Gun trading - how it works ? And what's fair for mine ?

[Wanderling]

This is something I may end up never doing. But I thought I'd ask in case I decide to go ahead with it.

Ever since I got my G26, my G17 turned into a safe queen. I seem to shoot G26 just and perhaps even better at short range (10 yards or so) and it's far more compact and easy to carry. I didn't think I'd like it as much as I did. Especially after outfitting it with Grip Force Adapter that took care of slide bite issues. The last time I went to the range I ended up shooting G26 most of the time.

So, I always intended to have two guns, one in the house and one as EDC. However the purpose of the "house" gun is for fun & range time as much as HD. And the "problem" with G17 is that it functions exactly as my G26 does; so while it's great in case of a HD situation, it's not as much fun as having two different guns at the range.

I keep hearing about people trading their guns, and I was toying with an idea of trading that G17 for something different to play with at the range. Either a "classic" gun with different ergonomics, hammer, slide safety etc., or a wheelgun.

So, two questions... (1) my pristine condition G17 Gen 3 with black "teflon" finish and probably around 500-800 rounds through it, factory sights, Siderlock safety and Grip Force Adapter (both of which I can take off since the value is very subjective) - what is a fair trade for this ? I am not asking for or soliciting any trades at the moment, just trying to figure out what would be an equal trade gun, either a revolver or another semi-auto of a similar value. (2) how does a trade between two private parties work ? How do you make sure the gun you're being traded has not been used in a crime or is being bought by a criminal ?

 

[sarduy]

if you want to keep the same caliber go with a S&W, Sig or a FN handgun in 9mm if you want to go with something completely different get a 1911.

but if i were you i would turn that G17 into something like this

 

[CajunBass]

I try to NEVER trade a gun. Note: I said "try." I have done it, but I know what to expect.

You will be offered about half what you paid for it. I don't care what kind of gun it is, or what kind of condition it's in. Rule of thumb, expect an offer about half what you think it's worth.

No need to feel insulted. Simple economics. For a dealer to sell it at a profit, he has to buy it for less. He can't give you full price or even near full price for (example) a Glock 17. He has to sell that used Glock for less than a new one. If he didn't who'd buy the used one? So he has to buy it for less. Pretty simple. There is also the possibility that the dealer simply doesn't want your gun. He might have a dozen used Glock 17's in stock. He doesn't need your gun, but if you basically want to give it away, he'll take it. Again, it's not personal.

If you want to get rid of your gun for maximum return, sell it yourself and cut out the middleman. If you don't want to go to that trouble, trade it in and take the loss.

Any extras you have with the possible exception of magazines, won't bring much if anything. Sell them separately.

For a trade between private parties, it's whatever you can work out. I once traded a Glock 19 for a like new, Smith & Wesson Model 29-2, 44 Magnun, with a 4" barrel. Personally I feel like I got the best end of that deal, but the guy who got the Glock was as happy as a pig in mud.

 

[highpower]

Trade value on your Glock is the same as it's value on the open market. Gen3 G17's seem to sell for around $450 +or- around here. The accessories really don't add any value, but may be a factor in desirability for a sale or trade. I recently bought a West German Sig 226 and decided to sell my G17. It was like new with about 300ish rounds through it and came with the box and five extra magazines. I felt lucky to get $500 for it.

IMO, you will probably be better off selling it outright and using the money to buy exactly what you want.

 

[Sam1911]

Ok, you're getting good answers to two slightly different questions here.

1) What is it worth in trade -- when you're trading guns with another private individual?
As highpower says, you look at open market used prices someplace like GunBroker (look at sold items, not asking prices) for each gun in the trade and then negotiate what money has to change hands along with the guns to make it fair.

"Looks like my Glock would sell used for about $400, and your Ruger would sell used for about $300, so I'll make this trade if you throw in $100 cash."

2) What is it worth in "trade-in" value when you're offering it as part of a deal with a dealer.

Dealer: "Sir, you want to buy the Browning rifle I've got here for $1,600, and you're offering your used Glock in trade. I can probably sell your Glock for about $400, eventually, but I've already got four of them here for sale and they tend to take about a month to sell. I'll give you a $200 credit for it, so I'll sell you the Browning for $1,400 plus your Glock. Or keep the Glock and pay the full $1,600 -- up to you."

 

[dogmush]

Like Sam said the answer to question 1 is: Eh, about $400 on a private party trade, maybe $200-$250 at a dealer.

Question number two: The answer to the first part (how does it work) depends on where you live. State Laws vary wildly. The answer to the second part ( How do you make sure the gun you're being traded has not been used in a crime or is being bought by a criminal) can cause some furor on gun boards but for me it's 1. I don't really care, and 2. I ask them. ("Hey, just to double check, you live in FL and aren't a prohibited person, right?") No one I've sold or traded a gun to has ever been offended at this question, and they've all answered no. As for the gun being "hot" I place a lot of weight on the "vibe" I get from the person trading/selling. If I guess wrong, and somehow I end up with a crime gun, and somehow the police get to inspect it and figure it out, then I would just tell them where I got it. (sumdude on FLguntrader.com, or THR, or a gunshow) Worst case I'm out the gun, but that is a VERY low probability event, and if LEO are running the serials of my guns, I probably have bigger problems.

YMMV, and some folks worry more than I do.

