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Jack Lawman · 05-16-2003, 12:54 PM

If a rookie may weigh in.....

Tom A, you stated, "I realize that this may sound to some like the pinnacle of arrogance or at least a lot of misplaced hostility ....". In my opinion, it is just garden variety arrogance derived from the pinnacle of firearms collecting (Luger collecting).

I am also a hobbyist. I do not have a great deal of money to invest in my collection. The pieces I have shown on this forum have been acquired at a great discount. I will buy an old run of the mill Mauser or Mosin-Nagant, sell it on Auction Arms, and sometimes I make $10 - $20 after my costs (I use an 01 FFL). I deal with the same B.S. everyone else does. "Hardly worth the effort," you say? I do it because at this point, it is far more enjoyable acquiring a new piece, learning about it, and moving it along than any angst caused by tire kickers. You sell stuff online... you deal with it.

As a Luger collector, your margins are higher, your risks greater, and your time more precious (to you anyway) than a "junk dealer" (which I have been accused of in the past). I am proud of my career as a civil servant. I cannot dictate my own hourly rate and I consider myself underpaid. I operate with as high an ethical standard as any Luger collector (and have the feedback to prove it).

Please do not take this as a flame. As a new member I can say that this group, as a whole, is the most knowledgeable and professional group I have run across. You are cordial and helpful. I have made this forum one of my stops and visit often. I thank you all for the help and kind words provided.

I learned that the intricacies of Luger collecting are far beyond the capabilities of most mortal collectors. If I ever get to your level I will consider killing myself (just kidding).

I guess what I'm trying to say is that that the fly buzzing your ear on the beach in Coney Island (Brooklyn, NY) is just as annoying as the fly buzzing your ear on the beach in Atlantis (Grand Bahamas).

I would venture to say that most tire kickers are not Luger collectors and their moronic behavior is more a function of ignorance than any intent to rob you of your time and effort.

As these comments have been brutally honest, I invite like criticism.

Thank you all again,
Jack

05-16-2003, 12:54 PM	#10
Jack Lawman User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Near NYC Posts: 428 Thanks: 30 Thanked 64 Times in 37 Posts	If a rookie may weigh in..... Tom A, you stated, "I realize that this may sound to some like the pinnacle of arrogance or at least a lot of misplaced hostility ....". In my opinion, it is just garden variety arrogance derived from the pinnacle of firearms collecting (Luger collecting). I am also a hobbyist. I do not have a great deal of money to invest in my collection. The pieces I have shown on this forum have been acquired at a great discount. I will buy an old run of the mill Mauser or Mosin-Nagant, sell it on Auction Arms, and sometimes I make $10 - $20 after my costs (I use an 01 FFL). I deal with the same B.S. everyone else does. "Hardly worth the effort," you say? I do it because at this point, it is far more enjoyable acquiring a new piece, learning about it, and moving it along than any angst caused by tire kickers. You sell stuff online... you deal with it. As a Luger collector, your margins are higher, your risks greater, and your time more precious (to you anyway) than a "junk dealer" (which I have been accused of in the past). I am proud of my career as a civil servant. I cannot dictate my own hourly rate and I consider myself underpaid. I operate with as high an ethical standard as any Luger collector (and have the feedback to prove it). Please do not take this as a flame. As a new member I can say that this group, as a whole, is the most knowledgeable and professional group I have run across. You are cordial and helpful. I have made this forum one of my stops and visit often. I thank you all for the help and kind words provided. I learned that the intricacies of Luger collecting are far beyond the capabilities of most mortal collectors. If I ever get to your level I will consider killing myself (just kidding). I guess what I'm trying to say is that that the fly buzzing your ear on the beach in Coney Island (Brooklyn, NY) is just as annoying as the fly buzzing your ear on the beach in Atlantis (Grand Bahamas). I would venture to say that most tire kickers are not Luger collectors and their moronic behavior is more a function of ignorance than any intent to rob you of your time and effort. As these comments have been brutally honest, I invite like criticism. Thank you all again, Jack __________________ Why do you guys hate black circles so much?