[CZ52GUY]

I tend to lean toward less expensive sleeper guns (e.g. Makarov, CZ's, Arcus, etc.)...sort of like the folks that chase bargains at the Flea Market looking for that most valueable antique.

I like variety, so sleeper quality vs. Blue Chip quality begs a question like, is that Sig' 226 really twice the gun as the CZ-75B?

I'm not trying to convert anyone, and acknowledge that every shooter has to make that decision based on their own circumstances. My experience with sleeper guns has been quite good, and I'm knocking the "prima donna's" ;) , just offering one shooter's opinion.

I'm interested in yours.

Best wishes,

CZ52'

[schadenfreude]

That's a tough one. Do I think the Sig is twice as good as a cheaper gun? Possibly when my family depends on it, it's a small price to pay. But generally speeking no. I bought a new Beretta Vertec and a used Glock 17 last week beacuse both blue chip guns. After shooting both I'm thinking of seling the Beretta to my brother and getting a Bersa 380 and a ruger 22 that I took a liking to.

Variety seems a little more important. Sort of quantity or quality.....lol :D

[10-Ring]

I guess I've evolved into a blue chip kinda shooter. I've used a few "sleepers" & wasn't satisfied in the performance I was getting. I find value in buying a gun once & not having to worry about anything.

[Black Snowman]

When I lay down my cash I look for bang for the buck to fill my percieved "needs". I have a few "blue chip" guns but they were all gifts. But knowing how well they perform it really raised the bar on my new aquisitions.

If the blue chip has the features and performance I want cheaper than I can get it otherwise (custom work on a cheaper weapon, etc . . . ) then I still consider it a "value" weapon.

[CZ52GUY]

If the blue chip has the features and performance I want cheaper than I can get it otherwise (custom work on a cheaper weapon, etc . . . ) then I still consider it a "value" weapon.

Excellent observation.

I too consider "total cost of acquisition" to include an appropriate holster, extra mag's (to get to a total of at least 5), and whether new sights, grip replacement, or other factors are going to come into play.

BTW, I'm more inclined to consider a used Blue Chip than a new one, and my safe is about evenly split between new (or Surplus) Sleepers and Used Blue Chips.

Best Wishes,

CZ52'

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's All-

Well, not trying to be a "hot dog" or smart a$$; I voted
for option number two. As I have stated on TFL, and here
on THR I demand quality; as is shown by my choice
of SIG-SAUER/SIGARMS, SMITH & WESSON and long guns
by REMINGTON. In my limited experience with RUGER
and GLOCK firearm's, they also are worthy of a favorable
rating; as is H&K, WALTHER, and BERETTA.

As a side note, I think quality weapons made my a major
manufactuer will stand on their own. Its up to we, who
use these firearms to test, evaluate, and report findings
on all makes and models of firearm's!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[CZ52GUY]

Where is it written that knowing what you want, and putting down your hard earned $$ to get it the first time makes you an intellectual posterier?;)

It's a legit' alternative if you have the patience, discipline, or available resources.

There is a special "joy in the chase" that you may miss, but there are some hassles with hunting Sleepers...they don't always perform as advertised.

Fortunately for me, I've been universally pleased with my Sleepers.

Best wishes,

CZ52'

[sm]

Dunno how to vote:p
I better go for "other"... .

In bottom feeders my main interest is the 1911 style. I go for quality -that does not mean I'm brand loyal. Plus I have no problem spending for what I want , but if I'm patient and carry cash and get a great deal, okay all the better if it's a used one.
My second favorite auto shucker is the BHP.
I do own one polymer gun-it will be my last.

Yep, I'm an "other"...I think...

[Jason Demond]

I buy whatever strikes my fancy. I have a lot of expensive firearms, but that wouldn't keep me from buying a cheap one.

[Dave Markowitz]

I have something of a mix, although this is largely the result of my propernsity to buy very good+ condition used guns.

E.g., I own the following handguns, all purchased used:

S&W Model 15
S&W Model 28
S&W Model 640
S&W Model 18
S&W M1905 M&P, 4th Change w/adjustable sights. Made in the 20s but looks new. :D
Ruger New Model Blackhawk convertible
Ruger Old Model Single Six
Ruger Old Army (Traded my dad a Savage 99T for it. I got the better end of the deal.
Heh.)
CZ-52

And the handguns I have that were bought new:

Browning High Power Practical (Second one, because I foolishly sold the first.)
Browning Micro Buck Mark
Bulgarian Makarov (Unissued, so I regard it as new.)
Uberti Colt 1851 Navy
Euroarms 1858 Remington Army

[hansolo]

I've only been into shooting/guns for about two years, so I'm learning the wheat vs. the chaff: I'm not wealthy or dirt poor, but, were I wealthy, I'd load up on "Blue Chips" first, and then go for more inexpensive-but-cool handguns....I own a 1956 S&W M/P, a 2003 CZ 75B 9mm and 2003 S&W 910s 9mm. I bought the CZ & 910s new...total cost of my three handguns: $900.00 - That's a pretty good variety for less than the cost of one "Blue Chip". I'm lusting for a BHP, Beretta Elite and a 1911 in .45 acp, not necessarily in that order....and a S&W 686, 66, 60, 629, etc.:rolleyes:

[SnWnMe]

I only have one "sleeper" gun. My first handgun, EG Makarov. It occupies a place of honor in my brace of guns.

The rest of my toys are, in descending order of quantity: Smith, Colt, Ruger and Winchester.