I learned my lesson…

[Onty]

I learned my lesson…

Well, this week I learned my lesson. Always wanted one pistol but with longer barrel and steel frame. Majority of those pistols are manufactured from aluminum but there are few around with steel one. Anyhow, I located longer barrel and after few days I located a pistol. However, before purchasing barrel, I wanted to be sure that frame is steel one. Since place is more than 100 km away, instead of going first to check condition personally, I phoned and asked salesman about the pistol, its condition and specifically, is the frame steel one. I even gave him instruction to use small magnet to check the frame. He went into storage area and came back telling me that frame is from steel (he said that checked with magnet as I instructed him) mentioning that blueing is partially worn but no nicks and pitting. That was fine with me so I ordered the barrel. It arrived week later. First, the barrel wasn’t in “fine” shape as I was told. Inside is OK but outside has some pitting, about 20-25%. Not very deep one and looks like that some sand paper and elbow grease could fix it, but if I knew up front what I know now, I’ll pass it. Well, considering that time cannot be turned back, I decided not to take anybodies words for granted, and jumped in the car this morning and hit the rod. After about one hour I was in the store and asked the salesman to see the gun. We went to storage and as soon as I saw it on the wall, I realised that the frame is aluminum one. How did he checked the frame and how obvious colour of bare aluminum could be interpreted as a steel one is beyond me, since even my grandmother was able to tell the difference between steel and aluminum pots, without even touching them. I swallowed my pride and bitterness, turned around and went home, promising myself that I would never be taken for a ride again taking somebody’s words for granted. In other hand, I was bit lucky, total cost was just over hundred bucks and wasted Saturday morning, but it could be much worse.

As I said, I learned my lesson, and you should learn yours, but rather from my experience than from your own…

Good luck and be smart!!!

 

[vagrantviking]

Its always a pi**-off to get your hopes up and go to that much trouble only to find out that people aren't being straight with you. Sorry to hear about your disappointment.

What type of gun is it that you are looking for? Might be well worth the trouble of posting in the EE Wanted section here.

 

[Onty]

Nah, I tried before but no luck. I think that better way is just to wait until complete gun shows up and grab it. That barrel is going to stay in my storage to remind me to cool down and take rational approach any time I see something that looks too good to be real. In other words, when purchasing any firearm stick to you rules and reliable sources. If a good deal is looming from somebody you do not know, check in person and make damn sure that it's what you want. My friend fared even worse and I am partially responsible; he was looking for Ruger 44 Flattop and I saw one on internet. I connected him with seller and urged him to go and see the gun before purchasing it. I even offered him to go with him (few hours driving) and share the cost of fuel because I wanted to pick up some spare parts. He did not have the time and placed the order without seen the gun for bit over $450. Revolver arrived and he described it as "butchered". Very soon he sold it to a somebody else as a "project" revolver for few hundred dollras.

So my friends, if you find something that looks promising, go and see before buying it. It's always cheaper any way you slice it.

 

[bobbyjack]

See if you can get Gatehouse to go with you next time,or better yet let him talk to them about what you want. Bet Clark can get the ball rolling for you,it;s called diplomacy and severe cuteness!

Bo)

 

[notsorichguy]

Well I guess its another case of "once bitten twice shy" I frickken hate that. Whenever I am selling something I try to be as honest as possible, I wish everyone else was.

Mean/dishonest people suck!.......

(now I sound like a chick!! lol)

 

[NAA]

Why not have just posted the question about the pistol on the board here if pistol model "X" frame is steel frame or aluminum.

Likely could've been sorted out for you without a wasted phone call or trip to check.

Just my .02...........

NAA.

 

[Zombie-HK]

Not to raise any one's ire but out of curiosity, was this the Peterborough area?

 

[foxbat]

Onty,
The simple way out of your dilemma is to insist on a 3 day, non-shooting, inspection of any firearm purchased without first seeing it.
Most stores, and hopefully most individuals, should be OK with this reasonable request.
If the piece shows up and is not in the condition described by the seller, then box it up, and back it goes for a full refund.
Should save a lot of angst and ill will, not to mention your time and gasoline!

 

[Onty]

Not to raise any one's ire but out of curiosity, was this the Peterborough area?

Nope, barrel is from far West, pistol is located North. As for my friend, gun was from Western Ontario. Thanks Foxbat for advice, however, I prefer to sell to buyer who can see the gun, and I insist to buy the gun I can examine. As a matter of fact, in few instances I was examining the firearm and discovered few details, good and bad, sellers weren't even aware of. And I would certainly follow your suggestion if I buy from a distant seller. I just sold my S&W 617 and told to buyer upfront to return it if he is not happy. As a matter of fact, I made large pictures so he can see gun in detail. And on the end, I have nobody but myself to blame. In other words, I still believe that lesson was relatively cheap...