How do you buy your guns?

Probably not the best title...

Do you guys buy on chance, say you come across something you like or do you set out looking for a specific rifle?

Right now, this is what I want:

1). Custom flintlock

2). Enfield 1853

3). TC (that kind of ML we don't discuss).

4). TC 54 caplock

Greg

i usually set out looking for something specific after ive seen someone elses or read about something online. but i have been prone to an impulse buy here and there.

I usually go looking for something specific too, but have also stumbled into things I didn't know I wanted til I saw them.

...buy on chance, say you come across something you like...

Click to expand...

personally, i've been cursed with an almost irresistible impulse reaction when it comes to BP things - all things - from little tools to lead rounds to firearms (ouch, that one hurts the most).

the flip side is that almost everything i've purchased can be auctioned off somewhere if needs be.

:hatsoff:
..~dg~

I started with a list sort of like yours. The first thing I wanted was a flintlock, to try. I finally found one in local gun shop. It was a TC Hawken, and it got me into flintlocks. I still have it and it's a great rifle, but I wanted a custom, so I decided to go to Dixon's gun fair in Penn. and I ran upon Tip Curtis, left with a beautiful late Va. with 90% of the work done. I finished it and it is my favorite rifle. 50 cal. flintlock, colerain swamped barrel, siler lock, L&R triggers.

My son-in-law gave me an unfired TC Hawken 54 caplock for Christmas.

I ran upon a TC Seneca 36 cal. in a local shop.

Went back to the same shop several weeks later found an unfired 50 Renegade flintlock, in the box with all the paper work.

12 muzzle loaders later, it turned into an obession.

Be carefull.

I definitely search for a specific gun, although my 'want' list is subject to modification from time to time. Not that I buy a gun on the spot, but I might see a gun model or type that I really like and add that to my list.

Presently near the top of my list is a 3rd model Brown Bess. Although to be honest, that's been near the top for some years, but for some reason it is never the gun that actually gets purchased when I get gun money. :idunno:

Although near to blasphemy on this forum wink I actually don't want a custom gun or a one-of-a-kind. I generally like to keep my guns (BP and modern) as close to standard stock as possible, so I don't go after a particular gun. So I may see and like a Pedersoli Bess, and if I buy one I would never modify it to be more historically correct, I'd want to keep it as it comes from the factory as much as possible, PC/HC or not. Modify it only as needed for reliable shooting. So I don't covet specific individual guns.

when I am in the mood for a differant gun than I have I just start looking around for whats available localy in the used department.
Ussually they are a pile of junk and a few decent guns that are priced within my reach.
Every once and awhile there is that really nice gun for sale underpriced that the owner would rather not part with but they have no choice due to either finaces or 'the wife'. Thats the gun I look for.

My experience is not typical. I used to own an ml gun shop. I bought H&R underhammers and a TC 'hawken' from myself. My wife's TC Seneca 'half breed' was purchased direct from a TC distributor but with no barrel. We fitted a Douglas to it with target sights.
Later we had a custom rifle built for her by Bob Watts.
I acquired a custom built Rev. period style.
Many years later a friend custom built my Jaeger.
More recently I had a fowler built by Jackie Brown.
My next, if there is, at my age, a "next" will probably be a Tip Curtis .40 cal. longrifle flinter. Or a custom build if budget allows me to use a reliable builder.

most of the time it is just at the right place at the right time. i don't go looking for anything special. auctions are bad. i was at one for some winchesters. got them and a couple halfstock small bore rifles came along too.

Well for me to buy a gun it usually requires the following.

1) it fits me and I can see the sights
2) I think that the seller doesn't know what they have and are asking too little ( I have been wrong but that is part of the fun)
3) I have another gun that doesn't suit me as well so this one will replace the other.
4) I have the money

Many Klatch

I think Many klatch has mentioned a very important point to keep in mind when buying firearms, does it fit? Never buy a long gun or shoes without trying it on first. This may be more important with smooth bores than rifles but needs to be kept in mind...........watch yer top knot..........

Each of my purchases have been semi purpose driven. I bought my colt because back then there was a waiting period and I didnt want to wait, so I got the kit. I bought my .22 because I saw it at a pawn shop and I needed one to teach my then young children. I bought the Nagant because I needed a modern hunting rifle and the price was right, I bought my Hawken because .. Oh wait that wasn't purpose driven I just wanted that, and it was a good dear rifle.. :idunno: and so on..

"...a good dear rifle".... I like THAT!

i always have a plan and do my homework long before i spend the cash on a gun.

Adui,
I like the way you think! I think we've all needed a good "dear rifle" at one time or another. :hmm:

When I see a picture of something i like I make it. from hand cannon to Kentuckys and everything
in between.
Wulf

Most have been impulse buys. Some a good deal and others are ones I always wanted.

I look around and see what is available. Contact the seller and discuss features and budget. Last three m/l I bought were on waiting lists of 18 months, 14 months and 18 months. Can't really call that an impulse buy.

Prior to that I bought a kit and decided It was easier to wait and save than learn by goofing up. ;-)

When I am broke I know EXACTLY what I want. When I have the cash, I cant make up my mind.

Carteret Kid said:

When I am broke I know EXACTLY what I want. When I have the cash, I cant make up my mind.

Click to expand...

BOY do I know that feeling!!!