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T-Series
Jul 22, 2019 9:20:40 GMT -5
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Post by jimcunn on Jul 22, 2019 9:20:40 GMT -5
Hi, newbie here. Back around 1969 or 70, I swapped an S&W Chief's Special for a like new T-Series and a box of 9mm. At that time, I could buy new Chiefs for $57, so I thought the Browning was a pretty good deal. I immediately replaced the Chief (I like them too).
That Browning has some sentimental value, so I don't carry it, or even keep it loaded. I would like to get another for carry (or perhaps carry a clone, if I can't find a T), but I have no idea how to go about finding a used firearm. Any suggestions?
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Post by tnorris on Jul 22, 2019 10:28:11 GMT -5
I've been on a buying spree for a couple years. I have run across 3 at local gun stores in the last 2 months... I usually ask if they've taken any High Powers in recently and have taken 2 of them home this summer (2004 40 cal/$650; 1943/$500). The other one (72C with adjustable sights/$900) is too expensive for me, though it sure is beautiful. I've offered $650. If it doesn't sell quickly... There are some trade-in police/military pistols at RGUNS (Illinois) and Classic Firearms (North Carolina?). Many of them are the Alloy Frame pistols. I was able to choose 1 from 4 (1981 Alloy/$620) at RGUNS, which was only a 45 minute drive for me. I am very happy with it, though I will have it refinished at some point - there is some holster wear. It is currently my carry gun. I believe you can find them listed on GunBroker. I have also purchased 2 (FEG/$300; 1982 SilverChrome/$640) on a local gun forum which allows for private legal gun sales... buyer and seller meet up after the Illinois waiting period and background check. All transactions here have been very good. I participate on the forum and trust those I've dealt with. I have passed on several other BHPs which were out of my price range. The Tisas BR9 (Turkey) is currently in production. A number of members here have them. Mine is the stainless steel model. I have upgraded it with various springs and internal parts from BHSpringSolutions... mostly the same upgrades I make to all of my used High Powers (SFS kit, replace springs). I have read that at least one custom shop is using the BR9 as a base gun. It seem to be well made with some replaceable parts (extractor, springs) that may not be as good. The gun auction sites have BHPs frequently, though I think some of the prices are high. I have a lower budget. Look around. Ask your local shops. There are so many out there, you will likely find the one you want!
*My avatar is a scanner photo of my BR9 SS.
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T-Series
Jul 22, 2019 12:42:15 GMT -5
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Post by jimcunn on Jul 22, 2019 12:42:15 GMT -5
Are Gunsmithing shops the best bet, or Pawn Shops?
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Post by gt40doc on Jul 22, 2019 13:08:56 GMT -5
Just shop anywhere there are handguns for sale. One never knows when a "diamond" will appear!!
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T-Series
Jul 22, 2019 16:59:09 GMT -5
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Post by jimcunn on Jul 22, 2019 16:59:09 GMT -5
Thanks. I've acquired a couple of dozen firearms over the last 70 years, but have bought only one used one (and that was fifty years ago), so am kind of clueless how to go about it :-)
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Post by CXM on Jul 23, 2019 6:44:40 GMT -5
Gun Broker is a good source of used HPs... sometimes you get really good values.
The guns I have bought on GB have been accurately described. The key is to ask questions about anything you are unsure of.
Don't be afraid of a used gun... other than the locking bolt across the frame there is not much that can't be repaired pretty easily and most guns have not been shot much at all.
A footnote,the new Mk III HPs are every bit as good as the older guns.
FWIW
CHuck
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T-Series
Jul 23, 2019 9:19:46 GMT -5
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Post by jimcunn on Jul 23, 2019 9:19:46 GMT -5
I'm comfortable with smithing (and with old guns). Some of mine are over a hundred years old and still work fine. I realize that the new HiPowers are as good as the T's. I just prefer having two of the same model - though I would go with a clone if need be.
What I'm weak on is experience in purchasing used guns - not so much the guns themselves.
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Post by tnorris on Jul 23, 2019 9:37:25 GMT -5
I've become accustomed to asking for a lower price. There are certain "improvements" I'll make to whatever I buy. Springs for sure, SFS... $650 is my max but I might go higher for the right gun. Consignment guns may have more play than those purchased outright by a shop, especially if they've been sitting for a while.
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Post by gt40doc on Jul 23, 2019 12:09:54 GMT -5
If you want a "T" model BHP, then that is what you should purchase.....life is short!! Just be prepared to "step up" money wise for really nice "C" or "T" model, as they are very sought after models.....and NO, the made in Turkey clones are NOT as good as the FN/BHP guns, but they seem to be good shooters. You have to decide exactly what you want, and then get to searching for your "diamond". Good hunting.
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T-Series
Jul 23, 2019 13:02:54 GMT -5
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Post by jimcunn on Jul 23, 2019 13:02:54 GMT -5
It's knowing where to search that is my hangup.
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Post by Bob Reed on Jul 23, 2019 15:32:25 GMT -5
It's knowing where to search that is my hangup. I find this hard to believe coming from someone that's "acquired a couple a dozen firearms over the last 70 years".
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Post by tnorris on Jul 23, 2019 23:21:55 GMT -5
There is a lovely blued 72C with adjustable sights on consignment at Maxon's in Des Plaines, IL. Asking price is $899. I've offered $600 but it's only been in the case a week. It seems to be in great condition. No box or papers. Comes with one magazine. If it sits there long enough I may bring it home.
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T-Series
Jul 24, 2019 10:41:14 GMT -5
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Post by jimcunn on Jul 24, 2019 10:41:14 GMT -5
"I find this hard to believe coming from someone that's "acquired a couple a dozen firearms over the last 70 years".
I've bought 6 new handguns very recently. Another 4 new handguns/rifles about 45-55 years ago. Have swapped for one used handgun, also about 50 years ago. The other dozen rifles and shotguns were gifts to me from much older family and family friends, 50-70 years ago.
I have essentially no recent experience in how to go about finding and purchasing used firearms (times and proceedures seem to have changed somewhat over the last half century). I have no problem with determining their condition and/or smithing, once located and purchased.
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T-Series
Jul 24, 2019 10:45:16 GMT -5
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Post by jimcunn on Jul 24, 2019 10:45:16 GMT -5
Mr. Norris, I take that as a notification that you want the 72C yourself and have already contacted them, so I will not make them an offer on it. Thanks for the heads up.
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T-Series
Jul 24, 2019 10:50:15 GMT -5
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Post by jimcunn on Jul 24, 2019 10:50:15 GMT -5
That brings up a general question. How does one go about purchasing a handgun from out of state? I've never done that.
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