Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire What would you do?

A guy comes into your place of business and explains his vehicle is out of gas and needs repairs for him continue his move across Country. He pulls out a very nice Vintage Krag that is in excellent shape.

He then asks if you are willing to hold it for thirty days against a loan of $300 dollars so he can repair his vehicle and finish his trip. He makes the promise "I will be back before 30 days is up" so you loan him the funds.

Thirty days go by and you are admiring and showing your new Firearm to close friends and Family. On the Fortieth day, 10 days late, the guy shows up and claims he got held up due to circumstances beyond his control but he has the money and would like the Gun back.

He goes on to explain how priceless it is to him because it was the very Firearm his Great Grandfather used while in Cuba fighting the Spanish American War. The Firearm is indeed period correct so he is more than likely telling the truth.

What would you do?

Being a little bit late is like being a little bit pregnant. Id charge him the going rate.

At first I thought I would give it back, then I typed it out, then I erased it. I don't know what I would do...good luck!

Well, if you keep it, will you feel good about it?

That sounds fair.....

no doubt, give it back. Wouldn't even think twice.

Charge him $100 interest and give him some complimentary Aloe Vera.

GTC

i would give it back.

I'd return the rifle in exchange for the $300, but I would certainly mention that he was late on the agreement. If it's evident that it's a family heirloom I'm not keeping it. I've got some blacksmith tools that belonged to one of my great-grandfathers, my grandfathers shotgun, a Colt pistol from the Civil War, etc. and would be sad if I had to let them go.

First...and very first thing...on the day I took possession of it...I would ask the police to run a stolen item search on it.

But thats just me.

i have let karma guide a lot of my dealings for the majority of my adult life and have usually not been disappointed.

I was in the gun biz, and we even pawned guns for years, trust me when I tell you they all come up with a lame assed excuse for being late with a pawn, or even a layaway payment.
Given the tiniest excuse, they will play you like a harmonica.

Give him the benefit of the doubt along with the rifle. Treat him as I would like to be treated were I held up due to circumstances beyond my control.

If he offers to kick in another 10 or 20 bucks because he's late, accept it with a gracious thank you, if not then just hand him the rifle back and wish him good luck.

And in a way I get that. But OTOH this was not planned, the OP is not a pawn shop????

And as such, give me the cash, I"ll mention you are late, and if you give me another 20 or whatever fine, if not no biggy.

Being in the business, its all business. I don't think this was the case.

Jeff...I understand your point....but it all hinges on the guy actually telling the truth...which I don't think is the case.
If it was truly that important to him, he would have been on time. And failing that he should have been ashamed to show up ten days late looking for sympathy.


I wish I still had your ( and many other members here...) faith in humanity, but Ive been lied to and cheated so many times that no one gets a pass.

No doubt the fair and right thing.

Remember, you are the one that did him a favor. Now, by returning the rifle, it's two favors.

This.

kwg

This

Without a doubt. 10 days ain't schit.

Christian faith and values tell me the right thing to do is let him pay the $300.00 give him the gun back, and sleep well at night. This wasn't a deal done at a pawnshop, it was a gentleman's handshake agreement. In the end, I've got to live with my self. I doubt either party woke up that morning planning on doing a deal for a Krag.