Long time ago I wanted to trade a really high-end rifle - a Colt Sauer .243 at the counties most prominent GS . Very few rounds fired and worked flawlessly. They took it in the back for several minutes and when they returned they told me it had excessive headspace- I don't recall if they offered me anything for it as I was extremely PO'd. Went to a nearby shop that sold gas, tires, and even had a bar room attached (grandfathered in at the time) and made a deal that I was happy with......many deals in fact.
Buying/Selling with a Local Gun Store
- Thread starter a1712
- Start date
At my Daughters pawn shop she could buy new guns at wholesale price, so why would we pay even close to that much for a used gun ? You just can’t do it and stay in business.
True story~ we had guys coming in with Frankenstein AR-15’s claiming they had $1500 wrapped up or what ever and wanting to pawn it for $500.. I wouldn’t pawn out more than maybe $150. Pissed off , oh well go pawn it to one of their tweeker buddies if it’s worth that much.
True story~ we had guys coming in with Frankenstein AR-15’s claiming they had $1500 wrapped up or what ever and wanting to pawn it for $500.. I wouldn’t pawn out more than maybe $150. Pissed off , oh well go pawn it to one of their tweeker buddies if it’s worth that much.
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kelbro
Silver $$ Contributor
My LGS is just a hangout for mall ninjas but they do offer a couple of good services, FFL transfers for $20 and they will list your firearms on Gunbroker for you. They take all the photos. Do the listing. Collect the money. Ship the firearm and then send you a check. They charge a small fee for that and the auction is where you find the real value of anything at that particular moment in time.
As far as buying a firearm from them or selling one to them, I wouldn't expect a good deal.
As far as buying a firearm from them or selling one to them, I wouldn't expect a good deal.
Your biggest problem is that the used market for AR's is in the dumps, and especially bad for AR's like that unless somehow collectible (IE early Colt's). The reason Les Baer stopped making the Super Varmint is that the AR consumer market has moved on from heavy non threaded barrels, A2 stocks, and free float tubes to SBR's, red dots, MLOK, and suppressors. The prices on AR's new have also dropped massively. Even ultra premium AR's don't cost that much nowadays.
Your LGS may or may not know anything about something like a Les Baer. You just got lumped in with all the cheap franken AR types. No matter what it is going to be tough to get even 1/3-1/2 of the new cost of that thing now even though it is probably a fantastic shooter.
Your LGS may or may not know anything about something like a Les Baer. You just got lumped in with all the cheap franken AR types. No matter what it is going to be tough to get even 1/3-1/2 of the new cost of that thing now even though it is probably a fantastic shooter.
moondog
Gold $$ Contributor
When my Pops passed away I inherited a car full of guns and scopes. Most of them were crappy gun show clunkers. I kept the nice ones, super nice High power. I brought the rest to Mile High. I've known Randy for a long time, and felt like I was treated fair. Three options lowest to highest, cash, store credit, consignment. I didn't want to deal with the hassle of listing and shipping myself. Just like any other business from Lawyers to mechanics, unscrupulous or honest and fair.
To the OP, that shop is run by criminals never go back there. I would never trust them ever again. There was a real nice older guy that ran a shop in West Palm Beach. He retired and sold it to a guy that thought he could get rich quick. he doubled the price on everything in the shop that wasn't a gun and bumped them up a lot. He lasted 3 months and was gone. I bought lots of stuff from the original guy, I could beat his prices a little on the internet but he was fair and I went out of my way to support him. I hope he is enjoying his retirement.
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Dealer price for a new gun, less 20% for a mint used gun would seem to work, when selling or trading with a FFL. Less if damaged or not working correctly.
Always best to sell the gun yourself.
Do look at current prices, before shopping.
https://ammoseek.com/ for new gun price.
https://truegunvalue.com/ for sold guns.
Always best to sell the gun yourself.
Do look at current prices, before shopping.
https://ammoseek.com/ for new gun price.
https://truegunvalue.com/ for sold guns.
The deal was already made on the s&w 22LR . Dealer may have given customer rock bottom price, being such a great customer. NO TRADE at this time.
Then OP wants to change the deal. With little or no markup on the 22LR, this doesnt allow an inflated trade in price.
What is "it" What gun was offered for trade? cartridge 223?
OP should not post or gun trade while drinking @ his bar.
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Having been in this sport approaching 60's years, I never came out on top trading / selling firearms. If fact, I regret almost every transaction. As soon as I began somewhat affluent, I became afflicted with the "grass is greener" on the other side of fence disease.
If I had been more knowledgeable, planned more effectively, less swayed by gun magazine articles / ballistic tables, and understood that the most significant factor in successful shooting is learning how to shoot, dedicated practice, and getting to know your firearm, I would have save a ton of money, frustration, and most importantly experienced more enjoyment in the sport.
My best friend figured this out 50 years ago and carefully defined his firearm needs, purchased appropriately and is still shooting the same firearms. In 2022, he took a 5x4 Elk, his first Western Elk hunt with a 50+ year Model 88, 308 Winchester. He has taken a ton of deer in PA and 3 PA Black Bear over his hunting career. Of course, he has a few other firearms, but they have remained unchanged.
If I had been more knowledgeable, planned more effectively, less swayed by gun magazine articles / ballistic tables, and understood that the most significant factor in successful shooting is learning how to shoot, dedicated practice, and getting to know your firearm, I would have save a ton of money, frustration, and most importantly experienced more enjoyment in the sport.
My best friend figured this out 50 years ago and carefully defined his firearm needs, purchased appropriately and is still shooting the same firearms. In 2022, he took a 5x4 Elk, his first Western Elk hunt with a 50+ year Model 88, 308 Winchester. He has taken a ton of deer in PA and 3 PA Black Bear over his hunting career. Of course, he has a few other firearms, but they have remained unchanged.
jelenko
Gold $$ Contributor
I would also note that Les Baer and JP Entreprises ask a LOT for their rifles. A rifle as every bit as functional and reliable can be put together for about half of what their prices are. So the gun shop has to value the rifle how their customers will value it.
Of course, someone could come along who just has to have a Les Baer/JP and is willing to pay for it. But, there aren't many of them out there.
Of course, someone could come along who just has to have a Les Baer/JP and is willing to pay for it. But, there aren't many of them out there.
When I first started gunsmithing professionally (1977) I worked for a store which thrived on trading. The owner of the store was quite up front about his trade policy. He would allow between 55% and 70% of new value for a trade. Condition and make and model mattered. He was also up front about the value of add-ons; they were worth nothing! Custom guns were worth what he figured they would bring on the market, minus 35%. All pretty straight forward. He felt that trading was an important part of the business and encouraged all his staff to engage in it. Now, the flip side was, he wouldn't discount a gun. He would discount accessories though; to sweeten the deal. When it came to putting out cash for guns though, he was ruthless and ten cents on the dollar was perfectly reasonable!
I always preferred the stores which had a good rack of used guns and a welcoming atmosphere. You just have to keep in mind; they have to make money. WH
I always preferred the stores which had a good rack of used guns and a welcoming atmosphere. You just have to keep in mind; they have to make money. WH
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