What's the best gun deal you've ever gotten?
- Thread starter john fisher
- Start date
- Status
Alte Schule
Member
Pristine Yugo 48 8MM Mauser and 80 rounds of ammo for $180. Co-worker wanted $300, which wasn't a bad deal, but I only had $180 in cash on me and wouldn't be able to get to the bank until the following day. Never saw or heard from him again. Phone calls went directly to voice mail and no response to texts and e-mails. Found out he quit work and ran off with another co-workers wife leaving his long term girlfriend and a lot of debt behind.
redneck2
Member
Bought three Thompson Contenders from the LGS way cheap. One was .357 Herrett. Sold the other two for $20 more than I’d paid for the three and kept the Herrett
Got a mint WW II 1911 for free that my neighbor carried in the war. I’ve since given it to my best friends son
Got a bolt .22 and a well use 870 for way cheap from a neighbor that needed cash. Gave them to another friends son
Got a mint WW II 1911 for free that my neighbor carried in the war. I’ve since given it to my best friends son
Got a bolt .22 and a well use 870 for way cheap from a neighbor that needed cash. Gave them to another friends son
Salmoneye
Member
Winchester Model 1906 made in 1912 - $30 at the local flea market
Marlin 1894PG with a broken butt stock - $125
Marlin 1894PG with a broken butt stock - $125
tark
Member
In 1992, when I went to work for Les, we were in the old Freeland's building in Rock Island. A recent widow came in carrying a type 99 Arisaka in the usual condition. Mum was ground, aircraft wings and monopod gone, along with the dust cover. The rifle was in excellent shape other than that. She also had a bayonet and a small flag. Her late husband had brought it back from the war.
She would have given it to me but I insisted she at least take the $15 dollars I had on me.
The gun is a good shooter and I still have it today.
I have had guns given to me in the past, but this is the best deal I have ever made where money exchanged hands.
She would have given it to me but I insisted she at least take the $15 dollars I had on me.
The gun is a good shooter and I still have it today.
I have had guns given to me in the past, but this is the best deal I have ever made where money exchanged hands.
alsaqr
Member
i inherited a Winchester model 70 rifle in .220 Swift and a registered .357 Smith and Wesson revolver when my uncle was killed in an accident in 1953.
Deus Machina
Member
I was selling a tabletop lathe to upgrade, listed at $275.
Someone wanted that lathe more than a near-mint S&W 586.
Someone wanted that lathe more than a near-mint S&W 586.
wally
Member
Hard to beat free.
A friend was moving to a much smaller space and getting rid of a lot of stuff. He found his old .22 Automag and gave it to me. He said "it doesn't work, doesn't hit the rounds hard enough to fire". I like a project, figured maybe broken firing pin or hammer spring. Turns out he'd been cleaning it with WD40 and the inertial firing pin was "frozen" not protruding and not back enough for the hammer to strike it. An overnight soak in penetrating oil and flush with brake parts cleaner got it running nicely.
Surprisingly fun to shoot -- impressive muzzle flash and blast with minimal recoil. Seriously ammo sensitive. Only works with Winchester, CCI gums quickly things up badly and its stovepipe city until the next cleaning -- known problem if you Google the .22 Automag, but I had to be sure for myself
Going to try some Aguila next time out and see what happens, but the 40 gr Winchester is usually the cheapest .22 Mag around here so I'll not complain.
Edit: Followup, the box of Aguila "Silver Eagle" 40gr ran perfectly. It was $0.50 cheaper at Academy than the Winchester was at Walmart. I'll be going back for more soon.
A friend was moving to a much smaller space and getting rid of a lot of stuff. He found his old .22 Automag and gave it to me. He said "it doesn't work, doesn't hit the rounds hard enough to fire". I like a project, figured maybe broken firing pin or hammer spring. Turns out he'd been cleaning it with WD40 and the inertial firing pin was "frozen" not protruding and not back enough for the hammer to strike it. An overnight soak in penetrating oil and flush with brake parts cleaner got it running nicely.
