surely
yes, buying new is expensive, BUT anyone buying for the first time can (like me! ) buy good deals secondhand. If we support imitations, then they've not done the RnD to develop 'their' gun's, and the REAL gunsmiths and gunmakers of the world will suffer as a result. I'm not saying there's huge markup's on HW's and BSA etc, but they are made her, and it's probably quite expensive to do so. A good secondhand BSA, HW, Gamo or any of the other DESIGNERS should be rewarded for their continuing investment in airgunning. How many of us started with a secondhand meteor or mk2 !?!?!
Who wants top spec new stuff for their first gun anyway? Part of the fun is learning to shoot a basic springer, so you remove your bad habits before you go onto the more hi-spec products!
that's my 2 cents worth! (don't tell me, you think I'm overcharging! )
Pie-Eater extraordinaire and semi-pro weasel juggler bookings in advance only!