Do used guns bring used prices in your area? We have a gun classified forum for our state that I browse very often. 95% of the guns I see are posted for more than new on there. Occasionally I see one listed for $25-50 less than new and it's snatched up in minutes if not seconds. To me there is no reason a beat up used 10/22 should bring $200 when they are $227 for a brand new one at Walmart, however, most sell for that price in under 5 minutes. Same with Glocks, Remington 700's, Savages, Marlin 30-30's, etc. I thought this might just be this site, but I attended a local gun show this past weekend only to see the same thing. Anything $25-50 less than new was being snatched up right away like it was gold. To me a used beat up gun should be quite a bit cheaper than a new one, but I guess not everyone feels this way. In your area do you see used prices on used guns, or are most of the the same cost as a new one or more? I'm wondering if this is a regional trend or if it's everywhere?
Do used guns sell for used prices in your area?
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WestKentucky
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We have those here in KY too. It's no suprise to see a well used gun for new price. There are rare exceptions where people ask a very reasonable price but those exceptions are so rare that a man questions whether the gun may be stolen. It's still a sellers market for firearms and a few flavors of ammunition but it's not as bad as it was a year ago.
Used is a bit cheaper around here, but not by much if its been taken care of, and thats fair imo. Quality brands especially seem to lose very little value just by becoming used.
What are you comparing to for your new price? Manufacturer MSRP? Gunbroker? Bud's? All 3 of those are a bit off from what you typically see at the sports outfitters or LGS (Buds and GB are cheaper, MSRP is more).
Also the asking price and what something actually sales for are often different. Some people will ask $500 for something in hopes of getting $450, even the word firm doesn't always mean firm.
What are you comparing to for your new price? Manufacturer MSRP? Gunbroker? Bud's? All 3 of those are a bit off from what you typically see at the sports outfitters or LGS (Buds and GB are cheaper, MSRP is more).
Also the asking price and what something actually sales for are often different. Some people will ask $500 for something in hopes of getting $450, even the word firm doesn't always mean firm.
Skylerbone
Member
Truly does depend on region and retailer. Some are reasonable and then some, others are more than new. As a for instance, Gander Mountain currently has a used rifle at the same price they charged me for a new one just last year. Still tempting as I like the one I bought and it's now discontinued...maybe I'm a sucker.
Ammo has gone up along with powder and primers and once cheap emerging optics companies are now pushing their "bargain for the buck" limit. All of it, gun related or not is subject to demand and demand is currently high.
Ammo has gone up along with powder and primers and once cheap emerging optics companies are now pushing their "bargain for the buck" limit. All of it, gun related or not is subject to demand and demand is currently high.
Another consideration is on a number of particular guns, the used ones may be of better quality.
Early Ruger 10/22's for example had walnut stocks. Now they are plastic or berch . The list is long and many seek out older guns as a result.
(I know - not always the case - but it is part of what you see in the pricing of used guns)
Early Ruger 10/22's for example had walnut stocks. Now they are plastic or berch . The list is long and many seek out older guns as a result.
(I know - not always the case - but it is part of what you see in the pricing of used guns)
mgmorden
Member
I think part of the problem is the way some people compare prices.
I buy a lot of guns online. Ergo, I can get a pretty good price by searching around. People selling face to face but listing online may have bought new or be shopping new at local shops. They (both buyer and seller) may be comparing the listing price to the much higher prices they see for guns locally.
There are a few shops open around here, but the largest is WAY overpriced. I'm talking $425 Kel-tec PF9's and $500 Ruger LC9's. If someone pays that $425 for a Keltec it's hard to convince them that they're charging too much when they list it for $325 used a year later.
Plus the reality is that some people are either paranoid (or genuine criminals) and put a substantial premium on buying from a private party because it avoids the background check. I know one guy who absolutely will not buy a gun unless its from a private party so I guess for that type of buyer private sellers have a lot of freedom in setting price.
I buy a lot of guns online. Ergo, I can get a pretty good price by searching around. People selling face to face but listing online may have bought new or be shopping new at local shops. They (both buyer and seller) may be comparing the listing price to the much higher prices they see for guns locally.
