Is the used firearms market soft?

[DIBBS]

I've had a couple hunting rifles for sale at the local gun shop for some time. Nothing fancy or out of the ordinary, and I thought reasonably priced.

However, the rack of used guns doesn't seem to change much this time of year.

Also in my area of eastern WA a number of folks are into the 400 dollar rifle package(Axis/American etc, not that there's anything wrong with this).

How is the used market in other parts of the country?

 

[Basher]

It’s soft alright. The “Trump Slump” is real!

 

[W54/XM-388]

You have to consider a couple things:
This is currently the slowest time of the year to sell guns or most other things.

People are spending their money on kids, vacations, summer stuff etc.

The brand new market is packed with excellent quality offerings at rock bottom sale, discount, incentive and rebate pricing.

So you have to ask yourself, at what price would you be interested in buying it back? That will give you an idea of the market.

For a used item, you'll have to ask, if YOU were buying an item, and you can research and look at all the best deals from across the country on new items that can be sent to your LGS easily. In addition you may not actually "need" it right now, since it's not hunting season or gift season or a lot of other seasons. At what price would you be willing to part with your money then and there instead of waiting and holding out for a different deal?

Now if your hunting rifles are in .300 WM or 30.06 or some other hard recoiling caliber, expect you'll have to discount them seriously to get them to move. If your hunting rifle is in .308 or .243 you'll have to also have to consider it's not the current "cool caliber" so folks will want a discount if they are going to get it over some new cool popular caliber from the 6.5mm or similar range.

 

[DIBBS]

@W54/XM-388 As for rifles in the used rack- Currently have a 300 WM M70 semi custom (rebarreled/stocked) and factory 7mm RM CZ 550 for sale. You make excellent points on pricing and summer activities taking priorities. I will likely downsize further(good market or not) as I am approaching retirement quickly, just for simplicity sake and the fact that I don't hunt near as much as I used to. The 7mag and 300 Win mag calibers have been around for decades and while up in the performance range, evidently aren't as cool as the new kids on the block.

I likely will have to drop prices a bit to generate interest. Appreciate your thoughts.

 

[blbennett1288]

The PX is very slow right now, tons of great deals.

 

[chevy_man]

Most are like me. I spent on some "tax deals", picked up $1k+ in ammo and components for reloading for summer shooting, etc.

Also vacations are spendy. I have $3k set aside to go see family for a couple weeks, and take the kids to do fun stuff.
I'd love to finish my current project, but it'll probably be February before I'm spending again (hunting season, holidays, etc.)

 

[Currycure]

Its a game of chance, some times you get a good deal for something you are looking for, sometimes you don't. demand and supply.

 

[blbennett1288]

Its a game of chance, some times you get a good deal for something you are looking for, sometimes you don't. demand and supply.

Meh, I think it is pretty cyclical and predictable. End of year and beginning of year the "great deals" are few and far between. Middle of the year is pretty dead. Not much moving. Lots of deals on used stuff.

The holiday deals are also a known factor (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday, etc)

 

[Currycure]

Meh, I think it is pretty cyclical and predictable. End of year and beginning of year the "great deals" are few and far between. Middle of the year is pretty dead. Not much moving. Lots of deals on used stuff.

The holiday deals are also a known factor (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday, etc)

Can you also predict the stock market ? if hyou can then we should meet up and talk.

 

[blbennett1288]

Can you also predict the stock market ? if hyou can then we should meet up and talk.

What does the stock market have to do with used firearm equipment?

No I can not predict the stock market, nor do I claim to be able to.

The point of my previous comment was the the end of year and beginning of year you seem to be able to get more money out of your used items. Middle months of the year not so much. What months those are, varies, but it always follows the same cyclical trend

 

[Maggot]

Its soft. Trump is the worst thing to happen to the firearms market in years. Bring back Obama...no, wait...LOL.

