Why do people sell guns that are allegely "NIB" and "never fired"

[Jim K]

Some folks quibble about what "new" means. Technically, if the gun was made more than one millisecond earlier, it is not "new". But in general, collectors consider a gun "new" if it is (or appears to be) unfired, except for factory test/proof firing. NIB "new in box" means new and in the original box. If papers, targets, cleaning equipment or other items are included, the seller should say so. Some sellers use the term ANIB or LNIB, meaning "as/like new in box" when the gun is new to all intents and purposes, but has, or may have been, fired.

The idea that if the gun was ever purchased it is not new won't really work with guns, as every gun, except those still in the factory, has been sold to someone. And every gun on the market, except those in a dealer's shop, is "used" even if it has never been fired. Should a "used" (previously owned) gun be resold at the "new gun" price? That depends. In some cases, it is not going to happen. No way would I sell a "like new" Luger for the 12 Marks it cost new, or a cased and unfired set of 1860 Colt Army revolvers for their 1862 retail price.

Jim

 

[Boba Fett]

If papers, targets, cleaning equipment or other items are included, the seller should say so.

I always keep the box and everything that came in it. I've had dealers compliment me on keeping everything together.

It really goes a long way in getting you the price you want...kind of gives the dealer/buyer the impression that you're probably anal when it comes to your firearms and haven't abused them.


Basically, this is just eBay selling tactics. You buy a digital camera? Keep the box and all paperwork and accessories it came with. When you go to sell it, you can often ask a higher price or be more likely to make the sale over the guy just selling the loose camera, missing the manual and CD.


Another consideration about NIB is this:

When you go to a gun show or to a shop, they have firearms on the table or in the display cases which are "new." Yet they have been handled and often dryfired. Some people will consider them used, but the dealers consider them new.

 

[22-rimfire]

Curious as to why so many guns are advertised as "New In Box" and/or "Never Fired." Are we to really believe that someone went out and bought a gun from an FFL brand new only to decide later that they wanted to turn around and sell it, probably at a small loss?

Yep! The majority of the firearms I own have never been fired by ME. Most, I have no intention of firing. Bought them stictly to collect, enjoy, and sell later. You can only shoot so many. The firearms that I have owned for a while will not be sold at a loss. Some have appreciated A LOT (4-6x purchase price). Not doing it to make money as in most instances, I would make far more money with a lot less hassle just by buying CD's or investing in mutual funds.

I like 22 rifles and I have a number that I have not shot yet that I bought new from a dealer. Those will eventually get shot. Not something that I worry about. If I decide to sell them before I shoot them, then they will be sold as "unfired" because nobody else shot them except for test firing at the factory.

When selling firearms, it is always a good idea to phrase things as "appears NIB" or "appears As-New" or the term LNIB (if there is a box). There is also the as-new in a correct box. Gets confusing to some.

 

[Hatterasguy]

A lot of people don't shoot the guns they buy. Either because they lose interest or they are collectors.

Its the same as the guys who buy rare cars and don't drive them.


Personaly I prefer to shoot what I have as much as possible. Guns are built to be shoot as much as cars are built to be driven. The one exception is my grandfathers IP M1 Carbine. It has a lot of value so I hardly shoot it.

 

[mm1ut1]

Shortly after buying a Remington 700 SPS in 308 I injured my back and will be out of work for a month at least. I never fired the rifle and it is still in the box. I have it advertized as NIB because it is a common expression and most people know what you mean.

 

[Pilot]

I have several guns I bought on a whim or found what I thought were good deals on that I have never fired. Some are duplicates of guns I already own. A few I bought away as a hedge against various gun bans. All are NIB and unfired. I think its a pretty common occurence with gun enthusiasts.

 

[shenandoah]

NIB should apply only to New guns sold by a FFL dealer. ANIB or 'garage kept' are the terms I use .... the guy at the pawnshop is right, I sell at a pawnshop and the majority of guns are either rust memorials or virgins in the box. I try to give people a break on prices to the boss's chagrin, but volume of sales generally cheers him up. I haven't bought but about one or two NIB firearms in the past five years, because I prefer and can afford the old 'used but loved' garage kept stuff. Pretty don't shoot, but it does sell. Once paper is cut, like a car...it's USED.

 

[TheLastBoyScout]

It took me 4 years to get around to firing my M1... Got it for a graduation, and then was moving around a bunch where it wasn't possible/practical to bring a whole lot of guns with me for a few years so it stayed at my parents house.

Likewise, I've made a face to face deal where the other guy had a gun I really wanted and one I was somewhat interested in... it would have been very possible, had someone made me an offer on the one I was "interested" in, I would have sold it without firing it. But the package price for the two together was more attractive than the price for one.