Used gun-finding tactics that work for you?

[PseudoTsuga]

There's a specific model I'm in search of, and I'd really love to be done with this search!
I could use some of your advice if you're a crafty gun-hunter.
I've recently become aware of the S&W 1911 pd "Gunsite edition".
Scandium frame commander length, and it is a real beauty (to my eyes).
I've read nothing but praise and I'm ready to acquire one. Trouble is, S&W stopped producing them in '12, so I figure those that are out there are owned by people that wanted one and now have it.
I wish I could just buy one off of GunsAmerica but so many sellers there flatly refuse to ship anything to CA, so I've stopped looking.
Is my best bet simply to post a wtb ad, bump it relentlessly (yawn) and scour gunstores and gun shows?
Is there a particular shop that has been helpful, or specializes in finding a specific, discontinued, used pistol for you?

Anything you can tell me would be helpful. I've never needed to find a gun I can't find everywhere before!
Thanks in advance.

[heidad01]

How about googling it??

I hope you are not getting into Flipping business. We already have more than enough flippers here.

Good luck.

[PseudoTsuga]

What? How could you possibly get "flipping" from what I wrote?

Google it? Lol. I know all about the pistol. I don't know where to FIND one.

It's very simple. There's a specific model I want. It's no longer produced. I'm going to have to find one used. I don't want to scour every gun shop in California.
Surely someone here knows a shop or company that specializes in finding specific models? I'm not worried about the cost. I want to find it and stop looking.

Flipping? Wow.
I've never sold a gun and don't intend to.

[madoka]

If it's off-roster, then your best bet is Calguns.

[Garv]

Start with WTB (yawn) and maybe state that you are willing to pay a bit of a premium.

Somewhere on the vendors list at the bottom of CG I think there was a business that was willing to be the "middleman" for some items, not sure if that was just new or new/used. Apologies if that is not correct.

Good luck.

[Baboosh]

It is not on the roster so your only bet is finding one via PPT here in California.

[PseudoTsuga]

That's what I figured guys, and thank you. I'll look in every case I see at every gun store I visit and maybe I'll get lucky.
The yawn wasn't so much for posting the ad, but for having to bump it ad infinitum as they quickly get buried.

I guess I was just hoping for a personal anecdote about some legendary ffl somewhere here in the state who can find used guns you want. Because I want to give that guy my business!

The search continues.

[Erion929]

How about googling it??

I hope you are not getting into Flipping business. We already have more than enough flippers here.

Good luck.

Dayyum

[dozer wright]

Talk to local

I have found when I'm looking for something . I talk to the local Ffls . I have had great luck with it they may not have one but probably know someone who does. I keep a close knit with the locals that do consignment. It will take time but .......

[Jester3]

Buddy up to a good FFL. They have more resources and knowledge than we think they do, altho, I'm sure you like the rest of us have more negative interactions than positive ones.
Where you located?
Robby at Golden State Tactical (Fair Oaks) doesn't have a storefront, but the man is good with the Internet and being able to find stuff. Great guy, treats you with respect.
Ron at Armoury Outpost (Rancho Cordova) nice shop, great guy, willing to help a guy out and treat you like a person.

Google and call these guys, at least they may be able to steer you in the right direction.

Good luck on the hunt!

[smith and wesson]

I hit the usual suspects. Calguns, armslist, gunbroker, gun watcher.

[Sanman023]

not gunsite but there is one at the shootin shack in elk grove....saw it last night...

[PseudoTsuga]

Now see?
This is what I'm talking about!

Dozer Wright, that's my new plan. I'm just gonna cast a wide net.

Jester3, I've never heard about Robby so that's some good info there. And while I've STILL never been into the Armory Outpost to see Ron, I've heard nothing but the best about him. Sounds like my kind of shop.

S&W, I'll definitely contribute to do those things, I was just beginning to get a bit discouraged.

And Sanman023, thank you. I work four weeks on, four weeks off on an arctic oilfield where I currently am. When I get back, I'm gonna have to take a ride over there and check it out. I live right at the gate of YNP in the Merced River Canyon in a tiny town called El Portal. My girlfriend lives in Alameda and I spend most of my time at home riding dual-sport dirtbikes on camping trips and exploring old gold mines and stuff, so I cover a lot of ground.
The search continues.

[-hanko]

There's a specific model I'm in search of, and I'd really love to be done with this search!
I could use some of your advice if you're a crafty gun-hunter.
I've recently become aware of the S&W 1911 pd "Gunsite edition".
Scandium frame commander length, and it is a real beauty (to my eyes).
I've read nothing but praise and I'm ready to acquire one. Trouble is, S&W stopped producing them in '12, so I figure those that are out there are owned by people that wanted one and now have it.
I wish I could just buy one off of GunsAmerica but so many sellers there flatly refuse to ship anything to CA, so I've stopped looking.
Is my best bet simply to post a wtb ad, bump it relentlessly (yawn) and scour gunstores and gun shows?
Is there a particular shop that has been helpful, or specializes in finding a specific, discontinued, used pistol for you?

Anything you can tell me would be helpful. I've never needed to find a gun I can't find everywhere before!
Thanks in advance.

I would put the word out to just about everybody I know and be patient. In Texas, I and my dog would hit the pawnshops regularly...you never know what you'll find and want/need.

How about googling it??

I hope you are not getting into Flipping business. We already have more than enough flippers here.

Good luck.

Yeah, we tend to discourage capitalism in general. So to keep people like this happy, make sure the gun you sell is priced at or less than what you paid for it.

Buddy up to a good FFL. They have more resources and knowledge than we think they do, altho, I'm sure you like the rest of us have more negative interactions than positive ones.
Where you located?
Robby at Golden State Tactical (Fair Oaks) doesn't have a storefront, but the man is good with the Internet and being able to find stuff. Great guy, treats you with respect.
Ron at Armoury Outpost (Rancho Cordova) nice shop, great guy, willing to help a guy out and treat you like a person.

Google and call these guys, at least they may be able to steer you in the right direction.

Good luck on the hunt!

The BATFE website allows you to search for ffl's by zip code...that might get you started as well as help you select a licensee who's not a jerk.

hth

[PseudoTsuga]

Yeah, I didn't get that flipping comment AT ALL because I was asking about BUYING the pistol. Selling is such a foreign concept to me because I suffer from "analysis paralysis", and do tons and tons of research before I buy and always end up getting exactly what I want and will keep the rest of my life. I've never "impulse bought" anything in my life that I would later realize isn't a good fit for my needs.

Anyway, isn't she a beauty? (Except for that external extractor!)
Scandium frame for extreme light weight while carrying. If you recall, Scandium was developed by the Soviets for the nose cone of ballistic missiles they intended to fire up through the ice cap. Light like Ti, with an extremely high shear strength. Sexy stuff if you're a materials nerd like me.



Plus, I'm a big fan of the late Col. Jeff Cooper and his writing.
I hope I can find one.