Researching vs. Impulse Buys

I do a little of each. For instance, when I went looking for my first 9mm, I researched about a dozen different guns, before deciding on the CZ-75. The next gun show I go to, I find a new CZ-75BD, with two mags, for $399. I leave happy. I did the same thing with my SKS, because I wanted a nice, cheap, semi-auto. I go to a local gun store, find one for $199, and once again leave happy.

There have, however, been times when I've bought on impulse. For instance, last Friday I go to a gun show, and find a Turkish Mauser for $100, including tax. I thought, for a Mauser, that's a good price. I check it over, and except for where the put a wood patch in the bottom stock of the gun near the butt pad, it's in very good condition. I look at the rifling, and it's all still good. I was going to think it over, but only made it to the end of the row before I was back. I haven't shot it yet, but I'm very satisfied with the purchase.

For me, an impulse buy would have to be pretty cheap, like that Mauser. If I saw a Kimber .45 sitting on a table, no matter how much that devil on the shoulder was talking to me, I'd pass on it as an impulse buy. Now, if I went to a show or store looking for one, after I'd done my research and decided that I could afford it, that's when I'd put some money down on a piece.

Ever since I found THR, I haven't really had an excuse not to research. This place is my go-to guide for all things that go "Bang!".

That said, I've been tempted a few times, and I've bought a few guns without doing as much research as I probably should have. I've been lucky, though... I don't regret any of my gun purchases.

Once, I found a new Kahr MK9 (with night sights) marked at $600. I very nearly bought it on the spot, but impulsiveness isn't my thing: Murphy tends to take a dim view of my impulses. Instead, I went home and did some research. Satisfied that it was a good gun and a good price, I went back and bought the Kahr, feeling much more comfortable about things. With the exception of the front sight inexplicably breaking, I've never had a problem with it.

I do a lot of research on Internet sites,Gun Tests Mag which I trust ,and asking questions of gun savvy friends and relations.I have rarely bought a gun on pure impulse.Lots of electronics though!
I've rarely been disappointed with a gun purchase.

Didn't research my first gun, but did for my second. Now I research, read reviews, watch youtube videos talking about reliability, and shooting until I can't get the thought of owning that gun out of my mind. I have seriously stayed up all night wishing I had enough $$ to buy what I wanted next. It also helps to rent pistols at the range, and get a feel for them. I liked shooting the glock 17, and the walther p99 last time, and really want them both now.

I don't think that being on THR for hours everyday has helped my addiction. Of course, when I break free from the computer, I can always flip through these:

I voted other. I been in the game for quite a few years or should I say decades . There is really nothing new out there that interests me so I generally know about what I'm looking at to purchase since it's on the used market and probably been on it for quite a while. I may do some research to see if there is something specific to look for in that model but most of the time I have already run across that info.

I do both. When it comes to gun shops, I go back and forth checking price/quality/history/thehighroad. However, more and more recently I have bought off of impulse. In WA there is a 5day waiting period, but after I bought my first pistol, the owner told me when I pick up my gun I could pick up another pistol without 5 more days of waiting, so I felt that I had to. Then, not too much longer, I went to a gun show and was able to buy and leave with a pistol on the same day even without a CPL, so once again, I felt that I had to... I'm gonna stop buying on impusle, its killing my finances. I won't stop buying guns, but I will be more patient and do more research before I make my future purchases.

I find researching, reading, looking and talking to be half the fun of buying a new gun. Plus once you take the plunge there should be little to no buyers remorse!

I guess I don't really fall into any of those categories. Probably closer to the research end, though, since I've spent so much time on here, hanging out in shops, glossing through books, etc., that I generally know beforehand.

In the past, there have been a couple of times I held off on a purchase until I checked on the availability of ammo or loading components.

Research

Lots of research and lots of wait so that you know it when you see!

All I can say is that just about every gun I impulse buy I have turned around and sold.

I used to think I knew a great deal about guns and valuation, then I worked in a shop for a few years.

Now while I know I know little, I do know what guns go for what in what dollar ranges - a prewar commercial S&W, for instance, I'll buy in almost any shootable condition if it's priced like a M&P surplus junker. Likewise, I have a good idea at least in the local market what doesn't sell, and what guns I can wait for the shop/seller to go down on price on.

I'll impulse buy now with greater certainty - I know I can get my money back and make a buck, almost guaranteed.

Both. I'll research planned purchases but my best "deals" come from happening upon something I'm familiar with and buying on impulse.

I usually research most guns that I buy. I might want to impulse buy a gun but I will go home and research it first.

The only gun that I have recently bought on impulse is a Desert Eagle in 50AE. That is a keeper though.

I find the research probably the most fun part about buying a gun.

I research all purchases. I've never been unsatisfied and have never had buyers remorse. To me, research is fun!

I don't buy much of anything without researching. Guns, electronics, anything.

Well, except books. I usually go with a quick jacket read while at the book store.

I'm a research nut. Everything from Glock 27 or RIA Officer .45 ACP. S&W .460 Magnum, etc. etc. Problem is it keeps me from buying sometimes, that and while I usually only buy a gun when I have a windfall from the casinos or stockmarket I can't always bring myself to spend the money, I'm a manic obsessive saver of money and budgeting.

But at the same time when i have made a purchase like my Ruger Redhawk .44 Magnum 4", i've been able to enjoy it with a greater piece of mind. I researched everything from reloading potential to, velocities of bullets, and so on.

I can't bring myself to do a impulse buy with everything I've learned researching other never-followed-through prospective purchases.

Other: Research then impulse

I swear, this is not a joke or just me stirrin' the pot.

I'll start out by having an interest in a certain firearm, and do the research. When I get to the shop or show I'll see something interesting, and the voices in my head will start saying "buy it, buy it", and that's all she wrote.

I buy on impulse and haven't been dissatisfied so far. Most of the time I buy used and much depends on what and when something comes available on the local market.

Research, research and research!

I seem to be more satisfied with impulse buys. Like my new .38 super or my Olympic 9mm AR. The last gun I really researched was a Steyr M40A1 and I don't like it at all.

I do both. I research what I might be interested in and then jump when I find what I like at the right price.

An SVT-40 was not high on my list but when I found a very nice one at last week's gun show for $700 I didn't hesitate.


My Saiga 12 was pretty much a pure impulse as I'm not much of a shotgunner, but seeing how much these have been going up in price and their supply can be cut off on Obama's word post Jan 4, I went for it. Clearly would have been better buy a year or more ago but so far I'm happy with it. $80 in conversion parts and a couple of afternoons, I've now got a nice little Siaga AK family. The Saiga 12 is more difficult to convert because the hammer needs a fair amount of rework and mine had no square cut-out for the pistol grip nut (both my 7.62x39 & .223 did) but on the upside no need for a bullet guide.

--wally.