PAFOA Classifieds

[ntouchet]

Since I am always in the market for a new toy, I check the classifieds on this board several times a day.

I am constantly amazed at some of the asking prices for handguns.

I realize that if the price is way out of line, the gun (probably) won't sell.

I subscribe to to the Bluebook and check both Gunbroker and Guns International frequently. It is very easy to establish the approximate value of a gun.

Just as they say in real estate, location, location, location. In guns it's condition, condition, condition, plus rarity/collectability.

I see some ads on this board for guns, that even if they were actually 100%, the asking price far exceeds the actual value.

I think most folks start with what they have in a piece and price from there. I learned a long time ago that you will rarely get out what you have invested.

Enough said. I just wanted to share my thoughts on this issue.

[PhillyAR]

I too think some of the asking prices for used guns are way too high here. What gets me the most are ads where someone is trying to sell a used gun for just about what a new one costs. I don't care if you only shot 50 or 100 rounds thru it. Once it leaves the gunshop it is used. Don't expect to buy a gun, take it to the range one time and then sell it for $50 less then what you paid for it because you didn't like it or whatever.

Once a gun is used, I go by what you would realistically get for it if you tried to sell it to a gunshop.

[OM18V]

I can see you point and have often thought the same thing about some of the prices. In fact, I have a few guns for sale now(although archived because I didn't follow the rules, oops) that may be priced a bit high and I'm willing to take reasonable offers. Just because you or I believe the prices are higher than they should be doesn't mean that a potential buyer may not be happy to purchase at that price. Maybe out of convienience or maybe it something the buy wants and hasn't been able to find. I just purchased a used Smith for more money that I wanted to spend but the pickings were slim for this model in my area.

From a sellers point of view it may be listed "for sale" when in reality "it's available". In my case, I have some firearms listed that I would like to sell and get rid of and some that for the right price I will sell but I'm not necessarily looking to get rid of.

It's a free market. Whatever terms buyer/seller come to is the correct price.

[thebearpack]

If a price is really out of line the gun will sit there, it's true. But it's also been my experience that if you list something at what you know is a good price you'll still get lowballers trying to offer half. I think some people assume that everyone who lists an item needs the cash and is desperate to sell ASAP. So the trick is to find a listing price that attracts interest and still gives you room to come down if you need to.

[soberbyker]

I can see you point and have often thought the same thing about some of the prices. In fact, I have a few guns for sale now(although archived because I didn't follow the rules, oops) that may be priced a bit high and I'm willing to take reasonable offers. Just because you or I believe the prices are higher than they should be doesn't mean that a potential buyer may not be happy to purchase at that price. Maybe out of convienience or maybe it something the buy wants and hasn't been able to find. I just purchased a used Smith for more money that I wanted to spend but the pickings were slim for this model in my area.

From a sellers point of view it may be listed "for sale" when in reality "it's available". In my case, I have some firearms listed that I would like to sell and get rid of and some that for the right price I will sell but I'm not necessarily looking to get rid of.

It's a free market. Whatever terms buyer/seller come to is the correct price.

Pretty much the bottom line isn't it.

.

[jerkin]

I see the same thing everyday, more so with handguns but rifles also. There was a Springfield XD on here a while ago for $450 used when you could buy the same exact gun new at Buds for $429. Another guy had 3 used XD9 magazines for $60+ when Midway had them for $21 each new. My brother in law was looking for a Marlin 30-30 for deer, saw one here for $380 used with a cheap, throw-away scope, Buds has them for $339 un-scoped.

I realize that it's a free country and you can ask whatever you want but some people are in a fantasy world. I find better prices on used guns at dealers than I find here on most occasions.

[LorDiego01]

Not only used guns, but the same applies to accessories.

People just need to understand that, for example, a used scope/red-dot or whatever, is not priced to sell at $10 off store price. For a few extra coins, you are better off getting it brand new, with warranty and a return option.

But then again, buyer beware.

[Chvyrs90]

Once a gun is used, I go by what you would realistically get for it if you tried to sell it to a gunshop.

What you have to realize is that a gunshop is not going to give you what the gun is worth. Gunshops are in business to make a buck. If he gives you $500 for something worth $550, he's not making much. Guns may lose value, but not as much as you think, especially if it's in prestine condition. He may offer you $375, and sell it for $550.

[MartinBrody]

It doesn't cost anything to post, so unless they really need the money I guess they are just fishing for a sucker. You also gotta figure for a handgun you are going to have to pay at least $25 to transfer it too.

I see some good deals in the classifieds too. I enjoy browsing every day, never know what you might find.

[Ecclectic Collector]

You know, its a good thing that one can't simply hit the reply button. On some items being sold when I see the asking price, many a time I've been tempted to ask what medication the seller is on because I want some of it too.