Should I have stopped bidding?

[A. F Medic]

For 12 years I have been going to local gun auctions looking for my holy grail! Finally I found it tucked away in a box of stuff being sold at the auction. It was a Weaver M73B and it looked like nobody had noticed it!

The scope came up for bidding at the end of the auction and I thought it would become mine cheap! Somebody else knew what it was and I dropped out at $260.00. It was in great condition and optics were clear.

Talked to the guy that got it and he wanted it for his 03/A4. I did not have an 03/A4 but I felt sure I could find one if I got the scope. Did pick up two 99 Arisakas for under $300. It had the original monopod

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[browningautorifle]

Real hard question to answer. Depends on how badly you want it and you have to decide what your ceiling is quickly. Remember the whole job of the auctioneer is to get you so wrapped up and swept up that you WAY over bid in seconds. If the item is scarce or prized enough, then you have to buy it. You NEVER intend to sell it anywayzzz...right?

[Rick the Librarian]

I agree ... the most appropriate "behavior" is to decide what you can bid and stick to it.

[browningautorifle]

Most important, don't kick yourself after the auction. No matter what you did. Just come here and tell us, and we'll tell you we did it first.

[Johnny Peppers]

Whether you needed it or not, it was like walking off and leaving several $100 bills laying on the table. Better than having money in the bank as they are normally priced between $750 to $1000.

[lee_enfield223]

well at least you made the guy happy as he now has the scope for his A4

[CINDERS]

I concur with the forum, have a ceiling and stick to it religiously and have options if you did not get what you wanted as you said 2 Arisaka's for $300.oo so it was not a total loss.
12 years ago I missed out on a Lithgow Hooky for $150.oo yet at the same auction brought a 1945 Lithgow Mk III for $250.oo inexperienced bidder!
Now I am too lazy to get my books out as they are buried under others but the OA or the MA cannot remember which breed my III is the factory stopped production in '45.

Can I be enlightened as to the production run of the '45 Lithgow from the OA/MA factories as if what I have heard is correct then the rifle is of reasonable value not astounding but may command a price whenever my 15 Y/O boy decides to sell it after I am flashed and ashed.