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Anyone have any experience with metal detectors?

jonkjonk Member Posts: 10,121
edited January 2002 in General Discussion
I'm thinking of picking up one just for kicks and don't want to drop a wad, but want a machine that works. Anyone know anything about these, as I don't know anything. What is a good price to pay? What features should I look for?
"...hit your enemy in the belly, and kick him when he is down, and boil his prisoners in oil- if you take any- and torture his women and children. Then people will keep clear of you..." -Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fisher, speaking at the Hague Peace Conference in 1899.
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Comments

  • Judge DreadJudge Dread Member Posts: 2,372 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    http://www.metaldetector.com/ Good hobby ! wish you luck!
    M=MC?/(T/T)
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  • john carrjohn carr Member Posts: 1,717 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I've been metal detecting since about 1968, had many detectors from the old beat frequency type on. I couldn't ever afford to buy a real good one so had the early Garretts and Fishers, good for about 4-5 inches down on Minie' balls. Went to a gun show in the 80's, guy I knew there, a militaria dealer said "I want to show you something." We went outside and he got a detector out of his car, laid a quarter on the ground and swung the detector over it a full 8 inches. Sounded off like a car horn. I asked him what kind it was, he said a Compass. Just last fall I found a Compass on ebay in "new condition", bought it and can't wait for spring to come. Want to go down to Flarda and look for those pieces-of-eight. I tried this Compass in the back yard and found a 2"X 2" piece of brass, almost 12 inches deep.
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  • john carrjohn carr Member Posts: 1,717 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Should have answered your questions. I paid $150 for this one, used but like new. You want to get something that discriminates out the pull tabs and other trash. More expensive ones will tune out the trash and still signal the rings and nickels, while mine, being the starter grade, nulls out the rings and nickels if you set it to tune out pull tabs. Glad to answer any questions you may have if I can.
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  • jonkjonk Member Posts: 10,121
    edited November -1
    So do you find anything worthwhile (coins, jewelry, etc) or just junk? In short, will the thing eventually pay for itself?
    "...hit your enemy in the belly, and kick him when he is down, and boil his prisoners in oil- if you take any- and torture his women and children. Then people will keep clear of you..." -Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fisher, speaking at the Hague Peace Conference in 1899.
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  • salzosalzo Member Posts: 6,396 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    My brother has been detecting for a few years, and has found some great coins, buttons, jewelry, musket balls, all sorts of goodies.Has found several coins from the 16 and 1700s. He keeps all of his findings in a drawer, and says that what he finds is his pension when he retires.
    Happiness is a warm gun
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  • b00merb00mer Member Posts: 975 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have a garrett's that has had little use, paid 400.00, yours for 175.00 shipped!
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  • jonkjonk Member Posts: 10,121
    edited November -1
    I have been checking out a few models at Radioshack.com's websight... I think I am going to opt for one about $125 as this isn't quite "bargain basement" (they seem to start at about $69.95) and would likely be good enough for me to see if I like it or not. If I do, I'll resell the cheaper model in a year or two and invest in something better. Opinions?
    "...hit your enemy in the belly, and kick him when he is down, and boil his prisoners in oil- if you take any- and torture his women and children. Then people will keep clear of you..." -Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fisher, speaking at the Hague Peace Conference in 1899.
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  • Calif-SaecoCalif-Saeco Member Posts: 16 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I'm a 66 year old retiree and my wife surprised me with a $900 Whites. I just wish I had gotten it when I was a lot younger. I have found a bunch of stuff including a hatchet and a marijuana pipe at a campsite near crater lake recently. I mashed the pipe with the hatchet.Paul Jones Fitz Grips Retired and loving it!!
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  • john carrjohn carr Member Posts: 1,717 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I think Radio Shack's models are made by Bounty Hunter. People that have these seem to be sold on them. I bought a cheaper BH for $75, excellent little detectors, but only would detect about 5", and clad coins were all I ever found. I am told that the higher grades $160 up will go much deeper. Don't depend on the detector paying for itself, however; I think if I sold everything I have found the return would probably pay for all the detectors I have had. Minie' balls, bullet mould, Remington cap and ball revolver, CW buttons, CW buckles, etc.etc.
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  • jonkjonk Member Posts: 10,121
    edited November -1
    Ok I made a decision. A guy on ebay with over 1000+ good feeback, selling mainly metal detectors, has some $200 models going for $89, NIB with warranty. I put a bid in on one. I probably won't be doing much diggin in the winter, here in OH, but will let you all know how it works out. Thanks!
    "...hit your enemy in the belly, and kick him when he is down, and boil his prisoners in oil- if you take any- and torture his women and children. Then people will keep clear of you..." -Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fisher, speaking at the Hague Peace Conference in 1899.
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