Should Have Bought It?

[wanderinwalker]

Okay, just sitting here wondering, after reading Mal's thread about his new S&W 15-3.

At a gunshow last weekend I passed by an M-15-4 with presentation stocks (fairly sure they were smooth magnas) at $450. It looked to be very minty, but I just kept walking. Also saw a bunch of M-15s at another dealer, varying vintages and conditions, from $500 +. (Seriously!)

So naturally, I'm wondering if I shouldn't have just whipped out the CC and picked up the first one I saw then and there. Now I'm relegated to calling the local shops and stopping by to see if one turns up before the next gunshow. And no, I'm not going to order one from online; I'd rather hold the pistol in person first.

Oh, and for those wondering, this is to be a centerfire companion to my recently acquired M-18 in .22LR. The M-18 is such a fun and smooth shooter, I want one with a bit more pop. And I just like S&W revolvers...

 

[Old 112]

WELL, look at this way.

You "walked away" from paying way at
the top of the price range.

Make them an offer at the next show.

And I agree, "I just like S&W revolvers....".

Regards,
Old 112

 

[ironvic]

My first firearm was a Model-18. I loved it, accurate and fun to shoot. Unfortunately it was a Bangor Punta era S&W and I never could get the cylinder to close with a click, it always closed roughly and no amount of gunsmithing could make it right. Still, that didn't stop me from having 25 years of shooting fun with it. Later I picked up a Model-15 with S&W Goncalo Alves target grips as it's companion. Excellent revolver and slicker n' snot. With a pair like that, you can't go wrong.

 

[Oro]

You "walked away" from paying way at
the top of the price range.

Exactly. Just keep looking for the best one at the best price. There are usually lots on Gunbroker, too.

 

[rainbowbob]

Yeah - you should have. I've looked on the auction sites, several forum classifeds, etc. I really haven't seen one for much less than $450 when you add shipping, FFl fees, sales tax, etc. And you can't look and touch those before you buy. I finally found a mint 15-3 on a local forum classified that I bought face-to-face for $475.

The two sessions I've had at the range are the best shooting I've ever done in my life. I'm happy with it - and the price seems irrelevant now.

 

[wanderinwalker]

ironvic,

Ironically enough, my 18 is a Bangor Punta as well. It passed every checkout with flying colors though. It clicks closed, times spot on, and locks up like the cylinder is welded to the frame. And it shoots!

Sadly, prices on used S&W's in this part of the world seem higher than anywhere else. I just chalk it up to being in New England and too close to Mass, where everything seems to cost more anyway.

I'll keep looking. Next gunshow is in a month, and if the dealer still has that M-15, I may make an offer, CASH.

 

[Old Fuff]

I'll keep looking. Next gunshow is in a month, and if the dealer still has that M-15, I may make an offer, CASH.

Always cash, never credit cards, unless there is no alternative. A dealer may or may not accept credit cards, but if he does it will cost him (or her) money. If you offer a straight-cash/out-the-door, sale, you will likely get the largest discount he's willing to offer.

 

[raveneap]

I know how you feel. A year or so ago, I was at a show looking at a Model 60-4, minty, no box or papers. We were $25 bucks apart, got him down to $325 and I didn't want to go over $300 so I walked away. Mentioned it on the SW forum and quickly learned that I'd screwed up royally. I've looked for that dealer at every show since and never saw him again. And the 60-4's I have found are a whole lot more than we were talking that day. So I guess the moral of the story is, if you see what you want, and want it bad enough, buy it.

 

[wanderinwalker]

In addition to this S&W addiction, I also have a .22LR addiction. Being not-long-gradge-ee-ated from college, it's a tough spot. I can have one OR the other, but not both at the moment.

Oh, and Old Fuff, I have never, EVER used a CC to purchase a firearm. Which is probably why I just shrugged and kept looking; wasn't in buy mode. When the cash is in the pocket, then I'll get serious and start asking to check out the wares.

On a side note, can the gunshow vendors cut the safety ties so serious lookers can do things like verify timing, lock-up, etc? At every gunshow around here, all of the revolvers and pistols seem to be zip-tied into an inoperable state. And I will not buy a revolver I can't at least check time and lock-up on before filling out the papers. Maybe I'll never buy one at a gunshow because of that?

 

[Oro]

On a side note, can the gunshow vendors cut the safety ties so serious lookers can do things like verify timing, lock-up, etc? At every gunshow around here, all of the revolvers and pistols seem to be zip-tied into an inoperable state.

They should if they want to sell it. These are "voluntary" rules the guns shows impose to satisfy insurers and lessor rules - not state laws. They may hold the vendors to following the rules, but cutting them for a short examination is not a legal problem. Ask politely and examine the gun competently and carefully. Should be now problem - though I have not frequented the NH gun show circuit. Out here, I make a personal rule of not asking a vendor to cut a tie unless it's a gun I might really buy after examining the price, external condition, etc.

 

[10-Ring]

Sometimes your deal is finding the right one -- I did that when I got my BHP, S&W mod 17-2 and my 20 ga 870. Pd a little more than I planned, but I'm glad I did