There are a few shops open around here, but the largest is WAY overpriced. I'm talking $425 Kel-tec PF9's and $500 Ruger LC9's. If someone pays that $425 for a Keltec it's hard to convince them that they're charging too much when they list it for $325 used a year later.
Plus the reality is that some people are either paranoid (or genuine criminals) and put a substantial premium on buying from a private party because it avoids the background check. I know one guy who absolutely will not buy a gun unless its from a private party so I guess for that type of buyer private sellers have a lot of freedom in setting price.
AlexanderA
Member
Bingo. This explains most of the new vs. used pricing structure. Once you get into the "private sale" (i.e., no paper trail) mindset, the older and more beat up the gun is -- implying that it's changed hands many times -- the harder it would be to trace. Every time there's a panic (caused by proposed gun legislation), the prevalence of this kind of thinking increases. This is the law of "unintended consequences." (These people, by and large, are not criminals. They're just ordinary people who are worried that their guns will be taken away from them.)
pharmer
Member
If you go to 50 garage sales around here and ask about "hunting items" one will have firearm(s). Most are Lorcins for $200 but about a year ago a local got a 4" S&W .44 mag, coke grips, in the black clamshell case for $150. He sold it for $800, without giving me a crack at it. A $2000+ gun! Lots of time and gas so I have a guy who buys gold/silver do it for me. Also, the larger dealers get large quantities of trade ins. Last week, Khalid at Shoot Straight had 50 or more S&W Model 15's at $299/$349. Lots of finish wear on the cheaper guns but definitely worth $300. If you promise to buy one they'll cut the bands off until you get one that meets the "checklist." Other than that, the pawnshops are retail+ 25% and gunshops are higher. Joe
AlexanderA
Member
This highlights something called "arbitrage," which is different prices for the same item in different markets. The garage-sale market is different from the Craigslist market, which in turn is different from the gun show market. If you have the knowledge of the items and prices, profits can be made by buying in one market and selling in another. When it comes to guns, though, you have to be careful because such transactions, if repeated, could be construed as dealing without a license (if, in fact, you don't have an FFL).
I know that for a few years, estate sales and flea markets in rural Pennsylvania (for example) were a gold mine for collectors of WWI and WWII militaria. Lots of veterans there, and as they were dying off, their families didn't know the worth of all the stuff they had brought back from the wars and had stashed in attics, etc. Hardly any of the old vets are left anymore, sadly.
At the shop I work at, new guns go for cost + 15% or if you special order it cost + 10%. But used guns always go for less than new, unless they are collectible which go for their book value and generally less than that due to our local market.
Used guns are also valued according to any custom work and any additional items with it (high dollar scopes, red dots, etc...). We also don't give MSRP for used guns period. If we can order it from our distributors for $400, then we will most likely offer you $250-300 depending on condition. Many customers tell us "It's brand new", or "I've only fired one box of shells through it" or something similar, but it doesn't matter if you bought it new from Academy or Walmart an hour ago. If we didn't get it from our distributor then its used.
Used guns are also valued according to any custom work and any additional items with it (high dollar scopes, red dots, etc...). We also don't give MSRP for used guns period. If we can order it from our distributors for $400, then we will most likely offer you $250-300 depending on condition. Many customers tell us "It's brand new", or "I've only fired one box of shells through it" or something similar, but it doesn't matter if you bought it new from Academy or Walmart an hour ago. If we didn't get it from our distributor then its used.
Armslist in my area is stupid.
Used Glocks with the infamous "only 50 rounds were fired out of it" are priced at like $600....when I can get a new one for cheaper.
Bubba'd milsurps for 3-400.
Lots of used 10/22s for 300 plus, again you can get a new one for cheaper, even 200 if on sale.
NIB guns....with obvious holster wear.
$1000 Aks
$1900 for a used FN 57 with 100 rounds, even though they can be had locally for $1k
$200 mosins, but for an extra $50, they'll throw in the bayonet and cleaning kit.
$300 for 2 used hi-points...but he'd rather trade for a colt AR, even though new hi-points can be had at that price
There are deals, but the bad deals stick out the most.
