New gun shop just opened up, price check :)

[NYenthusiast]

Hello all, I havent had a chance to post in quite some time, been busy with school work and hunting for a summer job. Anyway, A firearms dealership just opened up a few minutes from my home and after finishing our SAT exam this morning three friends and I took a walk over to meet the owner and have a look around. It was a very nice shop with a friendly and seemingly knowledgeable owner who was happy to assist us and answer questions despite our youth. I was also pleased at the wall of military style semi autos and shotguns . My birthday is fast approaching and my parents have promised me that I can buy my first rifle since it is my 18th. In the shop this afternoon I was admireing a romanian AK which retails at $429, is this a fair price? Whats the quality like on the rifle? What accesories should I invest in? Would I be better off with an AR or pistol caliber carbine?

 

[gazpacho]

I'm no expert, but AK prices seem to vary wildly to me. Also, there seem to be a bazillion different variants. What I'd recommend is that you pick up a current Shotgun News or Gun List and compare similar AKs. If the published price comes within 20% of the gunshop price, then I'd say it's an okay price.

If you want an AK, and that gun has good fit and finish, and it is in excellent, like new or new condition, then it sounds reasonably priced. Get the gunshop to throw in 4 or 5 mags and a box or two of ammo, if that will make you feel better.

 

[NYenthusiast]

Thanks for the assistance, anyone else who can add input, I would greatly appreaciate it

 

[AJ Dual]

+1 on looking at the ads in Shotgun News and Gun List. Or, check places like AIM surplus, SOG, or CenterFire Systems.

Take their price, add shipping, sales tax, and an FFL transfer fee, usualy about $25-50, that's probably a fair price for a shop wall on that AK.

IIRC, they go for about $299 in the flyer, but adding in shipping and FFL fee, a fair price for the wall is about $350-375. As a dealer, his price should also be a bit better than the $299 quantity one price in the flyer.

Lay that out for them politely, and see if they bite. Also, if they do offer a reasonable price, and they have any ammo or accessories you want and the price is okay on that, buy it from them. And make a point of letting them know you did so because they came down on the price of the AK...

 

[Will Learn]

For romies- $300=great deal, $350=okay deal $429=rip off. beware of trigger slap .

 

[lamazza]

+1 will learn
$425 pretty high for a romy. And ask about the trigger. Is it an original romy trigger(doubtful) or newer american made or older american made. You definately don't want one with trigger slap which is caused by cheap american made trigger assembly. Trigger slap = add even more more money to that sell price.

 

[KaceCoyote]

Unless its been hotrodded, then no. Costs too much.

 

[MechAg94]

http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/Rifles.html

Look at AIMSuplus's Romanian rifles. Shops always seem to be high for surplus that I have seen. Try a gun show if you can.

 

[NYenthusiast]

The thing, this is my frist firearms purchase and the owner seems like a very friendly and knowledgable man. On the other hand he has reason to be since I am seriosuly investiageting makeing a purchase from him. I want to give him the buisness, is it possible that the weapon is a newer model that might add to the price? I also live in a nice suburb in New York, I assume prices do vary based upon local socio economics.

 

[kennyboy]

I just go for the lowest price, whether it be wallyworld or a local gun shop.

 

[BucksDC]

hello

That is great you are 18 and all ready starting your gun collection. Keep at it. Have fun. Sometimes you will pay too much for one you "just have to have" and sometimes you will buy just because it's a steal.
$429 is higher than average, but you may be in a town that is higher than average in cost of living. I always try to buy local even if it costs more, just to make good business connections. If you buy this AK at his price maybe he treats you well from then on. If not, don't buy from him again.
As mentioned before, the best way to know prices is to study Shotgun News or Gunlists. But, factor another $50+ for shipping, transfer and sales tax.
Also, buy used guns. That is where the real deals are.
Good Luck