Retail? Auction? Trades? Price check? Huh?

[ImJustRick]

Hi, all-

I'd like to purchase an MK9 (or maybe a PM9) soon. I went to what might be my new favorite shop in the greater Seattle Area today, and they had each for $599.

A quick trip to gunbroker.com shows the MK9 in stainless to be from $475 - $575 NIB. Figure adding in $50 for shipping and FFL, that turns into $500 or $600.

So I don't mind paying an extra $50 for a gun that I can a) Have today and b) take back if it's a lemmon.

I guess I don't know if those prices are even close to fair. Sure, stuff is listed on gunbroker & auctionarms, but the asking prices don't really always equal the final sales price, like on any auction.

Another question - I want to sell my Ruger. I see them for $350 or so on the gun auction sites, and in-store for about $400. Am I better off trading it to the gun shop against the Kahr or selling it privately? I have a good idea of what I think a fair price is, but I know the store will give me less than that (bought enough used cars to know how that works!).

Maybe I'm rambling; maybe I really don't want to part with the Ruger; maybe I want the Kahr right now... I don't know.

So those of you who wheel and deal, what do you do?

Thanks

-Rick

 

[Bullet Bob]

I can safely say that I am probably the worst wheeler-dealer in the USA. You will definitely make more in a private sale, but trading it in prevents some yahoo coming back to you four months later complaining about the gun. Most of the gunshops I've dealt with will come off some if you ask. You could also ask to put in on layaway while you sell your Ruger yourself - this may of may not cause them to quote you a higher price for your gun than they normally would; "why yes, I do happen to have it in my car".

Good luck - if they ever find a cure for gun fever, I'm not sure if I would take it or not!

 

[pytron]

Since I'm looking at buying Rick's Ruger, I'm a little biased. But I would also check a few other sites: auctionarms.com and gunsamerica.com. Gunbroker doesn't always have the best prices. I see the two-tone (black slide, stainless frame) MK9 for about $450 +ship/FFL. I think that is particular combo is ugly, but it gives a starting point.

Also Ruger is running a $40 rebate on all new guns. So that $300 gun is now going to be $260 + ship/FFL.

One thing about private party sales - no sales tax. For local sales you have to throw that in. At $8 per $100, it adds up to be about the same as shipping and FFL on a $500 gun ($40 tax).

I think I saw a used PM9 in my gunshop travels the other day. I don't know if you are interested, but it's near Seattle.

If I am that yahoo, I promise I won't come back complaining about the gun

-Pytron

 

[MikeJ]

You will definitely get more for your gun if you sell it privately but that just makes sense. You don't need to make a profit as you aren't officially in business. If there are any gun shows coming up in your area they are usually the best place to sell as fas I am concerned. I sold 2 KelTecs recently at a gun show, a .32 and a 9mm for $200 each. Personally I don't like the idea of running a newspaper add and having strangers come to my house to look at guns. As far as the prices for the MK9 are concerned I just saw them here for $499 for the standard and $549 for the elite, $599 for the standard MK9 is too much in my estimation. I definitely wouldn't trade in your Ruger to a shop. If it sold for $400 new and is in exellent condition, better than 95%, I would imagine that they would offer you about $250 for it on a trade. Hope it all works out well for you but don't let yourself get taken. I have found the biggest mistake in dealing for anything is letting the seller know that you are in love with their product and "just have to have it." Best, Mike

 

[Zer000]

Also Ruger is running a $40 rebate on all new guns. So that $300 gun is now going to be $260 + ship/FFL.

I just bought a 22/45, do you have any linkage on that? Is it a mail in or instant rebate?

 

[Cortland]

I just bought a 22/45, do you have any linkage on that? Is it a mail in or instant rebate?

The rebate is just for the centerfire pistols. (Perhaps in preparation for a new offering? Oooh... how very tantalizing!)

 

[Standing Wolf]

There are very few really good deals in firearms: there's at least as much demand as supply.

 

[sanchezero]

My local range has an MK9 for $425. Its used but looks to be in very good shape.

PM for contact info if you wanna...

 

[Handy]

Since you will get 50 cents on the dollar with a trade, I would say that's out.

Why not just post an add on this, and other boards. Make a reasonable asking price, and you'll get some action. It's free!


As for buying, look around some more. I bought mine for $325, LNIB. Sometimes the pricing on gunsamerica takes on a certain momentum, rather than reflecting market value.


Consider a RAP401. $210 new. Check the thread further down.

 

[TIMC]

The Ruger rebate is for the P-series pistols only.