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
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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.
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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.***