Is this a trend?

[Chefjon]

I recently purchased my 1st S&W semi-auto, a 669. I fell in love and am looking to add to my collection.

The only problem I'm having is that what used to be a $300-325 gun in really good shape, 6 months ago, is apparently now a $400-800 (a guy on FGT just put up a 4516 for $800!). That's getting into new-gun territory. CDNN even has their 'picked' 6906s at $370!

Granted, it seems like more and more people are asking 'new gun prices' for their used guns in general around here: Central FL. I'm just wondering if it's a serious trend on the S&W or if we're seeing them become more desirable in general or even collectible?

I really thought I had come across a 'cult-niche' (read: affordable alternative) to collect and shoot. I'm a little concerned now....thoughts?

 

[The Big Ox]

I bought my ex-NYPD Model 5946 for $350.00 here on Long Island in New York, and I love it.

I have a feeling there will be many more of them available as the first all semi-auto Police Academy classes reach their 20 year mark and retire in a couple of years... so hopefully prices won't get too ridiculous...

 

[unit6639]

I do think its a trend, people do it with glocks as well, in my area a new glock is $535 to $550 max, some people ask $500 to $550 for their used glock.

They figure, in some cases, you are getting a good deal because you dont pay tax, a used glock should not be sold for more than $450 imo, but the seller can sell it or any gun for whatever they want for it, that dont mean its going to sell.

 

[oldman45]

I think it depends on the part of the country one lives and the attitudes toward firearms.

In my local area, I can get some really decent used S&W semi autos for less than $350. A used Glock will run $375 -$425. Paying cash and haggle over the price and they can get cheaper.

If I go 200 miles west in the D-FW area, the prices jump due to the number of potential customers.

Get in the northern part of the US like NYC and the prices will be much higher.

Another thing I found that keeps the price of guns up is the popularity of a certain gun. I paid almost new prices for a couple of used S&W 500s

Then the dealer or seller is going to over value their items in hopes of getting an extra few dollars..

 

[heekma]

I recently purchased my 1st S&W semi-auto, a 669. I fell in love and am looking to add to my collection.

The only problem I'm having is that what used to be a $300-325 gun in really good shape, 6 months ago, is apparently now a $400-800 (a guy on FGT just put up a 4516 for $800!). That's getting into new-gun territory. CDNN even has their 'picked' 6906s at $370!

Granted, it seems like more and more people are asking 'new gun prices' for their used guns in general around here: Central FL. I'm just wondering if it's a serious trend on the S&W or if we're seeing them become more desirable in general or even collectible?

I really thought I had come across a 'cult-niche' (read: affordable alternative) to collect and shoot. I'm a little concerned now....thoughts?

$370?!? For a S&W auto?? An American made, steel auto with a forged frame, slide and barrel??

For $370?

Don't kid yourself-at $370 you're still in the bargain basement range for such high-quality guns.

Prices are creeping up as folks realize what $370 buys you with a S&W auto, but another reason is gun ownership is at an all-time high in the U.S. so simple supply and demand also plays a role.

I've steered three friends who have never owned a firearm in their life to used S&W autos in the last month. I'm on the hunt for a few more myself.

Don't let a few high asking prices on Gunbroker fool you-look at finished auctions and the sold prices guns actually realize.

Prices on these guns are still very reasonable. They won't be forever because they have the inherent value of high-quality. Get 'em now and be a happy shooter!

Best,

Heekma

 

[Chefjon]

They figure, in some cases, you are getting a good deal because you dont pay tax, a used glock should not be sold for more than $450 imo, but the seller can sell it or any gun for whatever they want for it, that dont mean its going to sell.

Yeah, those folks drive me crazy!

"Well...you ain't payin' tax..." "Do you collect sales tax?" "Umm...No..."

"Well it's cheaper than shipping and FFL" "Aren't we standing across the table from each other?" "Well...yeah" "Did you spend all the money and jump through the hoops to get a FFL?" "Ummm...errr...no..."

These are some conversations I've had with "kitchen-table" dealers.

Don't kid yourself-at $370 you're still in the bargain basement range for such high-quality guns.

Oh, I'm not kidding myself! I bought my 669 because it was inexpensive and have never shot (well, I am *kinda* new) a pistol so well. It's going back to S&W because of a de-cock issue, but she's an awesome gun!

Here's some context: I started shooting/thinking about self defense in 2010 (at the age of 36. Better late and all that stuff).

In January of this year I bought my 1st pistol, an Sr9c and really liked it.

Financial hardship caused me to trade it down on a Pf9.

A SD class I took made me realize I needed more capacity for home defense so I traded it +cash on the 669 and a "never-fired" Taurus PT99. I broke the bank on the deal, as I got a good deal on the PT99.

My goal, from earlier this year, was to focus on "needs": Carry pistol, house pistol, rifle, shotty, .22, etc. Now, I find myself tempted to collect S&Ws.