 

[Blue Sky Country]

Wait till deer season and general hunting season starts. Used guns will be moving at considerable pace. At least that's how it seems to be around here. And also, that is the time when there is a noticeable uptick in newbie/borderline unsafe/confused behavior at our local ranges. A lot of us, me included, often use our free time to help coach new hunters on how to handle their rifles properly.

Caliber is a big thing when trying to make a sale of a used firearm. If ya' got a piece chambered in some fancy wildcat round that the makers of the cartridges advertise their businesses by word of mouth only... On the other hand, the humble, old reliable three-oh-eight's are the first ones to move when the season turns chilly.

 

[Snuby642]

Used guns going slow in Texas as well.
Last gun show had vendors crying.
Was very small crowd.

I had trouble trading a nice AK for a scope and mount.
Normally would have offloaded an ak like that in about about 2 minutes.
Took 2 hours.

 

[Keel Haul]

The smart ones already have plenty in the safes and racks at home and are stocking deep on ammo or components.

 

[BigBC]

The smart ones already have plenty in the safes and racks at home and are stocking deep on ammo or components.

As well as plates, kevlar and nods

 

[Greg Langelius *]

I don't like to sell guns. It brings to mind the question, "Why did I buy it in the first place if I'm willing to sell it now?".

My seldom used guns get passed down to my descendants.

Greg

 

[Snuby642]

Selling seldom used ak to finish up new precision ar with components is a wash to me. Already have several better carbines than that ak rattle box.

 

[BigBC]

Selling seldom used ak to finish up new precision ar with components is a wash to me. Already have several better carbines than that ak rattle box.

I gave the AK a real shot. I bought a Rifle Dynamics AK in 556 to really put up against my built up ARs. Sadly I'll be selling the RD AK. But not because it's bad or didn't run.

3k in either platform will get you a very special rifle. But in the end it came down to ergonomics, controls and options. I just don't see the point in keeping something I am not the most effective with. Again not that someone else could be totally awesome or better than another with the AK. Just not my choice of design.

I don't like selling guns which I lose my ass on. But ultimately if another shooter could love and run the crap out of this AK then so be it. I'll be a seller.

 

[hermosabeach]

California buys a ton of firearms and ammo.

California went offline... a new Assault weapon bill and an ammo is now required to be purchased locally with ID and background check.

So prices on AR's and most semi auto rifles dropped when the new AW bill passed.
Ammo prices have also corrected... and local ammo is always more $$$ then buying 5 cases on line

 

[thebolt]

Is this an offer to trade your guns for children?

Once a gun enters my household it’s here for good. Even the ones I don’t like much remain in my collection because as a Christian I don’t believe in divorce.

Would you sell your children?

 

[Tazman]

I sold all my guns.....I have none! Just sayn

 

[Threadcutter308]

Once a gun enters my household it’s here for good. Even the ones I don’t like much remain in my collection because as a Christian I don’t believe in divorce.

Would you sell your children?

What kind of guns you got ?

I have two kids, one that I'm keeping......... ?

 

[cornhusker86]

I sold all my guns.....I have none! Just sayn

Me too.

 

[Unknown]

Yes, the market is very soft. However regional preferences play strongly into where someone would be able to get the best price. For example, good revolvers seem to bring more money in southern states, but that market has softened too.

This a great time to buy, not such a great time to be selling. It is no different than the markets for stocks and bonds. There are times to buy, and times to sell. Now appears to appears to be the time to buy while prices are low.

 

[Threadcutter308]

Got a squirt gun, super soaker.

Done deal !........She's a liberal. I'm getting the better end of the deal....

 

[W54/XM-388]

This a great time to buy, not such a great time to be selling. It is no different than the markets for stocks and bonds. There are times to buy, and times to sell. Now appears to appears to be the time to buy while prices are low.

Yep, buy all you can now, guns, ammo, magazines, armor, NV, Thermals etc.
That way in either 2 years or 6 years or whenever we get our next communist president, you can be all set for you, your family & your friends while those that didn't prepare scramble to buy things at high prices.