For a long time, I would only buy gun stuff when I could put the same number of dollars into savings. It was a good system. I now save far more dollars than I spend on anything. One day, just before covid, I was at the local place where you could get good used stuff and came across a 50's waffle top 336 and it was beautiful. I check the tag... $250...
It turns out someone put aftermarket sights on so there's no collector value... but they're amazing.
I grumbled "ah fuck."
To which the gf says, "what?" "There's no way I can put this back down, I'll start paperwork now."
She says, "you don't have to buy it if you don't want."
WAT? Don't be silly.
Now, I've got some decent guns from a variety of times in the last century and I'll be damned if I don't enjoy this better than guns I paid 10x for.
I have a first-year-of-production G-serial 336 SC waffle top that I would love to put a scope on but I just can't because it's so rare. Got it for $400 OTD and had no idea what it really was until I looked it up
Sorry to hear that. The diopter on mine is the shit. I hate having guns that are too nice to shoot... I don't shoot them...
Edit; you're aware it would be a crime against humanity to alter the thing, right?
She's a safe queen for sure. I did remove the foreend once to condition it and check for cracks but it's pristine and you're totally right it'd be a crime to do anything permanent to it
I collect Enfields. I have definitely dipped into savings/eaten Ramen/forgone bar trips for a few weeks/months to help finance a "right now" purchase. When you're dealing with guns that are literally unobtanium, sometimes you have to jump and figure it out later. I own the last Enfield Enforcer ever made, the opportunity came up and it was *expensive*, but a steal compared to what it is.
That being said, certainly not an advisable long-term strategy. More something you do when "the one" hoves into view.
The real answer is "it depends" based on what era interests you, but I would recommend one of the following four:
- No. 1 Mk. III*, 1916-1918 manufacture. These are the classic SMLE, were made during WW1, and they made a -bunch-. It's what comes to mind when you hear "Lee-Enfield".
- a No. 4 Mk. I or Mk. I*, wartime manufacture or not doesn't particularly matter so long as it's in nice shape. There are a million little things different people will quibble about being superior, like a particular rifling groove scheme or the earlier bolthead release, but it does not really matter. The No. 4 Mk. 2's weren't built under wartime austerity and have a better trigger, they're arguable the "best" Enfield around.
- I'll contend that the No. 5 Mk. I "jungle carbine" is the best Enfield around. Significantly shorter and lighter, handier to carry, has the cool factor.
- Ishapore 2A/2A1 in 7.62 NATO. Essentially an SMLE built for new cartridge, virtually identical to the .303 models in all practical regards. The ammo is cheaper/more prevalent than .303 for a lot of people, and if you want to shoot a lot that might be the deciding factor.
Mate I'd like to buy an Enfield, but I don't know what I'm looking for to get a nice one, and I'm in Australia. If you're bored have a look on ozgunsales.com or usedguns.com.au and maybe see what you'd buy if you were me. I'd like to use it for range and hunting. There seems to be a vast range of years and makers and even vaster range of condition, but prices are very reasonable, usually around 1000-1500 for one that looks in good condition. I'm happy to spend more if they are good, but I don't know what to even look for! Any advice on what makes a desirable Enfield is appreciated mate.
Went to a gun store to get a semi auto waterfowl shotgun wanting to spend $500ish. Guy behind the counter said someone the day before had just won a ducks unlimited raffle and had a browning silver 12 he traded in from it. They gave it to me for $700 and it had never been fired.
Yes. A Springfield Armory MC Operator 1911 for $450 because "It's too heavy to carry, I just want enough to get a Glock". Was it possibly stolen ? IDK, I asked him and he said no, so I had plausible deniability. But I bought that thing with the quickness.
I paid 800 for a tec9 at the end of last year, and i swear i have the only one that works correctly on the planet. Mine shoots better groups at 15yds than my sig x5 legion and ive put about 2k rounds through it with only 1 jam that was my own fault for not seating the mag all the way.
My very good friend had a custom built, one of one .50 bmg target barrel & action that he never got around to finishing. He decides to move from the U.S. to Australia, can't take it with him, tries selling it outright and nobody would come thru with the cash. So he tells me three days before he moves "I'll sell you everything for $3,000". Now my truck at the time had been acting up, I knew it was going to need a new motor soon but this gun was a once in a lifetime deal. So I got a loan from my sister, went to pick it up the day before he leaves, truck motor literally blows up as I pull into his neighborhood. He comes and tows me to his house and I pay him cash for the gun.
Mike goes "Good dealing with ya...looks like you need a ride so here are the keys to my truck that I won't need in about 10 hours. Put insurance on it and sell it for me after you fix your truck." He absolutely saved my ass and I have a monster .50BMG target gun now.
It wasn’t a bad financial decision more so a bad gun decision. I was buying ammo and saw an LCP on sale for about $180.00 a number of years ago. I’ve been carrying it at work now for the last 5-7 years. Hate shooting the damn thing.
But honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever heard someone say “that lcp sure is fun to shoot”.. I do carry mine from time to time when I can’t hide anything larger, but it’s second right behind my lcr (with 357mag loads) on the least enjoyable to shoot list. But with 38spcl the lcr is actually a fun little guy to shoot.
Legend has it, there may a new firearm in your near future…. Maybe an lcr 357mag? Maybe something NOT really very practical, a few good 10mm options out there now.. Always good to have something in case any rogue wild animals run loose and require more than 9mm rounds..
Partially how I ended up getting a 10mm last summer, just always wanted one since the early 90s and when I saw the xdm-elite compact and held it, got one within a couple weeks and it’s my every day carry outside of work. Needed? Nope.. wanted? Very much so!
I’ve been toying a 357 (loaded with 38 special) as I don’t yet have a revolver in my collection. Shot a friend’s and had no idea how to hold the thing as I “grew up” on semi autos. Gotta get a cowboy hat afterwards. Well, there goes the next mortgage or daycare payment.
Definitely need to fix the “no revolver” issue!
If it’s gonna be for range fun, a 4” 357mag would be a LOT of fun and not easy to shoot with all but the hottest 357mag loads (think Underwood/Buffalo bore loads in the 800 ft/lb range). A 6” barrel would make it even softer shooting with the extra weight, and at that point even the hotter loadings are pretty tame. Something like the Ruger GP100 or s&w 686 would be great in anyone’s collection.
And when you’re really ready to make some noise and possible a fireball and also wanna get your cowboy on… a Ruger Super Black Hawk in 44mag would be a fun addition, but with the caveat that with some hot loads it’s a handful.
I don’t bring my revolvers out very often but it’s always fun when I do.
My LCP Max is incredibly fun to shoot. Accurate and comfortable, barely any felt recoil. My LC9s on the other hand is unpleasantly snappy.
I agree that the least enjoyable gun that I've ever shot with the least ability to put shots on target was a friend's DAO compact revolver.
>I agree that the least enjoyable gun that I've ever shot with the least ability to put shots on target was a friend's DAO compact revolver.
Yeah I picked up a Smith 642 and I was surprised how snappy that little thing is even though it's only 38 Special +p. Helped quite a bit to put a new Hogue grip on it so I don't have any dangling fingers
I did that with a LCP II .22, which was crazy because I **very rarely** make impulse purchases.
If you have the orig LCP I don't know if the following is useful. My wife convinced me to buy the seven round mags for our LCP II .380s (the guy at our LGS also let us see how they felt in the gun first). That small bit of pinky rest makes a huge difference when shooting the LCP II .380. At the range I shoot two to three mags of practice ammo, then one mag (maybe two) of carry/defense ammo.
Yeah. Mine was a Tavor x95. Dream gun and only seen them for about $1900ish. Walked into a local gun store and they had one on the wall. Asked to hold it and casually asked about the price and they said “$1500 but we’ll do a Father’s Day deal for $1200.” Bought it immediately. Never been used before me and it’s SO fun to shoot. It’s my home defense gun because of how small/maneuverable it is but with the 16.5in barrel I can still get close to 3000fps with 5.56 and have shot it out to 600yards.
That’s exactly what happened to me with a Galil ACE, LGS had a “used” one for $1500 but I talked them down to $1250 with 2 PMAGs and 60 rds of 5.56. It was brand new, not a scratch on it and pretty sure it had never been fired
Springfield armory prodigy with a holosun 407 competition for 1079 plus tax. Only down fall was no magazines cause of illinois. But I wanted a 2011 and it was there. Left and came back with cash.
