Fair Market Value

**jrbib24** · February 16th, 2008, 12:06 AM

A friend of mine is has 2 pistols that I am thinking about buying from him. He doesn't know what to ask for them and wants me to make him an offer. I do not really know how much I should offer him, because I don't really know what they are worth. Here are descriptions of the guns:

Ruger Blackhawk, .357 mag, 6 1/2" blued. Gun is a bicentennial model, manufactured in 1976.

Ruger Blackhawk, .41 mag, 6 1/2" blued. Manufactured in the mid 1970's

Both of these guns are in good shape. I need advice on what a reasonable offer should be. I know that I can buy a new .357 for about $365, but I don't know what part the age of these guns will play on their value. Thanks in advance for your help.

**QuakertownRich** · February 16th, 2008, 09:59 AM

I would go to the auction sites like gunbroker.com and auctionarms.com to see what the same models are going for. And when I say "going for" I don't mean the zero bid asking prices, look what ppl are bidding for them. Some gun sellers ask ridiculous prices for their weapons but get no bids for months on end. If I were to generalize, I would say between $300-$325 for the 357mag in very good condition. For the 41mag I guess about the same. Rugers are nice guns, but don't generally increase in value like an old S&W, IMO. YMMV.

**sjl127** · February 16th, 2008, 11:56 AM

Put them up for auction, what they sell for would be their market value. You just won't know until they're sold...

**hzox221** · February 16th, 2008, 08:02 PM

Originally Posted by sjl127

Put them up for auction, what they sell for would be their market value. You just won't know until they're sold...

Tell him to go to a shop and see what they offer hime, then tell him that you will pay 10-15% more. He will be happy selling and realizing that you didn't rip him off with the price.

**Xringshooter** · February 16th, 2008, 08:45 PM

You could also go to www.RugerForum.com and check the classifieds for similar guns being sold.

**DanV1317** · February 17th, 2008, 08:46 PM

I agree with rugerforum. Just explain your situation to the guys there. I've sold some stuff there and have asked for a reasonable price prior to selling. Alot of guys will lowball you, but alot of guys who aren't interested in buying will help you get a fair price.

**wryekid** · February 17th, 2008, 09:09 PM

I looked in the Gun Traders Guide Book and found this info:
_____________________________
New Model Blackhawks 1973-date.

Both Guns:
NiB - $388
Ex Cond. - $280
Gd - $167

__________________________
Old model 1965-1973:
.357 Mag - NiB - $440
Ex - $388
Gd - $229

.41 Mag - NiB $440
Ex - $337
Gd - $229
_________________________
I can't find any info. on a bicentennial model.

I hope this helps.