Shear_stress
Member
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2005
- Messages
- 2,728
Demand has gone through the roof with these guns. Expectations of quality and price are sky high. While this is true on average, it doesn't have to be that way. Here are a few ways to avoid getting rooked on a semi-auto purchase in these ridiculous times:
1. Have in mind several guns that you would be willing to buy. If you are holding out for that one perfect Arsenal SLR106FR with plum furniture, you're going to to be holding out for a long time. Also, if you are on the prowl for only one model, you increase your likelihood of getting screwed when that exact gun pops up with a chump price on the hang tag. Even though I love AK-style guns, I acknowledge that there isn't a yawning gap in functionality between the lowliest WASR (which I own) and the finest Chicom (which I own).
2. Shop around. Today's consumer has been conditioned for instant gratification. Gun buyers are no different: the culture of deal seeking is nearly extinct among us. I'm amazed when I read posts by folks who went to one store or gun show and then complain that what they wanted wasn't there. Big surprise. It's also shocking that people go to one source and are willing to pay big bucks for whatever they have behind the counter. Despite the virtual disappearance of kitchen table FFLs, there are probably more places to buy guns now than ever. Have a list of places you check frequently. This goes for the online dealers as well (AIM Surplus, Centerfire Systems, etc.) Capitalism: catch the fever.
3. Cruise the online auctions. Constantly. Seriously, get a Gunbroker account if you don't have one already and plan on spending a lot of time hitting the "new since last visit" button. Great "buy it now" deals pop up daily on GB, but are gone in an hour and sometimes within minutes. Point is: the deals are still out there.
4. When you see what you want at the right price, do not hesitate. If you do, it will be mine.
5. Know more than the other guy. Spend as much time as possible researching the myriad types of AK-style rifles: the good, the bad, and the just plain ugly. A good working knowledge of these guns avoids paying too much for a frosty-bored, garage-made, screw-build or passing on that SA-85M because of the just plain ugly post-ban stock.
6. Be handy with tools. With a minimum of labor, that ugly thumbhole SA-85M can become a gorgeous AK-knock off while retaining full 922(r) compliance.
7. Remember that shopping for guns is a hobby unto itself. It's what I'm doing when I'm not shooting guns, reading about guns, working on guns or doing something only marginally useful like, uh, working. Make a project out of it. Have patience and you will get what you want for what you're willing to pay. Even now. If you miss out on a deal, and you will, don't beat yourself up. Whatever it is, they made more than one.
1. Have in mind several guns that you would be willing to buy. If you are holding out for that one perfect Arsenal SLR106FR with plum furniture, you're going to to be holding out for a long time. Also, if you are on the prowl for only one model, you increase your likelihood of getting screwed when that exact gun pops up with a chump price on the hang tag. Even though I love AK-style guns, I acknowledge that there isn't a yawning gap in functionality between the lowliest WASR (which I own) and the finest Chicom (which I own).
2. Shop around. Today's consumer has been conditioned for instant gratification. Gun buyers are no different: the culture of deal seeking is nearly extinct among us. I'm amazed when I read posts by folks who went to one store or gun show and then complain that what they wanted wasn't there. Big surprise. It's also shocking that people go to one source and are willing to pay big bucks for whatever they have behind the counter. Despite the virtual disappearance of kitchen table FFLs, there are probably more places to buy guns now than ever. Have a list of places you check frequently. This goes for the online dealers as well (AIM Surplus, Centerfire Systems, etc.) Capitalism: catch the fever.
3. Cruise the online auctions. Constantly. Seriously, get a Gunbroker account if you don't have one already and plan on spending a lot of time hitting the "new since last visit" button. Great "buy it now" deals pop up daily on GB, but are gone in an hour and sometimes within minutes. Point is: the deals are still out there.
4. When you see what you want at the right price, do not hesitate. If you do, it will be mine.
5. Know more than the other guy. Spend as much time as possible researching the myriad types of AK-style rifles: the good, the bad, and the just plain ugly. A good working knowledge of these guns avoids paying too much for a frosty-bored, garage-made, screw-build or passing on that SA-85M because of the just plain ugly post-ban stock.
6. Be handy with tools. With a minimum of labor, that ugly thumbhole SA-85M can become a gorgeous AK-knock off while retaining full 922(r) compliance.
7. Remember that shopping for guns is a hobby unto itself. It's what I'm doing when I'm not shooting guns, reading about guns, working on guns or doing something only marginally useful like, uh, working. Make a project out of it. Have patience and you will get what you want for what you're willing to pay. Even now. If you miss out on a deal, and you will, don't beat yourself up. Whatever it is, they made more than one.
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