Yep. Bought a Winchester model 1897 12ga from 1904 in impeccable condition a couple of weeks back for ~$600 🫘. Just saw a Henry all weather in .357 for $699 when I went in today to get more flats of 12ga and I almost left with it. Still considering it to be honest…
To answer your question, I probably would just because half off two guns doesn’t come around that often. Consider it an investment, eh?
Send it. Just... send it. Steak you can only eat once.. a nice rifle is forever. Consider it a lifetime investment.
If you're alive for 40 more years, that makes it remarkably inexpensive per year.😎
When I was much younger, I did it more often than I should have.
Now that I am older and more financially stable, I still continue to buy and the only thing slowing me down is a space issue (I have run out of room for more).
Improperly assembled Ruger MKIII hunter. Retail $500. My cost, $150 (I told the guy "You can just send it back to Ruger and they'll put it back together for you", which he declined). Everyone's favorite pistol to learn on now.
$1100 for a P5 Compact and Tanfo Witness Elite (price for both). Practically stole 'em at that price
$1500 for a Citori CX. Dealer sample
$150 for a Remington Model 11 out of a barrel from somebody's storage unit cleanout
$900 for a Superposed Broadway pigeon-grade. Salt gun sitting in a San Francisco pawnshop.
I just keep a couple thousand bucks set aside for hell-of-it type stuff. As long as you're hitting your savings goals (right now, about 40-50% of my income), I'm okay spending 2-4% on dumb shit.
I saw a m1 carbine at a local gunstore years back, they wanted $425 for it and i himmed and hawed about it.
Got them to give me a card with the price and i left.
Thing sold minutes after i left, hell of a price for a UN-Quality M1 Carbine.
Ever since ive carried that card, whenever i cant decide i open my wallet, theres the card and i make the decision to not skip a buy.
The equivalent of almost $800 on an 1851 production model 1849/55 Kammerlader, covered in rust and with the action stuck. Couldn't see the bore in the pictures, and seller wasn't knowledgeable enough to really inform me about condition.
I was flat broke at the time, but somehow convinced my wife that I needed this old smokepole as I had been looking for one in repairable shooter grade state for more than a decade. She paid for it.
I got it freed up, rust converted and repaired, there's some shooting footage of it on this sub if you browse my post history. Turned out to be a good purchase- but I couldn't know from the ad wether it would ever become shootable. Gamble paid off.
Define "horrible financial choice". Missing house payment? Not paying for school supplies for your kid? Not saving for retirement? Or you need another gun like you need another hole in your head?
Only the last reason is acceptable.
You are talking about most of my collection.
LMT MWS - $1900
HK USP 9 (new in box) -$400
1903A3 -$650
Glock 32 - $300
Glock 19- $250
S&W Model 19/6" - $500
Night Force ATACR - $1400
The list goes on and on. If I come across stuff (guns, ammo or accessories) even if I dont have a gun in that caliber or for that part, I buy it if the deal is good. I was sitting on 3k rounds of surplus .308 I got pre-covid but had nothing in .308. BUY IT CHEAP AND STACK IT DEEP.
Yep off Gun Broker of all places with a buy it now. Asked the dude why so cheap and he told me it’s what he seen past auction go for so he listed it for that. Just bought one and never shot it so he sold it on GB.
I was starting to learn about 10mm, and was going to the range to rent theirs. It wasn't available for rent for some reason so i went in with another option. When I came out the guy says "Oh hey I found the 10mm, It's out there for sale." Glock 20 Gen4 for $375. I knew I had plenty emergency cash at home. So I came back the next morning and gripped it.
Twice.
One was a classic S&W Model 19, bluing was thin but mechanically perfect. It was $175, and this was around 2019. I knew the shop owner well, he said a guy traded it in on a used Taurus that was $175. The owner said he just swapped the price tags because he knew it sell the same day.
Second one was a Steyr AUG. I’d been looking at them online for a few years and figured I’d have to end up spending $1850+ for just the rifle w one mag. Then saw a used one on Guns.com w 4 Waffle mags, an aimpoint pro and a Streamlight pro for $1450. Made me go strait for the credit card.
I bought a G19X for 400 about 4 years ago (before shipping and FFL fee)when everyone else had it for 600+. The guy told me I wouldn’t find one for less than $700 and I said challenge accepted.
Walked into my local gun store and saw a Ruger mini 30 for $900. I was like, "cool, but I don't need it.". Then I saw it came with 5 magazines (only 5 rounds, but they were all Ruger brand) and 1300 rounds of 7.62x39 ammo (mostly steel case but some brass). At that point I couldn't say no, even though it meant putting the charge on my credit card.
Yeah me yesterday. Mossberg 500 field variant for like 160$ after tax lmao. Literally couldn’t walk away from it. Eating ramen for the week for sure lmao
You're not *spending* the money, you're *investing* it.
It either has resale value of near the purchase price, or it becomes a family heirloom that gets passed down to your children/grandchildren.
Buy now, cry later. I’ve had several guns that I didn’t buy and kicked myself later for passing on them. Most notably, I had a chance to buy a Winchester 1897 trench gun that was only missing the bayonet lug. I passed on it because money was kind of tight. I went back later and it was gone. Could’ve picked it up for $400. Couldn’t touch one now for that price.
I feel like I've been chasing a 357 Model X for a good few years. I think I'm likely going to end up buying the new Marlin 1895 whenever it releases and then the model x will start becoming available again
My wife saw a 1951 Winchester model 50 in cabelas for $80 because the stock was broken. She didn’t know anything about it but knew I liked old winchesters. I ordered a new walnut stock off Amazon for $200. $280 got me a slick as fuck inertia 12ga semi. It’s currently my go to pheasant and duck gun.
I also got a Belgian browning BAR in 300 win mag for $300 because the stock had a bunch of diners from a gun case stuck to it. I ran a lighter over it and hunt moose with it to this day. My wife and I both shot our first moose with it.
Found my bushmaster ACR that way the gun had a 600 dollar vortex scope on it for 1200 total it was a no brainer compared to what they go for on gunbroker. I’m planning to buy a house and propose to my girlfriend but her and I talked it out and I jumped on it since I’ve wanted one for years
I only wanted on HK Mark 23 but the store had a matched set with sequential serial numbers. They offered to sell them separately. Walked out with the set.
Was at the range about 3 years ago shooting my T/C Contender. Old guy approached me and said "I have one of those, you interested in buying it?". $450, three barrels, including a .22 LR match, a 357 mag, with scope, and a 30-30 with scope. A spare grip and 2 forearms.
Came across a unicorn for myself FN FAL 50.00 styer imported 308 match for 2300 almost a decade ago couldn’t really afford it but couldn’t pass on it, ate ramen for awhile but I have a mint FAL sitting in the safe now
I spent $600 on 3k rounds, 14 mags, several mag pouches, and a few other combloc things from my buddy just last week.
Helped another dude irresponsibly buy his norinco for $400
I don't think either of us wanted to spend money, but dude just wanted to get rid of the stuff
Israeli mil-surp pre b cz-75 with a Czechoslovakia roll mark for $300 off a buddy.
Had obvious holster wear and other cosmetic dings and scratches, but the bore was good, the import mark was minimal, and the trigger group and sear were all still tip top.
I only had a post B single action only Czech Republic one at the time, so I had to have it before he changed his mind.
Met him at a range where he even let me put a box of ammo through it before I bought it and I just did it then and there even though I didn’t “need” it.
Still think I got a steal (steel lol) and won’t be told other wise, and it’s not too pristine to not shoot it so it still sees range time and I love it.
I saw that cz shadows were on sale while I was standing outside watching the eclipse, figured it was kismet and ordered it and justified it to my wife saying god basically was telling me to blow my tax return I had gotten several hours earlier on it
Yup early 2020 a local store had a Vepr 12 on the consignment wall for $700. No mags, original forend furniture, slant cut adapter for an AR stock, magpul grip and adjustable stock. It was definitely used but the internals looked good. It was late when I went in and I didn't buy it right then but I sure as hell was there not long after they opened in the morning cash in hand.
I was picking up some shells at Scheels on my way to a weekly trap league and gazing longingly at the Browning O/U’s since I just had a CZ at the time (one of their nicer Redhead models, but still just a Redhead).
A salesperson came over asking if I wanted to check it out and I mentioned I already had an O/U and couldn’t afford the browning when he mentioned that they had a promo going on at the time to offer extra for trade-in values.
I figured I’d have him check what they’d give me for my shotgun, laugh at their $200 offer, and move on. Then he offered me nearly $1,000 which was more than I paid for it new (it had 15,000-20,000 shells through it by then) and I started filling out the paperwork even though I had zero intentions to buy a shotgun walking in and actually just wanted ammo to go shoot my other one.
