Is it me or are used gun prices high?

nekred · #1 11-07-2012, 02:56 PM

I was wondering if it is just me or that prices for used guns I see posted as high...

I have bought a new rifle this year and see the same one used for more than what i paid new with lower quality rings and bases?

Then I see another used one advertised for double what I paid 2 years ago for the same thing (I paid 450 and I see $900)

Not bashing anybody just seeing if I am seeing the same trend or not... I see a whole lot more money where my gun cabinet is now... very few "deals" on guns anymore... no wonder new guns are selling like hotcakes...

elkhunter11 · #2 11-07-2012, 03:17 PM

Some people overpay, then when they go to sell, they expect to get their money back. Other people who appear on sales forums regularly, are constantly buying and selling for profit, so their prices tend to be high. When I see their usernames, I know that the prices will be high, so I only look at the ads for a laugh. Other people are just unrealistic as far as gun prices go, especially with supposedly "rare" or "antique" firearms. I actually find some very good deals at various dealers, private sales online, and by word of mouth. You just have to know what the guns are really selling for.

kayaker · #3 11-07-2012, 04:02 PM

The high used prices on some almost seem inverse to the value of the rifles when new- it seems lower end rifles are very expensive relative to their value.

I was looking for a .223 plinker a while ago and regularly saw Savage Axis's going for 300-350 (new prices) or for example someone has a Stevens 200 but they spent their time painting skulls on the stock and as a result believe its now worth $400 used...

Like most used items folks often often just see what they can get, even if they know its unrealistic. Can't hurt to try! I just politely offer them what is realistic without low-balling.

kostianych · #4 11-07-2012, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kayaker

Like most used items folks often often just see what they can get, even if they know its unrealistic. Can't hurt to try! I just politely offer them what is realistic without low-balling.

+1

trooper · #5 11-07-2012, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kostianych

+1

Usually I place a "or best offer" on any item I sell. Prices are always
open for discussion as far as I'm concerned.

Ice Fishing Maniac · #6 11-07-2012, 05:12 PM

I think when you buy a $300 rifle and then put on a $800+ scope, its a real hard sell for used. Better off selling the scope or keep it. When I buy a used rifle, if its a decent scope I know what its worth.

To each their own...they can sit on the item then,

skidderman · #7 11-07-2012, 05:33 PM

Depends on extras as well. You can put a pile of extras on a rifle and although you won't get full price back the extras have to be worth something. Nothing is cheap anymore.

wwbirds · #8 11-07-2012, 05:44 PM

You put it up for 75% of the new price if used and in good to very good shape because if someone is going to pay more than 75% of new price they would probably just buy the new one and have full warrenty. When I worked in the gun store they asked 75% of new price but often accepted 65-70% to make the sale on a used gun so they didn't have to hold it in inventory for a year.
I follow the same procedure for both buying and selling to this day.
If a fellow wont take 65 -75% of the price of the new model in box with warrenty he is not serious about selling and is just testing the water.

There are exceptions however for the new price on a Brno ZKK 601 223 30 years ago was $3-400. I happily paid $700 just to get one last year.
Rarity can enter into the equation but the average current production gun or rifle is easily depreciated using the above guideline.

elkhunter11 · #9 11-07-2012, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Depends on extras as well. You can put a pile of extras on a rifle and although you won't get full price back the extras have to be worth something. Nothing is cheap anymore.

The simple truth is that many of the so called"extras" are not viewed as extras by many buyers. For example muzzle brakes often make the gun worth less to many buyers, as do the "custom" paint jobs. Other custom work is the same, if it isn't done by a recognized gunsmith.

redcoat01 · #10 11-07-2012, 05:52 PM

No doubt , we have all seen a Firearm that is priced as "used" that is actually more than a brand new one. There is a lot of Competition out there now with the Retail dealers , as well as the ones that sell Online .

People are entitled to ask whatever price they choose , however please don't be offended when the offers start

. A polite "No thanks" will suffice.

However , does it feel good to get a great deal on your next addition to the Gun Safe . No doubt , thats part of what keeps us coming back

Not to mention the great people that you encounter along the way .

Cal · #11 11-07-2012, 06:01 PM

Cant understand why so many people try to sell used M77's in particular, for more than they cost new... "no low ballers please".

Big Daddy Badger · #12 11-07-2012, 06:23 PM

The value is whatever a guy wants to part with em and they are worth whatever a guy is willing to pay.

That's how it works.

As long as one guy is out there willing to pay more than everyone else... used gun prices will tend to be inflated.

couleefolk · #13 11-07-2012, 06:38 PM

at a gun show last year, young fella wanted an old ithaca. asked the seller if he would come down in price, nope. finally dropped a little, but the fella still payed over $300 for a very well used shotgun. there was nothing special about that particular firearm, except that this young fella had to have it. mine is in better shape and tighter, and i thought $100 was a decent price because i wanted that particular model, but over $300?? saw an old gevarm a few years back that the guy wanted $160 for, was tempted, but not for that much, and yet my buddy picked one up for $240 and thought he got a great deal. to each their own.

wwbirds · #14 11-07-2012, 06:58 PM

The definition of fair market value is: "What a reasonably motivated seller will accept from a reasonably motivated buyer for a commodity".

Some sellers have to accept whatever they can get because of their circumstances and some buyers just have to have it regardless of cost and then there are the reasonably motivated buyers and sellers.

CaberTosser · #15 11-07-2012, 07:18 PM

If WSS converted their whole gun counter to an auction format, they'd all sell for 120% of retail, plus buyers fee. They could move the whole inventory once a week!

torch919 · #16 11-07-2012, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cal

Cant understand why so many people try to sell used M77's in particular, for more than they cost new... "no low ballers please".

I hear you on this one! Was at a gun show recently and found an older wood stock blued barrel Ruger that showed significant wear on all the usual "rub points" and the stock had some deeper scratches. Price tag said $600! Just down the aisle a brand new Tikka was for sale for $650. I bought my m77 used for $700 with a scope and it didn't even look like it had been out of the box.

jackrabbit000 · #17 11-07-2012, 07:58 PM

If you are ever on the CGN Equipment Exchange, used guns and magazines are selling for more or what a new one cost. Guess there's a premium charged for breaking the gun in for you. lol.

catnthehat · #18 11-07-2012, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackrabbit000

If you are ever on the CGN Equipment Exchange, used guns and magazines are selling for more or what a new one cost. Guess there's a premium charged for breaking the gun in for you. lol.

Not always, one has to know what they are loooking form and looking at however.

Cat