Trade deal off...

[Rodentman]

A friend and I were contemplating a trade: My PPK-S for his his S&W 686+. We hadn't worked out the firm details, cash either way, etc. But I got this email from him today:

«I've been thinking the last few days about trading my .357 and I don't think I want to anymore. It was the first handgun I ever fired and purchased so there is some sentimental value there. Sorry. The PPK sounds sweet but I don't think I could part with my first gun. I don't fire it much but I do love to look at it and spin the barrel. I unfortunately can't find my original paperwork on it but I think I paid almost $700 for it and I know I bought it 7 years ago.»

I don't think I'd want it without the paperwork and I'd be leery of that spinning barrel.

 

[MachIVshooter]

Unless your in some locale that has wierd registration rules, paperwork doesn't matter. I'm sure he means "spinning the cylinder", which won't hurt the gun unless the spinning cylinder slams into the stop, and it'd usually take several such instances.

The 686 for a PPK would be a no-brainer, but it doesn't sound as though it's your call anymore.

 

[DAVIDSDIVAD]

Hahahah, the spinning barrel part made me laugh.

Why wouldn't you want it sans paper?

 

[Rodentman]

I'd like to have the original receipt, but I guess it really doesn't matter. I have all that stuff on my firearms so I would hope to get it in a trade.

I am happy with the PPK so I don't feel bad about it, especially since I scored a cherry 28-2 since we had started the trade talk....

 

[wankerjake]

It was hard for me to get rid of my first handgun. I finally did but it was tough. I feel for the guy.

 

[Oro]

especially since I scored a cherry 28-2 since we had started the trade talk....

Yeah, that would make me happy, too. Also, if he bought it seven years ago new, then it's possibly a lock gun, or at least has the really ugly dog-leg cylinder stop. You are better with a cherry, classic 28-2 over the long run.

Also, they weigh the same in a 4" barrel length. The 686 is slightly more compact (very slightly), but it is no lighter or easier to carry.

 

[CDH]

It was the first handgun I ever fired and purchased so there is some sentimental value there.

The first pistol I ever bought was a Smith Model 19 w/6" bbl. ("Combat Magnum" ) that I bought brand new over-the-counter at a Montgomery Wards store in 1971.
It still looks brand new in it's original box with papers, but the point is, I can't imagine ever selling it being as it was my "first".

I can see why the gentleman changed his mind about selling his "first", but I don't understand why he ever considered letting it go in the first place.

 

[Eightball]

I can see why the gentleman changed his mind about selling his "first", but I don't understand why he ever considered letting it go in the first place.

Ditto. No way would I sell my "first" handgun.

 

[krs]

sniffle...this is all so sweet.

 

[john11139]

Sell my first hand gun, sure. The first one I bought when about 15 was some cheap 22 with about a 2" barrell for !$17. new. I sure was happey when I bought it and was alot happier after I shot it and sold it for $5. I should have bought a truck load of them for that price and sold them all when they have a police buy back for $100. Second gun I (been so long I cant remember for sure)think was a used colt 22 auto $35. (not sure) had a exposed hammer and regretted selling it to this day. Seems like a good gun is always remembered.

 

[rhinoh]

I'll never part with my first rifle (40 years ago, Ithaca 49 .22) or my first handgun (34 years ago, Ruger MarkI). In fact in retrospect I sort of regret ever selling ANY gun.....sellers remorse.
PS- I don't get the paperwork thing either...I don't need to stinkin paperwork

 

[walker944]

My first was a 686 also

My first handgun was a S&S 686 as well. I sold it many years ago. To me the balance was wrong...too front heavy with the 6" barrel.

It was the "paid almost $700 for it" comment that opened my eyes. I think I'd like to be friends with this guy. I'm about ready to sell a few handguns and would really like a sucker-buyer to hand over a lot a cash.

 

[Rodentman]

We met up yesterday and I saw the 686. Has the lock and a few battle scars. Actually my 28 is in better shape. I didn't really like the full underlug either.

He may buy the PPK outright, once he "gets some money."

Whatever.

 

[Oro]

I didn't really like the full underlug either.

It's useful for recoil control, but the 28 points and handles a bit more quickly. My experiences are with head-to-head shooting 4" 686 and 28. I don't know what barrel length you were looking at. Having that weight out at the end of the barrel changes the balance quite a bit - great for recoil control, less adept at quick handling. In simple range work, the 686 usually feels better.