New collector

[FlexoMan]

Hey everyone. I'm new to gun collecting (although not at all new to gun ownership!!). I'm starting my collection by trying to acquire some nice Colt revolvers, as well as Winchester collectible long arms. Any advise on where the best place to go is? I've been looking around GB, just not exactly sure what I'm looking at all the time. I'd hate to make a bad purchase. Any advise?? Any experts online who offer appraisal services, even for a fee?? Thanks in advance folks!

[Collects]

Welcome to Coltforum! I hope you like it here as much as I do.

Flexo, if you post some good photos, our resident Colt experts will happily opine all about the Colts.

Welcome to the interesting and exciting field of Colt collecting, but watch your wallet; it is now at high risk!

[FlexoMan]

Thanks collects! I'm pretty excited about Colt collecting. I've always loved everything about them, and the fact that they're a great investment if it's a wise purchase....what an awesome hobby!!

[mentallapse]

I have purchased many guns off Gunbroker, Auction Arms, etc. Some of the buys were excellent deals, others were flops. Just make sure the seller has a good reputation. Read the feedbacks and look at the pictures that go with the sold item. Gunbroker lets you look back about three months. Make sure the seller will take a return, no questions asked. Have fun. You will find some very knowledgeable people on this forum. Most are kind and gentle and want to help. They all want new collectors to help keep the interest rolling. The more the better for all of us.

[Coltlover]

I have made many purchases off of GB, and only had one bad experience. Make sure you do your homework before bidding, and ask all of the questions before you bid. If they seller will not take the time to answer your questions, I don't recommend bidding, because you can not handle the gun, so the pictures and info you get from him is all you have to base your bid off of.

[Skans]

I have 18 transactions on Gunbroker - all positive, no disappointments.

[Rick]

Hey everyone. I'm new to gun collecting (although not at all new to gun ownership!!). I'm starting my collection by trying to acquire some nice Colt revolvers, as well as Winchester collectible long arms. Any advise on where the best place to go is? I've been looking around GB, just not exactly sure what I'm looking at all the time. I'd hate to make a bad purchase. Any advise?? Any experts online who offer appraisal services, even for a fee?? Thanks in advance folks!

Flex, I would advise that you first start a collection...of reference books! There are so many altered or "helped" guns out there that getting "burned" is a real possibility.

One saying that's been around collecting forever is, " if you haven't gotten snookered (on a faked or altered gun) on a gun, you haven't been buying enough of 'em!" Just trying to save you the grief that a LOT of us have experienced.

[DFrame]

If you're new to collecting, you can never have too much reference material. You might also consider which models you like most and concentrate in that area. I collect Detective Specials, Cobras and other D frames. though I have others, that is the focus of my interest