Used Glocks with the infamous "only 50 rounds were fired out of it" are priced at like $600....when I can get a new one for cheaper.
Bubba'd milsurps for 3-400.
Lots of used 10/22s for 300 plus, again you can get a new one for cheaper, even 200 if on sale.
NIB guns....with obvious holster wear.
$1000 Aks
$1900 for a used FN 57 with 100 rounds, even though they can be had locally for $1k
$200 mosins, but for an extra $50, they'll throw in the bayonet and cleaning kit.
$300 for 2 used hi-points...but he'd rather trade for a colt AR, even though new hi-points can be had at that price
There are deals, but the bad deals stick out the most.
similar here, one LGS in the area puts MSRP on all guns, new or used. If you are use to telling the difference you can see the rip off, even though his guns are really clean and spiffed up. He has a lot of traffic and I have been in there and seen many first time or otherwise inexperienced buyers who don't know the ropes pay those prices. Sometimes he will knock off a few bucks, kind of like a used car salesman, like "hey, today you can get this one $100 off" or some stuff like that. We have a fair number if gun shows in our area and that is when you can really tell this difference in what this guy charges, maybe that is one of the reasons why our gun shows around here are busy as all get out
RetiredUSNChief
Member
And therein lies the value of shopping around.
I can't count the number of times I've seen a used gun sell for virtually the same price as a new gun. (I don't count a measly $20 under new to actually be "less" than the new price. New prices vary depending on what retailer you go to.)
My opinion is this: I am not about to pay new gun prices for new guns when I could simply BUY the new gun and get the warranty that goes along with it as well.
I would make rare exceptions, however depending on what I was looking for and the market availability for it. I'd also make exceptions if it were certain guns of a certain age.
But used guns evidently tend to sell at these prices, so this means that the market must actually support this. Which is good, in a way, because it means that what you have will draw a decent selling price should you decide to sell it.
I can't count the number of times I've seen a used gun sell for virtually the same price as a new gun. (I don't count a measly $20 under new to actually be "less" than the new price. New prices vary depending on what retailer you go to.)
My opinion is this: I am not about to pay new gun prices for new guns when I could simply BUY the new gun and get the warranty that goes along with it as well.
I would make rare exceptions, however depending on what I was looking for and the market availability for it. I'd also make exceptions if it were certain guns of a certain age.
But used guns evidently tend to sell at these prices, so this means that the market must actually support this. Which is good, in a way, because it means that what you have will draw a decent selling price should you decide to sell it.
ridgerunner1965
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lots of guns are priced a bit high but the owners are willing to haggle a bit. if you see one you like then just offer what you think it is worth to you. occasionally you will piss a guy off. so what? roll on.
lots of used guns also appreciate in value. for instance around 78 i purchased a brand new marlin golden 39a for 104$. a dozen years later i sold that gun in good condition but with thousands of rounds thru it for $200.
today, that same gun in the same condition would prob bring maybe $400 or even more. to me and others that gun is worth more in nice condition than one made today with the rediculous redundant crossbolt safety.
another reason you see the high priced guns is simply that the owner hopes to encounter someone who is just too stupid to know what the gun is worth. that is more common than one mite think.
lots of used guns also appreciate in value. for instance around 78 i purchased a brand new marlin golden 39a for 104$. a dozen years later i sold that gun in good condition but with thousands of rounds thru it for $200.
today, that same gun in the same condition would prob bring maybe $400 or even more. to me and others that gun is worth more in nice condition than one made today with the rediculous redundant crossbolt safety.
another reason you see the high priced guns is simply that the owner hopes to encounter someone who is just too stupid to know what the gun is worth. that is more common than one mite think.
FROGO207
Member
It depends on how desperate you are. Need no paper trail or want it today then pay the price.
Otherwise wait for the deal that you feel is reasonable and take it then. But you have to be savvy of what the actual cost to you will be in a realistic sales environment.
Otherwise wait for the deal that you feel is reasonable and take it then. But you have to be savvy of what the actual cost to you will be in a realistic sales environment.
