Pistol and Revolver Pricing?

[sailor723]

Is there any source of information or method of establishing the market value of used handguns here in Canada? I don't know of any sale or auction sight that lists past sale prices. The number of guns (other than a few very common models) offered at any one time on the EE makes using average asking prices from there problematic.

Understandably, given the size of the market, there is lots of US data available (auction sites, Blue Book, Gun Digest Book of valuations etc etc)

Is there any rule of thumb for comparing US to Canadian pricing? I'm thinking more collectible or at least older stuff rather than current production guns....things like pre-lock S&W,Colts, older Sigs or HKs, T series or pre '63 Browning Hi Powers etc etc.

How do you decide on fair market value when you're buying or selling?

 

[gdawg]

Ya not that easy for some pieces. As you have pointed out in the past, many of the rarer or more unique pieces command much higher prices in the US given their market. I try and use a combination- seeing what things sell for on EE, Blue Book, keeping an eye on Maynards, and asking questions.

Selling unique items is definitely a bit fickle in Canada. There isn't always constant demand so market value fluctuates. Getting 'fair' value is about reaching the right buyer at the right time so this basically means you need to wait it out and/or be prepared to adjust expectations.

 

[sailor723]

Yep, it is especially tough for unique items you don't see often. I'm looking at a somewhat unusual S&W revolver from the 1950's where the seller is asking 2K. My gut says that's too high but I don't really know.

The consensus on the Smith and Wesson forum seems to be that it is a $1,100-1,300 gun in the US.

I recently bought a couple of old revolvers (mid century Colt and a WWI era Smith) from a guy with a very large collection. He said his rule of thumb on older collectible stuff is to take the US price, convert to CAD and then knock off 20% to account for the softer market for specialty stuff up here. I'm not sure if that is valid but it's one way of looking at things. With today's exchange rate it means that the Canadian value in CAD is about the same number as the US value expressed in USD. I think that might be a little low but who knows.....

I guess in the end it depends on what a buyer will pay and a seller will take.

 

[gdawg]

Interesting method. If he has a large collection and lots of experience, probably not a bad rule of thumb.

I've negotiated deals in the past by pointing to US prices, and saying I would pay the equivalent. Maybe i overpaid but i wanted the items. Might work with the Smith.

It is not Canadian, but Gunbroker allows you to view ended auction prices. You do need to be a registered user though. There are a few step to registering and it takes a few days if you are not a US citizen, but not that cumbersome.

 

[Nestor]

Yep, it is especially tough for unique items you don't see often. I'm looking at a somewhat unusual S&W revolver from the 1950's where the seller is asking 2K. My gut says that's too high but I don't really know.

The consensus on the Smith and Wesson forum seems to be that it is a $1,100-1,300 gun in the US.

I recently bought a couple of old revolvers (mid century Colt and a WWI era Smith) from a guy with a very large collection. He said his rule of thumb on older collectible stuff is to take the US price, convert to CAD and then knock off 20% to account for the softer market for specialty stuff up here. I'm not sure if that is valid but it's one way of looking at things. With today's exchange rate it means that the Canadian value in CAD is about the same number as the US value expressed in USD. I think that might be a little low but who knows.....

I guess in the end it depends on what a buyer will pay and a seller will take.

38/44 from Marstar?

 

[Mark-II]

38/44 from Marstar?

That's proving to be the most troublesome soul-searchingest gun of the month

I just bought a nice 8 3/8" model 27. I think I paid top dollar, but there is a family connection that made me not want to pass it up.

I'll pay for nice guns. I won't pay a high (relative to condition) price for well worn ones. Not if the difference is a few hundred to get an excellent one.

Rarity is tricky, though.... Being as I'm not a true collector, I look at the gun, not at the numbers made, when I decide. I also don't buy them for investment. I shoot mine, I will end up depreciating them. That's how it is.

But I do have a comfort zone. That outdoorsman is beyond it. It's for deeper pockets and more serious collectors. Not for a guy like me who would just want to shoot it

 

[sailor723]

That's proving to be the most troublesome soul-searchingest gun of the month

I just bought a nice 8 3/8" model 27. I think I paid top dollar, but there is a family connection that made me not want to pass it up.

I'll pay for nice guns. I won't pay a high (relative to condition) price for well worn ones. Not if the difference is a few hundred to get an excellent one.

Rarity is tricky, though.... Being as I'm not a true collector, I look at the gun, not at the numbers made, when I decide. I also don't buy them for investment. I shoot mine, I will end up depreciating them. That's how it is.

But I do have a comfort zone. That outdoorsman is beyond it. It's for deeper pockets and more serious collectors. Not for a guy like me who would just want to shoot it

I'm a lot like you. I don't plan on owning anything I don't shoot at least once and awhile. On the other hand I like old things with a bit of history and at least some degree of being uncommon. I guess that's why I have little interest in owning guns like today's CZ, Glock ,Sig etc etc. They are quality items but just don't do anything for me. Because I plan on shooting them I don't mind guns with some patina as long as the mechanical condition is good.

To answer nestor's question....Yes it is the 38/44 I was referring to. Several people on the Smith and Wesson forum (what seems like a very knowledgeable place) thought the price was high and also questioned the seller's description of being in "as new condition" pointing out what looks like a bit of bluing loss at the muzzle and a faint drag line on the cylinder.

I was semi interested in that gun because it is unusual but that interest has now ebbed. I'm thinking I would be better off waiting for a really good 27 for less money.................

......................and then there are all the various versions of Browning Hi-Powers I've yet to own.

 

[Nestor]

 

[gdawg]

ok that 38/44 and (Fosbery) are pretty cool...

 

[sailor723]

ok that 38/44 and (Fosbery) are pretty cool...

It is pretty cool. It's the only one I have seen offered here in Canada over the past year that I have been watching sales sites. Although, it is not hugely rare. Between the various incarnations (pre war, post war transitional, post 1950 and post 1957 Model 20 or 23) of both the Heavy Duty and the Outdoorsman I believe S&W made 36230 38/44's over the years 1930-1966.

In defense of Marstar they can ask whatever they want and it is worth whatever somebody will pay. However, at $2,000 + 13% HST I'm not that somebody.

 

[gdawg]

It is pretty cool. It's the only one I have seen offered here in Canada over the past year that I have been watching sales sites. Although, it is not hugely rare. Between the various incarnations (pre war, post war transitional, post 1950 and post 1957 Model 20 or 23) of both the Heavy Duty and the Outdoorsman I believe S&W made 36230 38/44's over the years 1930-1966.

In defense of Marstar they can ask whatever they want and it is worth whatever somebody will pay. However, at $2,000 + 13% HST I'm not that somebody.

It is the first one i have seen on offer as well.

i thought you were talking about a private deal. less negotiation room on this I suspect. if they really are 11-13 in the US you might be able to find it down there and have IRG bring it up.

 

[sailor723]

It is the first one i have seen on offer as well.

i thought you were talking about a private deal. less negotiation room on this I suspect. if they really are 11-13 in the US you might be able to find it down there and have IRG bring it up.

My thoughts as well. Although, I have other "wants" I would probably be able to source here before doing that. The only N frame i have is a just purchased S&W 1917 so I keep coming back to needing a 27 or pre model 27. I'd love a registered magnum but that's north of BSS Python pricing!

 

[Mark-II]

The 27 is nice in the hand, though the grips are huge.

VZ has 20% off this weekend for registered buyers. I'm going to order a few more sets to future proof myself.

They don't look as good as real wood does on an older gun, but when my hand is wrapped around one, I want no other.