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From: boyd@mailer.cc.fsu.edu (Mickey Boyd)
Newsgroups: rec.guns
Subject: Re: Walther P-5
Message-ID: <35891@mimsy.umd.edu>
Date: 21 Jun 91 20:12:21 GMT
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Organization: Florida State University Computer Science Department
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In article <35767@mimsy.umd.edu>, bmoeller@vela.acs.oakland.edu (Bret J. Moeller) writes:
#
#I bought a used Walther P-5 today on the recommendation of a friend,
#and after trying his gun.  Proportedly, this gun has a retail of 
#approximately $1,100!  I paid less than half.  Is this depreciation normal?
#The gun is close to mint condition.  Has anyone used this weapon, or has had 
#knowledge of how it depreciates (is this normal?).  As a second consideration,
#a laser sight may be nice to have.  Is there a mounting that would accomodate
#a Walther P-5?  Or perhaps a better question, would this be a worthy 
#investment (toy) for occasional target practice (indoor) and plinking?
#

The P-5 is a fine gun, although somewhat superceeded by the P-88.  As a 
collector's item, you would probably have to oil it up and hide it for 
many years to get any money for it.  

I would advise that you forget about the laser.  They are a bit fun on 
shotguns, but the cons really outweigh the pros in terms of tactical 
usefulness. 

If you want to get into shooting, I would suggest that you get a cheaper 
gun (or a couple of cheaper guns, even better).  The P-5 is a great gun, 
but they are rather expensive to fix (if you ever needed it), and other 
guns that are just as good would cost about the same (and are easier to 
maintain).  The deal itself sounds good, but I would be cautious buying 
a used gun.  There are lots and lots of ruined guns out there (usually 
of the "Bubba and his Sears metal file trigger job" variety), and it is 
hard to tell unless you can shoot a couple hundred rounds through it.  You 
can buy a fine new gun for half of $1,100.  If you find that you like 
9mm's (bleech) you will probably be able to find another P-5 deal.  They 
are uncommon, but far from rare.

-- 
             Mickey R. Boyd          |  "God is a comedian playing to an 
          FSU Computer Science       |      audience too afraid to laugh."
        Technical Support Group      |
       email:  boyd@nu.cs.fsu.edu    |                  - Voltaire