Help? Alternative to the Thunder Ranch Special

[newbie79]

Hi. My fiance has been talking no stop about the Thunder Ranch Special so I was going to surprise him and buy him one as his wedding present. I looked at the website and was very overwhelmed and didn't even know where to begin. Luckily, there were only 4 to choose from, but isn't there something comparable to that or should I just suck it up and come off the hip $2000?? Thanks for helping!

Lori

 

[ByAnyMeans]

Got to tell you Lori that although I don't have an answer to your question I must say you have one heck of a lucky fiancee. Congrats on the wedding and good luck with your search.

 

[El Tejon]

Which Thunder Ranch Special? From which company, Les Baer, Robar, etc.?

The 1911, the revolver, the AR, the shotgun, inter alia???

 

[35Rem]

Which Thunder Ranch Special are we talking about?
Revolver or semi-auto?
What caliber?

 

[newbie79]

thunder ranch

he really likes 1911s. if that helps.

lori

 

[El Tejon]

new, I own several Les Baer TRS 1911s (they are all the 5" government models). Remember, in the gun culture the subjective is objective, it is next to impossible for anyone else to make the decision as to whether you should buy a particular firearm or not.

All the usual suspects apply: money, objective needs, subjective wants, inter alia. Only you know what the groom-to-be will want.

 

[Mike OTDP]

Hmm...I'm going to put on my Selfish Single Man hat here.

My advice would be to either cough up the money to get precisely what he wants or not bother - get something completely different. A holster or custom folding knife, perhaps.

Sure, he'll gush appropriately over whatever you get him. But deep down, there is the nagging thought of "This wasn't what I wanted...was anybody listening?" Bad idea. If the money isn't there, get something Completely Different. Try robertsoncustomcutlery.com for a good folder, or something along those lines.

 

[MagnumDweeb]

I think you should identify exactly what it was he wanted. He may only be wanting the The Smith and Wesson M21 or M22 and what you are looking at may be completely different. If it is the revolver, a favorite of mine that I have way back on my list after the .454 Redhawk and .44 Magnum Redhawk, you can go on gunbroker.com and get one for just under $800 if you do your deal hunting. If it's the 1911, I have no clue.

 

[Snapping Twig]

Price 'em, work up a gift certificate and let him select.

Congrats! I agree, he's lucky to have you.

 

[rcmodel]

You gotta ask yourself this question:

"Do I REALLY want to marry this guy?"

Most folks would be happy if their bride bought them any gun, let alone a $2000 gun she can't afford.

But then, I think most newlyweds anymore would be better off to skip the 10 grand wedding & 8 grand honeymoon and put the money on a house to live in!

rcmodel

 

[doc2rn]

He is a lucky man!
I would leave that one as a special purchase to be gotten after you know exactly what he wants.

 

[Mike128]

Look in the classified of several gun forums. They can be found there for a better price. Usually used, but in good condition. One sold for $1200 and another for $1350. There is a different model Les Baer in the classified right now going for $1350. I don't know if that is in your price range but something to consider.

The gun is expensive so people tend to take care of them. Also, gun owners usually have no problem with a used gun.

If you have questions on how to do online purchases ask here. There are a lot of helpful people on this site.

Your fiancee is a lucky man. But don't get into financial trouble to please him. I'm sure he would rather do without the gun than see you struggle. Because then he would sell the gun to get you out of trouble and no one would be happy then.

 

[akodo]

To me, that doesn't sound like a real good use of funds for a starting couple in this economy.

Do you expect an equally expensive weeding present from him? Do you consider your ring your wedding present?

May I suggest this instead?
http://cgi.ebay.com/FRONT-SIGHT-TRA...39:1|66:2|65:12|240:1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Note, the certificate is good for two people for 2 days or 1 person for 4 days. My understanding is that the 4 day course is MUCH better, so I would recommend buying 2 certificates so you can both get 4 days.

Second, be aware that Front Sight will try and sell you on a lifetime package, and at one time was even attempting to sell realestate and used some practices that were a bit shady. Go in with the knowledge they will attempt to sell you an expensive life membership and just practice saying no no no no no no no no no.

and then you get $2000 of training for $200