v/sat goldmaster for a newbie in las vegas?

[BeerBelly]

Hey everyone,
I've been reading over this forum for awhile, trying to gather info on prospecting, etc. I've been wanting to get a metal detector, mainly for nugget shooting, but maybe coins or relics as well. I know absolutely nothing about metal detectors, and am having a difficult time trying to figure out what to get. Finances are limited.
I saw a Whites v/sat goldmaster for sale, $250. He said the battery door is broken off. I couldn't get any more info on it from him, he said he doesn't know anything else about it. He got it in a trade, and is trying to get rid of it. What do you guys think? Should I buy it? I live in Las Vegas and would be using it in the desert mostly. Is the broken battery door a big problem or is it minor?
Thanks for the help!

[Sandman]

The broken battery door is not a big problem as it only keeps the batteries in. You can put duct tape over the thing.

For the price for this dinosaur, it is high. Granted you won't get a decent gold nugget detector for this price new, but you might find one on ebay or Craigslist.

The newer circuits on the gold detectors of today are way better so you won't be wasting your time. Read my Signature at the bottom.

[Hemisteve]

I agree with the Sandman, a bit too pricey. The battery door is metal so the part that is broke is probably the plastic pin that holds the door closed. I have a GM3 V/sat and it works great although my new MXT is my main MD.
Look around for a while, you will probably find a gold machine that is a little less expensive or newer for the same price.

Offer the guy $150 and see what he says
Steve

[BeerBelly]

Thanks for the replies,
I offered him $180 before I read these replies, but I never heard back from him. Glad I didn't! I'll keep looking.