Wish me luck- I just bid on a S&W 57 on an online auction

[MaterDei]

Chaim

I'm not sure how often you buy things at online auctions. I've got a couple of pointers if you're new to the game.

1. When/If you are outbid, don't counter until just before the end of the auction.
2. Whatever you do, if you are still willing to pay more than the current bid, be there at the very end of the auction. If you are currently not the high bidder, wait until the last possible moment and then place your bid. If you ARE the high bidder currently, don't assume somebody won't be waiting until the end.

MaterDei

 

[Mike Irwin]

"Compared to .44 Magnum: Slightly less recoil, slightly less performance, way more expensive factory loads. What's not to like about .41???"


You know... Good point!

I mean, what's there to like about the .44 Mag. when there's the .454 and the .480 out there?

After all, the .44 has slightly less recoil and substantially less performance... Factory ammo is creeping down in price, though...

If you like the .44, that's great. I'm VERY happy that you have such... pedestrian, common man tastes. After all, I believe it was Carl Sandburg who said that the man with a .44 was the silt of the earth, or something like that...

 

[chaim]

I'm not sure how often you buy things at online auctions.

Oh, I have a little experience at these things

Several guns, 4 or 5 desktop computers (I experimented with learning computer networking and setting up a home network for a time), a lot of computer stuff (memory, hard-drive, modem, operating systems), a laptop computer, grips for my Taurus 85, some books, and some selling as well.

Actually, I don't look at it for the last few hours anymore. It is safer to pick your max and stick with it. Sure someone may outbid you by a few dollars at the last moment, but if it isn't a one of a kind (or nearly so) type item, who cares? Hanging out there at the last minute and actively re-bidding can lead to emotional, "I must not lose", bids that push the price up higher than you should pay. If I lose it I'll pick another 57 (one of the other two nice ones, one with presentation box and some of its accessories), pick a 58, order a Taurus Tracker or go for a .44mag or .45LC. If either the price or the gun was a once in a lifetime situation then I'd stay there the last 5 minutes or so, but the gun isn't that uncommon and the price isn't that incredible. Still, I do hope to win (it is just that I will see more nice 57s in the future).

 

[chaim]

Woo hoo!!! I won!

$495, looks to be in pretty good shape. Sure, I know it isn't the best price on one of these, but it is a pretty good price (probably be just OK after transfer fees and shipping, but still a decent price anyway).

I really can't wait. I don't remember how long it has been since I last looked forward to picking up a new gun this much.

Tonight or tomorrow I'll have to order (online or Natchez) some .41mag ammo (for comparison and for the brass), possibly some additional new brass, some bullets and some new powder (I don't think the Universal Clays I have is really well suited for loading .41mag). Man, I can't wait.

The worst thing about buying online is the wait to get the gun to the dealer, and then being in MD I still have to wait through the 7 day "cooling off period" :banghead:

Oh, I almost forgot...Here is the link to the completed auction:
http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=13144928

 

[BluesBear]

Congrats

It's always nice having a new family member arrive.

 

[MaterDei]

Congrats.

 

[caz223]

I guess now you kow why they call it gun broker.....
You get a gun.....and you get broker.....
Anyway, glad to see you get a .41, everybody should have one. (Or 12)

 

[Old Fuff]

About the cost .....

You have won (or bought, as the case may be) a classic. Could you have found one for less? Maybe, but it doesn't matter. They don't make guns today like they made this one, because frankly, if they did it would be so expensive few would buy it. The model 57 that you will have shortly has a collector's value as well as being a shooter. If you take care of it the value will go up, not down and in time - perhaps not too far down the road - will be worth more then you paid.

Top quality firearms are almost always a good investment. Look at what some are going for today vs. what they sold for 5 - 10 -15 or 20 years ago.

I think you did a lot more then simply win an auction.

 

[Nightcrawler]

Anyone who likes a 41 should like a 44 as well or better.

There is some irony in trying to figure out what people "should" like. I, too, have grown very fond of the .41 Mag; I like it 'cause it's just different enough to appeal to me. Yes, factory ammo can be painfully expensive, but oh well. Buy Georgia Arms and reload.

It's like saying anyone who likes a quarter pound cheeseburger should like a half pounder with extra cheese better.

You know what the biggest thing I like about the .41 Mag is, though? When I talk about it at the gunstore, some people are like ".41 mag? never heard of it". Others say things like "you should sell that and get yourself a .44; it's just better".

(A few grin knowingly and shoot me a thumbs up.)

I just smile. Haven't yet found a .44 Mag that appeals to me enough to buy; I have a 6" blued N-frame in .41, and a very similar one in .45 Colt. Wouldn't buy such a gun in .44 Magnum, though.

PS: LOVE my model 57! Long live the misunderstood, underappreciated .41 Magnum!

PPS: One thing .41 has over the .44? You won't find .44 Magnum in a 5-shot L-frame sized snubby. Thank you, Taurus.

 

[Mike Irwin]

Oh NO, Nightcrawler!

You simply aren't mature enough to know what you MUST like...

As I've said many times to people who tell me what I SHOULD like, and question my reasoning for not being in lockstep with what THEY like...


"This is my life. If you don't like it, stay the out of it."

 

[Nightcrawler]

You simply aren't mature enough to know what you MUST like...

So I've been told....

 

[JShirley]

Chaim,

Congratulations.

MaterDei: I just thought you were head waiter!

Nightcrawler, my sentiments exactly. Except I prefer shorter bls than you, I think.

 

[Nightcrawler]

Nightcrawler, my sentiments exactly. Except I prefer shorter bls than you, I think.

Well, it's only by luck I found the two I have. I'd prefer a 4" 57; the six incher is kind of heavy.

 

[JShirley]

Yeah, the 4" is about perfect. My 657 is 3"- because I wanted a concealable boomer when I was planning on moving to Alaska- but a 4" .41 or .45 Colt is definitely in my future. Maybe both.

John

 

[Standing Wolf]

That's mighty pretty!

I looked at a blued six-inch model 57-3 Friday afternoon with a $650 price tag. It didn't have a pinned barrel, and the cylinder wasn't recessed. I'd have been willing to pay as much as $550 for it, but when I started to try to haggle, the individual behind the counter said he might me able to go as low as $625.

I was born at night, but not last night.