You can always offer less. I'd look the gun over, hem and haw a bit...point out any flaws, no matter how small. Then offer $400.00. They probably won't take that, so then you ask, "What's your best price?" Have cash money in your hand, but not the full $500. "Well, will you take $450.00?" Start counting the money. Only and I mean ONLY reach around into your wallet and pull out the last $50.00 if the seller really refuses to budge, and you really want the gun.
"OK...You're killing me...I'll have to skip lunch, but I'll go $475.00....no? How about $490.00? OK...Ok...$500.00." A big SIGH is appropriate here...You're really falling on your sword. One last try..."You did say $490?...No... OK...deal.
Now, if you're buying this say from a poor old wider woman, who really needs the money, don't be a cheapskate. Just pay the money up front and count it as doing a good deed.
