Why are used guns so expensive?

[Chiuchimu]

I keep reading about people getting deals on used guns in excellent condition. Things like "bought a virtually new CZ 75 for $300" or " got my Glock 17 used for $300".

I've been looking thru Gunbrokers.com and other sites including the PPT on this site. What I see is the used guns are almost the same price as new guns.
Say:

new CZ 75 at budsgunshop on sale $450
used CZ 75 gunbroker $400

new Ruger p95 online $300
used Ruger P95 this site $300 (it sold!)

[smrtprts]

I have had little luck in the marketplaces also. Lots of buyers ask msrp but there are always good deals to be had. Just be patient and you will eventually get a deal.

[ElvenSoul]

Try a gun range.

[SocomM4]

Negotiate. River city has awesome deals on agency trade ins. Glock sig berretta all for around 325ish.

[STROLLER]

I sold my P95 in this marketplace for 250.00 with 4 mags and a serpa holster. Deal can be had you have to be quick.
Not everyone asks MSRP on there stuff.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G

[Fishslayer]

Gotta remember. A lot of those Gunbroker sellers won't ship ANYTHING to Kalifornistan.

Also we don't usually have guns in pawn shops or box stores.

High demand - Competition = Higher prices.

That's not even taking the roster into consideration. Hang out on S&W forums & see what older revolvers are going for in the free states

[Databyter]

Just have to keep your eyes open. Yea there are a lot of generic used deals out there that are basically msrp. It is a business and apparently people buy that stuff.

But you can find good deals occasionally from a private party, and a lot of times there are upgrades or accessories that you would not get with a new gun.

[DVSmith]

Some sellers are bundling holsters/mags and other stuff, which I usually could care less about. But if they sell, then that is what they are worth in the marketplace!

[Ripon83]

I could be wrong, but I think there are some " home " dealers that will snag a great deal the second it comes up, or bid an auction site item up to the point where the next bid isn't a great deal. They then flip them and make a few dollars cause most of the offers on the forum are for top dollar. They ask the same as new because there is no sales tax, PPT fees are less then what dealers demand on mail order shops, and sometimes they add a magazine,scope, or other accessories. A good deal on the classifieds here might be on there 5 minutes before I'll take it pops up.

I buy ammo and guns there, but rarely with a huge bargain. My last buy a 10/22, nice shape, case, scope, and important to me 6 magazines for 225. New that would be $300 easy with fees, new magazines, and the rest. Did cost me $25 in gas too.

[Kali-Jax]

The good deals get snapped up real quick. 1 - 5 minutes after the post.

[aermotor]

Because people are delusional.

[jtrem]

I admit some of the prices people ask on here are outrageous. But, some are pretty good. Some people ask what I can walk into a gun store and buy it new for.

However, I usually only like to buy PPT now to save on taxes. If I buy a gun for $500 PPT it costs me $535 with DROS. If I go to a gun store buy new its costing me DROS fee plus taxes.

[theduece]

Totally agree that a good deal can be found. They are not the norm though. Find a good ffl and mail order for the best price.


O and as a side note, if you think used firearms are expensive..... Go look at reloading gear. More specifically Dillon stuff. Used it goes for anywhere between 90-110% of retail.

[Hilldweller]

When I decided to sell my guns I went to most of the auction sites and chat rooms to see what the value would be. A realistic value that is. I have definitely noticed that there are lots of folks out there who list their guns on Gunbroker for outrageous prices. I also (gladly) see that most of them get no bids. I do however see some that get a bite; and I think that's exactly what they're looking for. You know...."there's one born every minute" types. If someone's willing to pay....what the heck! I've considered listing my Jennings .22 for $1,500.00 just to see if someone will pony up !

There are lots of sites out there. If you're looking for a particular gun there's probably a few sites dedicated to it. Check them out and look to see if they have a classifieds area. As others have said, good deals go quick; so be prepared to recognize a good deal and jump on it.

[w55]

Good deals go fast. Half the time its just luck.