Used guns seem to cost almost like new ones.Comments?

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surprise_i'm_armed
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Used guns seem to cost almost like new ones.Comments?

#1

Post by surprise_i'm_armed »

Having attended a bunch of gun shows, pawn shops, small gun shops, Academy Sports,
Cabela's, and Bullet Trap in Plano, it seems to me that used guns tend to cost about 90-95%
of the same gun NIB.

Does anyone agree with my premise? It would seem to me that with so many brand new guns
being sold all the time that used guns would take a big depreciation hit.

Someone on the forum (joe817?) said that he liked used guns and has bought many over the
years.

To me, if I had to pay 90% of the new price to get a used gun, I'd just pony up the difference
and buy the new gun.

The floor is open.

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apostate
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Re: Used guns seem to cost almost like new ones.Comments?

#2

Post by apostate »

It's been said that guns have only two enemies: rust and politicians.

karl_311

Re: Used guns seem to cost almost like new ones.Comments?

#3

Post by karl_311 »

I've found this to be disturbing as well. I would definitely fork the extra 10% for a new weapon.
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A-R
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Re: Used guns seem to cost almost like new ones.Comments?

#4

Post by A-R »

I've wondered this myself on a few occasions. At some shows I've even seen used guns selling for MORE than I could guy the new version at Academy (this was more prevalent during the height of the "Obama scare", which thankfully seems to be subsiding).

One theory I have - part of which was mentioned in another thread recently - is there are folks willing to MORE than true value to have a "no questions asked" private party transaction. Not necessarily saying these folks are making illegal transactions or buying guns when they're not legally allowed to do so. Just saying some folks seem to prefer to buy guns "under the government's radar".

But I agree with you, if I can buy a used Glock for $495 at a gun show and a new one at Academy for $529, seems an obvious choice to me.

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Re: Used guns seem to cost almost like new ones.Comments?

#5

Post by mymojo »

I would hazard the guess that its because, if well maintained, guns dont decay. A lightly used ten year old 1911 is just as good as a brand new one. Heck I've got a rifle that is over 100 years old that still works!

the only reason I've been seeing their price depreciate is with wear. I.E. shot out bore, cracked furniture, missing parts, etc.

As maddening as it is to be on the buying end looking for a good deal, its nice to know that once I do buy a gun, I can get most of my money back out of it if I ever need to*. Try saying that with ANY other product made today.


* Unless the gun in question is an EBR bought between Nov 08 and Apr 09. ;-)
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Re: Used guns seem to cost almost like new ones.Comments?

#6

Post by flechero »

A lightly used and well cared for firearm is usually as good as new so there shouldn't be a big hit on them unless it's a model that just has real low demand. For that matter, some are better than new. Finicky models that have had work done or been through break in can fetch better than new prices. I have a P3AT that was a dog new... but since it's been through a fluff & buff and proved reliable with several hundred rounds since, it's worth more than it was new.

In my own case, most of the used guns I've bought were either NIB or had VERY few rounds fired through them. Couple that with scarce availability or discontinued models on some of them and close to new price is ok with me, you still save a little money, tax and paperwork.

Having said all that, you need to watch out because there are some folks that will try to rip you off... know what you are looking for/at and know what it should be worth for the condition you seek. (or at least what it is/was new)

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Re: Used guns seem to cost almost like new ones.Comments?

#7

Post by bdickens »

Firearms are the ultimate in "durable goods."
Byron Dickens

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Re: Used guns seem to cost almost like new ones.Comments?

#8

Post by Abraham »

I think it foolish to buy a used gun for a slightly less cost than new.

You've no idea how well it's been maintained, abused or accurate.

I've learned the lesson of used guns. I've had them fail or perform poorly.

Unless it's a bargain with a no cost return policy - I wouldn't buy one.

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Re: Used guns seem to cost almost like new ones.Comments?

#9

Post by bdickens »

A thorough inspection will reveal how it has been treated. The seller might lie, but the gun itself won't.
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Re: Used guns seem to cost almost like new ones.Comments?

#10

Post by seamusTX »

There are several reasons that second-hand firearms cost as much as or more than MSRP of new ones:
  • Manufacturer out of business
  • Model no longer produced
  • Some weapons have dozens of variations that the manufacturer cranks out on a secret production schedule, and you can't find a particular model new for love or money. (Kahr and Browning Buck Mark are examples of this.)
  • Some buyers want older models that do not have integral key locks or warning labels.
I have bought three second-hand handguns for reasons listed above.

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Re: Used guns seem to cost almost like new ones.Comments?

#11

Post by USA1 »

personally , i go new .
but , i wouldn't hesitate to acquire a used revolver due to its simple design .
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seamusTX
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Re: Used guns seem to cost almost like new ones.Comments?

#12

Post by seamusTX »

A double-action revolver has a lot more moving parts than a semi-auto pistol, and working on one is almost as difficult as brain surgery.

Now shotguns ... not so much.

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Re: Used guns seem to cost almost like new ones.Comments?

#13

Post by USA1 »

seamusTX wrote:A double-action revolver has a lot more moving parts than a semi-auto pistol, and working on one is almost as difficult as brain surgery.

Now shotguns ... not so much.

- Jim
yes ,but couldn't it be said that you can tell how a revolver works just by dry firing it ,
unlike a semi auto that you would have to actually fire to test its functionality ?
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Re: Used guns seem to cost almost like new ones.Comments?

#14

Post by seamusTX »

Not IMHO. You don't know if the firing pin would hit the primer with enough force to fire every time (and this is a real problem that I have heard of but not experienced). You also don't necessarily know if the internal safeties are in proper working order. The latter is also true of semi-autos.

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Re: Used guns seem to cost almost like new ones.Comments?

#15

Post by USA1 »

good points seamus . ;-)
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