William Claspy wrote:

Had that statement come from just about anyone else, Wayne, I'd just nod my
head, but from you...?

:-)

The other tightwads on this place have nothing on me. I'm willing to
pay for quality, had the luxury of having some means to pay for the
quality, but that don't mean I always paid the initial asking price.
But contrary to what some others may think, I know the average Joe
can't walk into a fly shop on a whim and walk out with the lastest
thunderstick and Renzetti master.

I figure 3/4th of my tackle collection (including my vises), almost all
of my wood shop, and my hunting/camping gear came out of closeouts,
barter, conservation auctions, the used market, or just plain old
making an offer to the store owner. It doesn't work everytime but works
often enough.

My latest vices are fine shotguns and the challenges of getting those
at a price point which fits my wallet have been pretty daunting. But I
did pick up an AYA 12g (list about $3,800) as I was leaving Kansas for
under a Grand. Now if I can find a companion 20G for the same price
I'll be in business.