50-75% of the cost of a comparable new gun is all I'll pay for used There are exceptions where there is nothing comparable currently being made. I see lots of folks asking more, but not many getting it. I can usually find what I want within that 50-75% range. I may have to look around a while, but fair prices are there.
george burns
Member
Here in Fl, I have found that it's really a joke dealing with these guys, "usually the same group" that go from Gun trader to FL Shooters Network and Armslist. They actually try to convince people that their gun is better than a new gun, and it's "like new", "hardly fired", never fired, "better than new" or "almost never fired". It's really funny watching guys ask $150 over MSRP and someone actually paying it.
Another one is "hard to find", "impossible to find" Custom, Limited, no longer in production, Etc.
One is a store in Broward that actually says in his Ad, he won't deal with Price checkers. Or flippers, And his guns are better than new guns. I had to email him, "I can't help myself sometimes". I asked him if people were just supposed to take his word for what his overpriced guns cost. I have actually sent him the MSRP from the manufacturers site, but of course it does no good.
I agree many of these guys just aren't supposed to own guns at all, so it's a premium that they have to pay if they want a "no check" weapon.
I have also posted the retail prices of many guns in these ads, "when possible" for those who possibly had a loved one who passed and are trying to find out what the gun they have is worth.
I believe in playing it forward, no good comes of taking advantage of people in times of desperation.
Maybe a new reality show called "Flipping Guns" should come out.
Another one is "hard to find", "impossible to find" Custom, Limited, no longer in production, Etc.
One is a store in Broward that actually says in his Ad, he won't deal with Price checkers. Or flippers, And his guns are better than new guns. I had to email him, "I can't help myself sometimes". I asked him if people were just supposed to take his word for what his overpriced guns cost. I have actually sent him the MSRP from the manufacturers site, but of course it does no good.
I agree many of these guys just aren't supposed to own guns at all, so it's a premium that they have to pay if they want a "no check" weapon.
I have also posted the retail prices of many guns in these ads, "when possible" for those who possibly had a loved one who passed and are trying to find out what the gun they have is worth.
I believe in playing it forward, no good comes of taking advantage of people in times of desperation.
Maybe a new reality show called "Flipping Guns" should come out.
RetiredUSNChief
Member
Won't deal with "price checkers"? Does this mean he won't deal with people who call or visit in order to get a price quote on a given gun?
How does one conduct business like that? I walk in to my LGS with a mind to purchase something, the conversation usually starts out something like this:
"I'm looking for a (fill in the blank). What can you do for me?"
This is the hallmark of doing business.
alsaqr
Member
Used gun prices in Lawton, OK are sky high. Numerous pawn shops are FFL holders.
In OK there is this widely held belief that all guns sold by dealers are "registered" with the feds. i've attended several large estate sales where used "unregistered" guns sold for hundreds more than the cost of a new gun.
In OK there is this widely held belief that all guns sold by dealers are "registered" with the feds. i've attended several large estate sales where used "unregistered" guns sold for hundreds more than the cost of a new gun.
george burns
Member
Yes Chief, don't question his prices, He took that one down after I pointed out how stupid it made him sound. He is off 20-30% over retail on just about everything, Shields are on sale at $450.00. Some of these guys are really tripping.
I had another gun store owner tell me that anything under $500.00 on a shield was LEO only price, and I would soon see a stop to that, as it was illegal. There is no limit to what these sleazebags will say to sell you something.
Better yet if slick guns runs a good deal, you will see the same guns on Guntrader for $300.00 more a few days later, especially the Sig Tacops, which if you follow slickguns.com, has been on sale for about 3 months for around $700, same package is popping up locally for $1000.00.
I had another gun store owner tell me that anything under $500.00 on a shield was LEO only price, and I would soon see a stop to that, as it was illegal. There is no limit to what these sleazebags will say to sell you something.
