Why do people ask more for used guns then they cost new?

[mdauben]

I bought a NIB 6" Colt Python, Royal Blued revolver back in 1985 for $250.00 OTD. Now, after these revolvers are no longer being made, this one hasn't been shot more than 500 times, mostly .38 Spl., never been jacked with, 99%, plus still have the box and all papers........... you think I'm going to sell it to you for $200.00 because its been shot and not 100% ? Not when I know I can get $1500 - $1700 for it. You think I'm being out of line for asking this, because you work so hard for your paycheck and don't want any overhead? Dream on, ain't gonna be no days like that!

People keep posting responses like this, which as far as I can see have nothing to do with the original post.

The OP was not moaning about the cost of true collectible guns like this. They are obviously worth whatever people are willing to pay. Its when someone puts a used, current production gun (say a Gen4 Glock 17 or a S&W 686 with a couple hundred rounds through it) up for sale at more than you can buy it for brand new at any reputable dealer.

You can say caveat emptor! all you like, and people should do their own homework before spending their money. That still does not mean the seller is not taking advantage of the buyer's ignorance which a lot of us seem to find objectionable.

 

[Kliegl]

Ham, you obviously didn't read my post very well.

What I originally was discussing was a recently purchased gun, of which identical copies were still being made new by the factory, that someone had shot at least a few boxes of shells through, and that they offered for sale at a price higher than what online vendors and good gunshops sell them for new.

I was not discussing out of production guns, special editions, tax evasion, NICS evasion, customization, ownership by famous people, or older versions made with better tolerances/materials.

For instance, there is a gun on sale here in the pistols section with a few thousand rounds through it that the seller wants more than it costs new, and it is still being made
factory new. This ad, of course, has no responses, since you can't even begin to negotiate towards a good deal when they have it listed for twice the amount they should.

I already have a Python, thanks...which came as part of an estate lot my dad and I bought for 200 dollars a gun. Yeah, there's a couple duds in there, but a Python for 200 in this day and age, how bout them apples?

 

[valnar]

Post some examples on auction sites or here.

 

[Mike1234567]

Kliegl... forget trying to explain it. A few of us keep trying to repeat your point and a few people just keep posting to [strike]express[/strike] force their point of view regardless of its pertinence to your OP.

valnar... it would be against forum rules to post examples from sellers on this forum. An auction site? Yes, maybe, but it's really easy enough to go find them. It's a good educational exercise anyway.

 

[Fishslayer]

hehe.. I thought of this post today whilst perusing the for sale board on another website.

Seller was boasting these guns were "like new" blah blah blah. And they looked it. All the boxes, paperwork, etc. But asking MSRP+? Huh? I'm gonna go to the hassle of a PPT transfer to pay MORE than I'd pay my LGS? Technically it IS a used gun. Sure, his business what he wants for 'em but really...

A similar thread has been "BTT" for a couple of months... no nibbles.

I'm sure either seller would be screaming "LOWBALLER!" id I offered what I figured one was worth.

 

[WinThePennant]

My answer to this thread is, 'Who cares?'

At some point, every one has to learn 'buyer beware' the hard way. When it comes to guns, they are at least obtaining something of lasting value that might very well save someone's life. Maybe, their own.