I have bought a few collectible pistols from Randy in the last several years and have been very satisfied with his descriptions and service. He even sends me the printed list for free because I have bought several pistols from him. I recommend him without hesitation. What has sort of impacted my doing business with Randy is the Nevada sales tax because I reside in Nevada where Randy does business. On high price items that can hurt. I will say on occassion Randy has even absorbed some of that extra sales tax burden! He is basically just a very good guy and I would say a credit to the business!

As for Ralph Shattuck, I agree with Wes, Jerry, and minigun--I will NO WAY pay somebody for the opportunity to spend money with them! Show me what you got and if I buy it you make your profit--this formula works for most. That being said, I have purchased several pistols from him (the last a very nice 1915 DWM P.08 Artillery for a great price) at gun shows like the Big Reno show. I have enjoyed visiting with him and consider him a real asset to the Luger collecting community! I just don't agree with the way he tries to solicit business or market his wares.

My wife and I have met and spent time visiting with Ralph Shattuck at his home. His collection and inventory is something you will not see anywhere else in the world. He is gracious, friendly, witty and most of all very genuine in his passion for Lugers and their history. So to all of you whiners out there who have a "problem" with the way Ralph does business-BUILD A BRIDGE SO YOU CAN GET OVER IT!!
DougT

Everyone is entitled to their opinion... but keep it cordial folks... I don't want to have to lock this thread over tempers...

There are those that like and do business with Mr. Shattuck and those that choose not to...

Please lets keep the discussion on Lugers and not on business philosophy differences.

No matter who you do business with, you will have ups and downs in your business relationships. You should take adequate precautions to protect your hard earned dollars, just as vendors must take adequate precautions to be sure they aren't ripped off. The dealers that do it best, end up making the most in sales and friends.

The thing I really like about visiting him is 1100 Lugers for sale (way more than his list) and 500 minty ones in his collection to look at. Tell him you want to look at a 1936 S/42 for example and after a few minutes of looking up numbers he pulls half a dozen of those for you too look at. It is nice to buy them when you have plenty of time to find the one you want.

DougT...Name calling is uncalled for here.I think you could get accross your message in a more mature way. Please give it a try. I do not consider myself a whiner. I just don't do business with Ralph because of the way he does business. Pretty simple really and it dosen't make either of us whiners. I just don't want to invest in bridges that should be free. I don't want to pay a cover charge to get into Wall Mart either.

I too agree with Lloyd, Randy Bessler provides a valuble service in two ways and I like doing business with him because of the way he presents his offerings. I look over his stuff often to see if there is anything I want. He is a very reputable and Friendly dealer and if he has what I want I can find it out easily.

A good discussion John, let's keep it civil. Jerry Burney

I'm with Jerry. A bridge to Ralph would probably be a toll bridge.