Question for You MEC Experts

You'd better be wearing shoes, my friend, 'cause it's getting pretty deep 'round here.

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Although seldom discussed, one to the keys to MEC's success is their basic concept: Where other loader makers use castings, MEC lowered costs by using welded sheet steel. The arms on your PWs, and my Dillon, are heavy round bars: but, MEC uses two stamped and welded sheet components to make their arms. Steel is sold by the pound, a lighter reloader is cheaper to make and ship.
 
You guys are starting to wander here.;) I've got my eyes open for a used MEC loader here local if possible. I want to see what I'm buying and there are enough local shot-gunners that I'm sure the used MEC loaders are out there. I just need to be patient for the right deal to come along. I'm willing to pay a fair price for a good loader. I think at this point the Sizemaster looks like a good unit for my use. I like that it comes with the auto-primer feeder as I think I would want that option. The collet sizer doesn't appear to be that big of an added feature from what I gather from your input on the subject. The Grabber looks like a great unit and if one comes available at a fair price I would get it as well. I've noticed in my searching that there are fewer 20 gauge units out there for sale in my area and I understand the reason. If a good deal on a 600 Jr. comes along I will also look at it seriously keeping in mind I will want to add the auto prime unit to it which will add to the cost. Can you guys give me some ball park figures for these units used. I know different regions will demand different prices and I will keep that in mind. Thanks for your help.
Cary
 
You're not going to save that much on a used machine .... Unless you really know a lot about the loaders - buying used might be a crapshoot. Buying used off the internet - is even worse.

I'd recommend Recob's Target shop / for fair prices on new machines.

http://www.recobstargetshop.com/browse.cfm/2,198.html

where a ...
600 Jr will cost you about $ 138
a 650 N is about $ 265
a Grabber is $ 373 ...
a 9000GN is $ 429 ....

so yes, the Grabber is a good long term choice. Its a good solid / mid-level machine that will last a long time.
 
I didn't listen to BigJim and went with a used Sizemaster off of Craig's List. I saved money, but it was a PITA. I had to drive 2 hours round trip and I didn't realize that the idiot was stacking washers for a primer pad (not smart). It is also nice to get all the little goodies that I think come with a new machine (bolts to fasten it down to a bench, anti seize lubricant for the collet, spanners, and new bottles (they are plastic and plastic cracks after aging).

if you buy used its okay to hook up off the intenet, but pay for it FTF and after you see the merchandise.
 
It is possible to find some great deals on used loaders ...there are some guys out there that take really good care of their equipment / update it / replace parts as necessary ....and don't bastardize anything on it.

A loader from a source like that - might have a couple of scratches / some wear on areas like the base / or the shell holder ...and all of that is fine. But if they've replaced or adapted parts all over it ...or "customized" it in some fashion ...you have to know what you're looking at.

Its not impossible to buy a used loader off the internet ....but looking at what I see in terms of loaders at my local gunshows - and there are almost always 6 or 8 used Jr's - occasionally a grabber model - maybe a sizemaster ...and rarely a 9000 series. In my opinion - 99% of them - would be best used as boat anchors without major rebuild. And often - they want 75% or more / of what new loaders cost. If you get them home - and find a major component is bent ...or something ...we're back to that "its a boat anchor" concept.

I understand the internet is good for all kinds of things - but loaders - or guns in general - I think are a mistake / unless you are dealing with a good "bricks and mortar" wholesaler - that is just using the internet to reach a bigger customer base. Buying from a private party / maybe a guy that has health issues or something - and he's quit shooting or doesn't want to fuss with reloading anymore - then you've probably found a gem.

I'm not saying guys are dishonest either ....but a lot of them just don't take care of their stuff ....and then when it doesn't work / instead of rebuilding it - they sell it. Or they pick it up at a garage sale ...and they just re-sell it.

Just be careful ...that what looks like a deal - doesn't end up biting you.

Another perspective - if you buy new / and don't abuse it ---it will last many generations / or if you change your mind on the loader - its easy to sell.

I'm using MEC 9000-HN's in 12ga, 20ga, 28ga and .410 myself these days ....but I'm always looking for a good deal on a used Grabber or 9000-GN - even one that I can rebuild / give it to one of my adult kids. I have a good 12ga Grabber...and looking especially for a 20ga loader now ...and while I've looked at dozens - I've passed on all of them so far. Its hard to find a machine that has not been abused / or they just won't accept the fact that their machine needs to be re-built in order to be serviceable. But if I never find one - that's ok too...
 
It's always possible to find good deals on used equipment - I have bought and sold used MEC's over the years - no issues

If you want to touch and feel first, then look to your local gun club - if there isn't a for sale sign on the bulletin board, put a Want To Buy one up and ask around. Craig's List, garage sales, even flea markets can all be good sources, but your club will usually be the best bet
 
Thanks for the good tempered advise on this subject guys. I may just decide to go the new route. New definitely has advantages and I'm finding that the used 20 gauge units are rare in my neck of the woods.
Cary
 
I think it comes down to how patient you are ....as soon as you buy one ...there will be a couple used ones around too ....its just the way it always works.

But yes, there are way less 20ga used loaders around ...than 12ga ...in my area too.
 
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