Buying a discontinued gun - pros & cons

6663 Views 14 Replies 12 Participants Last post by colorado, Jan 31, 2002

Shinglekill

Discussion Starter · Dec 5, 2001

I'm questioning my decision to buy a discontinued gun.

A few years back I had read a few articles on bolt-action slug guns. After trying the Mossberg 695, Marlin's 512, Tar-Hunt and the Browning A-Bolt, I really wanted the Browning. But I couldn't excuse (to myself) spending three times as much. So I bought the Mossberg. Although I've never had a problem with the Mossberg, I've always wished I held out for the Browning.

Well, now I've found a Browning and I'm planning on buying it. Doing a little research I've found that Browning only made this model for a couple of years in the early 1990's. They discontinued the model "due to lack of interest and sales". Now I'm a little nervous that if something should go wrong, parts will be nonexistent.

I don't want this thread to be about Browning or bolt-shotguns, but about buying something knowing it has been discontinued.

I seem to have an affinity for these things;
Colt Delta Elite in 10mm
Model 99 in 300 Savage
1961 Mercury Comet

Make no doubt about it though, "I will own this gun!"

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"NULLUM VINUM FLACCIDUM"

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CastleBravo

· #2 · Dec 5, 2001

The Delta Elite is no problem; pretty much everything is either still made, or is interchangeable with other 1911 pistols. I'm very happy with mine and have had no problems with parts or accessories whatsoever. I can't speak for the rest.

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CastleBravo
The Pit: http://www.geocities.com/mr_motorhead/index.html

Emily W Trott

· #3 · Dec 5, 2001

Originally posted by Shinglekill:
I'm questioning my decision to buy a discontinued gun.

...I seem to have an affinity for these things;
Colt Delta Elite in 10mm
Model 99 in 300 Savage
1961 Mercury Comet

Make no doubt about it though, "I will own this gun!"

Dear Shinglekill, The Delta elite probably doesn't qualify (due to it's limited production) but the other two are truly American classics. Remember that a good gunsmith can make a part for most any gun and a good mechanic can fix (or find parts for) most any car. There's a lot of enjoyment in shooting or driving a piece of history. Have fun with them and stay safe. Gary

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"I knew a man that I did not care for. And then one day this man payed me a call. We sat and talked about things on our mind. Now this man he is a friend of mine" Friend and Lover "Reach Out in the Darkness"

Raspy

· #4 · Dec 5, 2001

<><> I had an uncle, when I was growing up that bought,
A Packard
A DeSoto
A Studeabaker
A Rambler

The big family joke was, if uncle Frank bought a new car, the company was going to go out of bussiness.

==================================

<><> Raspy <><>

oldcolt

· #5 · Dec 5, 2001

Here is my take on the subject. I would love to own a NIB 70 Series Colt or a NIB Winchester Model 12 (and I will when I find the right one). The only problem with discontinued guns is finding what you are looking for at a respectable price. Each passing year they will become even harder to obtain. Half of the fun is the thrill of the chase - and when you find it, the other half of the fun comes into play.

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LAK

· #6 · Dec 5, 2001

I wouldn't worry about the fact that a gun is discontinued. As has been mentioned - a good gunsmith (or regular metalsmith/machinist for that matter when it comes to many non-critical parts) can recreate a part from scratch - or at least copy a broken or damaged one. Another option is to start looking for certain likely "spares" as soon as you buy the gun; things like firing pin, springs, extractor, retaining screws, pins, magazine etc etc.

Browning has a list of names and addresses on their website that have recieved parts inventories for their "obsolete" guns; if the particular gun is not listed e-mail Browning (or phone them) and I am sure they can suggest a source if they no longer have the parts in their own inventory.

http://www.browning.com/services/obsolete/obsolete.htm

Like many 1911 pistols, I think there are plenty of other so-called obsolete guns no longer produced that are better than anything new on the market. Currently I only have one gun that is still in production - and my very long wish list does not have but a few on it that are still in production.

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mitchellmccollum

· #7 · Dec 5, 2001

I have a Springfield Armory Omega. It’s a Springfield 1911 frame with a Peters Stall top end sold through Springfield 12 or so years ago. No one supports it. Neither Springfield nor Peters Stall will sell me replacement parts. The rear adjustable sight is broken and cannot be replaced. When I adjust it I have to fill it with Lock Tite to keep it from rattling. I have read that the firing pin cannot be replaced.

Emily W Trott

· #8 · Dec 6, 2001

Originally posted by mitchellmccollum:
I have a Springfield Armory Omega. It’s a Springfield 1911 frame with a Peters Stall top end sold through Springfield 12 or so years ago. No one supports it. Neither Springfield nor Peters Stall will sell me replacement parts...

Dear Mitchell, Is this because they don't have the parts or they just refuse to sell them to you? Stay safe, Gary

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"I knew a man that I did not care for. And then one day this man payed me a call. We sat and talked about things on our mind. Now this man he is a friend of mine" Friend and Lover "Reach Out in the Darkness"

jimfox

· #9 · Dec 6, 2001

To me it depends somewhat on the discontinued gun. I have a Randall that gets exercise and I don't worry about it. If something breaks there are a lot of different sources for parts, since the gun is essentially a 1911 pattern.

I also have a Colt Thunderer in .41 long. While I shoot it, I do worry about parts breaking. While I'm sure most (if not all) parts could be frabricated by someone skilled (and with the proper tools), still it'd probably be expensive.

Granted, most folks (other than collectors) don't want to buy a shooter that has been discontinued the better part of a century.

If you look at a "use" gun, I'd try to figure which parts might be most subject to failure, pay my money and make my choice.

Some parts, like springs, screws, etc. are available or easily cobbled (fabricated) but some parts either need to be somewhat available or low budget to fabricate. If they aren't, then you may well end up with an interesting wall hanger.

Doesn't mean you shouldn't buy/keep/shoot it if you like it - you just accept that someday there will be the expenditure of heavy bucks or a permanent wall hanging retirement.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy a good gun that had been discontinued, I'd just weight the above variables in making the decision.

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Jim Fox

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Shinglekill

Discussion Starter · #10 · Jan 30, 2002

Check out my range report

http://www.1911forum.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12206

popeye

· #11 · Jan 30, 2002

A '61 Comet!!! You're bringing tears of nostalga to my eyes. My first poa was knocked off in my ol' mans '61 Comet. Me and she went to see Laurence of Arabia at the drive-in.

Comets and Fairlanes had bad ass 260 V8's available in 2 doors till '63 I think. The ol' man opted for a 4 door 6 cyl which didn't get me to the drive-in fast but served the purpose once there.

Houston1944

· #12 · Jan 30, 2002

I just recently paid more than I will admit for a Sig 220 in 38 Super, the American version, no longer in production.
Can I be vaccinated for this disease??

Shinglekill

Discussion Starter · #13 · Jan 31, 2002

Houston1944 - You have mail...

dsk

· #14 · Jan 31, 2002

Don't forget that you can often get parts for obsolete firearms from Gun Parts Corporation. Just don't ask for any genuine Colt 1911 parts! Colt allowed their spare parts network to dry up a long time ago.

colorado

· #15 · Jan 31, 2002

LAR Grizzly

I've been lusting after a Grizzly in .45 Win Mag, but am worried about the out of production part of it.

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