Good price for a used STI Grandmaster?

[rockhopper46038]

So, I am considering trying my hand at Open. I have the opportunity to purchase a used STI Grandmaster with 2x 170mm magazines, 3x 140mm magazines, plus the stock magazine, a CRSpeed WSMII holster, 3x Safariland adjustable roller mag pouches, a 38 Super die set and a few hundred pieces of .38 Super brass for $2600. The gun has had a little tuning done too it, and it runs well. Is this a good deal, an OK deal, a "meh" deal; or should I stay away from the Grandmaster entirely and spend more on a custom gun if I'm at all interested in trying this?

[Carmine]

Open Guns.....are the Top Fuel Dragsters of the gun game!!

It sounds like a good deal.....but check the gun and mags carefully.

[Foxbat]

I think you can do better. Just keep looking in the Classifieds, you will find a better deal.

[Whoops!]

I think you'll probably do about the same considering the accessories that come with it. Assuming the gun is in good shape, I would say it's an A OK deal. You may do better, but you could definitely do worse.

Edited September 23, 2012 by Whoops!

[cheers623]

That's a smokin deal if the gun is low round count and in good shape.

[Paul-the new guy]

I don't think it is a bad deal if the gun is in good shape. I just bought a 38 super GM

[Hi-Power Jack]

Sounds like about $800 in extras (mags, holster, etc).

Sounds like a pretty good deal to me, if everything works

well and gun isn't shot out.

[rockhopper46038]

Thanks for the replies, folks. It has a purported 5000 rounds on it. There is a little rub mark on the slide from the frame, but it isn't bad and doesn't look active. I know this is pretty normal on 1911 pattern pistols (although I only see it on my GSG1911), but is it something to be concerned with on a 2011?

[Hi-Power Jack]

I'd ask to fire it - with each of the mags.

You sure you wouldn't be happier with a 9mm major?

[rockhopper46038]

He has offered to let me shoot it first, so I would do that for sure. I don't know enough to say whether I'd prefer a 9mm Major, or not. Certainly I can see the advantage on brass cost, and I already reload a crap-ton of 9mm so that's a good thing...but the little research I've done so far seems to indicate that 9mm Major guns are even more finicky than .38 Super guns; and I don't see a deal on one right now in the Classifieds, either

[Foxbat]

Someone out there probably does make finicky 9mm guns, but all mine have been running perfect. But if you buy this gun, try shooting 9mm in it, you might find it to be just the ticket!

[traviswilson]

9mm is definitely cheaper and easier to load i shoot 9 major out of my caspain 38 super little spring work runs just fine

[traviswilson]

9mm is definitely cheaper and easier to load i shoot 9 major out of my caspain 38 super little spring work runs just fine .

[rockhopper46038]

All right, follow on question then:

From my forum searches it appears that converting the aforementioned pistol from .38 Super to 9mm (Major) is as "easy" as having a new 9mm Tru Bore barrel fitted to it...or not. That barrel seems to price out at about $250 or so; what would I expect to pay to have such a barrel fitted. I have to add that in to my acquisition costs to evaluate where I can be this deal.

[al503]

All right, follow on question then:

From my forum searches it appears that converting the aforementioned pistol from .38 Super to 9mm (Major) is as "easy" as having a new 9mm Tru Bore barrel fitted to it...or not. That barrel seems to price out at about $250 or so; what would I expect to pay to have such a barrel fitted. I have to add that in to my acquisition costs to evaluate where I can be this deal.

You might get away with not changing the extractor but it's probably a good idea to swap it out. Getting one and having it fit will be a little extra.

Besides the price of the barrel, you're probably looking at $150+- just to have it fit. Not sure how much work there is to blend the comp to the slide (if that's important to you.)

Also, if you don't have a local smith in mind, shipping it can be very costly.

[CocoBolo]

With the accessorites at $700-$800 if you need them < 2k makes it a great deal. I shoot major 9 but I know that it costs more, to shoot it and it is a pain in the ass to load 9 versus 38Super Comp. You will find it easier to dial in a load with 38S, my 9's run good but I did have to work some at it. Consider $600-700 to switch over form 38S to 9 major, but I say shoot 38S till you get tired of it.

No the GM isn't the flattest softest gun out there but you aren't Max Jr either. It will get you a long way down the road, if you want it a little flatter and softer Two Poppel holes will get-r-done.