runco

Seven years ago, I had a need to for a backhoe and a front end loader for a small project on my property. Never have owned a tractor before, and I despise renting or hiring someone for something I can do, so I bit the bullet and bought a used Jobn Deere 1025R with a backhoe, front end loader and yard box, telling the wife I would sell it after my job was finished. Finished the job within a few weeks, and still have the tractor today. I did discover soon into my purchaseI was pushing my lifting limits but was able to complete my job. What I didn't know was just how useful that little tractor and attachments were. Looking back I have used the backhoe portion maybe 3-4X times sine my project, and actually used it this past weekend to replace my downspouts. But what I didn't really think about when I was in the market was just how valuable that front end loader would be. Looking back I have used that front end loader many many times, maybe 100x. I even bought the fork attachments from Amazon (with clamp) that clamp to the bucket, and that is dang handy. I have lifted many items out of my truck with those forks, hot water heater, move fallen logs, lift my 5th wheel hitch in/out, on and on. I use the bucket for pushing snow, lifting dirt, pushing my large carport back on its foundation after the recent wind storms, and many other things I don't want to lift myself. I did eventually get a small bush hog as well and use it 2X per year, and now serious considering about buying a stump grinder. I think I have put about 300 hours in 7 years. If you have the funds, dry storage ability, and know how much lifting capacity you need, then go for it. I know I am undersize but I make it work.

I could write a book on meeting someone to buy/sell something, i.e. guns or non-guns in my 50+ years of buying/selling things with individuals. Anyway my 2 cents: If you want top dollar without the parking lot risk, Gunbroker, but that comes with its own challenges. Next is finding a reputable local collector and this site has likely many, next is consignment at a gun shop but make sure you understand the loss risk (fire/theft), next is probably a reputable FFL licensed auction house (farm equipment/antiques/weekly miscellaneous), and at the bottom is gun stores and pawn houses, why is because those businesses are in the business to make a profit off of markup, and like others have said will pay you 50% or less on the dollar because of their time, investment, and knowing the market, etc. However, those are the easiest and you can get paid today. If your parking lot concern is just the general public or being robbed, you can always sell your item(s) at a police station parking lot, I think some jurisdictions have marked safe areas for that purpose. Or if your risk concern is just the legalize of selling a gun, this site offers good sound advice on how to sell, Just go to classifieds and read the stickies. Finally, my last two pieces of advice, never ever sell something from your home address even non-gun related, just the risk you invite is not necessary vs. convenience, and never sell to anyone without a witness (a friend with you), both for added security and needed witness incase of discrepancies.

I have several gun diversions books scattered through out the house which are lockable, and to my knowledge wife nor kid has ever asked me about those books in 20 years. I also have a couple of those gun vault devices that require a code attached to various night stands, I just have to remember to check the batteries when I do the smoke alarms batteries. I also have one shotgun stored horizontally in my closet stored up around the ceiling above the door which is my go to gun in a hurry, one would have to stand in the closet, turn around and look up. It is the only gun in the house that someone could access, but will need a step stool, I am tall enough to reach for it. I do keep the chamber empty for a just in case a kid did reach for it, its a pump and not easily racked from a kid perspective, but anything is possible.

Though not as I nice, I have considered this case for my case knife collection based upon price and availability: https://www.amazon.com/Challenge-Casino-Display-Holder-Cabinet/dp/B002NZGN9M/ref=sr_1_31?crid=3LJ3M6WR4LZE5&keywords=military+coin+display+case&qid=1703611053&sprefix=military+coin+display+case%2Caps%2C106&sr=8-31&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.18630bbb-fcbb-42f8-9767-857e17e03685

Pre December 2012, in my mid 40s, I too use to look through the prism of cost and ROI, then Sandy Hook happened and the ammo dried up really really quick. Not knowing the future, and Obama was in the office, I immediately made investments to reload all my calibers, basically lifetime reloading supplies. Outside of 22LR, I have not purchased any new ammo since and don't plan too. Fast forward a decade later, best choice I have made in regards to ammo. Now reflecting, if I consider only my variable cost (bullets, powder, primers), I am competitive to the market (2012 economics on my variables). However, if I consider my total investment, i.e. equipment, dies, and man power + the variables at 2023 economics, no I am not competitive. But there are other considerations like others have mentioned about quality, consistency, custom, personal pleasure, etc. BTW, I still single die load for hours and hours. Maybe someday a Dillon is in my future.

I respectfully disagree, and I am sorry for the pain and suffering that person endured, but that was caused by her. I can only speak for myself, I do have enough sense to NOT: -Have hot coffee in my crotch area in the car or where ever I might spill it. -Have my hand or fingers in front of my pistol when firing, and expect the manufacturer and range to pay for the medical. -Return my handgun to my IWB holster with my finger on the trigger and expect it not go go off. -Step in front of a moving train and expect them to stop. -Drive up to Chick-fil-Lay on Sunday expecting service -Expect to ride a roller coaster at Dollywood knowing the belt/retaining device will not go across my big belly -Apply as a waiter at Hooters -Expect equal playing time for my kids on a basketball squad when they can't make a goal -Urinate on a electric fence and expect the land owner to place signs warning me. -Buy into the political statement that is gaining traction everywhere that "gun" violence is a thing And on-and-on. As for me, and me alone, I will keep growing my common sense and not expect others to pay for my incompetence. -