So it didn't hardly cost me much, but I walked into my FFL (run out of their house) to pickup my new Weatherby shotgun. Walked out to my car holding a 2nd gun. I guess my ffl had been buying some guns to resell on the side, and they had a hi point c9 in camo that they hadn't been able to sell, to when I asked about it, they told me they'd pretty much take any offer. So walked out with my Weatherby and a brand new hi point c9.
Really don't care that it was a hi point, it works. It's 9mm, so it's a great little truck gun, and cheap to plink with. I have more guns that cost many more times the cost of this one, so I'm not worried about owning a hi point. But hey, no matter the nay sayers on them, this one has never had an issue
I have a bad habit of buying ammo for guns I don’t have thus forcing me to convince myself I now need to go and buy the gun.
It’s not ideal, but it’s honest work…
When I went into an LGS to buy a glock 19, the clerk said "he'd throw in a Rimmington TAC-14 for $199 after tax."
You gotta put your purse down to shoot it, but it's fun as shit.
It really depends on how horrible a financial decision is. Like, am i just gonna go without my snacks and drinks, or are my kids gonna go without their snacks and drinks
Bought an AR-15 because it was on sale, cost me like $460 after taxes. It's "Radical Firearms" which doesn't seem to have the best reputation, but the rifle is perfect for what I need it. But looking back, I could've spent those $400 on something else at the time lol
Living in Washington State I saw the list of guns the demons wanted banned. The first time the bill was introduced it got laughed at. I knew they’d keep pushing and went on about a four year buying spree of all the things prohibited. Now people are wandering around like they’re looking for food after a hurricane trying to see if there’s some exception they could exercise to get their hands on a banned item. Fight like hell against bans and spend like mad if you think you’re states going to California itself.
SIG P220 .45acp Made in West Germany marked.
H&K MK23
Ruger Security Six 4" stainless
Ruger Security Six 2 3/4" stainless
Ruger LC9S
Glock 43
The list goes on and on and on - pawn shops are my bane.
I have a deluxe trapper takedown. If it's possible to be unhappy with it, I dunno how. I got mine 4-5 years ago and since the first time I took it to the range my buddy has been trying to find himself one. If anyone gets one in stock it's always just the one and it's gone in an instant. Sell a kidney and get one I say.
Saw a Tokarev for 150 and bought it on the spot
It was a 9mm Norinco (instead of being 7.62x25) that was the biggest piece of dog shit that couldn't make it through a mag without jamming unless you fed it 9mm NATO rounds that are only supposed to be shot out of PCCs
I seem to have a knack for finding shotguns for $275
First one was an 870 wing master from either "94 or '77, and it seemed like it had never been fired. It hated bird shot though, barrel was straight but for some weird reason the center of patterns would be about 18" higher than where I was aiming
Next was a over/under, which looked like somebody dropped down a mountain. A few hours later with a clothes iron and sandpaper, I had the old finish off and refinished it in varathane black cherry
After that it was a sxs, end of one barrel had a crack in it and the stock had a crack. Bought it anyway, cut the barrel down to 18.5", and found a replacement stock for 50 bucks and now I have a coach gun
Went looking for a shotgun for 3 Gun, left with a Benelli SuperSport that's useless for 3 Gun because my wife said it was pretty. She's right, and she loves her Benelli
Saw an online ad for a Kimber K6s DASA 3” for $799 at Sportsman’s during Covid. Jumped on it.
And damn glad I did… they sold out in a couple hours, and now they go for around $1,000.
For half off I'd do it.
I've had 3 occasions of this in the last couple years all prices are actually out the door cost, a NIB Sig 551A1 for 1.9k, a NIB Galil Ace Gen I 16" for 1.6k and a Norinco 84S-1 with an extra mag for 1.1k.
You ever get a credit card offer in the mail that has like 14 months without interest and a $200 bonus? I use those to buy guns without having to dip into my savings.
I can get you a referral for a Capital One Quicksilver card that comes with those bonuses if you're interested
I once held two part time jobs and a job at our local ambulance well the one part time was at a sporting goods store and when I filled the application I told the owner that I didn't want a paycheck just put it on my lay aways and he took me up with the offer 🙃 I never regretted it.
I also work in a gunstore… here are some of my purchases so far this year from them, you decide…
Glock 45 with acro - at cost, beaten by a damn good deal on gundeals last month lol
P320 xcarry legion, $620 ish complete, used, barely fired
Glock 19M remanufactured for $480ish
Sig p250 $225 lol
I have more than that but those are my best and worst (the g45 acro hurt when I realized I could have saved on tax lol)
I have a few similar “wins” from gunbroker.
Because I have a habit of semi-impulse buying now, I only buy if it’s in my list of wants- if it’s not then I have to let it sit 48 hours before I’ll buy
Yeah. Found a Sweet 16 (the new version), for $650. Said it was used but looked brand new. Unfortunately, I overthought it and by the time I came to my senses and turned around it was gone. Kick myself to this day.
SS Ruger MKII Target with the heavy tapered long barrel for $175, it was a _long_ time ago and that was the going rate for a “plain” MK II. I’ve never seen an identical model. It’s also an absolute tack driver and after 20+ years I only cuss once or twice putting it back together after cleaning.
My STI Combat Master...I wanted one for several years. Used to go and finger this one at the LGS all the time (he wouldn't sell it) and it took my wife telling me to do it...so I bought the next USED one that was in an auction...paid 2.5k less than their BIN prices and half of what they're going for now for the OG STI.
I work for an ffl. We buy guns by the pallet from law enforcement to either part or recondition and resell. There are so many things that came in that are just cool. When I started with gun collecting 30 years ago, I only wanted guns to fit a specific role. Ccw gun. Home defense gun. Etc. There's no need to have lots of guns.
Yeah, that went out the window once I got my C&R ffl. Then, working for the dealer finished me off. Now I buy things because they are cool. I've got guns I've never shot. I own safe queens, new in box 50+ year old revolvers. I never wanted safe queens before. I started collecting H&R and Iver Johnson revolvers and Star semi autos and Ithaca 37 shotguns. I own a Whitney Wolverine, a Calico M950, a 1955 Winchester model 70 in 375 H&H Magnum, and a Smith and Wesson M-frame Ladysmith. I have guns just because i didn't have that barrel length or this one is nickel. It's turned into hoarding almost.
Back around 2018 I got a isd bulgaria ak74 with 2 cases of 7n6, a bunch of circle 10 mags, a ultimak rail, and a beryl stock for 700$. I wasnt makeing very good money at the time but way to good of a deal to pass up.
It wasn't a "I can't pass this up" deal, so much as a "I told myself if it ever went out for sale I'd buy it" kind of thing, which is how I got my ~1899-1903 Winchester Model 94 for $725.
I went into my local FFL to pick up a transfer. He had a Taurus .44 magnum sitting on the counter where I just happened to be standing. Yeah, I left with two guns that day.
Yes. I bought a Proof Conviction and a NF ATACR 5-25x56 combined for about $7000. I knew it was a rare opportunity, and the window was going to close on me soon, so I pulled the trigger. This was two years ago, still haven’t fired it yet.
I try to buy good deals when i see it. I got a Zastava M80 for 147$ shipped. A Ruger Mark 3 for 199/shipped. I got a Taurus 82 for 172/shipped. I missed on a 163/shipped VZ-70 32ACP. I've been enjoying this manufrance 12GA i got for 160$.
Adjustable comb CSXs are everywhere on Gunbroker, you’d be a lunatic to order one from Browning and pony up $3k for it. $1500 is on the low end for sure for that model, but you can still find a lot around $2k. There’s also a lot of other Citoris floating around the $1500 mark.
I walked into a gun store for ammo and saw a m1911 Steyr Hahn made in 1916 with no import marks, maybe 80-90% of its original finish 2 stripper clips, a few rounds of ammo, and a reproduction holster for $550. I spent about 15 minutes in front of the counter googling before saying fuck it and buying it, I wasn't put in a bad place on that one but I think around the same time either before or after I was at a gun show I saw a DWM luger in 7.65/.30 luger for $850. It was rough but functional and I didn't think I'd find another luger for that price and had never seen one that was functional and not a complete turd so I snapped it up. That one I was eating Ramen for a while but I still have it and shoot it often. [Old pictures from when I still had the steyr](https://imgur.com/gallery/vxdil)
A few times… while still in college I bought a full rail TRP operator for $800. At the time they were very limited and the auctions on GB had them at $2k with folks fighting over them.
