What Would You Pay?

[CB900F]

Fella's;

Just a bit different kinda question regarding a value/price ratio.

I've traveled to a gun show near here for many years, probably close to fifteen. There's a guy there who has a Weatherby Mark V left hand in .257 Weatherby, NIB. I've looked at the gun more than once, and I'll freely admit I'd like to own it, but not at his asking price or really anywhere near it. I know the age of the gun, older than 15 years, and therefore have a pretty good idea what he paid for it as a dealer. Seems like every show he's upped the price, and he has no intention of dealing on it. It's obvious that he's not under any pressure to gain funds or reduce inventory.

What would you actually pay for it? I'm interested in just curiosity mode. I'm well aware that I'll probably never get the gun, and that's OK by me. I'm more OK with not feeling as though I personally funded his second week in Aruba. Needless to say, since the gun's been on the market as long as it has, his price has always been on the high end of high.

900F

 

[Elkins45]

This question interests me because a LH Weatherby in 257 has always been at the top of my "some day" list. As my point of reference I know I can buy one from Bud's for less than $1600, maybe even as low as $1499 if they would accept this as a "make an offer" bid. So that's the everyday price I'm using as a point of reference.

I have heard nothing to suggest that Weatherby quality has gone down in the last 15 years, so there's no premium in owning an older one. I'm assuming the gun show guy isn't a Weatherby dealer so even though you say NIB that it would be classified by Weatherby as a used (secondhand) gun. So that means you don't have the benefit of the factory warranty.

I figure the gamble of buying a rifle with no recourse should it turn out to be a lemon should save me some noticeable amount of cash...so running all that through my mental computer tells me that $1200 would be my upper limit.

In my reality I am actually going a different route to acquire my LH 257: I bought a 7mm Savage lefty and am going to fit a Shilen barrel. Total cost will be less than $700 and I think the 50% savings will compensate nicely for it not being a true Weatherby product.

When the thread runs its course I would love for you to tell us how much he is asking. BTW, wood stock or synthetic? Plain or engraved? That makes a difference in initial price.

 

[CB900F]

It's a synthetic tan stock with black spiderwebbing & I believe it to be the original stock, also, the barrel is fluted.

900F