What were prices like during the AWB?

[Kentucky]

I have only really become a gun nut in the last few years. In reality, the AWB has never personally affected me because I was 7 years old when it was passed and didnt really know what I was missing growing up. (The only firearms I really cared about were whatever I was carrying hunting. Hog dogs and hog hunting were my passion.) Of course, I have learned quite a bit about it since then, but would kind of like to get an idea of how some prices were running during that time....just a ballpark average.

G17 mags
Ar-15 mags
Ak-47 mags
Plain Jane pre-ban AR-15


Thanks in advance for your responses.

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

Glock mags were between $80 and $120 around here (EACH!!!)
AKs went from about $300 to over $1000 overnight IIRC. I think ARs just added a 1 in front of what they were going for before.
Effect on crime: Zip
An added benefit was it drove interest in "evil" guns to unprecedented levels. Great job Bill!

 

[Titan6]

Plain Jane pre-ban AR-15

1986= $350-600
1994= $1200-2000

G17 mags

NiB Over 10 rds = $90-135

 

[Albatross]

10/22 .22 banana clips 75 bucks.

I was a kid during the ban and had two 25 rd clips and a 50 round clip for my 10/22. I treated them like priceless jewels.

 

[1 old 0311]

I bought a Chinese AK-47 underfolder for $400 weeks before the ban. First gunshow after the ban, I walked in the door, and it was gone for $1200 in minutes.
Try getting that return on stocks.

 

[highorder]

"pre-ban" AR's were selling for $1200-$1400 NIB in Michigan in the late 90's, with Glock 15/17rd mags selling for around $90.

 

[Titan6]

I bought a Chinese AK-47 underfolder for $400 weeks before the ban. First gunshow after the ban, I walked in the door, and it was gone for $1200 in minutes.
Try getting that return on stocks.

Hah, bought a Tec-9 for $180 one month prior. Sold it the next year for $560. I didn't even make it half way across the floor at the gun show. Horrible gun. I shot it a couple of times for laughs. You could not even count on hitting the 25 meters target with any regularity.

 

[Rugermeister]

I hope they bring the ban back! I sold 11 weapons during that time and the incredible pricing allowed me to dramatically increase my collection. I made more than 4000% profit on those weapons. I had an AR that had more than 1000 rounds through it, that I bought for $475 that I unloaded for $1800. Mags that I had laying around that I bought for $5 to $10 were selling for $75. Ahhhhhh those were the good old days

 

[takhtakaal]

Speak for yourself, profitmeister. This might not be a ban with grandfathering.

Think seizures without receipts.

 

[Robert Hairless]

I hope they bring the ban back!

Write your Congressional representatives and ask them to vote for the new so-called "Assault Weapons Ban." While you're at it, tell them you're in favor of increased gun control across the board. You could make a lot of money, enough so that it might pay you to join the Brady Campaign and help them accomplish your goals. You'd probably be the only NRA Life Member to join them. Maybe they'd give you an award.

 

[cslinger]

I for one could make quite a bit assuming a new ban similar to to the last happens.

I for one could give a damn about what I could make and will write my elected officials and do whatever I can to never let such a constitutional abuse ever happen again. Principles and what is right is and will always be worth more to me then money.

 

[bogie]

If any of you geniuses think that you can buy a bunch of $10 mags, and mark 'em up to $40 after the election, and make a killing, you're dead wrong...

And if your plan is to buy a bunch of AKs or ARs and try to double their asking price, you're even deader wronger. Deaderer even.

Because the Democrats aren't going to do a "cosmetic" ban, or ban particular models. They're just going to ban them ALL. With no grandfathering. It's going to be "turn it in, or go to jail" time.

So, take some of that money and effort, and start bothering your congress people - even if they are Democrats. Because most of them remember what happened with the last AWB, and the massive election attack on incumbents that followed.

Obama doesn't tho. So if you're in an "anyone votes anyhow in the primary" state, vote for Hillary. McCain's got it wrapped, so make sure he runs against the lesser of the two Democrat evils.

 

[wideym]

I was twenty seven years old when the AWB happened and had just started to get serious about gun collecting, expecially those evil black rifles. Many of my fellow soldiers who already were into shooting seriously kept harping about how thing were going to change after the AWB bill was passed. I always laughed saying they were parinoid and to look out for black helicopters.

Now I take an active part in lobbying against gun laws and bought a life membership to the NRA. Maybe there are black helicopters out there?

 

[Titan6]

I hope they bring the ban back!

I hope you are kidding. Gosh, I mean there is nothing wrong with being prepared for when/ if it happens but hoping for the death of freedom so that you can profit from it... You sound a lot like your namesake company.