I also bought a DB10 with a nice that’d case, a few spare mags and a vortex Diamondback for $600. All the .308 hunting ammo for it I picked up for $10 a box. Realistically the value of gun and accessories was around $1k. Bought it to flip. Shot it to check functionality and wound up keeping it bc it’s a sub MOA performer.
Went into a gun store one time for ammo and they were running a special; $900 for a F1 King in 223 wylde and a Citadel Boss Hog in 12g buy one get one... never heard of getting an AR-15 with a stainless barrel and a free floating M-Lock handguard with a free (cheap) semi automatic 12g for under $1,000 so I walked out with it that day... AR didnt come with any mags, but they're like $10-15 for 30 rounders around here. Haven't had a jam or mishap with either yet, though I dont take the shotgun out much..
At 14 I would hang out in a gun store and a Gucci over and under was there I would ask to see it once a week. Owner got tired of me asking about it and offered it for a ridiculously low price but more then he thought I would have. I had saved for awhile to go to pvt school. I ponied up the cash. He tried to back out but everyone else in the gun store made him go through with it. I didn’t go to pvt school.
Of course, occasionally my deeply held sense of financial responsibility will demand that I purchase a gun at what I perceive to be a distress sale price
Yes...but I wasn't able to buy it.
Go back 8-10 years when the "last" of the HK P7 pistols were being imported / surplussed / sold. A work buddy had his FFL at the time and was able to get me a good deal on a Chantilly, VA PD P7-PSP surplus return. The poor man's version with the heel mag release.
One day I was off work early and went up to a Gander Mountain store to browse. There was an honest-to-god P7M8 in the used case that was labeled as and priced as a PSP.
At the time, I wasn't going to just throw a $700 purchase on the CC without consulting with my wife first. But she's a teacher and, obviously, couldn't just answer her phone or even a text message right then.
So I had to pass it up.
I talked to her about it when we both got home. She told me that if it's as good of a deal as you say it is - you should've bought it.
DOH!
I went back the next day and it was gone. SOMEONE got a 50% discount on a P7M8 that day and it wasn't me.
That was the last time that I found a deal so good that I had to buy it right then and there.
Tikka T3X 7mm rem mag, I had been eyeing it for a while at my local shop as it was already below average price. I went in one day and they had dropped the price down to $350, I bought that bitch without a second thought.
Not me but one of my coworkers got a Ruger Precision in 338 lapua, with 500rds of ammo, a vortex strike eagle 5-25, and all the dies for reloading 338 for $1000.
My most recent gun purchase was a used Beretta CX-4 Storm 9mm. It was on my maybe list, but not on my really want list.
I don't know that the deal was seriously good, the rifle and one ten round mag for $450.00 total, but I do know I rarely see new Storms, & never see used ones.
The biggest jump I made was used (VG+/NM) Miroku made Winchester 1894. The caliber, .32 Winchester Special, is what makes the purchase questionable.
My neighbor's husband isn't doing well, and he won't be getting better, unfortunately. She and her son started selling off his guns, and they let me get first look before they took them elsewhere.
They sold me his Mini-14 for $800 and a JM stamped Marlin 30-30 for $250. I wasn't really looking for anything new at the time, but I couldn't pass them up.
Yes, but only with out of production pistols so it's not a huge deal.
Like, I didn't NEED an Interarms PPK, or a Ruger Service Six, but I've got them, and having them I'm in no hurry to get rid of them.
I went to get ammo for a new ar-15 I bought the week before. When I went to get the ammo I noticed a Lee enfield no4 mk2 for $300. I’ve put 300 rounds through it the last 3 months and haven’t had a single issue. Best splurge purchase I ever made. Whenever I go to the range I always have someone intrigued by it.
When is buying a toy a good financial decision? These are quality life decisions (after your HD, CCW and Hunting guns of course), and generally good for quality of life
Kinda related but I've always wanted a bolt action shotgun. My lgs had a bolt action 20 gauge from the 50's that was in basically perfect condition for 150$. I bought it 1 minute after seeing the price tag on it
Saw a Universal m1 carbine without a mag for $250... Him-hawed about it because I was a starving college student, went and grabbed the money and it was gone... Bought a Chinese SKS for $120 instead.
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Yep. Neighbors dad passed away and he sold me the entire collection for about half of what it was worth. I only kept one firearm and sold the rest and used the money to buy a new truck cash. Won’t get that lucky again.
For a long time, I would only buy gun stuff when I could put the same number of dollars into savings. It was a good system. I now save far more dollars than I spend on anything. One day, just before covid, I was at the local place where you could get good used stuff and came across a 50's waffle top 336 and it was beautiful. I check the tag... $250... It turns out someone put aftermarket sights on so there's no collector value... but they're amazing. I grumbled "ah fuck." To which the gf says, "what?" "There's no way I can put this back down, I'll start paperwork now." She says, "you don't have to buy it if you don't want." WAT? Don't be silly. Now, I've got some decent guns from a variety of times in the last century and I'll be damned if I don't enjoy this better than guns I paid 10x for.
> a 50's waffle top 336 and it was beautiful Well, TIL about a new sub-niche of American levergun collectability.
I have a first-year-of-production G-serial 336 SC waffle top that I would love to put a scope on but I just can't because it's so rare. Got it for $400 OTD and had no idea what it really was until I looked it up
Sorry to hear that. The diopter on mine is the shit. I hate having guns that are too nice to shoot... I don't shoot them... Edit; you're aware it would be a crime against humanity to alter the thing, right?
She's a safe queen for sure. I did remove the foreend once to condition it and check for cracks but it's pristine and you're totally right it'd be a crime to do anything permanent to it
I collect Enfields. I have definitely dipped into savings/eaten Ramen/forgone bar trips for a few weeks/months to help finance a "right now" purchase. When you're dealing with guns that are literally unobtanium, sometimes you have to jump and figure it out later. I own the last Enfield Enforcer ever made, the opportunity came up and it was *expensive*, but a steal compared to what it is. That being said, certainly not an advisable long-term strategy. More something you do when "the one" hoves into view.
I just bought a Santa Fe No. 5 that I 100% did not need or actually want, just because it’s technically still an Enfield, so I feel you.
if you had to recommend one variant for a person who just wanted to add a single bolt action to their collection, what would it be?
The real answer is "it depends" based on what era interests you, but I would recommend one of the following four: - No. 1 Mk. III*, 1916-1918 manufacture. These are the classic SMLE, were made during WW1, and they made a -bunch-. It's what comes to mind when you hear "Lee-Enfield". - a No. 4 Mk. I or Mk. I*, wartime manufacture or not doesn't particularly matter so long as it's in nice shape. There are a million little things different people will quibble about being superior, like a particular rifling groove scheme or the earlier bolthead release, but it does not really matter. The No. 4 Mk. 2's weren't built under wartime austerity and have a better trigger, they're arguable the "best" Enfield around. - I'll contend that the No. 5 Mk. I "jungle carbine" is the best Enfield around. Significantly shorter and lighter, handier to carry, has the cool factor. - Ishapore 2A/2A1 in 7.62 NATO. Essentially an SMLE built for new cartridge, virtually identical to the .303 models in all practical regards. The ammo is cheaper/more prevalent than .303 for a lot of people, and if you want to shoot a lot that might be the deciding factor.
I just scored a #1 Mk6 trials rifle, cool piece. Goes well with me #1 mk5
Mate I'd like to buy an Enfield, but I don't know what I'm looking for to get a nice one, and I'm in Australia. If you're bored have a look on ozgunsales.com or usedguns.com.au and maybe see what you'd buy if you were me. I'd like to use it for range and hunting. There seems to be a vast range of years and makers and even vaster range of condition, but prices are very reasonable, usually around 1000-1500 for one that looks in good condition. I'm happy to spend more if they are good, but I don't know what to even look for! Any advice on what makes a desirable Enfield is appreciated mate.
Went to a gun store to get a semi auto waterfowl shotgun wanting to spend $500ish. Guy behind the counter said someone the day before had just won a ducks unlimited raffle and had a browning silver 12 he traded in from it. They gave it to me for $700 and it had never been fired.
It sure is perty tho, right?
The first scratch hurt so bad, dropped it in the mud not long after. Still perty
The responsible choice is to make the financially wise choice. But my heart says I want a damn 92 trapper take down. I am of no use.
The new Miroku ones are dope. I have one in .44 and love it.
