[chaosrob]

I have found out I have a lot to learn. There are so much misrepresented pistols/packaging scam artists out there when it comes to these things you really have to put a lot of time into researching what is corrrect before dipping your toe. It has been made very apparant that I do not know enough to play this game, and need to stay away from all but shooter quality in order to not get burned. My hat's off to those of you who know what you are doing with these things, you have a lot of time invested in your research I am sure. For those who have helped me with my questions I apprecitae it

 

[myellowc5]

It is difficult for anyone to judge quality of most guns with only pictures and descriptions especially on auction sites. Most people selling guns on this forum and from my experience the Smith and Wesson forum buying is much less risky. Although you may pay a bit more from high end dealers it is the safest way too not get burned .

 

[chaosrob]

I would agree. I meant no disrespect towards anyone on this site, I am sure they are all quite upstanding. My thing is tags, books, labels, boxes, inserts, etc. I am amazed at how so many can readily identify the crap from the gold at a glance. I need to catch up or I am going to waste a lot of money lol

 

[smkummer]

That is why I try to buy guns that are very nice shooters because they will get shot. If a gun comes with the box, I wont turn it down but now I have to store the box. Nice Colt shooters are going up about as fast as NIB guns. This is all suppose to be fun.

 

[kooz]

Yes, it is tough buying these things , I am a shooter and not a collecter. I bought a 3rd gen NF .45 online and it looked very nice in the pics , I also talked to the guy at great length about the condition. When I got it in my hand it wasn't nearly as nice as the photos, not a total POS, but still misrepresented. Also the dimensions/tolerences were all over the place, .458 cyl throats, .490 chambers, action was rough, front gripstrap screw was to long so the first time I pulled the hammer back it put a nice big scratch on the cylinder, front sight was on crooked also. In the end I sent the NF along with a 3rd .45 SAA to Hamilton Bowen to be gone thru and put back to spec with new cylinders, and a sight for the SAA that will regulate 260gr bullets. I have always wanted a nice "shooter" Colt, but over the years and after measuring piles of them, I could never find one that had correct tolerences so I just picked a couple that looked good and had them made right.

 

[Matchlock]

Hi there, Rob, is it?

Each of us have our own reason why we collect or (for me) accumulate guns. My reason for example is because I really like guns, and I can. It's as simple as that.

Wherever I go, if there's a gun for sale and I want it, I buy it. I usually give absolutely no thought that "oh God, is this the real tag" While it's nice if you can get all the "real" stuff with it, that' for me anyway isn't the issue. I buy the gun because I like the gun, and not because there's some original plastic thingy hanging off the trigger guard.

Enjoy them for what they are, and if you happen to get lucky with some "original" equipment, then great!! That, is a bonus.

I hope that helps my friend.

Bud
ps
......... and oh yes, I forgot this. I have been buying guns for more than fifty years now, and I still don't know "Jack" compared to some of the good members of this Colt Forum.

I have found out I have a lot to learn. There are so much misrepresented pistols/packaging scam artists out there when it comes to these things you really have to put a lot of time into researching what is corrrect before dipping your toe. It has been made very apparant that I do not know enough to play this game, and need to stay away from all but shooter quality in order to not get burned. My hat's off to those of you who know what you are doing with these things, you have a lot of time invested in your research I am sure. For those who have helped me with my questions I apprecitae it

 

[MtnSpur]

I still don't know "Jack"

Ah, but you do my friend, you do......

 

[chaosrob]

I'm just saying that if it is over shooter price it is out of my league to know if it is worth it or not at the moment so I will stick with the cheapo's or through the forum. Thanks all

 

[Chaffee]

I've backed out of the gun game altogether. That is until my bank account catches up to my desires.

 

[MtnSpur]

As with any interest that might require substantial investment for the "right piece" it is imperative that you know your stuff. The fake or "put together" packages selling for twice or more the value because an unsuspecting buyer didn't know it was not factory original has escalated on GB and out of 4 listings it seems 3 aren't correct.

I'm an accumulator more than collector though I do have a few old pieces that are unfired outside of the factory with original box to the gun. These are the exception, not the rule. Then there are a couple recent manufactured NIB pieces that will get fired/used but they were purchased for that purpose.

FWIW you can purchase through any number of members who are dealers in fine condition Colts, pay premium price, but know you're getting the correct package as these guys stand behind their reputation and inventory. Sure, it may cost a bit more but you are investing at that point and in a span of time the worth will exceed what you paid.

I like shooting my firearms so any investment pieces were simply me being in the right place at the right time and had the capital to acquire the piece. As Bud said, tags and boxes aren't my thing. Shooting then cleaning for the next range session is more my deal.

 

[gruesome]

I buy nice shooters, I love to have my friends look at my newest find. I only have one python that I dont shoot, a 6in that has 0nly had one wheel of 38,s plus factory group. Other than that one I shoot them, and at some point I may fire that one. Makes it easier than the grief that comes with the wondering about box papers and all the stuff. If it dont come with it I dont worry.