[Mr.Revolverguy]

A friend of mine is in a tough spot. He retired as an LEO after 26 years. He just found out this year that he has to pay state taxes for the last 2 years. He has a S&W 25-2 6 1/2 Pin Barrel. He purchased it brand new many moons ago and according to his log book 154 rounds through it. Never has been in a holster I would rate it 99% no sign of blue wear except for the cylinder turn ring. He also has the matching box and papers with it, but not much of a big deal for me since it will be a shooter. The deal is $700.00 for it and 20 moon clips. I have a 625 5inch PC and he knows I love the 45acp especially in revolver.

I do not think it is a great deal but not a bad one either especially knowing how he takes care of his firearms. I even offered to loan him the $700 to help out with the taxes but he says he just can't. Plus he would love to see this go to someone that will take care of it and have a good time with it.

Seems weird but I do not know if I should go over hand him the cash and walk out, or if that would offend him. He is the type no matter how long we have known each other that just can't take a handout.

What do you think about the situation?

[Ala Dan]

Att: Mr.Revolver Guy--

Go over with the $700 cash in hand, tell your friend how much you do
appreciate his generosity; and that you will give his S&W model 25-2
lots of T-L-C. ;) :D

FootNote: I have been looking for one of those myself for years. Just
recently, I inspected a brand NIB "Classic" series S&W model 25-?; but
believe me, it ain't the same gun~! :( :eek:

[SaxonPig]

IMO $700 is a little on the high side for a 25-2... unless it's a friend selling it because he needs money. In which case I give him the $700 and tell him he can buy it back in a year or two when he gets his finances in order.

Fortunately I have not been in such a situation where I desperately needed to sell any guns... but fortunately I have been in a position to help friends on an occassion or two when they needed help.

[10X]

I had a bit of a struggle to sell a 25-2 in 98% condition for $600 last year.
I had the presentation case, tools, papers etc. $700 is a bit high.

I think Saxonpig's advice is the best. Since this is a good friend buy the gun for $700 and tell him he can buy it back within a year or two, whatever you decide.

[Quoheleth]

It sounds like this guy is a real friend. So, may I suggest the following:

Make the trade/sale.

Put the gun on the shelf in your closet or gun safe. Keep it clean, oiled, and as-is.

In a couple months inquire (tactfully) if he's in a better financial position. Sell it back to him, or even let him pay it back over 2, 3 months.

If he's already a friend, you'll have an even better friend for life.

Q

[Murdock]

Buy it without further discussion, and offer it back after a discrete interval.

If you have the strength of character to do so. :evil: You're gonna love that gun.

[cslinger]

Hell buy the gun and do like the other folks said.....but you are renting that sucker and guns are indeed made to be shot so you got to put a few rounds through her. :D Just take good care of it.

Seriously if you are in the financial position to do so I say you "buy" the gun as others have said and makes plans to sell back at said later date. This way your buddy gets the cash, still has access to shoot the gun and may very well buy it back later. You help a buddy and get a new cool gun to play with for a while. Win win for everybody.

Chris

[Mr.Revolverguy]

I went and picked it up today. It was more about offending a good friend than it was if I should do it or not, or if it was worth it. I got there today and he said after thinking about it. All he needed was 625 out of it. We looked in the blue book and it says a 6 1/2 inch barrel adds $150 to the price. I acted like I was taking money out of the envelope but left $700 in there. I got about half way home and his wife called. She said he was to much of a man to call, so she was calling to say thank you on behalf of the family.

I told him I will keep it nice for him. He said nah it has sat in his safe this long, he just wanted to see it go to someone who would take care of it and enjoy it. He said the last time he shot it was in 1989 then he broke out his log book and confirmed it. I need to get as organized as he is about things, especially shooting. He was not trying to keep it as a collectable. He just fell in love with the 1911 and that is where his time and efforts went. He has some nice Wilsons, Kimbers, and Les Baer's.

Semper Fi bro that's what friends are for.

[StrawHat]

The 25-2 was made to shoot.

It does this very well indeed.

I enjoy mine every chance I get, also a 6 1/2" model.

Wonder what Blue Book meant by the premium on the 6 1/2" barrel? I have tried for years to get a 6" barreled M25-2 with no luck.

And the 4" barrel? I have only seen one.

So I made myself the one I carry and use daily.

Regardless, you will enjoy the 25-3.

If you handload, get yourself some Lyman 454423s, a 235 grain SWC designed for the 45 Auto Rim cartridge. Nice bullets and turn the target gun into a hunting revolver.

Good luck and enjoy it.

[Huddog]

Nice work and a great gun too. Good friends are a hard find, sounds like your friend has one.

[10X]

Mr. Revolverguy, you are an honorable man.

[Bear41mag]

When a man has friends like you, he is rich beyond monetary means...enjoy the 25-2, I love mine.

[hacksaw]

Well done!

[bigmike45]

You are the man!!!

The 25-2 was my first revolver and I kick myself for ever selling it.:banghead:

Take care of it and it will definately take care of you if ever needed.