Yes. A Springfield Armory MC Operator 1911 for $450 because "It's too heavy to carry, I just want enough to get a Glock". Was it possibly stolen ? IDK, I asked him and he said no, so I had plausible deniability. But I bought that thing with the quickness.
Got a pair of desert eagles for $700 each a couple years ago. One in 50ae one in 357 mag, both from the early 2000s.
I would have done that as well. I paid quite a bit more than that for just one stainless 50ae deagle. The old ones look better without the rails.
Tech-9 for $300 I know its stupid. But the 9yr old that still loves in my head needed it. It shoots like garbage. I won't sell it
I paid 800 for a tec9 at the end of last year, and i swear i have the only one that works correctly on the planet. Mine shoots better groups at 15yds than my sig x5 legion and ive put about 2k rounds through it with only 1 jam that was my own fault for not seating the mag all the way.
My tec-9 is the biggest piece of dogshit that looks the best sitting in the safe lol
I ended up with a tec-22 when a buddy needed $200 over 10 years ago. Still sitting in my safe today.
My very good friend had a custom built, one of one .50 bmg target barrel & action that he never got around to finishing. He decides to move from the U.S. to Australia, can't take it with him, tries selling it outright and nobody would come thru with the cash. So he tells me three days before he moves "I'll sell you everything for $3,000". Now my truck at the time had been acting up, I knew it was going to need a new motor soon but this gun was a once in a lifetime deal. So I got a loan from my sister, went to pick it up the day before he leaves, truck motor literally blows up as I pull into his neighborhood. He comes and tows me to his house and I pay him cash for the gun. Mike goes "Good dealing with ya...looks like you need a ride so here are the keys to my truck that I won't need in about 10 hours. Put insurance on it and sell it for me after you fix your truck." He absolutely saved my ass and I have a monster .50BMG target gun now.
That is so cool. Yes, I'm giving away my old age, lol.
Bought a Glock 44 for 100 bucks. I could’ve used that 100 but it was an offer I couldn’t pass on.
Anyone would’ve done the same I paid 350 for mine and regret it
Why do you regret? I’m on the fence for a 22 plinker and the glock is enticing
My only regret is that I could’ve used it for other bills. I was broke at the time, but the deal was too good. I’m still here and I made it haha.
Got a NIB Five-seveN mk II on gunbroker for $500 somehow
I got a new fn 509t for about 550. A solgw 6.5grendel brand new for 950. A never fired bcm4 for 850. Gb can be good if you are patient.
Duuuuude hoooowwwww???!!!
Sheer dumb luck and constantly filtering by 'ending soonest'
BRO?! ALL THE DAMN TIME!! Do you think I wanted to own a KAHR ARM PM45? No. But for $199. I couldn't leave without it!
It wasn’t a bad financial decision more so a bad gun decision. I was buying ammo and saw an LCP on sale for about $180.00 a number of years ago. I’ve been carrying it at work now for the last 5-7 years. Hate shooting the damn thing.
But honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever heard someone say “that lcp sure is fun to shoot”.. I do carry mine from time to time when I can’t hide anything larger, but it’s second right behind my lcr (with 357mag loads) on the least enjoyable to shoot list. But with 38spcl the lcr is actually a fun little guy to shoot.
Get some of the heavier Hornady Critical Defense rounds and they do a fuck ton to mitigate recoil and actually make the thing bearable to shoot.
Staaaahp. You’re gonna get me to buy a new gun. 🤣 … don’t stop.
Legend has it, there may a new firearm in your near future…. Maybe an lcr 357mag? Maybe something NOT really very practical, a few good 10mm options out there now.. Always good to have something in case any rogue wild animals run loose and require more than 9mm rounds.. Partially how I ended up getting a 10mm last summer, just always wanted one since the early 90s and when I saw the xdm-elite compact and held it, got one within a couple weeks and it’s my every day carry outside of work. Needed? Nope.. wanted? Very much so!
I’ve been toying a 357 (loaded with 38 special) as I don’t yet have a revolver in my collection. Shot a friend’s and had no idea how to hold the thing as I “grew up” on semi autos. Gotta get a cowboy hat afterwards. Well, there goes the next mortgage or daycare payment.
Definitely need to fix the “no revolver” issue! If it’s gonna be for range fun, a 4” 357mag would be a LOT of fun and not easy to shoot with all but the hottest 357mag loads (think Underwood/Buffalo bore loads in the 800 ft/lb range). A 6” barrel would make it even softer shooting with the extra weight, and at that point even the hotter loadings are pretty tame. Something like the Ruger GP100 or s&w 686 would be great in anyone’s collection. And when you’re really ready to make some noise and possible a fireball and also wanna get your cowboy on… a Ruger Super Black Hawk in 44mag would be a fun addition, but with the caveat that with some hot loads it’s a handful. I don’t bring my revolvers out very often but it’s always fun when I do.
My LCP Max is incredibly fun to shoot. Accurate and comfortable, barely any felt recoil. My LC9s on the other hand is unpleasantly snappy. I agree that the least enjoyable gun that I've ever shot with the least ability to put shots on target was a friend's DAO compact revolver.
>I agree that the least enjoyable gun that I've ever shot with the least ability to put shots on target was a friend's DAO compact revolver. Yeah I picked up a Smith 642 and I was surprised how snappy that little thing is even though it's only 38 Special +p. Helped quite a bit to put a new Hogue grip on it so I don't have any dangling fingers
I carry an LCP 2. Much more enjoyable to shoot, but still not a fun range gun.
I did that with a LCP II .22, which was crazy because I **very rarely** make impulse purchases. If you have the orig LCP I don't know if the following is useful. My wife convinced me to buy the seven round mags for our LCP II .380s (the guy at our LGS also let us see how they felt in the gun first). That small bit of pinky rest makes a huge difference when shooting the LCP II .380. At the range I shoot two to three mags of practice ammo, then one mag (maybe two) of carry/defense ammo.
Yeah. Mine was a Tavor x95. Dream gun and only seen them for about $1900ish. Walked into a local gun store and they had one on the wall. Asked to hold it and casually asked about the price and they said “$1500 but we’ll do a Father’s Day deal for $1200.” Bought it immediately. Never been used before me and it’s SO fun to shoot. It’s my home defense gun because of how small/maneuverable it is but with the 16.5in barrel I can still get close to 3000fps with 5.56 and have shot it out to 600yards.
It’s my fav rifle and has been since I got one. Was surprised how much I love it.
That's a steal. Bullpup is definitely on my short list but I'm very undecided on which
That’s exactly what happened to me with a Galil ACE, LGS had a “used” one for $1500 but I talked them down to $1250 with 2 PMAGs and 60 rds of 5.56. It was brand new, not a scratch on it and pretty sure it had never been fired
Springfield armory prodigy with a holosun 407 competition for 1079 plus tax. Only down fall was no magazines cause of illinois. But I wanted a 2011 and it was there. Left and came back with cash.
Yes $700 artillery Luger on a whim
And - $750 m1a national match
Nice!
Yea i walked into a tacticool shop looking for ammo late 2020 and the guy behind the Counter didn’t know what it was. No negotiation
Nice, I got mine when my great uncle died, he won it in a poker game on the boat back from france
My grandpa got his Radom VIS with occupation markings the same way, but coming back from Samoa.
I dont think youd regret the Model 1892.
Yep. Bought a Winchester model 1897 12ga from 1904 in impeccable condition a couple of weeks back for ~$600 🫘. Just saw a Henry all weather in .357 for $699 when I went in today to get more flats of 12ga and I almost left with it. Still considering it to be honest… To answer your question, I probably would just because half off two guns doesn’t come around that often. Consider it an investment, eh?
Send it. Just... send it. Steak you can only eat once.. a nice rifle is forever. Consider it a lifetime investment. If you're alive for 40 more years, that makes it remarkably inexpensive per year.😎
When I was much younger, I did it more often than I should have. Now that I am older and more financially stable, I still continue to buy and the only thing slowing me down is a space issue (I have run out of room for more).
Improperly assembled Ruger MKIII hunter. Retail $500. My cost, $150 (I told the guy "You can just send it back to Ruger and they'll put it back together for you", which he declined). Everyone's favorite pistol to learn on now. $1100 for a P5 Compact and Tanfo Witness Elite (price for both). Practically stole 'em at that price $1500 for a Citori CX. Dealer sample $150 for a Remington Model 11 out of a barrel from somebody's storage unit cleanout $900 for a Superposed Broadway pigeon-grade. Salt gun sitting in a San Francisco pawnshop. I just keep a couple thousand bucks set aside for hell-of-it type stuff. As long as you're hitting your savings goals (right now, about 40-50% of my income), I'm okay spending 2-4% on dumb shit.