I respectfully disagree, and I am sorry for the pain and suffering that person endured, but that was caused by her. I can only speak for myself, I do have enough sense to NOT: -Have hot coffee in my crotch area in the car or where ever I might spill it. -Have my hand or fingers in front of my pistol when firing, and expect the manufacturer and range to pay for the medical. -Return my handgun to my IWB holster with my finger on the trigger and expect it not go go off. -Step in front of a moving train and expect them to stop. -Drive up to Chick-fil-Lay on Sunday expecting service -Expect to ride a roller coaster at Dollywood knowing the belt/retaining device will not go across my big belly -Apply as a waiter at Hooters -Expect equal playing time for my kids on a basketball squad when they can't make a goal -Urinate on a electric fence and expect the land owner to place signs warning me. -Buy into the political statement that is gaining traction everywhere that "gun" violence is a thing And on-and-on. As for me, and me alone, I will keep growing my common sense and not expect others to pay for my incompetence. -

Sounds like a playbook on floor mats and Toyota Camrys, or MickeyDees hot coffee spilling in your crotch get rich tactics. All it takes 2 or more complaints to snowball a stampede of law suits.

I too have the NRA Lockton policy and a Cannon safe bolted to the floor. Might have to inquire about the rates of Lockton compared to collectinsure suggestion. No complaints with Lockton, just a $$$ comparison. Backstory how I ended up with Lockton, I live in a small town, and when I went to State Farm to increase my coverage with a rider, I had to give the local office a written inventory of my small collection with my suggested values. When I presented the rather long list to the clerk in the local State Farm office, she rolled her eyes, and said what an arsenal, and actually stated to me a paying customer why should I need so many guns, and she had never seen such a list of guns....that seriously bothered me, and I started looking immediately elsewhere for insurance. I wonder how many people she told. I know one of the best kept secrets on gun security is never telling anyone that you have guns, let alone a collection and not fitting the profile of gun enthusiasts, which I don't. The NRA Lockton was 100% through the internet and only asks how much coverage I want, and it asks if I have any one firearm $2500+. Otherwise very private, discreet and actually was about 50% of the State Farm rate. I have been with Lockton for 10+ years and State Farm for 30+ years.

Well I use to be like this a number of years ago. To avoid this sickness, I came up with a top 10 list, and if I came across something I liked but it was not on the top 10 list (unless a real real bargain) I would just turn my heals. This is not 100% fool proof, but it does work. FYI, I have been known to come home and immediately adjust my top 10. My top 10 list is made up of my own home grown back woods algorythm, basically 20 questions. Otherwise I am like unbridled horse in a candy store!

I grew up listening on the radio in the late 70s, and then watching on TV in the 80s and 90s, those were some of the best races back then. My first real frown on NASCAR came with the restrictor plates, then the speed limit on pit row, but I admit when Earnhardt got killed, NASCAR lost its luster to me. I have tried to stay tuned in, but its hard. So many changes, it just does not appeal to me anymore. I still do watch the big races. I am probably not the targeted audience today, but I was in the 80s and 90s. I even tried to stay loyal to the major sponsors back then, but really do not pay attention anymore. BTW, I was never a Bobby Allison fan, but it was good to see him and the other Alabama boys start the race Sunday even though Bobby had his walker. Time sure does devour everything.......

I live within 5 minutes of this place, its good, but not in my top 5 in this area. The Lampost, Cielito Lindo, Berts, The Patio, Donnas, The Beach in Tellico Plains, and Greenback Corner Market are some of my favorites.

If your plan is that you are staying in Pigeon Forge, I would recommend traveling Dollywood Ln that runs into Upper Middle Creek Road (by the Golf course), stay on Upper Middle Creek road until the end, turn right onto Birds Creek road, stay on Birds Creek road it will eventually bring you to a 3 way stop, stay left/straight on Buckhorn road which brings you to 321 East of Gatlinburg, turn left on 321 follow signs to Interstate 40. This route should avoid all traffic, even in the Summer, and from Pigeon Forge you are < 1 hour drive. The roads are all paved, and well kept. Sounds like a lot, but its not. Spent my first 32 years living in Sevierville. Both my mother and father were originally from there. Still have lots of family there. When I camp at Greenbrier Island in Pittman Center (east of Gatlinburg), I take 40 to exit 440. It takes you to 321 and to Gatlinburg, never traffic and its a 2 lane highway on the busiest of holidays. 321 dumps you out in downtown Gatlinburg. I think from 40 to Gatlinburg is 25 minutes, just watch your speed, Pittman Center is a very small town but has ticket happy police.

Chinese submarine or something Chinese.......

Gun values are in general what the market will bare at a particular point in time and a honest true evaluation of the condition of the gun(s). I agree with with what people have already said use Gunbroker, books, and etc. However, you must consider this: Gun values and what you can get are two different view points that in my experience novice people just do not think through. Now as far as what you can get for your gun(s) will depend upon your patience, targeted market, your evaluation, and medium of advertising in my judgement. Also, as a seller complying with law is a given, and make sure your friend follows, and is aware of prohibited buyers. There are some resources on this site to read up on.