Gun prices - signs of the times

[cubrock]

I watched this auction and was a bit surprised to see it go for only $500.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =111520080


I've noticed a general depression of gun prices in the last few months. Earlier in the year, I expected to see them rise based on election outcome fears. However, I think the fear of the economy has outweighed most people's fears of gun bans next year. I, myself, have been unloading some nice pieces to help us get through until I can find full-time work and even really nice stuff has been hard to move at prices below market.

Just wondering if you guys have seen anything similar?

[Mich Hunter]

But, on the other hand, the "Evil" Black rifles will continue to climb the closer wee get to the election next month.

[cubrock]

But, on the other hand, the "Evil" Black rifles will continue to climb the closer wee get to the election next month.

Yeah - that is probably the notable exception. Although, I've been seeing brisk business with high cap Glocks, as well.

[mescalero1]

I have been in buy mode for the last 4 weeks

[Andrew]

I have been in buy mode for about 2 years, just got no monies.

That is a pretty good deal, even if it is in the wrong caliber.

[mescalero1]

That would make it significantly more difficult

[1886]

Certainly times are tough but that particular auction started pretty low and with no reserve. 1886.

[RIHMFIRE]

we were just at a gun show today.....
and all the winchesters and older marlins were
to say the least....were very high....
there was one 86 that was priced at 8000 smackers.
we did see a few boat paddles...from 250 to 400
lots af affordable marlins....350 to 450

[O.S.O.K.]

I have not noticed prices lowering - in fact, they seem to be higher.

I sold an SMLE, an old 1891 Mosin and a nice Swedish 1896 and all sold for good prices. The SMLE sold for $349, the 91 MN, $429 and I can't remember the Swede - but it was a good figure - $499 I think... all were the listed starting bids... a lesson in auctions...

I never post a starting bid lower than what I will accept.

[morgan in nm]

I think the reason is could be that some who are selling are looking for fast cash and are pricing their items cheap enough to liquidate their stock as soon as possible. Now talking about gun broker, I think the caliber choice had a lot to do with it. I really don't know if people weren't bidding because they were waiting to here the news on wallstreet but I would expect that over the theory that the gun market is falling. But I don't know.

O.S.O.K., what kind of 91MN?

[jnyork]

Prices at gunshows here in Wyoming astronomical due to the boomtown atmosphere that prevails in the state, workers in the minerals extraction industries have money to burn and do so.

[cubrock]

One thing to note, is I am not talking about asking prices, but the actual selling prices I am seeing around here. In my area, there are lots of deals at the shows because fewer people are spending money and more of them are trying to get money out of the guns. I've been to four shows in the last month and a half and it was that way at every show.

Sure, there are some insane asking prices, but for money to actually change hands, it appears it takes lower prices than earlier in the year.

I was just wondering if this auction was for the same reason. Perhaps what I am seeing here is more of a local/regional trend. We have high unemployment due to manufacturing moving overseas and a large illegal work force.

[O.S.O.K.]

I think the reason is could be that some who are selling are looking for fast cash and are pricing their items cheap enough to liquidate their stock as soon as possible. Now talking about gun broker, I think the caliber choice had a lot to do with it. I really don't know if people weren't bidding because they were waiting to here the news on wallstreet but I would expect that over the theory that the gun market is falling. But I don't know.

O.S.O.K., what kind of 91MN?

Those are all sold price BTW.

And the mosin nagant (note - not a 91/30 but an 1891...) was an 1902 Izzy - captured by Ausstria and then sold to Finland - with all the markings. Had a correct bayo with it and was in good to very good condition.

[cubrock]

Those are all sold price BTW.

And the mosin nagant (note - not a 91/30 but an 1891...) was an 1902 Izzy - captured by Ausstria and then sold to Finland - with all the markings. Had a correct bayo with it and was in good to very good condition.

That was an excellent price for a captured 91. Of course, the M91 bayos aren't cheap anymore and the Austrian capture marks are desireable. I used to collect nothing but Finnish Mosin Nagants.

[morgan in nm]

Those are all sold price BTW.

And the mosin nagant (note - not a 91/30 but an 1891...) was an 1902 Izzy - captured by Ausstria and then sold to Finland - with all the markings. Had a correct bayo with it and was in good to very good condition.

Those are nice and well worth the money. Very few around anymore.

[BigBoreWhore]

I own a gun shop as some of you know, Guns (even ebr's) are not moving. I got several calls this week from wholesalers with AR's being cheaper than I have ever seen them and they are not moving for them either, Ammo on the other hand is a different story...

[Hobie]

Those are all sold price BTW.

And the mosin nagant (note - not a 91/30 but an 1891...) was an 1902 Izzy - captured by Ausstria and then sold to Finland - with all the markings. Had a correct bayo with it and was in good to very good condition.

That was an excellent price for a captured 91. Of course, the M91 bayos aren't cheap anymore and the Austrian capture marks are desireable. I used to collect nothing but Finnish Mosin Nagants.

As to that auction last weekend... My buddy ran out of money but he said the MSs went for no more than $125 each... One reasons was that there is a glut of 91/30s on the market and most buyers (and sellers) can't tell the difference between the Russian guns and the Finnish guns.

[Sixgun]

Cubrock,
I have religiously followed the gun market since about 1972. This is how it works:

When times are good and the stock market is climbing, prices for ALL guns are high. (except junkers, because junk is junk and always will be junk.

