TexasCHLforum.com

The correct answer to this question is the same as the correct answer to 92.7% of all questions in the world, "it depends".

For me, it depends on what I am buying, and how badly I want it. If it is something that is hard to find, I might pay more than retail. Right at this moment, I would pay more than new retail for a Kel-Tec Sub 2000 that takes Glock 19 mags if anyone has one lying around. Same thing for a Mossberg Shockwave. I define "retail" as the pricing that I could find at a place like Buds, not Academy, or Cabelas, etc. So for the 2 guns I referenced above, "retail" would be $430 and $390, respectively. I should note that my range membership includes free FFL transfers, so Bud's pricing is pretty much the same as "out the door" pricing for me.

In general, though, I am usually willing to pay 80% - 90% of the new retail price for a lightly used gun in good condition. As noted ITT, someone has gone through the expense of breaking it in for you. If they have done modifications, or are including holsters, ammo, or other accessories, I will also factor that into the price, but ONLY if I actually want the modifications / accessories.

There is also an intangible benefit of getting the opportunity to meet and talk with fellow gun enthusiasts. I have bought and sold many (mostly used) guns over the years, and have found that almost everyone I have dealt with has been a genuinely nice and friendly person.