 

[bainter1212]

I have "traded up" a couple of times, where I got something of higher value (to me, at least) tha the item I traded away. The other party probably felt the same way, so we both walk away happy.
The G17 might be harder to do that with, as they are so readily available for cheap. You have to find the right person who has no cash, but a firearm to trade.

 

[tarosean]

Trading up trading down, doesnt really matter as long as both parties are on the same page.

 

[guyfromohio]

When trading gun for gun (assuming both are current production), I either compare MSRP to MSRP or Bud's price to Bud's price to establish the actual delta in value. At that point, want comes in to play. Mods mean squat to me if not devalue it in my opinion. Whether you would ask $350, $400, $500, or even $600 for your Glock is irrelevant once that value difference is established on a trade opportunity.

 

[Wanderling]

Thanks guys !

1) I understand the problems of trading in at LGS, that's why I was thinking about a private trade.

2) I am not interested in turning it into a pistol caliber carbine, and if I was I'd probably look at a Hi-Point. That contraption in the thread above is interesting but way too pricey for me, for what it does.

3) Let me rephrase my question - what revolver or a "classic" style pistol (hammer, flip safety, non-polymer frame) would be a fair even trade for it ?

 

[guyfromohio]

I think any of the CZ variants would be fair as they tend to sell for about the same as a new Glock. Maybe you would have to kick in $25-$50. Any polymer would trade equally except maybe HK. You could probably find a Beretta 92 variant for equal trade...again maybe kick in $25-$50. Or you could sell the Glock for $400-$450 and buy a new CZ for $500 and change or a Beretta Trident for $480ish.

 

[bainter1212]

Maybe an N Frame revolver, model 27 or 28. You may have to throw $100 on top of the deal.

 

[WestKentucky]

I just got a used and abused 17 Gen 2 in trade for realistically about 250 bucks. Gen 3 brings more and good shape obviously brings more so your looking around 375 or 400 in trade. What helps AND hurts is thar you have a well known common gun. People know the name and want ut, but the market is far from being depleted of specimens. If somebody REALLY wants what you've got then they may not care to lose out on their end.

 

[oneounceload]

What is it worth in trade -- when you're trading guns with another private individual?

It's worth exactly what the other person thinks it's worth.

Around here, you'd get something like a older nice K frame S&W, N frames here go for more than the Glock

 

[hAkron]

In general - assuming as new, fired condition with the box and all of the factory stuff, and assuming it's a currently produced gun and not some special high demand configuration - assume that a used gun will be worth about 80% of the new pre tax price for a private party sale. Any accessories are worth at most 50% of retail value, but you are usually better off returning the gun to its stock configuration if possible and selling the accessories separately or on eBay.

When determining the value for a private party trade, it's common for both parties to use the new retail before tax price as the valuation of their trade. As long as both parties are using the same system to determine the value of their end of the trade. Things like extra mags, accessories, ammo, other guns, and cash can be brought into the trade to makeup any difference between the trade value. It's important that both parties are clear on their valuation of the trade so that there is no confusion.

 

[IlikeSA]

You could trade it for an XD, M&P, or possibly a GP100 or SP101. It depends on what is available in your area and what the other individual wants. Armslist is a good resource for seeing what's around your area.

 

[BSA1]

So, two questions... (1) my pristine condition G17 Gen 3 with black "teflon" finish and probably around 500-800 rounds through it, factory sights, Siderlock safety and Grip Force Adapter (both of which I can take off since the value is very subjective) - what is a fair trade for this ? I am not asking for or soliciting any trades at the moment, just trying to figure out what would be an equal trade gun, either a revolver or another semi-auto of a similar value. (2) how does a trade between two private parties work ? How do you make sure the gun you're being traded has not been used in a crime or is being bought by a criminal ?

1. Just like when buying a new car as soon as you drive it off of the dealer’s lot your pristine Glock 17 is a USED gun. And just like when trading cars condition will help you get top dollar maybe. However other factors such how popular the gun is and caliber will play a big role also. A Glock 17 is a full size gun which makes it harder to carry concealed which in general reduces it’s desirability with many folks. Accessories usually don’t add any value to the gun but might spice up the trade (see boot).

2. Depends on the laws in your State. In Kansas as long as both parties of Kansas all is needed a simple swap of the guns and any boot that is agreed on. Others States require the trade to go through a FFL dealer. Trades between private parties will usually give you more for your gun as a dealer has to mark up the gun to make a profit.

3. There really isn’t any way to know if the gun has been used in crime or is being brought by a criminal. Generally just trust your instincts. Of course if you are trading for a new gun from a dealer then it is highly unlikely it is stolen or used in a crime.

3) Let me rephrase my question - what revolver or a "classic" style pistol (hammer, flip safety, non-polymer frame) would be a fair even trade for it ?

Simple answer is whatever you are happy with. Everyone has different opinions, tastes, wants and needs. For example I want a S&W Model 19/66 with a 2 1/2" barrel so I would be happy with trading a Glock 17 if I had one.

 

[ritepath]

Post it on a facebook BST local group or 10. At the end of the day you'll have dozens of offers and there will be at least a few that pique you interest. On a FB group you'll fetch 5-550 pretty easy, people are dumb when it comes to glocks they'll pay moon money for them. You have the ability to hose someone really well and snatch up something fun like a M&P pro, P226, P320 or CZ75.

 

[SC Shooter]

I have traded three guns. First of all, all were guns that I didn't like for various reasons. I traded them for something that I wanted more, but didn't want to lay out that much cash. If the trade got me something that I really wanted, I considered it a good deal.