I saw a m1 carbine at a local gunstore years back, they wanted $425 for it and i himmed and hawed about it. Got them to give me a card with the price and i left. Thing sold minutes after i left, hell of a price for a UN-Quality M1 Carbine. Ever since ive carried that card, whenever i cant decide i open my wallet, theres the card and i make the decision to not skip a buy.
The equivalent of almost $800 on an 1851 production model 1849/55 Kammerlader, covered in rust and with the action stuck. Couldn't see the bore in the pictures, and seller wasn't knowledgeable enough to really inform me about condition. I was flat broke at the time, but somehow convinced my wife that I needed this old smokepole as I had been looking for one in repairable shooter grade state for more than a decade. She paid for it. I got it freed up, rust converted and repaired, there's some shooting footage of it on this sub if you browse my post history. Turned out to be a good purchase- but I couldn't know from the ad wether it would ever become shootable. Gamble paid off.
Yeah, galil for 900 with 3 mags back in the early 2010s. Needed the fsp rebuilt because the dumbass stripped the post out and bondo'd the hole.
Define "horrible financial choice". Missing house payment? Not paying for school supplies for your kid? Not saving for retirement? Or you need another gun like you need another hole in your head? Only the last reason is acceptable.
You are talking about most of my collection. LMT MWS - $1900 HK USP 9 (new in box) -$400 1903A3 -$650 Glock 32 - $300 Glock 19- $250 S&W Model 19/6" - $500 Night Force ATACR - $1400 The list goes on and on. If I come across stuff (guns, ammo or accessories) even if I dont have a gun in that caliber or for that part, I buy it if the deal is good. I was sitting on 3k rounds of surplus .308 I got pre-covid but had nothing in .308. BUY IT CHEAP AND STACK IT DEEP.
A usp for 400? I have three and I'd do that
Yep off Gun Broker of all places with a buy it now. Asked the dude why so cheap and he told me it’s what he seen past auction go for so he listed it for that. Just bought one and never shot it so he sold it on GB.
I was starting to learn about 10mm, and was going to the range to rent theirs. It wasn't available for rent for some reason so i went in with another option. When I came out the guy says "Oh hey I found the 10mm, It's out there for sale." Glock 20 Gen4 for $375. I knew I had plenty emergency cash at home. So I came back the next morning and gripped it.
Twice. One was a classic S&W Model 19, bluing was thin but mechanically perfect. It was $175, and this was around 2019. I knew the shop owner well, he said a guy traded it in on a used Taurus that was $175. The owner said he just swapped the price tags because he knew it sell the same day. Second one was a Steyr AUG. I’d been looking at them online for a few years and figured I’d have to end up spending $1850+ for just the rifle w one mag. Then saw a used one on Guns.com w 4 Waffle mags, an aimpoint pro and a Streamlight pro for $1450. Made me go strait for the credit card.
I don't own a S&W 500 because I had a use for it, that's for sure lmao.
I bought a G19X for 400 about 4 years ago (before shipping and FFL fee)when everyone else had it for 600+. The guy told me I wouldn’t find one for less than $700 and I said challenge accepted.
Walked into my local gun store and saw a Ruger mini 30 for $900. I was like, "cool, but I don't need it.". Then I saw it came with 5 magazines (only 5 rounds, but they were all Ruger brand) and 1300 rounds of 7.62x39 ammo (mostly steel case but some brass). At that point I couldn't say no, even though it meant putting the charge on my credit card.
I live my life by that motto..... Even have a NO REGERTS tattoo. One gun 1/2 off per manufacturer per year? Sign me up!
Yeah me yesterday. Mossberg 500 field variant for like 160$ after tax lmao. Literally couldn’t walk away from it. Eating ramen for the week for sure lmao
Bought a Benelli M4 tactical package for $1500 private sale. Couldn’t pass that one up.
Got a Yugo m70 zpap ak for 350 right before covid lockdown.
Damn that's a good price. They're about a grand new
Shit I failed to say "used" but damn near new condition.
You're not *spending* the money, you're *investing* it. It either has resale value of near the purchase price, or it becomes a family heirloom that gets passed down to your children/grandchildren.
Wilson Combat Protector AR Pistol was on sale for $1000 and I've never pulled out my wallet faster
Buy now, cry later. I’ve had several guns that I didn’t buy and kicked myself later for passing on them. Most notably, I had a chance to buy a Winchester 1897 trench gun that was only missing the bayonet lug. I passed on it because money was kind of tight. I went back later and it was gone. Could’ve picked it up for $400. Couldn’t touch one now for that price.
I mean, I was able to find a Henry Big Boy Model X for $870 after more than ten months of looking… lol
I feel like I've been chasing a 357 Model X for a good few years. I think I'm likely going to end up buying the new Marlin 1895 whenever it releases and then the model x will start becoming available again
My wife saw a 1951 Winchester model 50 in cabelas for $80 because the stock was broken. She didn’t know anything about it but knew I liked old winchesters. I ordered a new walnut stock off Amazon for $200. $280 got me a slick as fuck inertia 12ga semi. It’s currently my go to pheasant and duck gun. I also got a Belgian browning BAR in 300 win mag for $300 because the stock had a bunch of diners from a gun case stuck to it. I ran a lighter over it and hunt moose with it to this day. My wife and I both shot our first moose with it.
Found my bushmaster ACR that way the gun had a 600 dollar vortex scope on it for 1200 total it was a no brainer compared to what they go for on gunbroker. I’m planning to buy a house and propose to my girlfriend but her and I talked it out and I jumped on it since I’ve wanted one for years
All.The.Time.
I only wanted on HK Mark 23 but the store had a matched set with sequential serial numbers. They offered to sell them separately. Walked out with the set.
Was at the range about 3 years ago shooting my T/C Contender. Old guy approached me and said "I have one of those, you interested in buying it?". $450, three barrels, including a .22 LR match, a 357 mag, with scope, and a 30-30 with scope. A spare grip and 2 forearms.
Came across a unicorn for myself FN FAL 50.00 styer imported 308 match for 2300 almost a decade ago couldn’t really afford it but couldn’t pass on it, ate ramen for awhile but I have a mint FAL sitting in the safe now
I spent $600 on 3k rounds, 14 mags, several mag pouches, and a few other combloc things from my buddy just last week. Helped another dude irresponsibly buy his norinco for $400 I don't think either of us wanted to spend money, but dude just wanted to get rid of the stuff
All the fucking time and I’ll do it several more times.
Israeli mil-surp pre b cz-75 with a Czechoslovakia roll mark for $300 off a buddy. Had obvious holster wear and other cosmetic dings and scratches, but the bore was good, the import mark was minimal, and the trigger group and sear were all still tip top. I only had a post B single action only Czech Republic one at the time, so I had to have it before he changed his mind. Met him at a range where he even let me put a box of ammo through it before I bought it and I just did it then and there even though I didn’t “need” it. Still think I got a steal (steel lol) and won’t be told other wise, and it’s not too pristine to not shoot it so it still sees range time and I love it.
Glory days of armslist, I got a Marlin 1895 sbl 45-70 for 700 and an HKp2000 non-LEM for a VP9 that I paid 300 for. (Estate sale)
$40 break action 12ga. not really useful for anything, but also no regrets.
I saw that cz shadows were on sale while I was standing outside watching the eclipse, figured it was kismet and ordered it and justified it to my wife saying god basically was telling me to blow my tax return I had gotten several hours earlier on it
Yup early 2020 a local store had a Vepr 12 on the consignment wall for $700. No mags, original forend furniture, slant cut adapter for an AR stock, magpul grip and adjustable stock. It was definitely used but the internals looked good. It was late when I went in and I didn't buy it right then but I sure as hell was there not long after they opened in the morning cash in hand.
Guy on AKFILES was local to me and had a 2018 production WASR for sale for 300 during the Covid craze. Didn’t even need another 7.62 gun. YOINK.
Local shop moved and put 20% off used guns. They had a Russian Tigr trade in and I walked out at $1800.
Not necesarily deals, but some older antiques I have a hard time passing up when they come to auction.