Surprisingly fun to shoot -- impressive muzzle flash and blast with minimal recoil. Seriously ammo sensitive. Only works with Winchester, CCI gums quickly things up badly and its stovepipe city until the next cleaning -- known problem if you Google the .22 Automag, but I had to be sure for myself
Going to try some Aguila next time out and see what happens, but the 40 gr Winchester is usually the cheapest .22 Mag around here so I'll not complain.
Edit: Followup, the box of Aguila "Silver Eagle" 40gr ran perfectly. It was $0.50 cheaper at Academy than the Winchester was at Walmart. I'll be going back for more soon.
Last edited:
mdrisc85
Member
Didn't grow up in a gun or hunting family so just about everything I have owned or learned has come from myself, or from good friends and mentors along the way.
About 15 years ago was a near penniless new college grad working for the NJ state government near Trenton NJ, very much into my new shooting hobby (only firearm i owned at the time was a Springfield 1911 GI model, first i ever bought). While looking for an FFL to help me with a transfer on a new purchase, met a older dealer who worked out of his house. Took the time to show off his collection, teach me about the hobby, gave me a lot of pointers. Had a personal collection in the several hundreds of pieces, including one of nearly every year production of the Winchester 94 and the same with M1 Garands, but a real purist in terms of condition.
One day he called me out of the blue to offer me a deal on two pieces that had just come in he said were refinished and so not of interest to him. A P-08 Luger in 9mm and a Mauser 1898 with the wood shoulder stock/holster. Said if I was interested he'd sell them both to me as a set for $750 to get my collection started.
Nothing like getting them from a family member or friend, but giving me such a good price on two pistols that would be otherwise un-affordable to me for many years meant a lot to me and are among my favorites.
About 15 years ago was a near penniless new college grad working for the NJ state government near Trenton NJ, very much into my new shooting hobby (only firearm i owned at the time was a Springfield 1911 GI model, first i ever bought). While looking for an FFL to help me with a transfer on a new purchase, met a older dealer who worked out of his house. Took the time to show off his collection, teach me about the hobby, gave me a lot of pointers. Had a personal collection in the several hundreds of pieces, including one of nearly every year production of the Winchester 94 and the same with M1 Garands, but a real purist in terms of condition.
One day he called me out of the blue to offer me a deal on two pieces that had just come in he said were refinished and so not of interest to him. A P-08 Luger in 9mm and a Mauser 1898 with the wood shoulder stock/holster. Said if I was interested he'd sell them both to me as a set for $750 to get my collection started.
Nothing like getting them from a family member or friend, but giving me such a good price on two pistols that would be otherwise un-affordable to me for many years meant a lot to me and are among my favorites.
GBExpat
Member
Hmmm ... perhaps my 2nd Wz-29.
I stumbled into a deal with a very nice fellow for a cleaned-up-to-reveal-an-excellent-condition Wz-29 barreled-receiver plus bolt for $50, delivered.
Then, I sent an email to Richard at Springfield Sporters telling him about my acquisition and asking if he might have some unlisted Wz-29 furniture available.
He sent me everything else that I needed to build-out the rifle for $62, delivered.
My $112 Wz-29 ... to go along with the Spanish Civil-War Scrubbed Wz-29 that I bought for $59.95 in 1976.
=====
Or ... it could be the 10 $295/ea "Rack Grade" Greek Return M1 Garands that I bought from The CMP over several months in '04 & '05 that turned out to have been downgraded by easily fixable/replaceable bits ... that actually matched Service Grade criteria.
Or ... it could be the 3 unmessed-with (no added Safeties) Russian TT-33s (1944, 1945, 1952) that I bought in 2005 for $200/ea.
Or ...
I stumbled into a deal with a very nice fellow for a cleaned-up-to-reveal-an-excellent-condition Wz-29 barreled-receiver plus bolt for $50, delivered.
Then, I sent an email to Richard at Springfield Sporters telling him about my acquisition and asking if he might have some unlisted Wz-29 furniture available.
He sent me everything else that I needed to build-out the rifle for $62, delivered.
