Rust discount?

[TT]

I have a SU-16B rifle that I stored in a closet for about a year, and recently took out to sell. Apparently, it was humid in that closet, because the rifle developed surface rust. Almost all of it came off when cleaning, but there is some in the crevices, and the bipod spring has a good coat that won’t come off.

When I sell guns, I operate under the belief that gunners should not rip off other gunners. Happily I’ve found most other gunners believe the same. So what is a fair discount for a rifle in this condition?

 

[frankenstein406]

That gun looks sweet. Start with the price and say obo. See what they think is a fair or low price depending.

Is it pitted?

 

[Shadow 7D]

Depends, if it's pitted, well, check out the blue book of gun values (they have it at the library or your local gun store

See what the class is (I think rust puts in at most Very Good) and work a reasonable price from there.

That said, if it's just some surface rust, take a bronze brush it it, and most of it will come right off.

 

[bhk]

I won't buy a gun with ANY rust on it, and many others won't either. Price takes a big hit. Remove all you can and be prepared to discount heavily if any rust remains.

 

[TT]

No pitting. And I should have mentioned the bore was apparently not effected.

 

[TonyAngel]

I don't take such a dim view of surface rust. I live in Louisiana and it's pretty much just one of those unavoidable things that happens sometimes. Although surface rust wouldn't stop me from buying a firearm, I would expect a nice discount due to it.

Personally, ever since I bought a HVLP sprayer, I duracoat everything that isn't stainless.

 

[dawico]

I would just mention it in your ad, but not discount it much. Light surface rust doesn't hurt the mechanics, just the appearance. Usually a buyer won't even make an offer if some surface rust is a deal breaker. Most others won't see it as a big deal. Kel-tecs have never been known for their beauty anyway.

 

[TT]

I appreciate all the replies, but it would be helpful to have a percentage rather than an adjective (nice discount=25%?, heavy dicount=%50?).

 

[TonyAngel]

Well, considering that it's around a $500 rifle, brand spanking new (if I remember right) and we know that it's used and has rust spots on it, I wouldn't pay more than $300 - $350 for it and that's assuming that I wanted one.