How do you price these things used? Is there some reliable source or rule of thumb? Is a good deal just the old saying "A good deal is one in which both parties leave satisfied."

I bought another motorcycle this spring and am looking to get into the game at a price that my wife will agree to.

I'm thinking M&P40 FS. I lean to the 9mm, but I have a very good friend who is a retired state trooper and she is adamant about the 40cal. I figure I can always get a 9 barrel for cheap plinking, although Georgia Arms 40cal price is not far off 9mm.

Thanks for any and all help.

Attached Images

UralFront.jpg (116.6 KB, 72 views)

The only helpful suggestion I have for gauging used prices is to visit firearms auction websites. You'll get a feel gauging condition & price.

Whatever anyone says, the handgun has to work for you not your friend.

Advancements in ammunition manufacturing, projectile design, and propellant composition impart onto modern premium defense 9mm ammo properties that make it a viable choice for defense.

Back in the mid to late 90's, the argument in favor of .40 S&W over 9mm for defense held water. Today, less so.

Putting my own bias evidenced above aside...

The best way for you to ascertain which caliber works for you is to shoot it. If possible, visit a range that rents guns. Try 9mm & .40 S&W out of different semi-auto pistols.

9mm feels different out of a M&P 9, Beretta 92fs, Beretta PX4, and Glocks. I know because I have them.

I owned two pistols chambered in .40 S&W: Glock 22 Gen4, and Beretta PX4 .40 S&W Full Size. The felt recoil was very different between the two. The Beretta PX4's inline, non-tilt, rotating barrel really reduced felt recoil by radially dissipating a portion of the recoil energy.

I don't own pistols chambered in .40 S&W anymore. I didn't like the recoil characteristics compared to the 9mm & .45ACP. For range practice, I'd rather shoot the less expensive 9mm 115gr practice rounds.

Good luck with your choice. Buy what you want, and you won't go wrong.

__________________
-John

Forgot to add...

Beautiful motorcycle & side car. Horizontally opposed cylinders. Is that an old Triumph? BMW?

__________________
-John

Thanks for the advice.

The bike is a Russian Ural.

I personally start my thinking based on 75-80% of current new price, then go up and down from there depending on condition, rarity, accessories, etc. So my last used M&P I got a 9mm full size for $450, but it included a bunch of ammo, holsters, and a light.

Many people want to recall what they originally paid and base pricing on that (e.g. the $25 a piece used full size magazines) without considering that, for example, Botach has magazines for $22...or that CDNN has some choices for $425+shipping+transfer, regardless of whether they paid $600 for it.

I picked up my used M&P 9 FS for $350 with original box & 2 mags.

Keep in mind that new M&P LE models include 3 mags and sell for $399.

That's brand new.

If I were to sell one of mine, I'd expect to get around $300 used.

Let me know when you are ready to sell! I'm in SE WI with family in GB so it isn't hard for me to get most any part of the state.

I'm on Lost Lake about 30 miles northeast of Liberal Land. Kind of the middle of the state I guess. I'll keep you in mind.

Probably not getting rid of any M&P's in the near future, but when I get my Shield maybe I should sell my BG380. That one cost me $289 so I'll sell it for a bit less than that. I just bought over 1500 rounds of .380 at an auction though so it would be a shame to sell it now. And it's a good one, never a hiccup!

I know, I said I'd never sell a gun, but the safe is full and I have guns laying all around the house and in my truck.

I'm always remorseful selling stuff. I sold a Corvette once and never forgot it. I don't know how I would handle ever selling a gun.

Edit after 60 seconds of thought: On second thought I just couldn't sell a gun. I have three kids and they will all love them when I am done shooting. I'm a buyer not a seller!

I understand that completely! I get attached to cars and motorcycles and have trouble selling them. I do break down and do it, but always with a touch of sadness, particularly if they have performed well. I remember them fondly and hope that someone else enjoys them as much as I did. That being said, I cannot see myself ever selling the two bikes I have currently!

I've sold lots of guns. It's area dependent. I would expect a used 40 to be around $400 with some extras thrown in, like maybe a holster, night sights, extra mag, etc. Look local and avoid shipping and ffl fees, plus you can inspect the gun before purchase.

I picked up new fs m&p 9 for 449, I was at gun show today used 425+ and new 475-525 crazy..

Agreed.

Prices on used arms can vary wildly based on location.I've seen and handled a 5903 which was priced at $499 used at a shop in Illinois.The same model I would up ordering for a price of $425 ,credit card,shipping and FFL fee included.

This brings me to the topic of ordering online.Buying a used gun online has a place when supply and demand aren't in your favor locally.The M&P is not a particlarly rare pistol,but production numbers won't help if the only gun store(s) in reasonable driving distance want ripoff prices.I bought my M&P locally from a fabulous local family owned dealer,but if they didn't exist id be going online.The next nearest gun shop charges $550 for a standard model M&P9 and is an hour drive on the highway to get to.