I have an offer on the Taurus that's a little more than I gave for it. If I sell it for $400, that'll be my last 'gun-money' for a while. The question is, do I buy a "need" or a "want".

If they're going to be another $100-200 more in 6 months, I'll probably get in now. If they're going to skyrocket like 1911s, I might just decide not to collect all-together because I won't be able to afford them later.

I was just wondering where "the market" was heading, so I can make my decision

I will say this much: This is fast becoming my favorite forum. Thanks for all the advice!

 

[redbos]

Local Gun Stores in New England charge a lot more! Sometimes they make Gunbroker look cheap!

 

[Barrie]

Here in Canada even junk starts at $200.00 and up at virtually all gunstores. The dealers at shows usually ask way too much as well and take them home where they should have stayed. We are a limited market up here with very tough licence restrictions so the dealers think they can gouge us at will. I buy private most of the time as there are some deals to be had if you shop around enough.

 

[quneur]

...I have an offer on the Taurus that's a little more than I gave for it. If I sell it for $400, that'll be my last 'gun-money' for a while. The question is, do I buy a "need" or a "want".
...

Not hard of a question. Look at something you want then convince the Ms. its a need.

 

[JJEH]

Well, you guys are right. But after all it's a "buyers market."

You can have the nicest gun, but if there is no one who wants it and is willing to pay the asking price you will stick with it or sell it for less.

It's different with an collectors item.

 

[VTHokiesDuckHunter]

Don't let a few high asking prices on Gunbroker fool you-look at finished auctions and the sold prices guns actually realize.

This is a very true statement and a key to helping accurately price guns. Also a few buyers over-pay, but ignore those outliers in the data.

As for my experience and opinion- just in the last year I bought a mint, LNIB 5906 for $375 and a mint, LNIB 4014 for $355. I could have bought some other 3rd gens at similar prices, but have invested a decent chunk of my available gun money into a new Browning O/U skeet/sporting clays model.

And every time I look I see very nice 3913's, 4013's, 6906's, 5906's, etc., LNIB or NIB for under $600. In my opinion, $500-$600 for a NIB gun of this quality and performance is a steal. Nothing else currently made comes close except the Sigs and maybe you could add the Beretta 92's and related; Sigs are usually well over $600. Inox 92's above $600 as well.

Besides GunBroker, there are members on this forum that post nice clean guns at reasonable prices. Other sites I use or check are GunsAmerica, GunsInternational, Armslist (good for FTF transactions) and Auction Arms.

Hopefully stating those won't get me in trouble with the moderator- I'm not endorsing any of these sites, just saying there are other places to go to look at trends with pricing of guns that have actually sold.

 

[Silversmok3]

Gun prices can be compared to weather temperature reports in that a lot of places may have the same number as your neck of the woods, and many places may have a very different number as a going rate.

Here's my S&W purchase history for an idea.

4506-Bought this summer for $425 with two magazines.Sold it when I lost my job and couldn't afford .45 ACP ammo.

Model 639-Spotted it on sale for $275 a month after the 4506, but I literally just bought a gun the day before & was in the store to buy an extra magazine for it.Great little single stack 9mm,no wear marks, crisp adjustable sights with ambi safety.To my utter lack of surprise it was gone a week later. I intend on picking one up again when the deal and opportunity exists to do so.

Model 5906-$350 online which was a steal.The last gunbroker auction for a 5906 with adjustable sights and round trigger guard I followed was $381 before shipping, credit card fee, etcetera.

I am debating between picking up a 439 and a 5904, and it doesn't help that money is still tight around here. Don't be discouraged by seeing high priced auctions for S&Ws, there are still deals to be had today. One of these days folks will be dropping HK money for one of these great firearms, which is why it is wise to order them now.

 

[heekma]

Don't be discouraged by seeing high priced auctions for S&Ws, there are still deals to be had today. One of these days folks will be dropping HK money for one of these great firearms, which is why it is wise to order them now.

I couldn't agree more. Trends come and go, but quality never goes out of style. Get 'em at good prices when you can, pony up a bit more scratch when needed for really nice examples.

A wise collector once told me, "With high-quality guns, you can't pay too much, you can just pay too soon."

Figure out what floats your boat and go for it. Prices for good quality guns keep going up. What seems like highway robbery because it's $50 higher than the going rate will seem like a steal 5-10 years from now.

Get 'em while the getting is still good-I know I'm trying to, the good Lord, my wallet and the wife willing!

Best,

Heekma

 

[Jeb21]

Just came back from my local gun store here in NW florida. They had a number of 3913 with one mag and no box for $399.00.

 

[Cruiser RN]

Alot of times it is a matter of supply and demand.The 3rd Gens are great quality guns and are no longer made so as supplies get scarce they will go up higher in price.Shop around,buy what you want,and enjoy.God Bless....Mike