Star Trek Phaser rifle on eBay

[the_wasd_man]

I've been wanting a replica of the phaser rifle seen on TNG&DS9 for awhile now, and I've got some extra cash floating around since I got a summer job. So I look around and find this one on ebay (link at the bottom), it's a kit, but I've got good experience making models so I'm not worried about that, but what concerns me is that I know of a lot of cases where people got ripped off from these eBay resin kits. Since I don't have much experience with these things on eBay, I thought maybe some of you could help me out. The price is pretty reasonable, but the quality is hard to see in those pics... so, what do you think? Is it worth it? He's got pretty darn good feedback, though

http://cgi.ebay.ca/STAR-TREK-Next-Generation-Phaser-Rifle-Prop-Replica-Kit_W0QQitemZ270143627109QQihZ017QQcategoryZ60361QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

(Ignore the hideous paint job the guy did on his... I'm pretty sure I can do better than that :P)

[Dan M]

Under the awful blue paint, you can clearly see an irregularity in the surface.  And if something's off in such small pics, imagine what we can't see.

Overall, I get a bad vibe from this one.

[the_wasd_man]

True, though it doesn't seem like he's some random eBay guy. Not only does he have 100% feedback, but he has his own prop site/store (http://www.spatcave.com/i). So at least his background checks out... I sent him an email, I'll see what he says,

[Rico]

Sometimes these pop up on the Replica Prop Forum from time to time as kits and in better looking shape than that eBay one.  I'll keep my eye out for one.

[the_wasd_man]

Thanks Rico. :)

I remember seeing one on the RPF a while back, though it sold pretty quick. The RPF is actually the first place I looked, but right now no one seems to have anything.

[the_wasd_man]

Hmm, the guy replied to me. He gave me a link to a build-up he did of the kit, with better pictures. Doesn't look too bad: http://www.spatcave.com/trekrifleinst.htm

Though the paint job is just... awful...

[jedijeff]

I agree that the paint Job leaves a lot to be desired. Unfortunately with these types of kits, you never really get a chance to view them in person until you own it, so it is a bit of a gamble. A friend of mine has purchased a lot of these types of kits in the past, and some looked great, and others not so.

[the_wasd_man]

Well, I'll skip the eBay offer. I looked some more around and asked some questions and I found someone who'd be willing to sell me a built-up one for 250$. I met him at the "Trek Prop Zone" forum. If you want pics you can find his buildup here: http://www.trekpropzone.com/typeIIIbuild.htm

Thank God for forums. ;)

I'll be sure to send you guys some pics once i get it. :)