Using Blue book in gun shops

[sublimaze41]

I have been looking at a Springfield 1903a3 for the last few weeks in different stores. I was also looking at some other guns but had no idea of their relative value versus posted prices.

Does anybody use their Blue Book Of Gun Values while in the gun shop? It seems as though it would be a valuable tool for determining grade and value. I feel funny about running out to my car and running back in. Any thoughts?

This is one handy tool:

.

 

[mnrivrat]

In the shop I am loosely tied with I don't see a problem.

We use the Blue book in the shop to help determine current value . Pricing is never set in concrete and any value guide has to be taken with some other factors in mind such as the type of gun used most in the area. Or type most & least in demand in the area to be more specific.

The Blue books a good way to start and having a customer compare the rack prices to the Blue book is not a problem for us.

 

[lite-box]

Reference only..though some gunshops think every gun they are trying to sell regardless of condition is worth %100 BB price !

From my experience the BB is fairly useless for determining value of >1900U.S. Mil firearms,

03A3 value has alot of factors based on originality and condition.
These days $400 for a beater/ shooter grade mixmaster -> $1000+ for exceptionally minty correct non rebuild RA's & SC's

 

[Hokkmike]

Most of them use it for trades, etc. Why not?

 

[cpttango30]

Every time I went to buy a used gun thy pulled out the blue book for me and showed me that they were not rape me blind. I must deal with some very upstanding gun stores.

 

[andrewdl007]

cpttango30, do you mind me asking what store youre talking about. When ever I walk into a gun store when I ask about a price I feel like the people who work there think Ive never seen a gun before.

 

[hotpig]

I use online auction sites to compare prices. It is more up to date and accurate.