 

[evan price]

ANYBODY who wants a ban to increase prices, you BETTER read up on HR1022 which is the "new ban" that is stalled in committe just waiting for the new Democratic president to rush out.
I'll repost it in a new debate just so we can all be clear that it is a BAD THING and anyone who wishes to profiteer from it, I feel sorry for you.

 

[buzz_knox]

I hope they bring the ban back! I sold 11 weapons during that time and the incredible pricing allowed me to dramatically increase my collection. I made more than 4000% profit on those weapons. I had an AR that had more than 1000 rounds through it, that I bought for $475 that I unloaded for $1800. Mags that I had laying around that I bought for $5 to $10 were selling for $75. Ahhhhhh those were the good old days

It only takes 6 posts to make yourself persona non grata? Nice.

 

[GBExpat]

In the final few years of the AWB (which most of us thought was sure to be renewed) was would periodically find USGI 20rd M16 mags (my preference) for between $20-$30.

 

[JeepGeeek]

let's say you owned one of the banned weapons in the past during the ban and had bought it during the time it was legal to own.

How was it useful? Surely you couldnt take it to the range to shoot it?

 

[SamWhite50]

Sure you could take it to the range. If you legally bought one before the ban you could shoot it as much as you wanted.

 

[cslinger]

The reality of the ban is it really had no teeth so to speak. The only people it really affected were those folks who voluntarily followed it (lawful citizens, dealers etc.) and those folks already being charged with a serious crime that the Feds wanted to tack some more charges against.

So taking an EBR to the range during the ban was no big deal since half the people had no idea what was banned, why and or cared. You didn't have LEOs coming up to you asking to see your weapon etc. Hell I cannot tell you how many completely illegal SKS's I see today any time I go to the range and the fact is most don't realize nor care.

These bans only affect those lawful citizens who research and follow them like all of us which makes them absolutely useless and a waste of my tax payer money, my politicians time and a assault on my constitutional freedom to boot, all for no return on investment in public safety or crime reduction.

 

[ckay]

Seems there are a few people that are more than willing to give up their right to bear arms to make a measly 4 figures.

 

[bogie]

Okay. I'll say it again.

If you think that it'll be the same as the last time, you've got your head so far up your fourth point of contact that it's coming out your neck again...

The Democrats know what they screwed up last time. You guys who think you can make some money are going to be unpleasantly surprised when you get a letter telling you to come down to your police station to turn in your pallet of new-in-box AR-15s... If you show up at a range with one, the cops will be there in 10-15 minutes to "recover" it, and take you to jail. If you try to sell the stuff, there's a good chance you'll get "stung" too, and also get to room with "Mary Bubba."

Not to mention that if they get _really_ twisted, they'll ban sale and possession of things like "military caliber ammunition."

Think about it. And put some of your money/effort into reminding your congresscritters that this ain't gonna work toward their reelection - even the Democrats. Especially the Democrats.

 

[Kentucky]

OK, some folks have taken this thread in a direction that is completely opposite from the question I was asking. Anyone who WISHES for a ban so they can make a buck is at best a despicable rat, and at worse a traitorous coward who deserves to be hung. And I mean it! The reason I asked this question yesterday was to get some basis for an email I sent to some "newbies" in my family and sphere of influence. I used this thread plus a few others from other sites to help make my point. See email quoted below.....

The '08 elections are coming up, and with the Dems in control of Congress and the 3 frontrunners (McCain, Obama, and Hillary) all in support of another AWB it looks like things could get really ugly 2A wise. During the last AWB from 1992 to 2004 you could not buy new AR-15's, Ak-47's etc......you also could not buy "hi-cap mags" such as 30 Rd AR-15 magazines, G17 pistol mags, etc...

HR 1022 as written is MUCH more restrictive even than the previous AWB was. Last time we were VERY fortunate to have a 12 year sunset written into the ban at the last second, there will be no sunset on the next go-around. See the post below from the guy who saw the value of his M16 go from $400 to between $10,000 and 13,000 due to limited supply. The same things will happen with black market firearms and accs if/when another ban comes around.

Please take a look at this post I started on THR....
http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=4197648#post4197648

My point to all of this is, if you want something, ever, for the rest of your lifetime, this year is probably the year to get it. Prices will go through the roof, and some things wont be available at any price. We are RIGHT NOW living in the good old days, we should prepare accordingly. Compare firearms and ammo to other investments. What other investments:

* Have a 400 year proven track record of ALWAYS increasing in value
* Is a tangible item that can be useful while appreciating in value (try that with a car or truck)
* Is an investment that is also fun.
* Has the potential to quadruple in value within the next 2 years, and much more beyond that
* Can save the life of your and/or your family in emergency circumstances

Currently G17 pistol magazines go for about $15-20 ea. From 1992-2004 they were priced between $90-135 each. Prior to 1992 AR-15's were going for between $350-600 each. During the AWB prices started at $1700. Ruger 10/22 mags that currently go for $10-30 depending on quality were $75 or more each. Ak-47's went from $150 to $1200 or more.

