Shooter vs collector

[DonVoigt]

Originally Posted by 4 Scale

That is a nice shooter. Some people buy all matching but rough finish guns with intent to restore. So with that in mind, I think it could be argued that the price paid for this one was not unreasonable given its finish.

I have to admit that I find the question shooter cost tricky, especially if matching with better cosmetics like the pistol in this thread. I would like another Mauser shooter, '37 military or later, 'nice' cosmetics, and have a target max price of $1,100 or so. If my time is worth minimum wage, and if "time is money", I would be better off paying a dealer $1,500 -$2,000 for a collectible, swapping some parts and shooting it. While I enjoy the hunt, I sometimes wonder if shooter searching is rational.

No it is not really "rational", but then neither is building one and selling it.

One can always "hope" a deal will fall into your range box.

[4 Scale]

Originally Posted by DonVoigt

No it is not really "rational", but then neither is building one and selling it.

One can always "hope" a deal will fall into your range box.

Good post. Collecting Lugers is not done for 'rational' reasons.

My experience so far is that in Luger collecting, knowledge + effort = "deal falls in range box"...eventually. It is "irrationally" satisfying to buy a Luger at a good price. The shooter search shall continue...