Should I Or Shouldn't I, That Is The Question
 

I have an opportunity to purchase a Springfield Loaded MC Operator 1911 in the factory case with 3 factory mags. In addition it comes with 3 extra Wilson mags and about 500 rounds of ammo worth around $200. Should I or shouldn't I for $800. New the Operator is apx $1050.00

I have an opportunity to buy a Southwest Cue for $3,000. Should I?

1. Is it a good deal where u can at least get your money out?

2. Will you use it and get enjoyment from using it? Pride of ownership.

If it were a $50 cue the money aspect would be irrelevant. But since it is a fairly costly purchase one has to keep an eye on the money aspect. That is why I know the value of things.

If #1& 2 are affirmative buy it.

Damned if I know Tabby....I'm gonna go fire up the wood splitter while my 80 year old dad operates the handle, then head to my rural property and clear around one of my ponds....might even catch & release a few bass. I might earn or lose thousands in equity values in the process....won't matter either way....it's another beautiful day chasing the sun :). Oh yeah...it's also my birthday too...just another number and not relavent to me either....YMMV.

Gun values are all about condition.
A gun that comes with 6 mags was likely shot quite a bit.
That model is one that I like a lot. Springfields have a good reputation at a more reasonable price than some other comparable brands.
Does it have an "idiot mark"?

I would buy that today so long as it isn't damaged or worn out.

This post is not the level of intellect I associate you with Tabs. This is most unTabs like.
You usually come across confident and knowledgeable.

Of course you can ask any question you want. If you already have a decent gun for whatever purpose what do you need another one for? $800! Do you really think you could turn around and sell it for more?

To an old Pelcanite fellow like myself the simple answer is NO!

It seems like a reasonable deal but not a screaming deal on a gun that has some expectation of appreciation, although not as much as an example with more of a museum quality condition. If you like the gun and want a shooter that will hold its value, yes, go for it. It is a good gun at a good price. As an investment, I think you can find assets that have a greater expectation of a return on investment.

I've always been of the opinion that just because some OTHER fool will pay way too much for something, that doesn't mean it's worth it.

If the 1911 was behind door #1, and there was $800 behind door #2, which would you choose?

There's your answer.

Are you actually going to shoot it? Then yes.



Just spent the weekend at a firearms course with my Springfield range officer. 600+ rounds in the rain and mud with zero failures. I think the operator is the next step up. The two guys with new kimbers watched their guns fall apart.

Tabs, Southwest Cues are made right there in Vegas. You could swing by and order one...be prepared to wait approx. 13 years for it. They have a good reputation as both a playing and a collecting cue. If you're willing to wait the time, you can sell it for a good markup. Many do.

Would I buy one? Nope...I'm quite happy with the way my Keith Josey made cue plays. I'm not of the collector or flipper mindset...but since you are, you might want to begin your education.

South West... the ones that got away

I made my post (shoulda been in green) because I feel the same way about spoons and other objects that some are passionate about...that collectors and flippers live in a shady world and they're welcome to it.

My philosophy is that I buy stuff I like and want to use. The money aspect doesn't enter into it for me as much as it seems to for you.

Definitely not, Tabs. It just doesn't make financial sense for you to make that purchase. Besides, you have no interest in that sort of thing.

Because Tabs has the philosophy of the Ferengi (sp?) characters in Star Trek. His life is based upon "acquisition"...

It is easy to buy hard to sell. Condition is excellent with just a hint of holster wear on the end of the slide. A friend owns it so I know the gun.

I am ambivalent on this one. As MRM said a good deal but not screaming. I could make a few $$$ but not much and then I have the hassle. I am getting older, so my time for letting ANYTHING appreciate is basically receding into the past. I have to start thinking of liquidating and not acquiring.

At some point you begin to say enough is enough. Something comes in and something has to go. Also it has to be usable and not just for looks, so a replica is just fine for my purposes. I can use it without hurting it.

I am interested since my son took my Kimber Desert Warrior.

You willing to pass me along?

I am not as big of a flipper as you think. I buy what I like, sometimes to my detriment. These are not inconsequential purchases as they require a fair amount of capital outlay. Money that could be better invested to make a ROI, so you have to do your due diligence by keeping an eye on value. Much as you do with the value of your house.

This has to go through an FFL.

I know, Tabs...not my first gun prom.

I would, however, like to talk to the current owner.

Bump. Curiousity..is Paul going to get the 1911?

Don't think so. I just wanted some pics, etc. chat with the current owner. I am flying in and out of LV in June so I thought it might work.

Good price on the pistol, not a great price.

I am looking to shoot this thing since as I mentioned, my son has declared my Kimber his:)