What's Up with Online Gun Prices???

[Hawg Rider]

Am I the only one that thinks that online gun prices are ridiculously high? Like many of you, I routinely peruse GunBroker, Shootersxchange, GunsAmerica, GunsIntl'l, etc. Granted, you can find just about any type and age of gun out there, but man-o-man, are those people proud of their pieces?! On top of that, if you're like me... take the asking price, add a couple of FFL transfer fees and some S&H, and that desirable revolver is now out of my price range. I'm considering applying for an FFL just to be competitive in the buying market.

It's a given that the sellers (such as Cabellas) are going to try to get as much as they can for their guns- that's the business of supply and demand. But what bothers me is that our fellow collectors and shooters are actually paying those ridiculous costs! They are perpetuating those inflated prices. The last few N-frames that I've purchased have been at gun shows- decent prices, no tax, no FFL fees, no S&H- just cash and out the door. I'm astounded to see Model 28s selling online for $650, $750, and up. Some knuckleheads are even buying brand new revolvers (S&W Model 642s, for example) at higher prices (plus FFL and S&H) than they would pay at their local gun shop. Insane!

As much as I'm sometimes tempted to make an online purchase for a special revolver, most of the time I cannot bring myself to "pull the trigger" after I do the math. Call me crazy! Thanks for listening, and Merry Christmas.

 

[fyimo]

I actually think it's funny right that the dealers online have raised their prices through the Holiday season at a time when general guns sales are very soft and there are good deals happening at pawn shops and gun stores all over the place on used guns. We will see what the post holiday season brings in prices and if they ease down. The other tihing is that on GB and others they don'y get charged to list them so they put them up at high prices hoping to sell them and they just keep rolling the listing over every time it expires. There is nothing that says you can't contact the seller and make them them an offer and see what happens.

 

[Scrapper]

It seems to me if you feel you need an FFL to be be competitive in the buyers market big brothers plan is working.

Example of inflation, my father buys a Remington 700 ADL for $240 new in the mid 70's. I just went to Gander Mountain and saw one, new, without the same quality for well over $700, now add tax and WOW that's a-lot!

And I cannot seem to make anymore money for some reason.

 

[Class III]

If you really want to see a soft firearms market go to a gun show in early to mid January, right after the credit card bills start to show up in the mail. There are shows coming up in Germantown, TN December 26-27 and January 9-10. Jackson, TN January 23-24 and Southaven, MS January 2-3. I'll be at all four with cash in hand looking for some great buys from people that are over extended on the Visa/Mastercard/Discover/Amex. I picked up a Browning/Winchester Mdl 12 28 ga DU Dinner Gun 1-1000 (#274) NIB a few years ago for $500.00 and a Mdl 19-4 2-1/2" January, 2008 for $200.00.

Class III

 

[OKFC05]

And in a couple of years we may be looking back to now as the "good old days."
The smell of higher taxes, weaker dollar and induced inflation is really scary to those of us that remember the Carter administration.

 

[fyimo]

And in a couple of years we may be looking back to now as the "good old days."
The smell of higher taxes, weaker dollar and induced inflation is really scary to those of us that remember the Carter administration.

Amen on that comment

 

[bullmack]

Hawg Rider - I agree completely. Occasionally I see guns priced right at the top of their value but when you add $60-75 for FFL and shipping it's a no-go. So far I don't see any sign of softening at the gun shows either. I hope OKFC05's prediction is right!

 

[Cruiser RN]

I guess it becomes a matter of what you want and are you willing to pay the price for immediate gratification.Here in NY we cannot buy a handgun without it going thru a FFL to ensure that you have the Court's Permission by displaying a license with the SN# and a purchase coupon for the gun........Mike

 

[H Richard]

I was at the Tanner show in Denver last weekend, and I thought several of the prices were fairly lower than I had been seeing. I did pick up a #1, 2nd issue at a decent price. I saw a few other pre-war pieces that were priced fairly. Of course there were the usual ones there that think their pieces are worth too much, but it was nice lto see "some" of the prices lower. Very little reloading supplies.

 

[Dobbs]

The prices in California are $100-$300 higher for the same gun elsewhere. If the piece is off-list (California's "safe" list), and virtually all pre-lock revolvers are, with rare exceptions (e.g. single action), it can't even be shipped into California . All handgun sales must go through an FFL, face-to-face with seller if in-state, and the cost being $50 +/- for in-state and $70 to $140 for an out-of-state transfer, if they will even do it. Is this the New World Order?