When there is "fear" in the air, the types of guns that will alleviate that fear will sell well, regardless of the state of the economy. When crime was really running rampant in the late eighties and nineties, small concealable handguns skyrocketed. When "Klintonism" or "Obamaism" has the grip, military stlyle guns are in vogue

Because of our falsely inflated economy, many types of guns (like Browning 1886's and Browning 1892's in particular) have been way over priced and their current downward pricing is reflecting what they are really worth. They are GREAT guns, but no 1886 Browning is worth 2K!!!

Different trends in our culture will result in guns that reflect that culture will be in demand. In other words, Model 88 Winchesters have been hot, but five years ago, they were not, and the prices will climb until every guy who wants a Model 88 gets his, and then the prices will subside some, but not a lot. I remember 20 years ago, original Lamats were bringing 20 thousand, now, they bring 15. German Lugers and P-38's brought more 25 years ago than they do today.

Winchesters & Colts have held their value and have steadily climbed (even during the depression!) NO MATTER WHAT THE ECONOMY WAS DOING! . In good times, they climb 10-15%, even 20%. In bad times, maybe 5-8%. Old timers, like guys who were in their eighties back in the Eighties have told me this. A GOOD WINCHESTER OR COLT THAT IS ORIGINAL IS MUCH BETTER THAN MONEY IN THE BANK OR JUST ABOUT ANY STOCK MARKET. You get to enjoy your investment and have a good feeling you are guaranteed a substancial return on your investment.-----Plus, when its time to sell, you go to one of the better gunshows and sell for CASH----READ--PAY NO TAXES so the stinkin' government cannot take your hard earned money to institute another "program" for the lazy bunch of garbage that is fast infiltrating this great nation.---------------------------------------Sixgun

[Pete44ru]

[A GOOD WINCHESTER OR COLT THAT IS ORIGINAL IS MUCH BETTER THAN MONEY IN THE BANK OR JUST ABOUT ANY STOCK MARKET. You get to enjoy your investment and have a good feeling you are guaranteed a substancial return on your investment.-----Plus, when its time to sell, you go to one of the better gunshows and sell for CASH----READ--PAY NO TAXES]

Amen.

I've sold four guns at gunshows, here in the NorthEast, over this Summer, and realized some hefty $$$, indeed - some of which was gladly paid by gunshow dealers !
BUT - What I sold was drool material, in pristine condition - even though one piece was over 100 years old.

I've also sold two other rifles to fellow various forum members, at my asking prices, just about as fast as that sort of postal back & forth can be done.

Three of my local gunshops, although they are admittedly the better of the 10-15 gunshops within an EZ driving distance (25mi), are doing a virtual "land office business", and have been doing so, selling all sorts of firearms.
They all tell me that they've been exceptionally busy since about the beginning of this year.

Hearing about the various experiences, would lead me to believe that different areas of the country have differing socio-economic issues/levels, is what's causing the variances.

.

[donw]

my suspicion is that there are some elements in our midst are purchasing the EBR's and hi cap glocks are "preparing for the revolution".

i would also suspect that they have some basis for their beliefs founded in frightful, possible, future scenerios; "mad max", "red dawn", "escape from new york" are a few of the possible hollywood inspired thoughts that could be in the future.

IF civil breakdown does occur, should one be prepared? (at least from the veiw point of defendings ones self and their loved ones is concerned) yes...i believe so...of course, those currentley in power say "that's not possible so you don't need guns"

geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee....

[Mike D.]

I, too, have been involved in the old gun market for many years, and definitely agree with Sixgun.

[marlinman93]

I think the economy most certainly has had an effect on the lower end guns. Those guns under $1500 are either holding, or even going down a little in prices. I haven't seen any effect in the higher priced guns, and they seem to still be climbing. My guess is that the average guy is holding onto his money, while those who are better off are investing in collectable guns, since their money isn't doing well elsewhere.
Did those Brownings come with that lighter wood, or is that wood refinished?

[Hobie]

IF civil breakdown does occur, should one be prepared? (at least from the veiw point of defendings ones self and their loved ones is concerned)

Once it starts, everything is moment by moment. A huge stockpile might help or make you a target. You might randomly be attacked, you might never be threatened. You can't and won't know until it happens. Better to be able to give yourself some chance than not.

[El Chivo]

this is a slightly different point, as I'm not talking about collectibles. But 2 of the new guns I have bought I did so because they were "last chance" because of the companies closing or changing. I bought a Win 94 Ranger in Jan 2006 and bought a Marlin 336A (with the end cap as opposed to barrel bands) because they were being discontinued and they were on my long term wish list. In fact I may get a second 336A just in case!

Models are often discontinued, but it seems that lots of changes in the gun business have happened lately.

[Ysabel Kid]

When I was at the Dixie Gun & Knife show a little bit ago most of the sellers had very high opinions on the worth of what they were selling. It is somewhat seasonal around here - I have always found that the December gun show is the best for deals. You have a bunch of folks looking to unload goods before the year ends so they won't have to count it in inventory. You have a bunch of private sellers looking for Christmas cash for other things.

I do agree though - with the uncertainty now prices are going to fluctuate a lot. Certain guns - likely to be hit by a renewed "assault weapons ban" will go up in price. Others may climb because they represent a real asset - worth more if the stuff really hits the fan. Still others will drop because the market perceives that there are plenty of the type of gun, and money is tight right now.