Why is the .500 Magnum hard to sell ???

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Greg8098

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If I would have known that the resale value on this thing was going to be abysmal, I would have never bought it. I admit that it was pretty neat at first, the humongous shells, the gigantic blast and flash, but when all that wore off I found there was really no use for it. Now I'm stuck with this thing and no gun shop is currently in the market for one. Hmmm... $1100.00, what a blow to the wallet :banghead:!!! If I could just recoup about $700.00, I would be more than happy. Anybody else experience this, and what did you do? I only put about 11-12 rounds through it so it's still practically brand new. Maybe the shop could go with the consignment route :confused:?
 
Its so hard to sell for exactly the reasons you want to get rid of it.

It was a novelty when it first came out and now its not. Supply has exceeded demand. From what I see the shops are no longer stocking them.

Its a neat gun with limited utility.
 
"I admit that it was pretty neat at first, the humongous shells, the gigantic blast and flash, but when all that wore off I found there was really no use for it."

I think you have figured it out. I'm sure there'll be those who argue it's value, but unless you're hunting grizzlies or other huge beasts it's awful big.
 
There's not much it can do that a .44 magnum couldn't do well enough, it's expensive to start with, it's expensive to feed, and on top of that it's big and heavy. I've only held one, but that was enough to convince me that it's more for show than for serving a practical purpose. Don't get me wrong, it's got it's place, but how many people are hunting grizzlies with a handgun?
 
No dealer will give you over 50% of a new gun's value in a trade... they just have to make money to keep the lights on. Which model was $1100, a PC version? The 4"-8.4" 'standard' .500's ran from $870-$950 locally, making used prices of around $700 in a store probable here - but I haven't seen a used one. I would expect a $500 range trade-in value. A private sale would be best, of course. Like I said, I have yet to see the cheapie .500's around here... folks must be keeping them.

Stainz
 
Resale low for all noted reasons.

Plus, it is huge so part of the advantage of handgun hunting is lost when you have to carry around a gun that big.

There is no "practice" ammo commercially available. The .454 Casull can shoot .45 Colts. There isn't a .500 "plinker". Even S&W kind of gave up on it with the introduction of the .460.

Your best bet is to find a local reloader who wants to experiment, but I think you will have a hard time finding anyone who would want to pay more than $500 for it.
 
I would actually say that is more do with "how" you are trying to sell it.

I bet if you put it on Gunbroker (or another auction site) with an opening bid of $600 and set a reserve at $700, you could get it sold. Also try other the classifieds/equipment exchange sections of here and on other forums (like 15.com). Finally, you can always try putting it on consignment at a local gunshop.

And here is an idea where you actually play up the novelty of the S&W 500. You could try working out a deal with a local range to let/have them use it as a rental gun. You could work it out where you split the rental profit with the range, or perhaps you get all the rental money while the range profits from the markup on S&W 500 ammo, or you could make money selling .500 ammo you reload yourself, etc.
 
I find the 460 and 500's about the same. Very interesting guns, but of limited practical use. Ammo is expensive. All the 44 Magnum+ calibers have this in common. Until the larger calibers were introduced, guns in 44 magnum had the same affliction. Somehow the 44 magnum has become mainstream. I'd list it on Gunbroker as mentioned above. You'll sell it for about what you need.
 
I would just sell it for what it's worth and move on to something practicle and fun to shoot. One of life many lessons.
 
I shot a 500 recently and wanted one immediately. Thankfully my wallet does not match my desire, as I see it as an expensive novelty. With a lottery win however, it would be a different story. Reminds me of the Marlin Guide Gun I bought. I just had to have it - even though I haven't hunted in almost 20-years, (gave it up at 23). So, I bought it - of course, in .450 Marlin. Not only did it blow the minds of anyone standing near me at the range, it was impressive as hell to watch giant chunks of berm fly into the air and bowling pins disappear into the woods... ;) It also knocked the bejeebus out of my shoulder and stuffing my big mitts into that lever proved costly. There's still chunks of knuckle skin at the range I bet... :eek: Before I had the chance to put a bigger lever on it, (should be standard for God's sake) - I traded it in and took a loss. Not a big loss oddly enough, ($100.00), but my IMI Uzi Carbine is so good to me... :)

Someone will buy your 500 - it won't be me, but someone will. I concur - put it on Gunbroker and see who bites....
 
I'd say keep it and pass it down through the family. In 100 years I'll bet it'll be worth big bucks.
 
Most handgun hunters hunt DEER sized game and you don't need no .50 for deer. The .50 is theoretically a good Alaskan companion, save for the fact that a Barrett .50 is lighter and easier to carry....:rolleyes: I hunt with a scoped Contender most times, lighter, more concealable.:cool:
 
I think the price of the ammo has placed the 500 out of the buyers needs and wants catagory. Pulling the trigger costs you $4.50 - $5.00 per shot. The gun will never get the range time, and the shooter will never get in enough trigger time to really count. Besides, what would you ever need it for. If you need a self-defense wood's pistol,(considering you live in Brown, Grizzly, Kodiak or Polor Bear country), get an Alaskan in 44 mag or 454.
 
I would love to have a .500, but think that the money can be better spent on more practical guns. If i had money to blow, I would already have one.
 
Hey try reloading for it. It might be fun with cast bullets at 800 fps. I will bet you could watch the bullet shadow as it goes down range.

I had no idea that these things lost their value so quickly. I might keep an eye out for one. I would pay $500.00 for one, assuming I could download the thing.
 
Two people have suggested that you keep the gun to pass it down to future family members. Why on earth would you keep a gun that you dislike just so you can give it to your descendants many years later? Sell the thing, get something you like better, and then offer that to your kids or grandkids!
 
I had no idea that these things lost their value so quickly. I might keep an eye out for one. I would pay $500.00 for one, assuming I could download the thing.
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Agreed.

IMO, the .500, along with many other now "obsolete" calibres, will only have a calling amongst people who "roll their own", or who have such a specific need as to warrent use of those weirder, non-mainstream calibres, which were all a big deal when they were introduced. Unless you reload, I'd sell it.
 
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