 

[smith17]

The falling dollar is dictating that the prices of this type of item appears to increase. Regarding a previous statement about general gun sales being soft, the gunstore and pawnbrokers I spoke with on my way back from S. Texas wouldn't agree. They are still doing a booming business. I watched a Beretta 84 go for $775 while I was shopping in Corpus. Most inventories were down due to sales.
Regarding the mid70s price of an ADL, I was making $2.30/hr at a summer job then which was more than my buds were bringing in. Minimum wage is close to triple that now, just as the gun is triple the price 35 years ago.
Ed

 

[fighter62]

I agree with the California situation. But its mostly for collectible and older handguns. In California , if You just want a pistol to arm Yourself or to shoot at the range, there are PLENTY of handguns on the list and in the local shops. California also has issues with Hi Cap mags. As far as the prices on Gunbroker ( original question in this topic), its an auction. Just like Ebay. People bid what they want. They decide what the gun is worth to them. I am looking for a three inch older 64. When I get it , it will complette my K frame 3" set ( I already have a 65,66 and 686 CS-1), So I may bid a lot for it, more than just someone who want to buy a 38 revolver.

 

[fyimo]

The prices in California are $100-$300 higher for the same gun elsewhere. If the piece is off-list (California's "safe" list), and virtually all pre-lock revolvers are, with rare exceptions (e.g. single action), it can't even be shipped into California . All handgun sales must go through an FFL, face-to-face with seller if in-state, and the cost being $50 +/- for in-state and $70 to $140 for an out-of-state transfer, if they will even do it. Is this the New World Order?

Well in Arkansas I buy a gun and have it shipped in and pay my FFL $10 for the transfer and he makes a copy of my drivers license and concealed carry permit and fill out the Government paperwork and walk out.

I'm glad I live here and not in CA,NY, or New Jersey.

 

[Scrapper]

I'm glad I live here and not in CA,NY, or New Jersey.

I hear ya loud and clear.....I wonder is MO about the same as AK? As I may be living there someday.

 

[Ancient1]

These high prices are the result of people learning about GB & not really knowing how to use it to get a good deal. Most deals occur on obscure or non-desirable items. I just did telephone bidding at RIA on some Smiths. A 17-4 mint in the box sold for $900 + 15% premium;2 57's 1st yr production,mint,no box,4" & 8 3/8" sold for $3000 + 15%.
Guys,that is $3450 for 2 mint 57's. Almost all the modern pistols went high. Some SAA 3rd gen & roll engraved 1911 commemerative were reasonable. I tried to buy & could not. Too high.
People know about the electronic way now & it has raised prices.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Following Up

Well, I'm happy to find out that I'm not the only one that feels this way about internet gun sales and the sky high prices. I think that I'll follow Class III's advice- squirrel away some bucks over the Holidays, and hit the first big gun show in January. Here in Florida, the Lakeland Gun Show (it's really a collector's show) comes up in mid-January. I'll be looking for that 4" Model 29-2 or 5" Model 27-2 amongst those 600+ tables. Maybe even a 6" Highway Patrolman if the condition and price are right. Ho-ho-ho (that's a quote from Santa Clause, not Tiger Woods)

 

[500 Magnum Nut]

I like certain model, prelock guns. With that said, I never find what I want locally. Plus there are no shows in my area. Buying online, shipping fees & transfer fees are the only way to get what I'm after.
Shop around there are deals out there.

For example a 696 for $450 on gunbroker 4 years ago. Fuzzy picture mislabled in pistol section instead of revolver section.

I was only bidder and won it at opening price.

Same gun could sell today for $750.00

 

[Gunsmithattheguncloset]

Hawg Rider, Don't dispair on gun broker or other sites. I just had two crazy buys off of gun broker. You have to look for the listings that just say things like 357 magnum or the ilk. I won a 95% 27-2 with a 3.5'' BBL for 430.00 and then a 586 in 85% for 295.00 so the deals are out there

 

[borntoraisehogs]

If we could just all agree not to bid up the prices , and if I had more money , I could buy them all before the hoarders get them .

 

[Bullet Bob]

I don't go to the auction sites anymore, but I do usually check gunsinternational.com; it seems to me over the last couple of months that prices have actually been lower on several non-S&W guns I've wanted for years. Of course, now I'm trying to quit buying