I tend to use layaway, if its under, I'll tend to just save the cash. The shop I go to I've bought so many things through that they don't care how long I take as long as it's reasonable, and I always put down at least 50%, so it lets me get the guns I want, while still taking care of the neccesities and bills, and putting weekly extra cash towards the gun.

Main reason is I just want to make sure I get the gun, but just cant afford it outright at that moment.

 

[theotherwaldo]

I use lay-away to space out my gun purchases. It reduces my impulse purchases, giving me more time to research my next addition. It's definitely not a question of not having the money. It's more a matter of having too much enthusiasm for collecting!

When the itch hits, I tell myself, "No, not until I pay off the one on lay-away."

That usually works.

 

[stonecutter2]

but IMNSHO, this buying of toys regardless of means is what put this country into the mess it is (according to the media) in.

Actually, consumer spending is a major factor in the U.S. economy. Our country was doing just fine when there was such enormous spending going on. Buying toys regardless of means is what will probably get this country out of the mess that it is in right now. The question is when this will happen - once people get themselves out of the debt they're in, or when they get better jobs/jobs back again.

The media is showing how savings are now taking precendence over spending in the American consumer - savings being either literally adding money to savings accounts, or paying down debt. Whether this is a turning point in American consumer mentality, or a temporary reaction to our extravagant spending (or loss of jobs) has yet to be seen.

I think there are several great reasons why someone would buy a weapon on credit, or other items on credit, all of which are up to the particular consumer making the purchase.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with responsible use of credit as far as I'm concerned. It drives the US economy and has for quite some time. If someone can't afford to buy something and pay for it in full right now, but has the credit to buy it and pay it off, that is their decision to make.

I find passing judgement on others' financial situation without the entire story to be rather presumptuous and distasteful.

 

[DHJenkins]

I've only ever bought them cash, but I'm thinking about putting an STI on layway.

 

[Zundfolge]

I have often purchased firearms with a Visa or Amex ... but I always pay them down to zero each month, so ...

I'd call that paying cash (since you're really just using the card in leu of cash but not running a balance).

 

[jackstinson]

My thought is that, with all due respect, how I manage my finances is none of your business.

My thoughts as well.
I always "have the cash", but I often choose to put used guns on layaway when I run across something I've been looking for...what's the issue?
I'm usually in no big hurry to have it in my hands, I'm not robbing Peter to pay Paul, my bills are paid, my credit rating is quite good, my family doesn't get seconded, we're all just fine thank you very much.
Now I have to go out and bury some gold ingots in the back-forty for after the apocalypse.

 

[searcher451]

If you don't have the cash, you don't have the money to buy the gun, IMO. I only start looking when I've saved up enough to buy what I want. If I don't have it in-hand, I don't get it ... simple as that.

 

[jcwit]

One and two both work for me as there are times I don't carry much cash.

With that said rbernie I sure got a chuckle out of your response.

 

[CoRoMo]

Option 5 doesn't quite describe my process because I don't let credit card purchases remain unpaid.

I buy with plastic; pay it off before the due date as I don't tolerate debt. I'm able to avoid interest and service fees, and I accumulate reward points this way. I use the accumulated reward points to acquire two $100 gift cards to Cabela's. One for my wife and one for me.

I use my free $100 gift card to buy reloading components. I hope they don't have an empty isle when I show up with my gift card this year.

edit: Instances where 3% is added to the price when a card is used... I use cash.

 

[chris in va]

I've always just paid cash for my guns, but the only time I used layaway was on my Kahr K9 I bought recently.

I sold my Ruger SP to help finance it, but needed another $200. As the K9's are fairly desireable, I didn't want someone to snap it up before I could get my paycheck so put it away for two weeks.

 

[Carne Frio]

Didn't vote. None of the above work. I always use plastic and pay off right away. I try to buy everything that way due to a cash back deal that the cc company has going.

 

[Seenterman]

Cash Always.

Stupid dealer wanted to charge me something like 3 - 6 % more just to pay with a debit card! So I went to the ATM and just paid the 1.75 to get my money out.

 

[longdayjake]

5 of my guns came from student loans. And I'm proud to say it.

m1a loaded
RRA midlength AR
m1 garand
glock 19
yugo sks