I never order anything. If I can't see it and touch it before hand, I would never buy it with the hope that I will like it. Even someone mentioned in NYC. I had a carry for 25 yrs. and I was able to handle all the guns i wanted at my uncles range, where he was treasurer. When time came I knew I wanted a DS in nickel as my first carry in NYC. They gave me the purchase orded and I went downtown straight from 1PP, and bought the gun, returned, had it typed on my license and then proceeded to customise it a little, different grips a nice holster etc. I still have the original grips for that gun, as it was taken during a home invasion, an i never replaced it.
My ppk's was my second one, from a custom gunmaker in Roslyn, Michael Britt. Who only sold ppk's, and had a gun club, mine was a pre 76 German model, completelly done in nickle also with wooden cocobolo grips, a definate barbcue gun. had a lot of work done to it. The they allowed me a second gun which was my S&W model 60, I had both those shipped inter-department, in 94 when I gave up my NYC permit, after selling my business. If you have a license, "unrestricted" due to your business, IE, carrying large sums of cash late at night when banks are closed, you had to give up the permit when you sold the business. Try giving back a gun when you are used to having it for 25 years.
But back to the original post, I really can't feel comfortable not seeing what I am buying. I have seen "new guns" with scratches or discoloration along with timing issues, and loose sights etc. No way I could wait that long to be dissapointed. Meanwhile I would sue that gun dealer who has you waiting for a gun while he sells yours online for a higher price. That's just unethical and breech of contract. They did that with Seecamps when folks waited 2 years for them, with a $500.00 deposit, never to have seen the guns.That guy needs a good slap.