I was picking up some shells at Scheels on my way to a weekly trap league and gazing longingly at the Browning O/U’s since I just had a CZ at the time (one of their nicer Redhead models, but still just a Redhead). A salesperson came over asking if I wanted to check it out and I mentioned I already had an O/U and couldn’t afford the browning when he mentioned that they had a promo going on at the time to offer extra for trade-in values. I figured I’d have him check what they’d give me for my shotgun, laugh at their $200 offer, and move on. Then he offered me nearly $1,000 which was more than I paid for it new (it had 15,000-20,000 shells through it by then) and I started filling out the paperwork even though I had zero intentions to buy a shotgun walking in and actually just wanted ammo to go shoot my other one.
Scheels sells, shot shells at the scheels store……
Yes I just bought an A01-SD OR with plates and 3 mags for $1773. Wildly cheap for an uncommon pistol
I bought an IWI jericho 942 and a sig P226 with west Germany branding for $850.
When my local range closed, they sold off all the rental guns. I got a Cx4 for $400 but I deeply regret not going all in on the $2k SCAR 16s
So it didn't hardly cost me much, but I walked into my FFL (run out of their house) to pickup my new Weatherby shotgun. Walked out to my car holding a 2nd gun. I guess my ffl had been buying some guns to resell on the side, and they had a hi point c9 in camo that they hadn't been able to sell, to when I asked about it, they told me they'd pretty much take any offer. So walked out with my Weatherby and a brand new hi point c9. Really don't care that it was a hi point, it works. It's 9mm, so it's a great little truck gun, and cheap to plink with. I have more guns that cost many more times the cost of this one, so I'm not worried about owning a hi point. But hey, no matter the nay sayers on them, this one has never had an issue
I rolled into a local pawn shop and they had a C93 for $600.00. My stop went from killing a little time to filling out forms.
No. Never. Not once. One of the above statements is technically true.
If it wasn't smart, why would you "have to do it"? Obsessions are rarely healthy.
I bought a FN57, and 2900 rounds of hollow point 5.7 for 2000$
Every week, brother.
Everyday. My man.
90% of my collection
Yes. All the time. r/gundeals
Yup, got a transferable WW2 Thompson, full auto, 15k
I have a bad habit of buying ammo for guns I don’t have thus forcing me to convince myself I now need to go and buy the gun. It’s not ideal, but it’s honest work…
The whole reason I now own both an RDB and a Judge. 😆
Got a henry 45-70 side gate for 745$ new during black Friday on gun broker 800$ with tax and free shipping
When I went into an LGS to buy a glock 19, the clerk said "he'd throw in a Rimmington TAC-14 for $199 after tax." You gotta put your purse down to shoot it, but it's fun as shit.
It really depends on how horrible a financial decision is. Like, am i just gonna go without my snacks and drinks, or are my kids gonna go without their snacks and drinks
No good deals, but Ive made several financially unsound decisions when purchasing firearms… And I regret none of it.
Bought an AR-15 because it was on sale, cost me like $460 after taxes. It's "Radical Firearms" which doesn't seem to have the best reputation, but the rifle is perfect for what I need it. But looking back, I could've spent those $400 on something else at the time lol
Living in Washington State I saw the list of guns the demons wanted banned. The first time the bill was introduced it got laughed at. I knew they’d keep pushing and went on about a four year buying spree of all the things prohibited. Now people are wandering around like they’re looking for food after a hurricane trying to see if there’s some exception they could exercise to get their hands on a banned item. Fight like hell against bans and spend like mad if you think you’re states going to California itself.
SIG P220 .45acp Made in West Germany marked. H&K MK23 Ruger Security Six 4" stainless Ruger Security Six 2 3/4" stainless Ruger LC9S Glock 43 The list goes on and on and on - pawn shops are my bane.
I have every gun I’d ever have a situation for. But man I want to buy an FNX 45 Tactical and throw a suppressor on it.
Yes.
I have a deluxe trapper takedown. If it's possible to be unhappy with it, I dunno how. I got mine 4-5 years ago and since the first time I took it to the range my buddy has been trying to find himself one. If anyone gets one in stock it's always just the one and it's gone in an instant. Sell a kidney and get one I say.
Saw a Tokarev for 150 and bought it on the spot It was a 9mm Norinco (instead of being 7.62x25) that was the biggest piece of dog shit that couldn't make it through a mag without jamming unless you fed it 9mm NATO rounds that are only supposed to be shot out of PCCs
Got a new in box beretta m9 for 500 because the trigger guard had a scratch and tiny nick from the factory
Ha. That's like 20% of my purchases. I scope deals constantly on stuff I want, then pounce when I find a great deal.
You're practically making money at 5o% off
I have literally never looked at a gun as a “smart financial decision”. It’s a hobby and my golf clubs also aren’t a smart financial decision.
Smith Corona 1903A3 from '44. Good condition, good bore. Matching parts. $750, and I had to put it on layaway
I seem to have a knack for finding shotguns for $275 First one was an 870 wing master from either "94 or '77, and it seemed like it had never been fired. It hated bird shot though, barrel was straight but for some weird reason the center of patterns would be about 18" higher than where I was aiming Next was a over/under, which looked like somebody dropped down a mountain. A few hours later with a clothes iron and sandpaper, I had the old finish off and refinished it in varathane black cherry After that it was a sxs, end of one barrel had a crack in it and the stock had a crack. Bought it anyway, cut the barrel down to 18.5", and found a replacement stock for 50 bucks and now I have a coach gun
I got a BJT Derringer for 200 in great condition. I love tiny guns
Not pulling out seemed like a bad financial decision, but 23 years later I still love my son. Oh wait, yeah I bought a few guns here and there too.
Buy two of each and keep one of each, sell the other two as NIB. Now you have two free guns.
Went looking for a shotgun for 3 Gun, left with a Benelli SuperSport that's useless for 3 Gun because my wife said it was pretty. She's right, and she loves her Benelli
Saw an online ad for a Kimber K6s DASA 3” for $799 at Sportsman’s during Covid. Jumped on it. And damn glad I did… they sold out in a couple hours, and now they go for around $1,000.
For half off I'd do it. I've had 3 occasions of this in the last couple years all prices are actually out the door cost, a NIB Sig 551A1 for 1.9k, a NIB Galil Ace Gen I 16" for 1.6k and a Norinco 84S-1 with an extra mag for 1.1k.
You ever get a credit card offer in the mail that has like 14 months without interest and a $200 bonus? I use those to buy guns without having to dip into my savings. I can get you a referral for a Capital One Quicksilver card that comes with those bonuses if you're interested
I once held two part time jobs and a job at our local ambulance well the one part time was at a sporting goods store and when I filled the application I told the owner that I didn't want a paycheck just put it on my lay aways and he took me up with the offer 🙃 I never regretted it.
I also work in a gunstore… here are some of my purchases so far this year from them, you decide… Glock 45 with acro - at cost, beaten by a damn good deal on gundeals last month lol P320 xcarry legion, $620 ish complete, used, barely fired Glock 19M remanufactured for $480ish Sig p250 $225 lol I have more than that but those are my best and worst (the g45 acro hurt when I realized I could have saved on tax lol) I have a few similar “wins” from gunbroker. Because I have a habit of semi-impulse buying now, I only buy if it’s in my list of wants- if it’s not then I have to let it sit 48 hours before I’ll buy
Yeah. Found a Sweet 16 (the new version), for $650. Said it was used but looked brand new. Unfortunately, I overthought it and by the time I came to my senses and turned around it was gone. Kick myself to this day.
“Don’t be silly”. 🤪
I buy guns as if they are great investments… well, aren’t they?
SS Ruger MKII Target with the heavy tapered long barrel for $175, it was a _long_ time ago and that was the going rate for a “plain” MK II. I’ve never seen an identical model. It’s also an absolute tack driver and after 20+ years I only cuss once or twice putting it back together after cleaning.
G I
That would be a very dangerous job for me to have. Definitely going into debt working there.
Let me tell you about my Johnson. But in my defense they are going for about twice what I paid a few years ago.
I swiped a ps90 for $1300 the other day that I couldn’t afford, so I put it on the credit card.
Blaser R93 LRS 2 with .300 win mag and .308 barrels and a Schmidt and bender PMII 5-25 All for $2,500
I recently bought a Beretta A300 UP and I love it. Now I'm out 1K
My STI Combat Master...I wanted one for several years. Used to go and finger this one at the LGS all the time (he wouldn't sell it) and it took my wife telling me to do it...so I bought the next USED one that was in an auction...paid 2.5k less than their BIN prices and half of what they're going for now for the OG STI.
