What is it with today's prices...

[mariodesmo]

[Untamed1972]

Back in the day gas was $1.10 a gallon too......now it's $2.80+. Your point is?

The problem is not that the value of guns has gun up, its that the value of your dollar has gone down.

[Rally Dave]

Naturally the prices of new guns has gone up, but the used prices are silly. As the OP stated, if used cost close to new...then just buy new.

[berto]

As an example, I bought a 99% Combat Commander back in the day, in 45 ACP, like new, for $300. That was typical. Now, it's a $1000 gun if you believe some.

How long ago was back in the day? It's all relative.

[mariodesmo]

The point is people are asking crazy prices for used stuff, never mind new stuff! It used to be used was 50% of new
now it's more like 80%-90%. The asking price as a percentage of new, has gone up.

[Deadbolt]

rofl you should take a look @ an SKS - people and stores want 400-450$ for one

[PatriotnMore]

I know what you are talking about, in fact, for a long time gun prices were flat but, as of about seven years ago prices steadily began to rise and viola.

Add to that the current administrations view on guns and gun control, this fueled the pricing, you just have to be patient and look for deals now day. Hell, ammo is just starting to drop into the reasonable pricing, and even then, it is over priced.

[shooting4life]

Plus you have the roster here in California and the more desirable pre lock s&w's, dan wesson's and other non roster pistols have a fixed supply and have become a commodity. The people that have them know that it would be hard to find in the future and really think about selling them. Those that do need to sell them know they can get more than money than those listed on the Internet because someone wants it bad and jack the price up accordingly.

On the more desirable guns a 200 to 300 dollar increase over out of state is not uncommon.

[audiophil2]

The point is people are asking crazy prices for used stuff, never mind new stuff! It used to be used was 50% of new
now it's more like 80%-90%. The asking price as a percentage of new, has gone up.

People can ask whatever price they want for their stuff. This does not compel you to purchse at stated price. You have 2 options. Look elswhere or haggle. I haggle first and if I can't get a reasonable price i walk away.

I have bought several gun but only after debating with store clerks on price. My most heavily used scenario goes like this:
Me: I see this gun is marked $550. What is the best price you will sell it at?Clerk: Price is what is printed.
Me: Can you send the owner/manager here so I can speak to him?
Clerk: He's busy.
Me: I'll wait.
Manager shows up
Me: I would like to buy this gun today. What is the best price you can sell it for to me right now?
Manager: I can sell it to you for $525.
Me: I know you can do much better. I have seen these listed at other shops for $475 (bluff). If you take $475 I will pay you in cash and I will make you my primary FFL and direct all my friends to you.
Manager: Sorry, I can't (won't) sell that low.
Me: Ok. Here is my name and phone number. When you want to sell the gun call me and I will be back. You have 1 day to decide then I go elswhere.
Manager: Ok.

The quickest call back was 10 minutes. They always call back. The deal here is that you can't haggle in front of other customers. The FFL does not want someone that just paid MSRP to hear they could have haggled. When I haggle I am discrete and usually out of earshot of other customers. When the FFL calls me he tells me he would have sold the gun but he did not because of this very fact of other customers overhearing a possible haggle.
I have had this technique work on everything from buying cars to buying bedsets. Always be willing to walk away and unless u must have the item.

I do the same for internet deals. I make an offer and give them 1 day to decide. I say I will send a USPS MO priority mail or paypal. Works the same.

Used guns are my favorite purchases. I already know the dealer paid 33-40% of the guns value and then marked it up 100+%. I just make an offer that is not lowball and they go for it. They profit well and I save a few bux. Of couse this depends on the gun.

[mariodesmo]

People can ask whatever price they want for their stuff. This does not compel you to purchse at stated price. You have 2 options. Look elswhere or haggle. I haggle first and if I can't get a reasonable price i walk away.

I have bought several gun but only after debating with store clerks on price. My most heavily used scenario goes like this:
Me: I see this gun is marked $550. What is the best price you will sell it at?Clerk: Price is what is printed.
Me: Can you send the owner/manager here so I can speak to him?
Clerk: He's busy.
Me: I'll wait.
Manager shows up
Me: I would like to buy this gun today. What is the best price you can sell it for to me right now?
Manager: I can sell it to you for $525.
Me: I know you can do much better. I have seen these listed at other shops for $475 (bluff). If you take $475 I will pay you in cash and I will make you my primary FFL and direct all my friends to you.
Manager: Sorry, I can't (won't) sell that low.
Me: Ok. Here is my name and phone number. When you want to sell the gun call me and I will be back. You have 1 day to decide then I go elswhere.
Manager: Ok.

The quickest call back was 10 minutes. They always call back. The deal here is that you can't haggle in front of other customers. The FFL does not want someone that just paid MSRP to hear they could have haggled. When I haggle I am discrete and usually out of earshot of other customers. When the FFL calls me he tells me he would have sold the gun but he did not because of this very fact of other customers overhearing a possible haggle.
I have had this technique work on everything from buying cars to buying bedsets. Always be willing to walk away and unless u must have the item.

I do the same for internet deals. I make an offer and give them 1 day to decide. I say I will send a USPS MO priority mail or paypal. Works the same.

Used guns are my favorite purchases. I already know the dealer paid 33-40% of the guns value and then marked it up 100+%. I just make an offer that is not lowball and they go for it. They profit well and I save a few bux. Of couse this depends on the gun.

Yup, good advice, and some of that I've used a lot as well. I've also done a lot of walking...

I was also taught to be descrete and respectfull when low balling an offer. Giving the seller a chance to make a little will help make the sale. As long as they can make a few bucks, and and feel okay, you're right they will bite. I never thought of the "1 day waiting period" though! That's a good piece of advice I'll remember, thanks!

I've bought many cars, motorcycles, guns, fishing gear, you name it over the years and it just amazes me today how some people think they're going to get these outrageous prices. Some folks really think their used 80%-90% condition stuff is worth 5% discount off new.

[RandyD]

I like Audiophil2's style. I would also add to be respectful towards the seller; you will catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

I also have to add, "Back in the Day", my first gallon of gas that I purchased to mow a neighbor's lawn cost me 32 cents. My first 1911 was a Remington Rand and it cost me $175.00. Supply and demand are at work in the firearms market, so prices are what the market will bear. No one is forced to buy.

[Syntax Error]

Prices don't stay static. A combination of the inflation of the dollar, and greater demand for firearms given the political climate seems to have fueled the current pricing structure.

If you don't like prices as-they-are now, then feel free to skip on the offers.

At least you're not trying to buy an AR during the 2008 so-called "AR craze"

[zum]

I dont mind it, since most of my handguns are now worth more or the same that i bought them for 5+ years ago

In my case my handguns are now either not made anymore or off the rosters

[liketoshoot]

Back in the day gas was $1.10 a gallon too......now it's $2.80+. Your point is?

The problem is not that the value of guns has gun up, its that the value of your dollar has gone down.

Dang you're young or I'm old! when I started driving gas was $0.35 a gallon!

[Beelzy]

Still cheaper than Tomorrow's prices.