Price check AR and SKS

[jwhite3]

I am going to a gun store tomorrow that I was in last week and plan on purchasing some type of rifle. He offered me an unfired chinese sks for $295, and said he should have some AR's for under 900.

From everything I have read, that is a decent price for the sks. I don't know enough about AR's to know what a deal is, but I am in college and want one terribly but can't afford it. I just got some birthday money and am now considering getting one, so what is the cheapest way to get one? Should I consider buying a separate lower and upper and assembling myself?

 

[doc540]

yep, decent prices...buy one of each.

 

[RonE]

Those prices sound ok at this time. One thing to rember is that the prices for SKS's are high and prices for AR's are higher and these are only estimates.

 

[jwhite3]

I know that prices are high, but are they expected to come down much? It seems like the current political situation would keep prices high for at least 4 years, assuming no anti gun legislation comes through. If they re-enact the AWB, what I want could become illegal and then I'd have to spend even more for it. What do you guys think these prices will be like for the next... 2 years?

 

[husker]

other than gas does anything ever come back down?

 

[lionking]

No one has a crystal ball,but it seems for now the Dems have gotten the message that pushing any real legislation is a threat to their new found control of Wash DC.

I just got off gunbroker cruising the semi auto section and saw Colt AR 6920's that a couple months ago were back ordered and selling for $1900 due to everyone wanting to get one and now there are some dealers pricing them at $1500,and still alot of no buying.

WASR AK's seem to be not selling as much either with prices now $200 less that before save a few dealers still trying squeeze $800 or $900.I don't know what is so special about Yugo M70 AK's but they seem to be selling left and right.

SKS's seem in demand still also,although some dealers are lowering prices and or just letting real bids happen starting at low price to see what happens.M1A's seem in high demand still also,with a run of the mill post ban standard selling for around $1700.

So should you worry about buying now and it dropping in value?maybe some but if you use are smart take your time shop around and don't get into a bidding war you can score at a decent price.The guys that bought a WASR or AR two months ago have in dollar terms lost $200 to $300 in two months so it seems,but if you keep it to use it and enjoy it well it was not a waste anyway.The prices you listed in todays climate are decent prices,I wouldn't expect a AR to go less that $800,which is what a Bushmaster was before the panic.

 

[iburnpowdah]

One thing i've found with guns and ammo. Over the years, prices go up. I would say there are better short term investments out there, but the prices of ammunition will continually climb as the political agenda of certain Democrats becomes more defined. Start budgeting for ammo. It will never be cheaper than it is now. Consider purchasing a reloading press and accessories. Start to accumulate components such as primers, powder, brass and bullets. In ten years you'll look back, smile and be happy you did. Good shootin'!

And buy the AR. You'll never look back...

 

[lionking]

"It will never be cheaper than it is now"

People were saying that about fuel,they were saying that about real estate,they were saying that about a AR 2 months ago.

I know the Dems have a history of being anti gun,but some post away as though their thoughts about Dems trumps even the fact that as it stands right now all indication is they don't want to anger many American's and risk loosing the next elections.

Metal and fuel prices have decreased,the only thing making a shortage and insane prices of ammo right now is fear mongering gun enthusiasts are dong to other gun enthusiasts.And the only other reason a company would list a box of WOLF 7.62 at $15 which in Oct was $4 even when the fuel and metal prices were higher back then is people panicking and paying that price for fear they won't get ammo latter on because the "experts" say you better buy now the Dems are coming tommorrow for your gun.

Buy Wolf ammo at $15 for 20 now because it will never come down?.....pfhhttt!!!!!

 

[Oro]

I think SKS prices are about where they are sustainable:

Low $200's = decent shooter
$300 = nice condition
$400 = excellent/unissued

(little bit of leeway here and there for different nationalities). Let's be honest - looking at a clunky well-worn Mauser or Lee Enfield at the low $200s, wouldn't you take a really clean SKS at $300?

The thing that kept prices low in the past was the vast over-supply, no bad quality. Now that people have caught on, the value is closer to comparables in the market and will likely stick.

 

[c5_nc]

I don't SKS prices falling that much. Our local assault rifle places, and ClassicArms.us which is in NC has already seen them rise and fall. They were $199 pre-election and $229 after (I havn't checked in a while). At Classic they went from $179 to 229 and droped back down to $189 a couple weeks ago before selling out. These are for the Cheapest SKSs, Yugos in Cosmoline. I would buy at $189-199 without much worry.

AR prices I feel will fall a lot. Lowers are comming back instock. I bought a pack of them for $105ea recently and have them in hand. I backordered $465-520 rifle kits from 2 vendors, from flat tops to SS heavy barrel varmints. I recently sold a old Mini-14 for $630, which is crazy since you can buy the NEW synthetic ones that shoot 1.25mo instead of 3moa at walmart for $604 here. I'll just build a AR-15 for the same money.

 

[jwhite3]

So you can build an ar-15 for under 700? if that is the case where can I order the parts for it?

 

[Speedo66]

If you can afford the SKS, buy it.

There are no guarantees of what will be available later on.

Swedish Mausers came in at $79-89, now try and find one for less than $300-400.

Chinese SKSs came in for about the same, look at them now. Even before the panic, they were going up because there were no more.

Certain high priced guns may come down if the panic recedes, i.e., AR15s and AKs, but an inexpensive gun like an SKS probably will stay the same or increase.

Again, if the supply dries up, they will only increase in price.

 

[rogertc1]

$550 for WASR Hi Cap and AMD 65 in local store.

 

[jwhite3]

what is a good price for a stripped lower receiver for an AR 15? I got an offer for one for $150

 

[Average Joe]

The trouble with the price of SKS rifles, is that the supply is drying up, no more are being made, or imported into the US. I would buy the Norico at that price, before they are all gone.

 

[alemonkey]

I'm seriously thinking of selling my Norinco SKS at today's prices. I have another project rifle I could use the funds for, but I just can't quite bring myself to let it go.