3rd Generation prices in freefall?

[JohnHL]

What's your opinion?
With all the new restrictions on semi-autos in blue states, are we seeing a large segment of the potential buying public being shut out of the marketplace thereby creating a greater supply available to the rest of us?
Or will the prohibitions create an underground or black market in the blue states?
Agencies love to spend money on new equipment and I'm unaware of any restrictions on the disposition of obsolete inventory to otherwise unfettered (red) states.
So are we about to enter a new "Golden Age" or just darker times?
I suppose this could go in the 2nd Amendment Forum, but I think it affects the semi-auto market more.
Your thoughts, please.
John

 

[losingle]

More like stock up while you can for 3rd gens. Most forum members recommending buying not selling. At least until Nov. Virginia is still a free state.

 

[4506517]

Prices will continue to climb as fewer and fewer manufacturers produce metal framed guns. The profit margin on a poly framed pistol is just too compelling/lucrative for a manufacturer to ignore. These companies are publicly traded, and as such they have shareholders that demand max profits. They couldn't care less what the customers want.

Prices on 3rd gennies have skyrocketed in the past 3 years. It is like anything else where there is a finite supply......probably a bad example, but look at full auto guns. Once May 19, 1986 passed, they have assumed a value way out of proportion to their worth. Why? Because they aren't available anymore for civies. Look at the prices for a full auto ANYTHING for the govt.

I would love it if the prices were in "free fall" but sadly that isn't the case nor is it likely to ever be the case.

 

[mbliss57]

Really only a few major brands that are still all steel high capacity:
Use 9mm as example
Beretta 92FS $625
Sig P229 $725
Used SW 5906 $400 tops...I don't see thse as high priced at all.
I bought a used Sig P6 9MM West German for $400 so that is equivalant to SW 5906 prices...
My point is the new prices are $200-$300 more than 3rd gen S&Ws in general with the exception of the 10MMs.
I think prices are actually just about right for a 25 year old all steel/ alloy guns.
I think we just keep buying because the prices are good. (Reasonable)

 

[K-framer]

Uh, around here, a 5906.....when you see one (which isn't often).... is now $600 minimum. I looked at an early 5906 in a LGS, last weekend, in very much less than perfect shape, priced at $650.

I very much agree that the prices of 3rd gens, in general, are climbing steadily. They are HERE, at any rate.

 

[mbliss57]

I just checked completed auctions on GB. 5906 going for $350 - $550. Most around $400. These are ones with bids on them.

 

[Badkarma 1]

Personally I'd buy what 3rd Gens interest me and the proper spare parts (like mags and springs) and quit.
I've seen some of them going astronomical and let them go. I going to buy at a fair price not "panic" prices that a lot if the dealers think we're still in!
$400-$450 is about tops unless its something rare in my book.
As for the prices being in freefall, sorry John but I think they're still fluctuating.
Dale

 

[lhump1961]

Another possibility is that the panic is waning and prices may come back a little on all guns. I have passed on a couple of 3rd gens that I would like but I think we will see the price stabilize in '14...and like I said maybe even come back a little. JMHO

 

[TAROMAN]

I've been on the lookout for a nice, affordable 5904.
Slim pickings out there, for sure.

 

[tom-tom]

That's a very good question. Relevant, too, since most of us want to buy cheaply and sell dearly. My formal economic education's non-existent, but that's never stopped me from forming an opinion on such matters.
Ergo:
The states that put in high capacity magazine bans will have civilians looking for 3904/6s, 3913s and 908s if they want a quality metal 9mm. Since in some ways, a single stack .40/.45 is a better weapon than the comparable 9mm, these will become in even higher demand. Prices will go up.
For double stacks, the universe of potential buyers has just shrunk. For these pistols, prices will come down.
Like the old judge says, I may be wrong, but I'm never in doubt.

 

[ffhounddog]

I still miss my 3913. I am still trying to find one but thy now ho for 500+ around here.

 

[mbliss57]

3913 prices at $500 are reasonable. 3813 Nl and LS will bring $600-$700. That's the market.

 

[4506517]

Most 5906s in the $300-400 range are beaters.

A quick perusal of GB bears that out.

Look at prices for 4506s. Good condition 4506s have steadily increased in the past few years.

 

[JohnHL]

That's a very good question. Relevant, too, since most of us want to buy cheaply and sell dearly. My formal economic education's non-existent, but that's never stopped me from forming an opinion on such matters.
Ergo:
The states that put in high capacity magazine bans will have civilians looking for 3904/6s, 3913s and 908s if they want a quality metal 9mm. Since in some ways, a single stack .40/.45 is a better weapon than the comparable 9mm, these will become in even higher demand. Prices will go up.
For double stacks, the universe of potential buyers has just shrunk. For these pistols, prices will come down.
Like the old judge says, I may be wrong, but I'm never in doubt.

Lots of great opinions, but tom-tom incisively bifurcates the originally bifurcated question (quadfurcation?).

Therefore the question has been so amended:

Will the current legislative atmosphere lower double stack prices while raising single stack prices?

Round 2.

John

 

[10xatten]

Recently imported to CA an almost LNIB 4506 with original box, 2 mags and papers, purchased on GB for $695.
Worth every cent.

Richard

 

[Kadonny]

I love how on the first page of this board we have a "prices are in freefall on 3rd Gens" thread and a "I can't stand the prices of 3rd Gens anymore" thread. Complete opposite ends of the spectrum.

 

[skjos]

I just checked completed auctions on GB. 5906 going for $350 - $550. Most around $400. These are ones with bids on them.

Most low priced 5906 on GB are beaters, but also the purchaser needs to factor shipping, FFL transfer, and sales tax into the price.

If I were to buy a $350 5906, it would end up costing me $435 OTD; an average $400 gun would cost $490.

$350 + $25(shipping) + $5(postal money order/cert mail) + $20(FFL) + $35(sales tax on item and its shipping) = $435

 

[mbliss57]

My LGS has 2nd & 3rd gens quite often as they are a police/ fire supply store for clothing. I have never seen one go for more then $500 of any caliber except NIB TSWs. They had (2) new 5906TSWs, that were $650. He just sold a 5946 DAO in nice condition with 2 mags but no box for $350 plus tax. So at least were I live 3rd gen prices are reasonable and 2nd gen prices are lower yet. I bought a 669 and a 469 from them last year for $295 OTD. The 669 had box and all.
SO.. to answer 1st question I do not believe the laws in places that have strict capacity restrictions has had any impact on 3rd gen prices in my area at all. Most LGSs here think of them as inexpensive boat anchors. they are glad to move. The exception is the CCW models.. examples are 3913 & 3914. These bring a premium, but have for the past 2 years.

 

[Jk4jmk]

Uh, around here, a 5906.....when you see one (which isn't often).... is now $600 minimum. I looked at an early 5906 in a LGS, last weekend, in very much less than perfect shape, priced at $650.

I very much agree that the prices of 3rd gens, in general, are climbing steadily. They are HERE, at any rate.

thats how it is here also (tennessee) they are getting fewer and fewer around and prices are creaping up,ide say if you have a 3 gen especially 5906 keep it,and if you see one for sale good condition for 450 or less dont hesitate snatch it up.parts are still easy to get through brownells and midway.just think what retail would be if these were still being made,1000+ without a doubt.

 

[Barefootdog]

Comparing my stainless 3rd generation S&W pistols with the available Tupperware...Makes me smile every time....

Don't care if prices fall.

I'll keep buying clean new-to-me pistols.

Love the latest...a new-to-me 4006 under 4 bills....