The OP stated that the gun in question is in a pawn shop. That brought about some offering buying strategies but the majority of pawn shop comments were derogatory. I fall into the opposite camp
I have dealt with pawn shops in my local area as well as out of town, on the road, etc. Have bought many items over the years, guns, tools, jewelry, misc, etc. Bought a few things that bit me but that is on me. Dealt with good people who happen to be in the pawn business. I've seen them make money and lose it. When they loan on stolen goods they lose their money when the pawn shop squad show up to get it. They fill a niche. They deal with people who are not candidates for more traditional sources to get loans to buy food, keep the lights on and yes just to throw it away and lose the property. I ve bought many guns from my favorite pawn shop. And I've pointed out to them when they got in over their head and loaned on busted, unsafe, misidentified or otherwise guns they should have passed on. They are in a high risk business and high risk deserves high returns. When we make a good deal on something we crow about it. But the pawn shop seller is villified for it. Value and cost are two different things. Nobody sells for cost. If you knew what the cost of that jewelry you just bought the wife you would never buy another piece. EVER. Pawn shop owner is another business person, hires and pays salary, pays taxes. Utilities, insurance, and suffers losses from theft and burglay, etc and deserves a profit. The amount not to be judged by me as I do not have his risks.
I often queer my own deal. If there is a gun I want and I am Sked what it is worth I give them an honest answer. It may be higher or lower than their listed price and we discuss. Sometimes I can buy it for my price, sometimes not. They quote me a price and I say yes or no.. No haggling, no character assassination or rail about his cost or business ethics.No hard feelings, it's business. If they give me any price break I always thank them.. I try to be a resource for them on anything I can help with. In turn they do not charge me a transfer fee. Sometimes, maybe twice a year I'll bring in lunch for them when they're too busy to take a break. Bottom line is I want them to be profitable, successful,, so they will be there the next time I need them. Who benefits if they close their doors?
My take. Pardon the length and don't feel I strayed too far.
