Do you ever buy "cheap" just because it's cheap?

[Dionysusigma]

This is often something I run into whenever I'm looking at my next gun purchase (which is WAY too often.) For example, a Cobray PM-11 or MPA-30 or other MAC-10 variant strikes me as a rather attractive deal for one big reason--everything about this thing is cheap. The gun itself is cheap, the mags are cheap and plentiful, 9mm is cheap and plentiful, etc.

Unfortunately, so is the construction (although not so much on the MPA). Stamped sheet metal, for cryin' out loud... I've had remote controls that were more durable. They seem to jam frequently (though I have no 1st person experience with them) and are on the "List of Evil Guns" (which I take as a plus ).

I guess what I'm asking is, have you ever bought cheap stuff just because it was cheap? Not necessarily I-have-to-use-this-gun-to-defend-my-life-with type gun, but just as a "range toy" fun gun?

P.S. I have this problem with Tec-9s, Skorpions, etc. too

 

[bountyhunter]

Always remember a gun is a machine holding an explosive device in the hand that will be responsible for 99% of the physical affection you enjoy in your lifetime.

You do the math about buying cheap guns.

 

[dav]

Before I knew better, I bought a cheap .25 semi, because it was what I could afford. Wouldn't repeat that one...

Well, until I started needing a holster, then bought a cheap IWB holster, because it was easy to afford. What a waste of (a little) money. Worthless POS. Won't repeat that one...

Until I need a Garand. Plan on getting one via CMP just because it is so cheap... uh oh

 

[Monkeyleg]

"Always remember a gun is a machine holding an explosive device in the hand that will be responsible for 99% of the physical affection you enjoy in your lifetime."

You need to get out more!

As for the question: no. I try to buy the best that I can afford. Not saying that what I buy is the absolute best, but it's usually very good quality.

 

[jsalcedo]

I buy well made inexpensive firearms

CZ
Charles Daly
FEG
Makarov
Mosin Nagant
Mossberg
Pawnshop diamonds in the rough
Taurus
Used rugers

I do not buy crap for any price.

 

[treeprof]

Nope. Money's too valuable to risk on a cheapy. I don't play the lottery, make overly risky investments, nor buy any gun I wouldn't trust my life to. Pass on a coupla cheapies and you got yerself the scratch for a better one. That's not to say that, like jsalcedo, I don't appreciate a less expensive but well-made gun, tho.

 

[bogie]

Don't mistake "cheap" appearance for "cheap" performance.

Ain't nothin' bad about an M11/9... I wanna get one next year, likely with the AR-15 buffer add-on. And I think that someone is also modding 'em to take Sten mags.

 

[sm]

Difference in "cheap" and "inexpensive" Now that I've defined ( or qualified ) Yeah I'm guilty.

Dunno, maybe being poor growing up, old memories ...whatever. There is something about a $40 single shot 22 rifle, a $35 old single shot 20 ga that is just longing to find a home and be enjoyed again.

I'd have a kid needing to learn to shoot. A person needing a SG for HD with limited income, and find an old inexpensive shooter and use it. $140 Ruger Security six for another for HD, may not be the prettiest thing,may not be in style, but something about getting quailty for price for someone in need I have a soft spot for.

Guilty.

 

[clubsoda22]

I don't know that i've bought guns because they were cheap, however, i've certainly bought guns because they were good guns at an awesome price.

Paid $330 for my Taurus PT-92 AFS
Paid $240 for my Bersa Thunder in nickle
Paid $400 for my HK USP .40
Paid $280 for my Winchester Defender 12ga

 

[curt]

bought a NAA guardian .32 cause it was marked $32 (they screwed up), i told the clerk that my religion forbids me from walking away from a $32 handgun. I already had one!

bought a 1895 nagant revolver for something like $80 put a couple of cylinders of ammo through it and though " well i like the engineering at least".

bought one of them bulgy maks shot a couple of mags through it and thought " well at least it looks pretty"

bought one of them $99 CZ52 grenade guns shot a box of ammo through and thought "woo wee! this is fun!".

Of the 4 the only one i've sold is the guardian, to buy another gun.

 

[P95Carry]

Big difference between ''Lorcin/Jennings'' cheap and shall we say . ''C&R cheap'' ... only have to look at the effective value of a $100 CZ-52 .... a ''good value'' gun but not ''cheap''.

Cheapest I think I got tho was buying a Phoenix HP-22 . and in fact . it has been a great lil plinker ... well worth what I paid, and this one was complete with the 5" barrel too.

 

[curt]

you're right p95. For me that's as cheap as i go so you'll never see a phenix/raven/highpoint in my hands...not to knock them, i just can't abide by their worksmanship.

 

[PlayTheAces]

Only bought cheap for the sake of cheapness once, years back. Ran across an old Tanfoglio .380 that had hardly been shot. Heavy milled construction. Didn't want it. Didn't need it. Don't like .380's. But for $80 I bought the silly thing. Someday I intend on actually shooting it.

 

[HABU]

I never buy anything cheap just because its cheap. Quality pays, it doesn't cost. I am working dilligently to educate my wife on this principle. :banghead:

 

[Frank5]

I have in the past but won't do it anymore. It's just not worth it in the long run.

Now..........getting a decent product at a good price is OK. Last month I bought a Ruger P97 (.45 ACP, polymer frame,stainless up top) for 255.00$$. The piece shoots well & I like it.

In the late 80s I picked up a stainless Mini 14 for 150.00$$ from a guy who needed some cash fast. He got fast cash......I got a good deal on a good gun. This rifle was hardly used & at the time the same weapon sold new for 400.00$$.

I saw a stainless Ruger Redhawk (.44 mag with a 7 1/2" bbl) used,in excellent shape for 375.00$$. This gun is like new. I didn't buy it but am thinking about it.

But........no I stay away from junk guns. I was looking at a Kel tec,but have heard lots of bad about them from both owners & counter people. I think I'll just wait & spend a little more & get a Glock.

As far as Lorcin or Jennings..........I would not want one for free.......unless I could take it to one of those stupid gun buyback events & get cash for it.

PS no offense to anyone who owns one of the guns I've badmouthed. To each his own.

 

[slh02]

I buy inexpensive firearms...

That some here may consider "cheap". My Bersa .380 and EAA Saiga were both $225.00. Neither one has failed me yet.

 

[WhoKnowsWho]

That some here may consider "cheap". My Bersa .380 and EAA Saiga were both $225.00. Neither one has failed me yet.

Nope, those are inexpensive for good quality still.

I thought I was buying cheap when I went to get a Mosin Nagant before I had read anything about them... that was a good purchase.

I thought I was buying cheap when I got a SA Hawes .22 revolver. But that was good too.

So if cheap means inexpensive and good, (like CMP too, sign me up!