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I saw a bargain in the classifieds a while back that got me thinking. It was a pistol that had some road rash, finish issues. I remember thinking it didn't look bad at all, to me. I'd use it without a second thought. In fact, a lot of my guns were bought used, with plenty of honest finish wear, no longer pretty and pristine, but mechanically just fine. That's not to say that I don't have some that are very nice, that I take very good care of, but the ones with well-worn exteriors don't bother me a bit.
I bought a police trade-in CZ-75 a few years ago. When I got to the FFL for the transfer, he wanted me to look it over before the paperwork, as there were some very noticeable finish issues. He was relieved when I told him that I knew already and was fine with it. It shoots great and is a favorite. Sure, resale value won't be that great on it, but I didn't buy it to resell, and don't plan on reselling it at all. I could refinish it if I wanted to, but I kind of like it as it is.
I have an old Remington 721 30-06 that cost me less than $250, including the period correct Weaver scope. It's a tack driver, but shows honest wear from decades of hunting. I love it.
I like and appreciate fine guns with perfect finish, but there's a part of me that prefers the tried and true, well broke-in guns that a lot of people turn down their noses at.
I bought a police trade-in CZ-75 a few years ago. When I got to the FFL for the transfer, he wanted me to look it over before the paperwork, as there were some very noticeable finish issues. He was relieved when I told him that I knew already and was fine with it. It shoots great and is a favorite. Sure, resale value won't be that great on it, but I didn't buy it to resell, and don't plan on reselling it at all. I could refinish it if I wanted to, but I kind of like it as it is.
I have an old Remington 721 30-06 that cost me less than $250, including the period correct Weaver scope. It's a tack driver, but shows honest wear from decades of hunting. I love it.
I like and appreciate fine guns with perfect finish, but there's a part of me that prefers the tried and true, well broke-in guns that a lot of people turn down their noses at.