Shortage of used guns - how do you read this?

[Double-O-Dave]

My son and I visited the local Cabelas last night prior to their huge sale tomorrow. What I noticed over the past few months is the scarcity of used guns - as well as the prices they have on what used guns they do have in stock. I cannot make sense of this and was hoping someone out there can read the tea leaves and tell me what this means. Also, I have noticed some unusual used guns, such as very old, Husquvarna double-barreled shotguns and old single shot German training rifles - all outrageously priced. These guns looked more like they belonged in a museum.

Regards,

Dave

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Look at the prices for new guns that aren't as good as the used ones.
Example-I saw a nice S&W nighthawk-or whatever they call it-snubby in 357 for $799. I've got a 686 7 shot in 2.5" that if someone would pay me $799 for it would be sold in a heartbeat!! (well maybe....

) but you get my drift. I saw a Browning High Power in 9mm the other day-beautiful high polish blue-walnut grip panels-THEY WERE ASKNIG $999.99 FOR IT!!!!!
Every time I go to a gun emporium and look at what they are selling and what they are asking for it (and I mean everything-not just Smiths) I go home and give thanks for my collection.

 

[ALJ-28]

Read the note at the bottom of this reply.

 

[GatorFarmer]

Simple. Cabelas usually doesn't pay very well for used guns, and then charges too much.

More and more people, when they go to sell a gun, use AA, Gunbroker, a local dealer on consignment, or internet classifieds.

 

[jaegan]

Just speaking for myself, at the moment I'm a whole lot more likely to buy a gun (or ammo, if I can find any) than to put that money in savings. It seems like a better investment all things considered. I think the increased demand is also creating something of a sellers market right now; basic supply and demand. Personally, I keep telling myself I need a couple of good rifles, but I keep finding good deals on handguns lately. Oh well, that's what overtime is for.

 

[gunsmith11]

well there was a time,,,,,,gawd I dont remember the last gun I bought,,,but I do remember the Gold cup and the model 58 that i still have and shoot,,,paid $ 125.00 for both

 

[Bell Charter Oak Holsters]

I can't speak to Cabela's, having no experience with them. However, during the past 6 months, we have all watched ammunition and arms prices significantly increase.

Some say it's the "political atmosphere" creating a buyers panic. Every dealer I have spoken to in the past few months has reported heavy trading. Accessory makers are also experiencing a tremendous spike in sales, myself included.

As for the online auctions, we see fewer used S&W's at reasonable prices, and more of the lower condition used guns achieving absurd sale prices.

Uncertain times and folks want to get it while they can. I'm sure we understand that well enough.

 

[NFrameFred]

Very simple. In a market awash with all kinds of offerings and no perceived threats looming, a lot of folks view (a least some portions) of their gun collections as liquid, available to be turned into cash or traded for something better or more desired.

But with a real or perceived threat of restrictive legislation the wisdom of holding on to what you have is re-evaluated. That old model 10 you bought at a flea market as trading fodder starts to look like a much better investment and a practical tool. Some of us are inveterate hoarders as much as collectors, since guns are one of the few items that the values of almost always appreciate rather than depreciate (regardless of what your slimy insurance carrier tries to tell you). Don't have to trade or sell a gun ? Just hang onto it and the safe money says it will be worth more later . . .

 

[pred]

All of the above rings true.
The local shop I deal with most has had it's best year yet, Sales through the roof, Used guns still coming in but there are so many new buyers that they sell fast because they are a bit cheaper than the new ones.
And I go there, And walked with 2 one day the other week, A model 66 and 19 came in and I picked them up real reasonable like.
So, There it is,,, So many more buyers and we wont see purging of the new impulse buyers for a long time.
At times I look at a few items I have and think of selling,,,,, BUt then I think (WHY) so I dont.
Peter

 

[riptrack44]

Maybe it's just the clowns at my Scheel's All Sports, but they like to offer bargain basement prices for your used guns and sell them as if these were the last ones left on earth to buy. After they told me their "formula", I asked this 'appraiser' (after I did the math in my head) if they would sell my S&W 66 for this amount of dollars? He stumbled a bit and finally said yes. Opps, caught in a fib. I've been there too many times to know that was claptrap. Sadly, widows and people who need cash fast feed their showcases. I've decided they're no better than the lowest used car salesman...

 

[perrazi]

dave, don't know where you are located,but i know where cabelas got all those unusual european guns. they were bought from a good friend of mine who had 4,500 of them and sold cabelas 2000. they buyer said they were going to put them in their stores nationwide. i looked them over when they came to the country. many unusual guns in that group.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Originally posted by perrazi:
dave, don't know where you are located,but i know where cabelas got all those unusual european guns. they were bought from a good friend of mine who had 4,500 of them and sold cabelas 2000. they buyer said they were going to put them in their stores nationwide. i looked them over when they came to the country. many unusual guns in that group.

Hi Perazi,

I'm in Austin, TX, and the Cabelas is about 15 miles south in Buda, TX. By the way, as of last week, I don't think they've sold one of those beautiful old guns.

Regards,

Dave

 

[David LaPell]

I think finding used guns depends on what it is your looking for. AR-15's, no existant in used or new form, but if you want a nice woods gun like a Winchester 94 or Marlin 336, how many do you want I can point you to several. Revolvers, I know where there are 4-5 during Model 15 Smith's in three different gun shops, all $250 or less. I know where there are two or different Glock 9mm's. Both used. I think it just matters what you are after.