Hello all, I have a bit of a dilemma. I have been wanting a Marlin lever-action 45-70 since last year. I thought I wanted the guide gun, but have since changed my mind. I am tired of waiting and I REALLY want the 1895 Cowboy with the 26" octagon barrel. I believe the MSRP is around $850 and I have an opportunity to buy one NEW for $569.95 at the local pawn shop. It is new, not used. Our pawn shop is also a very large dealer in NEW firearms. I went and looked at it today and the action was as smooth as glass, and it handled like a dream, perfectly balanced. I am getting ready to start my 2nd year of college and I am not broke, but also not rich. I have around $900 in my checking account and, with tax, the gun will be around $620 plus a box of LEVERevolution ammo for $28. So, should I buy it? I am getting really anxious!

EDIT: Let me clear up the financial situation a little bit. Fortunately, I don't have to pay for college (my parents do that, and I am very thankful). All money in my checking account is for "spending money" (i.e.-movies, eating out, dates, GUNS, etc...)

Question:
Should I buy it now?

Choices:
Yes
No

 

I voted no, not because it isn't a good gun, but it sounds to me like you need to conserve your finances for college. The gun will be there when you graduate and have more earning ability. Or....you can put the word out for a combined Daddy, Mom, whoever Christmas present. Finally, while that is a decent price, it is not a screaming steal. Patience.

If it is a still in production item don't be in a hurry. What you get excited about is something nice that has not been in production for 50 years or more.

Let me clear up the financial situation a little bit. Fortunately, I don't have to pay for college (my parents do that, and I am very thankful). All money in my checking account is for "spending money" (i.e.-movies, eating out, dates, GUNS, etc...)

Get a 1895G or GS. Much more packable when hunting.

You know you want it, so just get it.
You will always regret the things you wanted to do but never did anything about.

It's only a "thing" that you can always sell again if you have to anyway.

Follow your heart is my advice.

Buy the gun and if you need money hit the parents up!

If it's what you really want, get it. Of course, with experience and more available funds, tastes do change. If you already have a sufficient arsenal for shooting and waited until after college, you might have more money and be able to afford something you would like better after your tastes have matured.

Some guns I wanted in high school and college:

Winchester 1894 30/30 Winchester
Ruger 44 Magnum semi auto rifle
44 Automag

My tastes have changed and though I could well afford them, I don't want them anymore except for maybe the 44 Automag.

Ask your Father for his advice and follow it.

Best of luck to you.

Well, I really appreciate all the responses. I bought the rifle today and I certainly don't regret it. I am of the opinion that life is far too short to waste time worrying about the little things. I am a good "penny pincher" so I'm not worried about running out of money. Again, thanks for the advice. I'll post some pics when I get a chance.

there have been several times in the past that ive passed up "deals" on guns, some that i wanted, others that were too cheap.... i've kicked myself in most instances... i stretched to buy the chapuis DR from the latest group buy... but i'm pleased that i did....even if it means that i might miss something else i find... my firearms are a hedge against inflation, i look at them as tools and investments.... btw, i voted yes to your purchase...

Well guys, here she is.

You should have saved your $$ and used it to buy yourself a decent lid...that one you're wearing is pathetic.

MG

quote:

Originally posted by Grumulkin:
If it's what you really want, get it. Of course, with experience and more available funds, tastes do change. If you already have a sufficient arsenal for shooting and waited until after college, you might have more money and be able to afford something you would like better after your tastes have matured.

Some guns I wanted in high school and college:

Winchester 1894 30/30 Winchester
Ruger 44 Magnum semi auto rifle
44 Automag

My tastes have changed and though I could well afford them, I don't want them anymore except for maybe the 44 Automag.

I always wanted an 1894 in 30-30 and didn't actually buy one until last year, no I never wanted to HUNT with one, I just wanted one, but it took me 20 years to find myself and an acceptable example in the same place at the same time that I had money.
Not that I'm perpetually broke, it's just that there was always something I wanted more...

If you really want an 1895 Cowboy get it, they aren't going to get cheaper and you likely will not find a better deal.

The guns I didn't buy haunt me far more than any gun I DID buy, I believe this is because after you've bought it you can ALWAYS sell it.
But I've been lucky, I haven't been FORCED to sell any, all the rifles I've parted company with were sold after careful consideration
or them having some idiosyncracy that I couldn't live with.

And I got lucky 20 years ago, I got myself a first year production 1895 and still have
and still love it.

AllanD

I think you made a good choice. Most likely you'll make some good memories with that rifle and have it a long time.

I hunt with my 1895GS and it is a superb hunting rifle. I picked up the 1895CB earlier this year it has quickly become one of my favorite rifles. Great handling, accurate and the aesthetics are close to perfect for a levergun.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy mine.

If it's the gun you want buy it..............................if you don't get it now thats part of your life you won't have it for.

quote:

Originally posted by Madgoat:
You should have saved your $$ and used it to buy yourself a decent lid...that one you're wearing is pathetic.

MG

Madgoat,

You should know better than to insult a Texan, ESPECIALLY a Texan's cowboy hat! Besides..... that "lid" cost me $60.

Well hell, I guess if a guy is going for the "Howdy Doody" look all you are missing is the leather tassled jacket.

No wonder why you're a college guy not priortizing your cash flow on beer and chicks.

MG