The scarcity of firearms

[505Gibbs]

If you don't follow Gun Broker it's very interesting to watch how the overall supply has diminished!
As little as 8 -9 months ago the availability on the auction was reasonably plentiful - now it's dried up.
The 1911 section is very thin regardless of brand except perhaps Colt and they're not too strong. The revolvers, depending on caliber, are very thin for the major players [too much money from the semi-autos]. The lever actions from Henry are scarce and anything desirable is going for a large premium.
Oh, for the previous 'good 'ole days'!!

 

[smithra_66]

Production definitely has dropped because of China Virus. Hopefully it's ramping back up now.

 

[ken158]

I disagree that lack of inventory on GB reflects the supply of available guns through other channels. GB policy to charge sales tax through a vendor company as well as their listing and commission fees has cost them a lot of business. Their excuse that as a facilitator for sales makes them responsible for sales tax on new or used guns, etc. There are many dealers with tax numbers that are getting taxed twice and individuals making a casual sale of a used item and likely at a loss are dropping out of the GB auctions. Of course there are sellers out there taking advantage of the idea of low stock and pricing high (without selling) as well as LGS's in my area that have so much ammo now - stacked on the floor with crazy prices that are not selling. Panic buying of powder and primers is still high with guys thinking a secondary market will make them a few bucks.

 

[max503]

Production definitely has dropped because of China Virus. Hopefully it's ramping back up now.

I hope that is the real reason.

 

[oddshooter]

What are the manufacturing numbers?

With current high prices, I assumed they were cranking away 24/7.


Prescut

 

[Just another 22 shooter]

On the other hand, I don't remember my three favorite gunshops having their hand gun cases as full as they have been the past few times I've been there. Every brand and every niche from any fantastic plastic to high end 1911s and new S&W Revolvers. Long guns seem to be in good supply also.

 

[Hair Trigger]

There's certainly no shortage of firearms in the US; you might have to re-think what you're looking for, plus be willing to pay the going prices, but Gunbroker is but a very small part of finding a firearm.

There's no shortage in my safe, but none of them are for sale.

 

[silverstateS&W]

i agree with KEN158 that GB does not represent the current state of the market. The sales tax and handling fee are almost 10% now which makes a big difference along with shipping rates, transfer fees,etc which all add up to the buyer of a "new firearm"
85 S&W 1911's at the moment..
LGS availabiity depends on the quality of good independent stores in your area.

 

[hoytx10]

If GunBroker doesn't reflect the current market everywhere, then where do I go to buy collectible firearms? Every local gun store in my area doesn't have hardly any used guns. In my area, One of the biggest gun shows of the year was just two weeks ago and there was not a collectible Smith and Wesson, colt or Browning to be found in nearly 1500 tables.

 

[22hipower]

Plenty of guns for sale, just not necessarily what we might want to buy. Was at my favorite shop yesterday and they had hundreds of handguns filling every possible space in their showcases. Not what I wanted to buy of course (plastic autos and 1911s mostly) and only a few revolvers mostly non-S&Ws of the snub nose design. Also every long gun slot was filled with a wide variety of hunting rifles and shotguns and the far end of the display area had dozens of black rifles from multiple manufacturers. Also know that the owner has stacks of guns in the back in their boxes waiting to come to the showcases. . .and pallets of ammo. The shop wasn't as crowded as it often is but the owner tells me business has not dropped off. . . .although he expects it will and has been lowering his ammo costs a bit.

Was at a gun show last weekend, one oriented towards older firearms, and there were plenty of Winchesters and Colts for sale although at what seemed like pretty high prices. Some older (pre-lock) S&Ws although
those had fairly high prices too. Walked away from a 6.5 inch 27-2, nice but had been fired (and not cleaned) with rough presentation box, priced at $1800. Offered $1500 but that was not accepted. Prices locally don't seem to be at GB levels but they're plenty high.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Bald1]

Here in the Socialist Republic of NY there is definitely a shortage of both new and used firearms. LGS and big boys like Bass Pro have empty shelves. Even the gun show guys have limited offerings. People are hanging on to their guns, at same time manufactures are struggling to produce them. I am starting to see more ammo at the chain stores which is a welcome sight. But it'll cost ya!!!!!!

 

[Drm50]

I've been to 2 shows this year. Set up at one. Had about 2 dozen handguns S&Ws and 3 Colts. All high condition and reasonably priced compared to others. 150 tables we had 95% of revolvers at show. Poor show, only sold one handgun, traded 2- S&W for S&W and sold a couple long guns.
What we did get was finger prints and guys looking to buy ammo cheap so they could resell. The other 5% of revolvers in show were mostly low end SAs from Rough Riders on to 45s.

 

[silverstateS&W]

Guns America and Guns International also may have 'collectibles' as well as
this forum. I think what some are facing is also a shortage of good used gun dealers in their areas. This can be a result of the move to tactical as i call it, and the influence of big box guys in recent years.
sounds like a road trip might be in order for guys that are searching.!
at $4 a gallon...

 

[Puller]

I don't think GunBroker makes a good thermometer or barometer for indicating gun sales.

 

[Miami_JBT]

The market has changed, older used guns like pre lock S&W Wheel Guns, 1st & 2nd Autos, legit Colt Wheel Guns, Winchester, etc.... they've gone from used shooters to used collector pieces to park money in.

People now look at a used S&W Model 27-2 for example as an investment piece and not a gun to carry, shoot, and enjoy.

Same goes for a S&W Model 645 or a Browning Hi-Power MkIII.

Heck, right now I'm carry my 3" no dash nickel plated Model 36 as a CCW piece. If I listed it for sale, it would be looked at by collectors, not shooters.

Shooters today want cut up Gen 5 GLOCKs with RMRs and muzzle devices. They want a PSA 7.5" braced AR pistol with a LPVO scope.

They don't want a deep blued Colt MKIV Series 80 or a Remington 870 Wingmaster with Trap barrel.

Because of that, prices go up on what was once shooter grade, becoming collector grade.

 

[Kevin J.]

Because of that, prices go up on what was once shooter grade, becoming collector grade.

A lot of us on this forum look in their safe and are hoping you are right.

 

[Laketime]

Saw a 6 inch 657 for $1150 and nice clean 39 for $1299 today at LGS. Plus counters full of every make plastic.all of under $600..

 

[GypsmJim]

A lot of us on this forum look in their safe and are hoping you are right.

When I go, my son will drive across several states and select the ones he wants from my collection, plus the ones that were his Grandpa's.

After he leaves, my wife will call the LGS and sell the rest to him at 10 cents on the dollar. Inevitably, her sale price will exceed my purchase prices from years past.

My guns are my hobby and my passion. Never thought to make them an investment.

 

[hoytx10]

Never thought to make them an investment.

Everything we do is an investment, whether it's in real estate, love, guns, automobiles, clothing, food, time, etc. We invest in something for a negative or positive return. Heck, even our vote is an investment in the future based on our perceived negative or positive return of the past.

 

[Telecaster]

Two years ago, we were saying the gun stores would be full of LNIB guns bought in a panic and then dumped. I guess that's not happening yet.