My $112 Wz-29 ... to go along with the Spanish Civil-War Scrubbed Wz-29 that I bought for $59.95 in 1976.
=====
Or ... it could be the 10 $295/ea "Rack Grade" Greek Return M1 Garands that I bought from The CMP over several months in '04 & '05 that turned out to have been downgraded by easily fixable/replaceable bits ... that actually matched Service Grade criteria.
Or ... it could be the 3 unmessed-with (no added Safeties) Russian TT-33s (1944, 1945, 1952) that I bought in 2005 for $200/ea.
Or ...
Trunk Monkey
member
$200.00 from a friend at church who wanted to give me a good deal. He wanted an XD in .45
Pat Riot
Contributing Member
In 1994 I bought a near pristine Marlin 336 for $100. I still have it.
john fisher
Member
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2018
- Messages
- 68
I just got a very good condition Marlin 336 made in 1964 about a month ago and I paid 300 for it. It has that Texas style stock or something like that, it's like a straight stock. Also came with this old scope too.
1903 A3 with all original parts and a sporter stock for $50
Free to me BRNO 98k , made for WW2, never issued, sold on the surplus market and sporterized. For less that $100 I put it back in military trim.
FEG hipower for $225
Free to me BRNO 98k , made for WW2, never issued, sold on the surplus market and sporterized. For less that $100 I put it back in military trim.
FEG hipower for $225
Last edited:
I must have been lucky over the years. The first deal I got (which sounds like a deal now, but at the time was pretty common) was an Enfield .308 model bolt rifle with the detachable 10 round magazine. I think I paid somewhere around $100 for it. After some research, it looked to be manufactured in India in the early 1970's. I sold it for 3 times that when going through a divorce and I've tried buying it back for years, but the friend I sold it to won't budge.
I also got a SR1911 commander shortly after they came out, in .45 ACP, used but in LN condition for $375 from my favorite LGS. They were going for around $550 new at the time I think. It didn't even appear that it had ever been shot.
Then, I once found a Rossi M92 in .357, stainless, used at another LGS for $375. I think they were north of $500 bucks at the time, but I could be wrong. Either way, it was a deal. I liked it ok, but then got an even better deal when I traded it for a minty S&W 686-something, snubbie, complete with 3 speed loaders and a nice leather OWB holster. I felt like I came out great on that deal (flat trade). However, at the time I was looking for a semi auto carry gun and traded even with a LGS for the brand new (at the time) XDs .45 (which I have since sold and replaced with a SAA clone). I still regret trading the smith.
Lastly, my mom and step dad's house was broken into a few years back and his guns were in a glass display case and rifle rack in the living room. For some reason, the thieves only took a couple black powder kit revolvers, I guess thinking there were cartridge revolvers, and left the shotguns and others behind. My step dad was sure they'd come back and the shotguns were left to him by his deceased brother so he didn't want to lose them. He sold me 2 shotguns and a very nice modified Ruger 10/22 for $250 bucks with the stipulation that I would not trade them or sell them. The shotguns are both Sears and Roebuck M200's, one plain with the 28" barrel and one Ted Williams model with the poly choke, vent rib and double site beads. The shotguns are like new and look like they were just pulled off the shelf. By far the most smooth pump actions I've ever felt. The 10/22 was modified with an aftermarket stock and decent scope mounted. I feel like that was a deal.
I also got a SR1911 commander shortly after they came out, in .45 ACP, used but in LN condition for $375 from my favorite LGS. They were going for around $550 new at the time I think. It didn't even appear that it had ever been shot.
Then, I once found a Rossi M92 in .357, stainless, used at another LGS for $375. I think they were north of $500 bucks at the time, but I could be wrong. Either way, it was a deal. I liked it ok, but then got an even better deal when I traded it for a minty S&W 686-something, snubbie, complete with 3 speed loaders and a nice leather OWB holster. I felt like I came out great on that deal (flat trade). However, at the time I was looking for a semi auto carry gun and traded even with a LGS for the brand new (at the time) XDs .45 (which I have since sold and replaced with a SAA clone). I still regret trading the smith.
