Good Deal or Not?

[cbshtr]

Stopped in a gun shop today and found 4 HandiRifles. One, a camo heavy barrel 223 looked great until I turned it over and saw the receiver pins were all boogered up apparently from a amateur trigger job.  Handed that one right back. Next one was a Schenable (?) forearmed 223 with a barrel mounted swivel stud. The bore on this one was like a mirror. Checked the serial number and it was made in 1991 which, I believe, disqualifies it for factory accessory barrels. Next was a 243 synthetic stocked with a 3 to 9 Bushnell which was a 2008 H&R. That one was in pretty good shape as well as the next one which was a 2008 H&R synthetic youth in 7mm08 scoped and 20 gauge.  I made an offer which they kind of  took but the salesman said if I wait 2 weeks they will be on sale for even less. So here is my question. Is $474 out the door a good price on these 2 guns? I was working on $450 out the door but that didn't fly. I'm trying to add more receivers to my collection in order to have a better chance of finding one that any barrels I may buy would fit with little or no fitting.
I was also wondering, how do you know who to buy barrels from and who not to. I always like to think the best of people but I have read of quite a few guys who got burnt with barrels they bought off this forum. I pride myself as trying to be as honest as possible when I sell things online or even at yard sales and my feedback will back that up. Since GBO does not have a feedback system setup in its classified area how do you know you are getting what you pay for? Shipping adds up if you have to keep sending things back.
I should probably try to avoid this forum because the more I read it the more money will be exiting my wallet. Any help with the two above questions is greatly appreciated.

[Ranger99]

i guess you'd have to decide cuz
it's your money, but it sounds ok.
i'm still learning to navigate here
myself, but they have a place here to
report bad business deals at the top
of the list, and each member has a
deal or dud list on their member name.

[Ranger99]

you might also ask if they'll sell
less the scopes. maybe a better
deal will percolate?

[cbshtr]

Ranger99, I tried searching for the deal or dud list but came up empty handed. Can you be more specific about where to look? I'd appreciate it.

[bigvarmnt]

Click on the persons name and it will go to their profile and the feedback is there.

[cbshtr]

Thanks bigvarmint. Found it.

[thejanitor]

Welcome to GBO-  I have been around here a while and I dont read of that many "burnt" people dealing on the forum. But I will tell you when you deal with someone YOU need to ask questions, if the posting does not say "factory fitted" or "unmodified" I would ask before posting an "I'll take it" And as stated above you can read feedback about the possible seller. But I have to say in my barrel purchases here I have dealt with some very nice people. But if you have money in hand and want to jump on a buy in the classifieds without asking some questions first then you got what was advertised.... Buyer must always beware, but ask a few questions and read the feedback. I hope this helps, I have bought 7 or 8 barrels in the classifieds and I have only had one barrel that showed up as an extractor that was advertised as a ejector and the seller was so sorry he offered to buy it back and return the shipping, I kept it and like it but that was the worst problem I had. Good luck, I hope you are as happy as I have been with my purchases.    thejanitor

[OldSchoolRanger]

I was also wondering, how do you know who to buy barrels from and who not to. I always like to think the best of people but I have read of quite a few guys who got burnt with barrels they bought off this forum. I pride myself as trying to be as honest as possible when I sell things online or even at yard sales and my feedback will back that up. Since GBO does not have a feedback system setup in its classified area how do you know you are getting what you pay for? Shipping adds up if you have to keep sending things back.
I should probably try to avoid this forum because the more I read it the more money will be exiting my wallet. Any help with the two above questions is greatly appreciated.

First off, Welcome to the Handi Forum!

I think your comment about people "who got burnt is with barrels they bought off this forum" is completely wrong.  Probably as wrong as your comment that GBO doesn't have a feedback system set up'.  Where did you read that?  On another forum?

Most deals on this forum go off without a hitch, occasionally, there is a minor hicc-cup, which is usually  corrected as soon as it is bought to the sellers attention.  As anywhere, there have been one or two outright problem people, but they usually get banned from trading real quick.  See list of "Dishonest buyers, sellers, and traders", in the GBO Classifieds section.

I seriously doubt you will have a problem, if you check the feedback of the person, you are planning to deal with.

Stopped in a gun shop today and found 4 HandiRifles. ...  Next was a 243 synthetic stocked with a 3 to 9 Bushnell which was a 2008 H&R. That one was in pretty good shape as well as the next one which was a 2008 H&R synthetic youth in 7mm08 scoped and 20 gauge.  I made an offer which they kind of  took but the salesman said if I wait 2 weeks they will be on sale for even less. So here is my question. Is $474 out the door a good price on these 2 guns? I was working on $450 out the door but that didn't fly. I'm trying to add more receivers to my collection in order to have a better chance of finding one that any barrels I may buy would fit with little or no fitting.

I should probably try to avoid this forum because the more I read it the more money will be exiting my wallet. Any help with the two above questions is greatly appreciated.

In regards to your inquiry whether it's a good price for the two Handis, I think it's a pretty good deal.  You end up with two complete rifles (243 & 7-08), a 3-9x Bushnell scope, and a 20 gauge barrel.  I figure that's approximately $200 per rifle, $50 for shotgun barrel, $24 for scope.  You will probably have to buy a adult stock to replace the youth stock, or possibly trade the youth stock for an adult stock. Regarding your last statement, the answer is YES!  Handi's are extremely addicting.

[cudatruck]

I have done a few trades and a couple of purchases from people on this forum and have found people to be honest and fair. Most of these guys have been tolerant and patient of my questions and very helpful. I would be happy to spend a day with any of them at the range or in the field. I can't say that about ebay.

[cbshtr]

With the responses so far I have been corrected about my concerns. I'm glad you guys pointed me in the right direction so when I do want to make a purchase I will feel confident with it.

[rdlange]

ALWAYS good deals on this forum.  Never have a doubt about doing it again. 

$472 seems a fairly good deal for that package.

[cbshtr]

I went back today and bought the two synthetic stocked Handis. They were both in 95% or better condition so I am satisfied with my purchase. Barrel polishing and bluing are typical Handi rough. Receivers look good as well as the bores and crowns. First thing I did was to try the barrels on the other receiver. They didn't fit properly, which is a good thing since I will have more choices to fit used barrels to without a lot of fitting. The guns got cleaned and oiled and are resting in their new home. Now to get to the range to try them out.