Why does everyone think their guns are worth a fortune?

[12131]

Why does everyone think their guns are worth a fortune?

Because it's their right to ask whatever they want. Seriously. It's your right not to buy them. I don't waste my thought on analyzing this kind of thing anymore than that.

 

[squinty]

Nobody is saying anything of the sort from what I've read above.

The market bears what it will. If an owner invests in their gun by making alterations/modifications/enhancements that no one else desires or values, then they will likely see no return on their "investment".

If the cost of the "enhancements" is not recoverable in the current market you are also free to refrain from trying to sell it.

Ever try to sell a car with a bunch of aftermarket stuff on it? Doesn't necessarily enhance the resale value.

 

[Rembrandt]

My interests trend to unique one of a kinds.....that way if they are ever sold I don't have to compete price wise with the average going rate.

 

[BURN]

no what kills me is that if I was to build a 1911...yes I went to school to learn how to do it right....and the parts cost me $1000.00 if I try to sell it as a quality pistol at about $1200.00 people think I am asking an unfair price for a "Parts guns".....I have only talked about going into business for myself and asked questions...

or when people expect me to ply my trade for "FREE" I went into debt to learn what I know.......

to the OP...I see both sides of it...but mostly agree with you....say a 95%/05% split

 

[481]

Nobody is saying anything of the sort from what I've read above.

The market bears what it will. If an owner invests in their gun by making alterations/modifications/enhancements that no one else desires or values, then they will likely see no return on their "investment".

If the cost of the "enhancements" is not recoverable in the current market you are also free to refrain from trying to sell it.

Are you agreeing or disagreeing with what I have posted?

Seems you've re-iterated my point (as expressed above) in your statement below:

Ever try to sell a car with a bunch of aftermarket stuff on it? Doesn't necessarily enhance the resale value.

 

[Dookie]

I also have noticed that the people who complain about prices being to high are still thinking prices are the same as ten or twenty years previous. Then you have the "it was cheaper in my day" crowd. "I paid $39 for this marlin new". With inflation that is about $400 bucks.

Most people think that their rifle was new at $500, they spend $50 on mounts and rings, and $300 on a scope. Then spring comes around and they need money and don't want to get hosed but are willing to negotiate the price.

I ran a lot of booths at swap meets, price high and deal, people think they are getting a great price.

 

[coloradokevin]

People who spend hard earned money on things like to think whatever they're buying doesn't depreciate.

You should see the raised eyebrows when the annual Glock Days sale comes around and cops are told what their used Glocks are worth in trade on a new one.

Of course, they don't mind paying a low price for a new one ...

Very true. Believe me, I sure raised an eyebrow when I asked about a sell price on one of my Glocks at the last "Glock Days" event I attended... $125 for a Generation 3 Glock in absolutely excellent condition. I quite confident that I can do better than that price without gouging anyone!

I don't often sell guns, and chose not to sell that particular gun (it is still my duty weapon today).

I understand that a lot of folks don't believe that their guns can depreciate, but I also know that I can sell a Glock for more than $125. If not, please direct me to the place where I can buy used glocks in great condition for $125! I'll be all over that deal

 

[squinty]

Are you agreeing or disagreeing with what I have posted?

Seems you've re-iterated my point (as expressed above) in your statement below:

I was agreeing with you. As with guns, so with cars and many other items.

 

[mcdonl]

Here is an example for a local (www.unclehenrys.com) on line/print trading publication....

M-44 Mosin Nagant Carbine in 7.62x54R. 98% Condition. All matching Serial Numbers Great Bore and rifling Not beat up at all. Comes with bayonet, original sling and leather. exelent condition Rare Find!!!!!!!! all original no relpacement parts, in great condition. Own a piece of Histroy. Will sell for $250 FIRM or trade for nice newer pistol ONLY . will not trade for anything else. call or e-mail to see it yourself. great rifle!.

So, someone will read this and say WOW! A piece of history for ONLY $250 and scoop it right up.

I used to get PISSED at these guys and I would send them links such as this one....

http://www.centerfiresystems.com/RUSGUN9130.aspx

And I would as what me their gun so special... but it is not worth it, and like PT Barnum says..... There is a fool born every minute.

 

[PT1911]

funny story... well sad story that happens to be funny also.

A woman came into a friends gun shop with all of her late husband's guns. He told her to sell them when he died and live off of the money. So.. she had an old beat up sporterized carcano, some 30-30, and a run of the mill smith and wesson 38 snubbie... all together worth about 800 bucks to someone being really nice.

After she left with her apraisals, a guy at the shop couldnt help but say what we were all thinking... "He must not have wanted her to live very long."

 

[justashooter in pa]

i have a stevens 335 that i bought at auction for $110 a few months ago. the local gander has the same gun in the same condition on the rack for $350.

 

[nachosgrande]

Because people will pay it. Look at GunBroker. You can't really ever find a deal there because other people pay more used for the same I gun I can get new.

 

[hometheaterman]

I also have noticed that the people who complain about prices being to high are still thinking prices are the same as ten or twenty years previous. Then you have the "it was cheaper in my day" crowd. "I paid $39 for this marlin new". With inflation that is about $400 bucks.

Most people think that their rifle was new at $500, they spend $50 on mounts and rings, and $300 on a scope. Then spring comes around and they need money and don't want to get hosed but are willing to negotiate the price.

I ran a lot of booths at swap meets, price high and deal, people think they are getting a great price.

This is not the case with me although, I do realize the prices have gone up in years. I don't know what guns cost 20 years but I do know what some cost today. I know right now I can go to Walmart and buy a Remington 870 express for $287 or so. I checked yesterday while at Walmart. I think it was $287 it was $280 something. So I don't at all think $280 is fair for a used one. It seems like most of them I see for sale they want high $200 range for.

I also know I can purchase a Savage model 10 with a cheap Simmons scope at Walmart for right under $400. It's like $387 or something similar. This is with the accu trigger. However, recently I saw one of those and the guy wanted $550 for it and he said it had a Simmons scope. He may have changed the scope but since it's the same brand one that it comes with in the package I kind of doubt it not to mention even if he did a Simmons scope isn't worth that much anyway.

Then I saw another one that was an older model 10 and that guy wanted $370 for it. This was the non accu trigger version and I don't think it had a scope but I can't remember for sure. If it had one it was something also worth not much like a Simmons but I don't think it had one. Anyway, why in the world would he think anyone would pay $370 for his used gun when they could go to Walmart and buy a new one for $387 that was much nicer?




I've also noticed a lot of guys say that the gun has only had a box of shells through it. I guess they think that means it should be worth more. To me that doesn't matter at all as almost every time I've looked at a gun that was used I was told it doesn't have much more than a box of shells through it. Some of the time I've known it to not be true. Unfortunately since so many people lie about that you can't really believe anyone who says it anymore.

 

[481]

I was agreeing with you. As with guns, so with cars and many other items.

Got it. Thanks.