400 absolute max if you really want it. This is a 1,000-1,200 game in nice shape, so be mindful of that if you plan to stay out of the red when/if you sell. I love this game. Very simple but satisfying to save he queen. Reminds me of Fire! But a cooler theme and artwork IMO.

A thousand is way to much in that shape. I would say four to five hundred. Check the wire forms as they take a beating, the welds can break. You should be able to get a great shape one for a thousand
There is usually wear by right hand cannon lock where the ball drops down too.
It's a good game but I think in a bigger collection, but would be a fun start for you

Honestly don't buy it. Do you like the game? If your not sure then definitely don't buy it.

Is this the one on the Phoenix Craigslist listed at $1800? That one looks nicer than you describe. Either way though Big Guns doesn't really have that much value. Even a really nice one IMO wouldn't command more than around $1000-$1200. Back in the day I had a blast playing BG. It is a pretty cool game.

I'd probably be in for around $600-700. I enjoy fixing games up more than most people, though, or I just value my time less.

Sounds like a good plan to me dude. Good luck!

If it spent several years outside, it's going to constantly have corrosion issues.
My guess is once you get it home, you will find all kinds of issues.
I would walk.... not the best choice for a first pin.

I agree. I bought and sold a really nice Big Guns in the last year and a half for about $800. I loved the game but ran out of room. If your budget is $1000 I'd look for a nice one around that price point as they do exist.

FYI it seems like almost all Big Guns have really nice playfields so don't let this one sway your decision because of that. Same with the translite, I replaced mine with a brand new one for $40 as several places had them in stock so keep that in mind as well, it's not like they are hard to come by:

http://bayareaamusements.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=GS-BG1

I hope you're valuing your time at nothing and buying this as a learning experience. After fixing all of the mechanical and cabinet problems it sounds like it has (plus the ones you can't see yet which it will have) it sounds very doubtful that you're going to break even. And in the end, dozens of hours and hundreds of dollars later you end up with... Big Guns.

Some people actually just love pinball. I hate when people say things like I hope your valuing your time at nothing, who cares, its a hobby its meant to pass the time and have fun doing it.

It's a fun hobby to pass time, but if you are buying a game with selling it already in mind, you have to add up your time.

There are plenty of good Big Guns for $700, because people find they won't fit in their basements.

I agree. There is enough for a first time pinball owner to learn without adding the 'left outside for several years' variable

I bought a Big Guns last summer with virtually no wear anywhere (minus the battery holder) for $800. I am definitely not trying to bash the machine, but it is my least played machine in my collection. With the body in poor condition, rust, ect ect, I would try to get a different machine for your first in better shape for your $1k.

I have bought many a game where someone spent a ton of money, got in over their head, and finally sold the corpse at a loss.

Are there any other pinsiders in your area? Any pinball groups/leagues? Maybe get to know some of them and they can get you in touch with a better first pin. Just a thought.