Buying on Aesthetics

[SoKali]

I've been wondering about how other fellow members think when they see a new handgun that is a beauty. Is it an instant buy or does something else stop that train of thought?

I would love to have some handguns that I know catch my eye but I know I will never be able to find to shoot (ex: CALIFORNIA BANNED PISTOLS, Wilson Combat, Nighthawk, and others). While I would love to find deals on some of these. The reality is when I have found times that a pistol catches my eye, I find someway to end up handling the pistol and I soon don't like it because of how it feels and shoots. Practice makes perfect and what I want is superficial, so in the end...

Any thoughts on buying just for the Aesthetics? Especially any good/bad/regretful stories about having done so with a pistol never having been handled by yourself?
Is it worth the risk?

Thank you for your time.

[Cokebottle]

Any thoughts on buying just for the Aesthetics? Especially any good/bad/regretful stories about having done so with a pistol never having been handled by yourself?
Is it worth the risk?

Very few guns are actually horrible and unreliable products (though some may require a break-in).
I really don't see much of a risk as long as you aren't overpaying because something is off-roster... I'll avoid off-roster unless it's priced comparably to retail.

The higher end like Wilson/Baer/Nighthawk can be difficult to sell because the market for $2500+ guns is not huge, but they DO sell.

If you have a chance to shoot one before buying, then by all means do so.

[Jimmy's]

Never buy on looks unless you just want it to say you own it or you know you can turn a profit.

[Erion929]

For me, they have to feel good AND look good.....cuz really, they all shoot well. But I can't buy it if it looks ugly to me

Here's mine....I think they ALL look and feel great:
- Colt Python, blue 4"
- Colt Diamondback, blue 2.5"
- S&W Model 27-2, nickel 4"
- Tanfoglio Stock ll
- TRP full rail
- CZ 97BE
- S&W 686 Competitor, 6"
- Glock 34.....well, ok, not so hot...but the best looker of the Glocks, LOL

Contrarily, many times almost bought a CZ Tactical Sport....but not a fan of it's feel or looks.

[osis32]

owning on looks is dumb. it's like owning on size. the desert eagle is cool for most people. they want one because of the mythos and Hollywood hype. then they get one and either hardly shoot it or sell it.

now if you're talking about choosing one model of 1911 over the other because of how it looks that's less of a gamble but the pretty one might not feel as nice as the ugly one.

[Cokebottle]

owning on looks is dumb. it's like owning on size. the desert eagle is cool for most people. they want one because of the mythos and Hollywood hype. then they get one and either hardly shoot it or sell it.

Or the Judge.

It's really not THAT good of a gun other than for hiking loaded with snakeshot.

But everyone wants one because California says we can't have one.

[DArBad]

I've done it a few times, and was satisfied for the time being. Then, I find another one that I like in looks. Either I sell the previous purchase to fund the next purchase, or I just keep the previous purchase and put the next new interest into layaway.

I just set a budget limit though in whatever handgun purchase I do. I don't go much over the $1,300 line with handgun purchases as I have other interest and financial responsibilities in life. Funding for my son's college education and home mortgage payments are some of those that take a big bite out of splurging on " mere " guns.

[Garv]

Charter Arms has some prettied-up .38s, but have not felt like buying one.

[Nor*Cal]

I would love to have some handguns that I know catch my eye but I know I will never be able to find to shoot (ex: CALIFORNIA BANNED PISTOLS, Wilson Combat, Nighthawk, and others).

Do not confuse the CA Safe Handgun Roster with "banned" pistols. The roster dictates which handguns can be sold by gun dealers. The roster does not apply to buying guns through private party transfer from another CA resident.

Also, both Wilson and Nighthawk have handguns on the CA roster.

[Varg Vikernes]

If everyone didnt buy for aesthetics we'd only buy Glocks.

[RustyIron]

I've been wondering about how other fellow members think when they see a new handgun that is a beauty. Is it an instant buy or does something else stop that train of thought?

It's ALL about aesthetics. I've bought plenty of guns just because they're beautiful, because they look cool, or because they have panache.

Of course there are other factors. If it's a "business" gun, it has to be as reliable as reliable can be. And there is price. I have to be able to rationalize the price.

And although I hate to admit it, I have a few guns that are as ugly as a bulldog licking piss off a thistle. Maybe I bought them on a whim because the price was good, they were unusual, or some other reason that made sense at the time.

But if you're thinking about a new gun that you intend to use and enjoy, why NOT get something that you think looks good and shoots well? You want the whole experience to be pleasurable. Shoot the gun you LIKE.

[Cokebottle]

If everyone didnt buy for aesthetics we'd only buy Glocks.

And HiPoints!

[osis32]

If everyone didnt buy for aesthetics we'd only buy Glocks.

not true varg. for me ergonomics is the biggest deciding factor after how well I shoot it. in my opinion aesthetics should be a minimal consideration.

[teflondog]

For a safe queen it's ok. But not for a gun that will be used for serious purposes.

[zinfull]

My buying does require beauty or I would not notice it a second time. It could be dirt cheap and ugly and I would not buy. Maybe that is why I only have one glock.