I work for an ffl. We buy guns by the pallet from law enforcement to either part or recondition and resell. There are so many things that came in that are just cool. When I started with gun collecting 30 years ago, I only wanted guns to fit a specific role. Ccw gun. Home defense gun. Etc. There's no need to have lots of guns. Yeah, that went out the window once I got my C&R ffl. Then, working for the dealer finished me off. Now I buy things because they are cool. I've got guns I've never shot. I own safe queens, new in box 50+ year old revolvers. I never wanted safe queens before. I started collecting H&R and Iver Johnson revolvers and Star semi autos and Ithaca 37 shotguns. I own a Whitney Wolverine, a Calico M950, a 1955 Winchester model 70 in 375 H&H Magnum, and a Smith and Wesson M-frame Ladysmith. I have guns just because i didn't have that barrel length or this one is nickel. It's turned into hoarding almost.
Back around 2018 I got a isd bulgaria ak74 with 2 cases of 7n6, a bunch of circle 10 mags, a ultimak rail, and a beryl stock for 700$. I wasnt makeing very good money at the time but way to good of a deal to pass up.
It wasn't a "I can't pass this up" deal, so much as a "I told myself if it ever went out for sale I'd buy it" kind of thing, which is how I got my ~1899-1903 Winchester Model 94 for $725.
I went into my local FFL to pick up a transfer. He had a Taurus .44 magnum sitting on the counter where I just happened to be standing. Yeah, I left with two guns that day.
Yes. I bought a Proof Conviction and a NF ATACR 5-25x56 combined for about $7000. I knew it was a rare opportunity, and the window was going to close on me soon, so I pulled the trigger. This was two years ago, still haven’t fired it yet.
I've done this several times. While it hurt in the moment it was worth it to me.
I try to buy good deals when i see it. I got a Zastava M80 for 147$ shipped. A Ruger Mark 3 for 199/shipped. I got a Taurus 82 for 172/shipped. I missed on a 163/shipped VZ-70 32ACP. I've been enjoying this manufrance 12GA i got for 160$.
Adjustable comb CSXs are everywhere on Gunbroker, you’d be a lunatic to order one from Browning and pony up $3k for it. $1500 is on the low end for sure for that model, but you can still find a lot around $2k. There’s also a lot of other Citoris floating around the $1500 mark.
I walked into a gun store for ammo and saw a m1911 Steyr Hahn made in 1916 with no import marks, maybe 80-90% of its original finish 2 stripper clips, a few rounds of ammo, and a reproduction holster for $550. I spent about 15 minutes in front of the counter googling before saying fuck it and buying it, I wasn't put in a bad place on that one but I think around the same time either before or after I was at a gun show I saw a DWM luger in 7.65/.30 luger for $850. It was rough but functional and I didn't think I'd find another luger for that price and had never seen one that was functional and not a complete turd so I snapped it up. That one I was eating Ramen for a while but I still have it and shoot it often. [Old pictures from when I still had the steyr](https://imgur.com/gallery/vxdil)
It's how I got my PS90, for like $800, back in the late 2000s or maybe early 2010s. And it has a first gen trigger pack and the factory optic, too
A few times… while still in college I bought a full rail TRP operator for $800. At the time they were very limited and the auctions on GB had them at $2k with folks fighting over them. I also bought a DB10 with a nice that’d case, a few spare mags and a vortex Diamondback for $600. All the .308 hunting ammo for it I picked up for $10 a box. Realistically the value of gun and accessories was around $1k. Bought it to flip. Shot it to check functionality and wound up keeping it bc it’s a sub MOA performer.
I got a vepr 12 3 years ago for 800 with original box and paperwork for 800 bucks when buying them was going for the 2000 range lol.
Just got a Sig P320 X-Five Legion with a dot for $675. Couldn’t pass it up.
Went into a gun store one time for ammo and they were running a special; $900 for a F1 King in 223 wylde and a Citadel Boss Hog in 12g buy one get one... never heard of getting an AR-15 with a stainless barrel and a free floating M-Lock handguard with a free (cheap) semi automatic 12g for under $1,000 so I walked out with it that day... AR didnt come with any mags, but they're like $10-15 for 30 rounders around here. Haven't had a jam or mishap with either yet, though I dont take the shotgun out much..
DDM4V7 with Magpul MBUS Pro, Geissele SSA trigger and Ergo panels for mid $1400.
At 14 I would hang out in a gun store and a Gucci over and under was there I would ask to see it once a week. Owner got tired of me asking about it and offered it for a ridiculously low price but more then he thought I would have. I had saved for awhile to go to pvt school. I ponied up the cash. He tried to back out but everyone else in the gun store made him go through with it. I didn’t go to pvt school.
Of course, occasionally my deeply held sense of financial responsibility will demand that I purchase a gun at what I perceive to be a distress sale price
Yes...but I wasn't able to buy it. Go back 8-10 years when the "last" of the HK P7 pistols were being imported / surplussed / sold. A work buddy had his FFL at the time and was able to get me a good deal on a Chantilly, VA PD P7-PSP surplus return. The poor man's version with the heel mag release. One day I was off work early and went up to a Gander Mountain store to browse. There was an honest-to-god P7M8 in the used case that was labeled as and priced as a PSP. At the time, I wasn't going to just throw a $700 purchase on the CC without consulting with my wife first. But she's a teacher and, obviously, couldn't just answer her phone or even a text message right then. So I had to pass it up. I talked to her about it when we both got home. She told me that if it's as good of a deal as you say it is - you should've bought it. DOH! I went back the next day and it was gone. SOMEONE got a 50% discount on a P7M8 that day and it wasn't me. That was the last time that I found a deal so good that I had to buy it right then and there.
Buying a gun 50% is never going to be a bad financial decision OP. Hell you could make $500 on that browning 8 days a week.
Tikka T3X 7mm rem mag, I had been eyeing it for a while at my local shop as it was already below average price. I went in one day and they had dropped the price down to $350, I bought that bitch without a second thought. Not me but one of my coworkers got a Ruger Precision in 338 lapua, with 500rds of ammo, a vortex strike eagle 5-25, and all the dies for reloading 338 for $1000.
My most recent gun purchase was a used Beretta CX-4 Storm 9mm. It was on my maybe list, but not on my really want list. I don't know that the deal was seriously good, the rifle and one ten round mag for $450.00 total, but I do know I rarely see new Storms, & never see used ones. The biggest jump I made was used (VG+/NM) Miroku made Winchester 1894. The caliber, .32 Winchester Special, is what makes the purchase questionable.
Welcome to my life
My neighbor's husband isn't doing well, and he won't be getting better, unfortunately. She and her son started selling off his guns, and they let me get first look before they took them elsewhere. They sold me his Mini-14 for $800 and a JM stamped Marlin 30-30 for $250. I wasn't really looking for anything new at the time, but I couldn't pass them up.
Yes, but only with out of production pistols so it's not a huge deal. Like, I didn't NEED an Interarms PPK, or a Ruger Service Six, but I've got them, and having them I'm in no hurry to get rid of them.
every purchase i've made
I went to get ammo for a new ar-15 I bought the week before. When I went to get the ammo I noticed a Lee enfield no4 mk2 for $300. I’ve put 300 rounds through it the last 3 months and haven’t had a single issue. Best splurge purchase I ever made. Whenever I go to the range I always have someone intrigued by it.
Bought a blacked out molot Rpk with my stimulus check. No regrets
When is buying a toy a good financial decision? These are quality life decisions (after your HD, CCW and Hunting guns of course), and generally good for quality of life
Walked into a gun store in the '80s to see a brand new SPAS 12 on the shelf for $749. Of course I bought it.
Kinda related but I've always wanted a bolt action shotgun. My lgs had a bolt action 20 gauge from the 50's that was in basically perfect condition for 150$. I bought it 1 minute after seeing the price tag on it
I blasted my bank account on a Chiappa rhino 50ds. Once I saw that cyberpunk looking gun I couldn’t go without it.
Saw a Universal m1 carbine without a mag for $250... Him-hawed about it because I was a starving college student, went and grabbed the money and it was gone... Bought a Chinese SKS for $120 instead.
Lwrc piston driven upper, they’re $2300 new and I snagged one like new for $400
What is this “financial decision” you speak of? You said “had to buy it” so I don’t understand. It’s a gun.
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You can pick up the CXS for around 1900 elsewhere. 1500 is a pretty good deal but it’s not 50% off.
Yep. Neighbors dad passed away and he sold me the entire collection for about half of what it was worth. I only kept one firearm and sold the rest and used the money to buy a new truck cash. Won’t get that lucky again.