Reality Check - opinion on a couple of guns

[ZeSpectre]

Saw the following in a local store. Keeping in mind that prices in my area run a little high and the guy I'm dealing with will dicker -some- what do you all think about the following...

Astra A-100 9mm (say about 90%) $400 (Can probably get him down to $300 on a good day).

Star Arms Firestar 9mm (also about 90%) $440 (same thing, probably $340 if he's in a good mood).

FM (Argentine) 9mm Hi-Power Clone (also about 90%) $350 (he won't budge on this price).

So... any opinions on these (I keep thinking I want that Astra but I'm not sure WHY I do).

 

[HammerBite]

For me that would be an interesting decision to make.

Astra A-100: Based upon the SIG-Sauer P-220. I could be tempted to get it to contrast and compare with my P-220. I would expect it to be well-made based upon my experience with my Astra 300. More info available here.

Firestar 9mm: I have no experience with Star pistols but have read in several places that they are decent guns. All steel construction, ambidextrous safety and firing pin saftey are pluses, in my opinion. Since you said 9mm I assume it is the M-43, which is single-action. If I were to buy a Firestar it would be the M-40 or M-45, which are both double-action, capable of cocked and locked carry, which I find to be of interest. I think the Firestars may still be in production. More info available here.

FM (Argentine) 9mm Hi-Power Clone: I have no familiarity at all with this. If I had my druthers I would go for an Inglis.

Regarding how much to pay, I suspect that you already have guns better-suited for "serious" purposes, thus any of the above three would fall into the interesting and amusing category and the fact that you are considering them means that you have disposable money burning a hole in your pocket. Disposable money is meant to be disposed of. Check prices on GunBroker, blah, blah, blah.

I would go for the Astra.

Have fun with whatever you get.

 

[ZeSpectre]

Correct, any of these three would be "just because they are neat" type guns. I think part of my interest in the Astra is that they AREN'T made anymore (though apparently you can still get parts).

 

[Shear_stress]

I've had an FM Hi-Power, and it was a good, solid Hi-Power knock-off (not too surprising as the Argentines licensed the rights from FN). As you mention, though, those prices are a little ($50-100) high and none of those are particularly rare guns. Is there another dealer you could go to?

 

[sd]

Z- these prices really seem high to me. I bought a Firestar 9mm years ago for about $250. I really like it but not for much more than 250, then or now. I know what you mean about the astra, haven't seen one in a long time but wish I had gotten one when I could, it does look like a neat gun but again prices really seem high. Spare parts, mags could be an issue with these guns.
Then again, if you really got an itch for it might not run across them much anymore. Catch him on a good day and haggle, good luck.

 

[ZeSpectre]

I've pretty much resigned myself to higher prices in this area. Here's an example list of prices for NEW guns in my area (hold on to your hats).

Bersa 9mm compact-----$500
Bersa thunder .380------$450
EA Witness w/22kit------$560
High standard 1911------$495
Kel-Tek PF-9------------$375
Marlin 39A (.22LR)-------$552
Smith revolvers----------$650-800 depending on model
SIG P229----------------$700
Kimber gold match-------$1,000

 

[Shear_stress]

Bersa 9mm compact-----$500
Bersa thunder .380------$450
EA Witness w/22kit------$560
High standard 1911------$495
Kel-Tek PF-9------------$375
Marlin 39A (.22LR)-------$552
Smith revolvers----------$650-800 depending on model
SIG P229----------------$700
Kimber gold match-------$1,000

!!!!

With the exception of the SIG, Kimber, and High Standard, those are pretty outragious, and I have seen both California and New Jersey gun store prices. If I were you, I would seriously consider driving further to find a dealer. The one to two hundred dollars you save would buy a lot of gas.

If you're a Virginia resident (as you might be), those prices are crazy. Even if you live In Maryland, I'd be surprised if those prices represented some kind of state average.

 

[KONY]

I've pretty much resigned myself to higher prices in this area. Here's an example list of prices for NEW guns in my area (hold on to your hats).

Bersa 9mm compact-----$500
Bersa thunder .380------$450
EA Witness w/22kit------$560
High standard 1911------$495
Kel-Tek PF-9------------$375
Marlin 39A (.22LR)-------$552
Smith revolvers----------$650-800 depending on model
SIG P229----------------$700
Kimber gold match-------$1,000

What shop is this?! Try VA Arms for better deals or hit the gun shows. PF-9' was ~$280 at the Dulles show.

 

[Mortech]

Bersa for $500 WTH , they usually go for $230 - $260 here , must be bleed over from all those politicos nearby . I suggest you try buying online ...

 

[ZeSpectre]

This is why I go to the pawn shops, gun shows, and dicker with friends. NoVA gun prices are as insane as the housing prices! Tinygnat can verify that some of the prices here are just blown waaaaaay out of scale.

Bersa for $500 WTH , they usually go for $230 - $260 here

Bersa - ultra compact- 9mm for $230-260? WHERE?!? Best I've seen so far anywhere is $350! And you absolutely don't want to know what a Kel-Tec P-3AT is going for new (if you can find it).

Now at least you understand why I don't think that Astra price is too bad.

 

[ZeSpectre]

What, did I scare all of ya off? C'mon team do I buy the Astra or not

 

[Rumble]

ZeSpectre, Budsgunshop has Bersa ultra-compact 9mm's for $280-310; factor in shipping and you're probably at the $350 mark. I've seen the Thunder .380's around here (Pittsburgh, western PA, etc) for the 250-280 mark. Those prices you're dealing with are brutal.

Actually, some are not too far off, but the Bersa pricing is wild.

 

[Glockman17366]

"Star Arms Firestar 9mm (also about 90%) $440 (same thing, probably $340 if he's in a good mood)."

I had one of these in a blued finish. They were also available in Starvel, which appeared to be matte stainless.
Really nice gun, but heavy for it's size. This gun also has a magazine disconnect, which would eliminate it from my list to purchase (I know more now then I knew then).
I guess you know Star is out of business and parts aren't available...so, take that for what's it's worth.

Anyway, if you want to buy the Astra...but the Astra!

 

[ZeSpectre]

Oh and amongst the "hall of shame" I forgot to mention....
CZ-52.... $275! I mean can you frikin' BELIEVE THAT!

Okay, I'll quit now 'cause I'm depressing myself.

 

[tinygnat219]

Heh... You just need to be looking for the deals... You are talking about Gilberts I assume? Different shops have different prices. BTW, Shooters Paradise is operating out of Lorton, VA right now. Not that far from Gilberts. Prices are supposed to be slightly lower too. 703-339-9880