Lastly, my mom and step dad's house was broken into a few years back and his guns were in a glass display case and rifle rack in the living room. For some reason, the thieves only took a couple black powder kit revolvers, I guess thinking there were cartridge revolvers, and left the shotguns and others behind. My step dad was sure they'd come back and the shotguns were left to him by his deceased brother so he didn't want to lose them. He sold me 2 shotguns and a very nice modified Ruger 10/22 for $250 bucks with the stipulation that I would not trade them or sell them. The shotguns are both Sears and Roebuck M200's, one plain with the 28" barrel and one Ted Williams model with the poly choke, vent rib and double site beads. The shotguns are like new and look like they were just pulled off the shelf. By far the most smooth pump actions I've ever felt. The 10/22 was modified with an aftermarket stock and decent scope mounted. I feel like that was a deal.
Lennyjoe
Member
In the past, Belgium Browning High Power in mint condition for $300.
Recently, G19 Gen5 new under the Blue Label program for $399 + tax
Recently, G19 Gen5 new under the Blue Label program for $399 + tax
All on-line auction finds:
CZ-85 NIB $210
Femaru Model 37 $60
S&W Model 439 $75
The best?
S&W Model of 1905 used in the Inter-Allied Games in Paris in 1919 - part of a special order delivered by S&W. Engraved to the contestant. $175 (Worth $1200-$1500)
CZ-85 NIB $210
Femaru Model 37 $60
S&W Model 439 $75
The best?
S&W Model of 1905 used in the Inter-Allied Games in Paris in 1919 - part of a special order delivered by S&W. Engraved to the contestant. $175 (Worth $1200-$1500)
Obturation
Member
About 5 years ago i was visiting my friends parents with him. I noticed in the corner of their den a bunch of old bb guns leaned up in the corner and started looking at them, his dad told me they were all broken and old . One of them however was not a bb gun but a marlin 97 (ive been into marlins forever) and i told him he should put it away, its a nice gun. He rolled his eyes and told me its been broken for 40 years and cant be fixed, the parts no longer exist and if i wanted to buy it i could have it for $20. I really couldnt get my money out quickly enough, the gun is in pretty decent shape but missing the magazine tube latch at the end of the magazine (old design with outer tube that pulls out). I had a gunsmith buddy of mine make one up and clean it up real nice and he charged me $50 . I treasure that old marlin - made in 1905 or 06 . Very accurate and a joy to fire. $70 for a marlin 97 aint bad.
About 2 years ago a shooting buddy of mine had a mental breakdown and ended up in the psych ward for a few months which caused him to lose his 2nd amendment rights. He gave me a 9" super redhawk in 44mag, a glock 30, a uberti saa in 45 colt, a kahr in 45 & 40 and about 10 old long guns- only one worth mentioning is a savage little scout (rolling block). He said he cant own them anymore and knows ill take care of them . That was a sweet pickup too, just too bad about my buddy going screwy but hes better now . If he ever gets his rights back of course ill return his guns, i doubt that will ever happen however. In the meantime ill make sure i keep all them all shooting.
About 2 years ago a shooting buddy of mine had a mental breakdown and ended up in the psych ward for a few months which caused him to lose his 2nd amendment rights. He gave me a 9" super redhawk in 44mag, a glock 30, a uberti saa in 45 colt, a kahr in 45 & 40 and about 10 old long guns- only one worth mentioning is a savage little scout (rolling block). He said he cant own them anymore and knows ill take care of them . That was a sweet pickup too, just too bad about my buddy going screwy but hes better now . If he ever gets his rights back of course ill return his guns, i doubt that will ever happen however. In the meantime ill make sure i keep all them all shooting.
Hillbillyz
Member
- Joined
- May 30, 2009
- Messages
- 259
870 wingmaster and a Winchester 94, paid $90 each.
latest deal:
Ruger SR9E new, $250
Ruger SR9E new, $250
lg&m
Member
Browning euro bolt in .308 Win $250
- Status