I plan to inquire with a dealer who I do business with locally about the prices we could get with a large group buy/quantity purchase on the following items.

Ar-15 magazines
G17 magazines

I have done some research and know exactly what mags I want for quality, reliability, and durability. In addition I want to purchase extra springs and followers for the Ar mags to replace when they get worn out. For those of you who own or plan to own one of these firearms and are interested in getting in on this group buy, let me know.

If you are interested in purchasing a firearm before this anticipated ban, or have questions, or want me to help you shop for a good deal, let me know and I will be happy to help out!

Quote:
Originally Posted by jh664322 View Post
...
I'd love to hear from people who were alive before, during, and after the last ban. Im wondering about all of this for the sake of investment.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I was into guns during the '86 MG ban, and all others since.


Before May 19, 1986 Frankfort M16s were $430 +200 tax. Several weeks before May 19, Frankfort called me and asked if I would consider accepting a refund plus an additional $800. Today my '16 is valued somewhere between 10k & 13k.

Between approximately 1985 and 1989, Chinese AK prices tanked at $259, your choice between 7.62x39 or .223 Rem, fixed or side/bottom folding stocks. Immediately following the import ban* AKs were initially unavailable from distributors, then were re-released at $2500 initially. They eventually leveled off to what you see today. Note that this affected imported guns only, not domestic-made models like the AR-15, Mini-14, et al.

Very early Clayco AKMS import with
black fiberglass furniture, circa 1984.

For a while, Russian surplus guns flooded the US market, many stopped after the Voluntary Restraint Agreement** took effect. Those $79 Russian SKS rifles are selling for $250+ now, $179 SVT-40 rifles crossed $1000 a few months ago.

Typical SVT-40 imported around 1990

And then there's the 1994 Assault Weapon Ban, which did affect the domestic market. M14 magazines went from $19 to $50+ almost overnight, high capacity magazine prices skyrocketed. Colt castrated their AR-15's bayonet lug, Bill Ruger introduced the concept of a magazine capacity limit in a vain effort to save the sled by tossing the baby to the wolves. Just about anything with the label "pre-ban" started at $1000.

I'm no expert on Wall Street, but I know not to be afraid of a profit.

It's safe to assume prices will rise when a class of firearm becomes restricted. It seems from past examples the prices jump highest right around the time the ban takes effect, and immediately after. Over time prices level off somewhat, but never return to pre-ban prices.

As far as retroactive bans, ex post facto is your friend. That means, if you get it in your hands before the ban, you get to keep it. And as far as non-transferrability, it isn't likely to happen. The President is the most likely near threat to the gun market, and the President's limited to import issues. That means AK imports & parts could vanish overnight, but no door-to-door round ups. Congress has the power to change the terms of individual ownership, but Congress hasn't forgotten the election massacre following the 1994 assault weapon ban. They loathe the idea of more casualties from additional gun legislation, so making existing guns non-transferrable isn't likely. The 1994 Congressional election cost the Democrats control of Congress, which has been under Democratic control since 1946. This election did more to bring them to Jesus about guns than any other single event that I'm aware of.

We sit in a similar situation as in 1987/88. AK imports (WASRs in particular) are cheap and everywhere. We face an incoming gun-hostile administration for almost certain. While Congress still smarts from the backlash from the 1994 ban, the White House has exclusive control over the imports, and has complete impunity from our wrath.***

 

[Soybomb]

While I appreciate you wanting to help new shooters and get more people into the fold, I can't help but read that email and It sounds like you've given up. A new AWB will be a very tough sell and you could be putting your energy toward helping us make sure another one doesn't pass.

I'm no expert on Wall Street, but I know not to be afraid of a profit.

*snip*

As far as retroactive bans, ex post facto is your friend. That means, if you get it in your hands before the ban, you get to keep it.

I stole this from your quote and don't know who the OP was, but apparently there are more areas than wall street they aren't an expert in. They are wrong.

 

[bogie]

What good is "keeping" something, if you don't get to take it out and play with it. The grabbers aren't going to be satisfied with a rehash of the 1994 ban. They're going to to do more this time. Do you want your stuff "recovered?"