Better yet if slick guns runs a good deal, you will see the same guns on Guntrader for $300.00 more a few days later, especially the Sig Tacops, which if you follow slickguns.com, has been on sale for about 3 months for around $700, same package is popping up locally for $1000.00.
robhof
Member
robhof
I've lucked into a few pawn bargains, but I worked in a pawn shop awhile ago and I know what they actually pay and it can be as little as 50% of wholesale suggested price, so I refuse to pay asking price. Best deals are on guns unique to the area; hunting grade shotgun with 30" barrel in urban shop or pocket gun in rural shop, chances are they been there awhile and shop will bargain. Big pistols or single shot pistols are usually a great deal in urban pawn shops, don't pay asking price.
I've lucked into a few pawn bargains, but I worked in a pawn shop awhile ago and I know what they actually pay and it can be as little as 50% of wholesale suggested price, so I refuse to pay asking price. Best deals are on guns unique to the area; hunting grade shotgun with 30" barrel in urban shop or pocket gun in rural shop, chances are they been there awhile and shop will bargain. Big pistols or single shot pistols are usually a great deal in urban pawn shops, don't pay asking price.
Stephen1956
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About the same in rural Virginia the used guns are usually priced higher than new guns but at the 2 local gun shops here a used Glock 17 is around $475.00 and a new one $599.00 it makes no sense. But they have a local trade paper here and most used AR's are still going for about $1600.00 beyond me but they sell all I can say a fool and his money are soon parted.
RetiredUSNChief
Member
Ah, I see.
I expect the average LGS to be higher than other sources, such as larger retailers and some online sources. I understand the difference between the costs of such businesses and respect that some places are going to have higher prices than others.
I go to my LGS for a variety of reasons...and quite frankly, the friendly face-to-face interactions on a variety of issues helps make the extra cost worth it to me.
Yes, I will happily jump on a good deal as well. Goes without saying, I think.
But if ANY gun store wants my business, then the number one thing THEY need to do for me is treat me with the respect any potential customer is entitled to. Just because some customers are jerks doesn't mean I (or anyone else) should be treated like one as well.
If I pay a "premium price" (meaning I'm willing to pay more than I can reasonably get elsewhere), then it's because that shop did something for me which I felt make it worth the extra cost.
And that something is invariably service related.
I expect the average LGS to be higher than other sources, such as larger retailers and some online sources. I understand the difference between the costs of such businesses and respect that some places are going to have higher prices than others.
I go to my LGS for a variety of reasons...and quite frankly, the friendly face-to-face interactions on a variety of issues helps make the extra cost worth it to me.
Yes, I will happily jump on a good deal as well. Goes without saying, I think.
But if ANY gun store wants my business, then the number one thing THEY need to do for me is treat me with the respect any potential customer is entitled to. Just because some customers are jerks doesn't mean I (or anyone else) should be treated like one as well.
If I pay a "premium price" (meaning I'm willing to pay more than I can reasonably get elsewhere), then it's because that shop did something for me which I felt make it worth the extra cost.
And that something is invariably service related.
That is also true Chief. The really large stores that buy selected models of rifles/shotguns/handguns can buy 5,000 of them for all their stores and they are going to get a price that the average LGS cannot touch, so they can sell cheaper, and if you want that particular gun and they have it you can save a few bucks buying from them. Maybe some of the more rural places pay more cuz they can only buy a few at a time (cash flow, etc.)
There is also a lot to be said for the service angle as well, that is worth something to me too, you can get to know who you are dealing with and in the end a relationship forms and you can get fair and square deals. The one guy I was referring to earlier, I do not know what his deal is, he is friendly, but the whole used car approach just turns me off, always has. It just makes me think the darn thing is going to fall apart as soon as I take it to the range, ask me how I know about that...
There is also a lot to be said for the service angle as well, that is worth something to me too, you can get to know who you are dealing with and in the end a relationship forms and you can get fair and square deals. The one guy I was referring to earlier, I do not know what his deal is, he is friendly, but the whole used car approach just turns me off, always has. It just makes me think the darn thing is going to fall apart as soon as I take it to the range, ask me how I know about that...
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mgkdrgn
Member
Everybody thinks their rusty pipe not fit for firewood stock guns are gold plated and "rare".
Just 'cause they post 'em with that price don't mean they get that price ... or anywhere near that price.
Just 'cause they post 'em with that price don't mean they get that price ... or anywhere near that price.
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