Hesitate and you lose!

[George Dickel]

At the local LGS/gun range yesterday I noticed in the used gun display, a Ruger blued MK III 5" heavy barrel. Pistol looked like near new condition and priced at $179. I wanted to think about it as I have 2 other 22. lr pistols. When I finally decided I need a 3rd one, another guy was at the counter looking at it and bought it.

Couple weeks back the same shop had a lightly used Taurus model 856 Ultra Lite for $200, I didn't hesitate with it. Not a bargain but not a bad price either. Shouldn't have thought too long on the Ruger.

 

[SeanSw]

I did this with a ppk/s. It isn't a pistol I have any particular interest but it was marked down to $200 (new) at a pawn shop that was rapidly closing out all of their inventory. I walked away, drove home, and went back about an hour later to see that it had been sold. Finding a deal means recognizing one on the spot.

 

[Hartkopf]

All true. Except prices are coming down and more, even better deals are on the way.

 

[lee n. field]

At the local LGS/gun range yesterday I noticed in the used gun display, a Ruger blued MK III 5" heavy barrel. Pistol looked like near new condition and priced at $179. I wanted to think about it as I have 2 other 22. lr pistols. When I finally decided I need a 3rd one, another guy was at the counter looking at it and bought it.

Couple weeks back the same shop had a lightly used Taurus model 856 Ultra Lite for $200, I didn't hesitate with it. Not a bargain but not a bad price either. Shouldn't have thought too long on the Ruger.

You have to be ready to make a decision and grab, or walk away without regrets.

 

[Coyote3855]

He who hesitates is lost. I speak from experience.

 

[doubleh]

At that price it would have taken me about two seconds to have my money on the counter and saying 'Let's do the paper work".

 

[Tallball]

I lost at least two that way that I can think of off the top of my head.

 

[buck460XVR]

All true. Except prices are coming down and more, even better deals are on the way.

If you actually really know what a firearm is worth, and are comfortable with the the price point where it is at, there is really no reason to sit and wait for a better deal to come along. Unless we fall into another Great Depression, quality guns will never go below a certain point, plus, the longer you wait, the less you get to use the gun. Over the years I have bought many guns because their price was at or below that "too good to be true" point. None of them was a poor decision.

 

[hoardingthemanual]

i learned this lesson with primers. gotta pay to play.

 

[Riomouse911]

If you actually really know what a firearm is worth, and are comfortable with the the price point where it is at, there is really no reason to sit and wait for a better deal to come along. Unless we fall into another Great Depression, quality guns will never go below a certain point, plus, the longer you wait, the less you get to use the gun. Over the years I have bought many guns because their price was at or below that "too good to be true" point. None of them was a poor decision.

Agreed. And, inevitably, between now and then you will need a set of new tires, or the dog will grow a lump that needs a trip to the Vet, or the kid will break something that costs a bunch to fix.

Whatever it is, it tends to eat up your stash of mad money. So, by the time you are caught up and ready to buy, you either won’t find one or won’t get the deal you think you will.

Well, that’s my justification anyway. (While waiting for my FFL to get in a new RemArms 870 I ordered, I had to drop $340 on another set of boat trailer tires yesterday. )



Stay safe.

 

[AlexanderA]

a Ruger blued MK III 5" heavy barrel. Pistol looked like near new condition and priced at $179. I wanted to think about it

Don't feel too bad. The Mark III, like the Mark IV, needs work to make it into a decent target gun. Removal of the magazine disconnector and loaded-chanber indicator, to start. Replacement of the sear, and hammer. When you add up the cost of the replacement parts, you're looking at $100 more, at least.

If you're going to spend money for the improvements, it would be better to start with a Mark IV instead.

 

[Necessary_Nutrient]

At the local LGS/gun range yesterday I noticed in the used gun display, a Ruger blued MK III 5" heavy barrel. Pistol looked like near new condition and priced at $179. I wanted to think about it as I have 2 other 22. lr pistols. When I finally decided I need a 3rd one, another guy was at the counter looking at it and bought it.

Couple weeks back the same shop had a lightly used Taurus model 856 Ultra Lite for $200, I didn't hesitate with it. Not a bargain but not a bad price either. Shouldn't have thought too long on the Ruger.

is your 856 the newer 6 shot? I have the older ultralight , 2” .38 SPL 5-shot from 4-5 years ago and love it! Very sweet handling and balanced revolver feels almost Ruger-like to me

I also got mine for $200.00 used from a friend, so I can relate to snagging a good deal

 

[George Dickel]

is your 856 the newer 6 shot? I have the older ultralight , 2” .38 SPL 5-shot from 4-5 years ago and love it! Very sweet handling and balanced revolver feels almost Ruger-like to me

I also got mine for $200.00 used from a friend, so I can relate to snagging a good deal

It's the 6 shot.

 

[jstert]

i still distinctly recall a slightly-used taurus 85 ultralight with a factory bobbed hammer and a fobus paddle holster for $219 a couple of years ago. it was at a “tactical” lgs that carries few revolvers. i fondled, checked and dry-fired it (with permission). absolutely solid and smooth. i already had a s&w642 so i rationalized not needing something similar. i quickly wised up and returned two days later but it was already gone. lesson learned.

 

[Ks5shooter]

Agreed. And, inevitably, between now and then you will need a set of new tires, or the dog will grow a lump that needs a trip to the Vet, or the kid will break something that costs a bunch to fix.

Whatever it is, it tends to eat up your stash of mad money. So, by the time you are caught up and ready to buy, you either won’t find one or won’t get the deal you think you will.

Well, that’s my justification anyway. (While waiting for my FFL to get in a new RemArms 870 I ordered, I had to drop $340 on another set of boat trailer tires yesterday. )

View attachment 1145987

Stay safe.

Yup always the way...Super duty way to go Rio!

 

[tubeshooter]

I've missed a few that way - saw something, passed, thought about it and tried to go back. Most every time, it was gone.

I've also snagged a few good pickups by not hesitating. Win some, lose some...


I figured out a few years ago that you can't buy 'em all anyway, so don't try. Makes it easier to accept the "ones that got away". Feels really good.

 

[RetiredUSNChief]

It might SEEM to be a loss when you hesitate... but the fact is, you still have a few hundred dollars in your pocket at the end of the day.

There will be other good deals.

 

[SwampWolf]

If you're going to spend money for the improvements, it would be better to start with a Mark IV instead.

My pick of all the "Marks" is the II version, though the takedown procedure the IV version is certainly an advantage.

 

[Legionnaire]

Can't comment on the pistol, but my wife knows I'll jump on a bargain. More than 15 years ago now I saw a used SP101 on consignment at my LGS. I didn't see I price, so I asked. Store owner looked at his sheet and said "$250." I said: "I'll take it." Guy next to me said, "D--n!"

Still have and carry it.