Resale value of a Ruger MK III Hunter?

[kingpin008]

This might be in the wrong forum, if so, please accept my apologies and delete as necessary.

Anyway - I have a Stainless Ruger MK III Hunter (w/ 6 7/8" fluted bull barrel & cocobolo grips) that I'm trying to get rid of. I've put about a brick's worth of rounds through it, and had no malfunctions that weren't either operator or ammo related.

My question is - how much would you ask for this pistol, if you had to sell it? I bought it for right around $525, and I know I'm not going to get what I paid for it but I'd like to make back as much as I can. It's an awesome pistol, I just have too many .22 guns right now, and nothing in 7.62x39R, which the cash made from the sale of this MK III will be put towards.


I live in a state that unfortunately disallows FTF transfers (Maryland) so that's not really an option. I can sell to a private buyer without the aid of a FFL, I just have to go with them to the State Police Barracks to do so and while that's an option, I'd like to explore other options first.

Any help at all is appreciated, many thanks ahead of time!

 

[skud_dusty]

A quick search on GunBroker shows the Mk3 Hunter models selling for between $400 and $450. I'd say somewhere in there would be fair

 

[kingpin008]

Thanks for the comment..I'll see what I can get for it. Would be so much easier if I lived in a FTF state though, heh.

 

[elrod]

"Blue Book of Gun Values", 28th ed. values a 98% gun at $375. They are considered conservative in pricing. Hope that helps.

 

[kingpin008]

It does, thanks. I'm definetly not expecting to make my money back, but I hope I can at least get $350 for it.

 

[skud_dusty]

I'd be surprised if you couldn't honestly. I don't know if gun prices are outrageous here on the west coast or what, but a used Mk3 hunter in 98%+ condition for $350 would be a steal IMO...Hunters are expensive

 

[kingpin008]

Tell me about it. Here in Md, we seem to get charged a higher price than most places. But then again, Md isn't exactly a gun-friendly state to begin with. I just want enough to get me most of the way towards a decent AK.

 

[skud_dusty]

If you can find a WASR10 that wasn't royally screwed over when imported and "rebuilt" they are decent and can be had for ~$300. It's really hit or miss quality though

To stay on topic, if I were in the market for your hunter I would buy it for $375 + shipping

 

[kingpin008]

I'd love to find one of the AK variants with the thicker (1.6mm I think) stamped recievers and call it good..I know a lot of folks like the milled variants but to me it's overkill..I mean, the AK-47 is known for it's hardiness and reliability..do you really need a milled reciever, knowing what it'll cost you? The gains seem small compared to the extra cost.

And thanks for the offer...are you absolutely sure than you're not in the market?

Positively sure? Without a doubt?


...pretty please?

 

[skud_dusty]

I've got rent coming up shortly, I'm pretty sure I'm not in the market just this second lol

Another one to look at if you don't mind a sporter version are the Saigas...I've got on in 7.62 and it's amazing. It's just a standard stamped receiver, but it feels so robust in your hands. Definately another recommendation to look into at least.

 

[kingpin008]

Ah well, figured I'd ask.

I've never had a chance to check one out. I hear that they require some modifications to "fix" them that can be kind of tricky/expensive..what can ya tell me about that, if anything? Currently I'm unable to own 30 round mags thanks to Md law, but I don't necessarily mind 20 rounders. However, I do want to be able to use 30 rounders at some point down the line.

And what's involved in switching the stock back to the usual configuration? That's another thing I've heard can be a PITA.

 

[skud_dusty]

To convert the Saigas to accept hi cap mags, I believe you have to instal a bullet guide...This is just from reading online, I haven't done anything to mine other than shoot it. Mine came with a factory plastic 10 rounder, and a 30 rounder that was supposidly "modified' to work in the Saiga.

To swap the stock you have to swap out parts, as Saigas are imported and fall under the 1989 import laws. You need to convert the weapon to use less than 10 imported parts if I remember correctly.

http://saiga-12.com/ has some GREAT info on converting Saigas. If you do the work yourself you can convert a Saiga with roughly $150 and a couple hours of work. It does require some tools and know how, but there are many places online that have walk throughs such as http://www.cross-conn.com/Saiga_Conversion/

A converted Saiga is roughly the same quality (other than the actual finish which is kind of cheapy on Saigas) as some $700-800 Aks...

 

[kingpin008]

Thanks for the links, I'll have a look and see what all is involved. All I know is that I'v heard things about taking a dremel to the mag well, and things like that...and with my skill level that could be a very, very bad thing.