Just Bought My First LC...How Did I Do?

Posted by Hutch on March 5, 2012, 11:00 am
71.206.203.90

Hey guys. I've been lurking on this site for quite a while enjoying everyone's posts. I've had my eye out for my 'first' LC and had the opportunity to pick one up this weekend. I couldn't resist. It's a 1947 Ideal with 26" bbs choked improved/modified. Everything appears to be original. Mirror bores and everything looks sound. Little if any case color, standard straight walnut stock. Engraving is nice, screws aren't bad. I'm pleased and think it should be a fun gun to shoot. I'm planning on joining LC.org and sending for a letter. I have quite a few lower grade doubles and am looking to build out my collection (I have Sterlingworths, a Parker Trojan, Ithaca NIDs and Flues, etc.). Very excited to have my first LC! I paid $1600 for it. Give me your honest opinion...did I do ok?

Re: Just Bought My First LC...How Did I Do?

Posted by Matthew on March 5, 2012, 11:02 am, in reply to "Just Bought My First LC...How Did I Do?"
71.206.203.90

[img]https://picasaweb.google.com/117254423155993825235/March52012?authkey=Gv1sRgCKuWsMeuopyVswE#[/img]Trying again...pics didn't appear to post.

With Pics (3rd try)

Posted by Hutch on March 5, 2012, 11:04 am, in reply to "Re: Just Bought My First LC...How Did I Do?"
71.206.203.90

https://picasaweb.google.com/117254423155993825235/March52012?authkey=Gv1sRgCKuWsMeuopyVswE#

Re: Just Bought My First LC...How Did I Do?

Posted by David Williamson on March 5, 2012, 11:30 am, in reply to "Just Bought My First LC...How Did I Do?"
174.49.147.138

Matthew, I think you did alright. It looks in very nice condition. You mentioned standard straight stock, it is what is known as a pistol grip stock and they have a plastic cap on the end. Yours would be the lowest entry Ideal Grade with no options. Good luck shooting with it and we hope that you do become a member.

Re: Just Bought My First LC...How Did I Do?

Posted by Hutch on March 5, 2012, 12:01 pm, in reply to "Re: Just Bought My First LC...How Did I Do?"
71.206.203.90

Thanks for the feedback. I wasn't clear in my message...by straight stock, I meant no-frills 'straight grained walnut', not a straight English stock. Also didn't mention the blueing, which is spotless (but not redone). And yes, I agree it is the lowest grade Ideal (DT, no ejectors, etc.). I'm happy to have it my collection.

Re: Just Bought My First LC...How Did I Do?

Posted by Bill Murphy on March 5, 2012, 4:25 pm, in reply to "Re: Just Bought My First LC...How Did I Do?"
173.66.198.36

You're on the top of the price scale for a 26" Ideal, but it's better to overpay for a good gun than to get a "bargain" on a worn out gun. Congratulations.

Re: Just Bought My First LC...How Did I Do?

Posted by Hutch on March 6, 2012, 9:04 am, in reply to "Re: Just Bought My First LC...How Did I Do?"
71.206.203.90

Yeah, I agree with your rationale. I have 'sucker' printed on my forehead when I visit the gun rooms. I knew I was paying a premium, but am not opposed to doing so when I am getting something I want and will keep forever. My motto: Always buy, never sell. 25 years from now, what a couple of hundred bucks?

Re: Just Bought My First LC...How Did I Do?

Posted by Bill Murphy on March 6, 2012, 3:13 pm, in reply to "Re: Just Bought My First LC...How Did I Do?"
173.66.198.36

You are very perceptive to have come up with that answer. I have long ago given up crying about overpaying for a gun I want. I just overpay and go away happy. I just traded a gun away for less value than I paid for it to get something I wanted. I am happy about the one sided trade. In a few years, I will be even happier.

Re: Just Bought My First LC...How Did I Do?

Posted by Jim Reid on March 7, 2012, 7:25 am, in reply to "Re: Just Bought My First LC...How Did I Do?"
208.92.225.236

Am I missing something here ? No bore size was mentioned, is one to assume it is 12 bore ?

Re: Just Bought My First LC...How Did I Do?

Posted by Hutch on March 7, 2012, 8:56 am, in reply to "Re: Just Bought My First LC...How Did I Do?"
71.206.203.90

Yes, 12. 26".

Re: Just Bought My First LC...How Did I Do?

Posted by Steve Miller on March 14, 2012, 7:01 pm, in reply to "Re: Just Bought My First LC...How Did I Do?"
65.9.139.40

I bought my first, and so far only, Elsie about a year ago now. I knew what it was because I had been looking at them for so long, however, I didn't know as much as I know now about values and grades, etc. I knew it was beautiful and I wanted it - and I bought it. I found out later I got it for about what it was worth, but I never buy guns as "investments". I bought it to take it hunting. I have found out the hard way, in my younger days, that if you buy a firearm with the intention of reselling it to make a profit, you're probably going to be disappointed. Mine was used very little and has a lot of the original case color and I'm very happy with it. It hasn't had much of a history, but I'm going to do my best to give it some now.