Is the wheelgun market soft?

[bassjam]

I don't think the wheel gun market has softened, I think it's just starting to correct itself from the gun-buying frenzy of the Obama administration. And it's not just revolvers, used prices on a lot of gun types are lower than they were a year ago.

I'll browse Armslist and see something like a K-frame and think "THAT'S A KILLER DEAL", but then I'll see 3-4 guns just like it on the next pages for similar prices.

 

[Dr.Rob]

I've seen a few Colts and Rugers go for cheaper than I thought, but there's been no huge drop in pricing.

 

[PapaG]

Gee, another post or two about doubles tanking. Tell me where and give specifics. As to revolvers, any decent Colt, Smith, or Ruger in classic trim (say, pre 1980) priced appropriately seldom lasts a day and our prices have not shrunk. We don't gouge, either.

 

[Charlie98]

...priced appropriately...

Well, and that's the key. From what I saw at the Fort Worth gun show this past weekend, the entire firearms market is correcting. The tables were stacked with product, and very little of it was moving.... and that's rifles and pistols.

 

[200Apples]

Is the wheelgun market soft?

Don't ask me. I will have acquired three more single-actions in just the first two months of this year!

They are a three-screw Single Six w/ an additional cylinder chambered for the WMR, a TALO distributor exclusive 4-5/8" stainless Ruger .44 Special flat top New Model Blackhawk and a 5-1/2" Inter Continental Arms' Dakota in .357 made in 1965... and all three were very reasonably priced.

 

[Alaskan Ironworker]

Its my opinion, that when purchasing any new gun, YOU are the last line of quality control. It may seem rude to the guy behind the counter, but if i find something like a poor fit or a little slop in a cylinder, I politely ask to see another specimen or possibly two or three. Be picky, and take your time. I recently passed up a new ruger Alaskan id been saving to buy for a year. It was hard for me to do, but i didnt like what i saw, (mostly cosmetic as far as i could tell without shooting it). I had to wait 2 more weeks till they got another 2 in stock., in the end i got a beautiful specimen with a perfect fit/finish. Worth waiting 2 weeks? I think so. Any how I have traded off almost all my auto rifles and pistols for bolts, levers, and revolvers. Lets start the Revolvelution!

 

[AZAndy]

J&G currently has a Model 10 4" Tapered (which revision it is, they don't say) with some holster wear for 569. It's not pinned, and a three-screw, so not all that old. They'll probably get that much for it, too.

On the other hand, I recently got a 6" 19-3 for 495, a pretty 4" 10 no dash for 350, a 6" 10-5 in good shape for 350, and a cosmetically worn '56 Chiefs for 300 (all in shops). I think decent prices are out there; just a matter of finding them.

 

[Hasaf]

I haven't purchased any revolvers since the 80's. This is in large part due to the price. It just seems that revolvers are priced more than, what I consider to be, equivalent auto-loaders (I am not looking for some long drawn out conversation on what "equivalent" means, that is why I added the conditional "what I consider to be. . . ).

As an example, I would like to get a 327 mag, I just don't want to spend close to 700 for one. It seems that even black-powder revolvers are no longer the cheap plinkers that they used to be. I lost a lot of my guns around 2000 and with that loss were most of my revolvers. I have just never gotten around to replacing them. Most of what I replace will be the Black-powder ones, I think I will enjoy those more.

 

[ACES&8S]

I love revolvers and watch gunbroker a lot even when I don’t want to buy anything..or don’t have the cash...always want to buy. There are certain guns I keep an eye on, and right now all are down regularly by about 10-20%, and more guns are shaking out from their safes too... just search for a Rossi Cyclops. Normally there are 2-4 guns listed and they are in the 800+ range and often push over 1k for the nice ones. Right now there are more than ever and they are hurting my soul at the 650-700 range since I am not in the market right now due to life and bills. Anything Colt is usually hot, but I just watched a NICE DS sell for $560. Even some odd guns are selling at bargain prices to a point in slinging lowball bids and kinda hoping I don’t win and have to have a chat with the enforcer (wife). What’s up right now?

Tell you what I think but be warned I am no expert.
I think the market is flooded with too many 2'nd hand firearms due to the economy so cost should be down.
Plus there are more mfg than you can count , especially in semi auto handguns & AR platforms, I bet there are
more AR mfg than bears in the woods & any semi auto pistol model in ridiculous versions which is mfg cost over run.
Ever wonder what happens to the handguns you look at & know you would hate to find a buyer for it.
In our local gun shops there are tons of semi auto pistols & AR platforms. HOWEVER the number of revolvers in
the shops is low , I mean one display case of revolvers & 9 display cases of semi autos.
I don' think our local shops have lowered prices on revolvers. They are to tight.

 

[Flatbush Harry]

I just scored a 98+% 6" Nickeled Colt Python with original box for $2,100. Gun appears unfired but cylinder turned (slight ring on cylinder). I bought with action blocked with plastic tie. This will be a safe queen, at least for a while.

FH

PS-I can post pics tomorrow after I pick it up a little later today.

 

[Wanderling]

It would be an interesting question... the effect the poly auto has had on the gun market. I don't view my poly autos like I do my revolvers or, for that matter, my 1911's... they are tools, expendable to an extent, used and abused for sure. I know I couldn't afford to replace my '80's era Smith 57, but I have 4 Kahr 9mm's...

I can only tell you from personal anecdotal experience. Most of my friends who shoot guns (and I can think of a dozen or so) are in their 30-40s. All of them without exception have semi autos. Only a few own any all steel pistols, mainly as fancy toys. Not a single one of them has any revolvers. When I indicated that I am thinking of buying one, most said that they would like to try shooting it, but nobody could offer me any advice.

Basically in at least that group a revolver seems to be seen as a novelty, hobby piece, almost an oddity. Even all-steel guns are looked upon as cool hobby toys rather than practical carry pieces. BTW most of my friends grew up in middle class suburban homes, perhaps things would be different in more rural setting.

Don’t know how typical that is...

 

[Hasaf]

Basically in at least that group a revolver seems to be seen as a novelty, hobby piece, almost an oddity. Even all-steel guns are looked upon as cool hobby toys rather than practical carry pieces. BTW most of my friends grew up in middle class suburban homes, perhaps things would be different in more rural setting.

Don’t know how typical that is...

I know that my daughter (30) has a strong preference for revolvers; but then, about all she shoots is black-powder.

 

[Waveski]

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/744095609

Really... ok, not exactly my thing but still...

I have long considered the Official Police to be the "Poor Man's Colt. Bought one in very nice condition a few years back for around $425. It ain't no Snake Gun.

 

[IWAC]

Revolver prices (used) are about the same or slightly higher than newly- manufactured ones in my neighborhood!

 

[zaitcev]

Basically in at least that group a revolver seems to be seen as a novelty, hobby piece, almost an oddity.

Precisely. This is why all my revolvers are chambered in rimless calibers (including .380 ACP). Having a revolver already qualifies one as an eccentric. Might as well go whole hog on it.

 

[RPZ]

I do not think that the market for classic revolvers with real self defense application will ever tank. Not talking about the collectible gun market etc, but those with present day practical value, in addition to quality and aethethics.