How to value used pistols?

bsand

bsand

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I have a couple pistols that I barely use and am developing a serious precision long range shooting habit. And have decided to get rid of a few to help finance upgrades!

First on the chopping block

Beretta 92fs 9mm black bought brand new from reliable gun in 2013 about 250 rounds. Two mags, box, and plastic case/manual.

Second

Smith and Wesson m&p9 range kit, 3 mags, holster, and magupula. Less than 300 rounds, orginial box and such all available. Also bought from reliable gun on same day.

Sig p220 45acp slide says made in germany, bought used with 200 rounds down the pipe also from reliable gun in 2013. ive put maybe 100 rounds through it? 3 8 round magazines. Slight wear on the chambers finish ,(black rubbing off) other than that it's mint.
 
bsand said:
I have a couple pistols that I barely use and am developing a serious precision long range shooting habit. And have decided to get rid of a few to help finance upgrades!

First on the chopping block

Beretta 92fs 9mm black bought brand new from reliable gun in 2013 about 250 rounds. Two mags, box, and plastic case/manual.

Second

Smith and Wesson m&p9 range kit, 3 mags, holster, and magupula. Less than 300 rounds, orginial box and such all available. Also bought from reliable gun on same day.

Sig p220 45acp slide says made in germany, bought used with 200 rounds down the pipe also from reliable gun in 2013. ive put maybe 100 rounds through it? 3 8 round magazines. Slight wear on the chambers finish ,(black rubbing off) other than that it's mint.
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Good thing to do is check EE and take an average. I had a 92FS as well, low round count, I flipped mine for $650 I think:

http://3.bp.########.com/-ZNlMoPv3qOQ/UuFIMxdOPRI/AAAAAAAAS_Q/Qb3TzlMyOn8/s1600/Capture2.JPG

Not sure about the MP9 and Sig but I imagine there's a few of those on EE as well.

Maybe with the crappy exchange rate, you might be able to squeeze a few bucks more out of them?
 
I generally ask or offer 70 to 80 percent of what they are selling for new, assuming the guns in very good condition. Using prices on the ee might not be the best idea if your actually looking to sell. Too many people asking retail or above for used guns.
 
The EE is notorious for asking $50 less than brand new for almost anything... but guns do hold value better than most consumer goods. So 80% of new is probably about right. Depends on how fast you want it to sell too...
 
Just an aside..... Are you thinking 80 percent is fair for a used gun? Just curious why anyone would choose to save 200 on a 1000 dollar gun, with no warrantee, no repair or replacement safety net. But be happy and trust that this is a good deal because seller tells them it is. If indeed the gun is exotic, and or difficult to obtain new, then perhaps a price close to 80 percent may be palatable, otherwise what other type of item would you buy used and think about paying very nearly new price for retained not the family sedan. Having said this, I have only purchased one used pistol, which I bought for less than half price, both buyer and seller were happy, no one lost, I found a gun I wanted , he sold an extra gun that he did not use.
 
Lots of guys complain there's nothing but crap deals on the EE. I think that's because the good deals go in minutes of posting...

Most seem to go for 75-80 percent of new if they're in good shape. Pretty much ignore the value of most upgrades. Want it gone fast? Ask 60-65 percent of new...

Ask more than that and you can expect to bump many times before it goes...

As for who will buy a used pistol at that price? Remember that buying new adds another 12-16 percent in taxes... your savings are likely closer to 30-40 percent, and most (quality) firearms won't ever need warranty work. Also note that SOME manufacturers have a lifetime transferable warranty (eg: CORE rifles).
 
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Op, if you want to flip your Beretta for half price of full retail,send me a PM, I live in the GVRD I don't even want another Beretta but I'd buy one for that price, lol!
 
^ Even BNIB is used, and if I'm buying the offer would reflect that fact. If the intent is to hold the retail value of a gun just because the seller states its BNIB (or an even more ridiculous claim of LNIB) then the buyer would/should just buy it from a gun shop imho. (those guys need to eat too:))
 
plinker 777 said:
^ Even BNIB is used, and if I'm buying the offer would reflect that fact. If the intent is to hold the retail value of a gun just because the seller states its BNIB (or an even more ridiculous claim of LNIB) then the buyer would/should just buy it from a gun shop imho. (those guys need to eat too:))
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Yes I agree with you, I'm just wondering how much value you would lose over the price the same gun new would be in a gun store? I wouldn't think it would be as much as if there were a few hundred rounds through it. Just looking for others opinions.
 
Here is another take on putting a value on your firearms. Take them to a local dealer and get an idea of what they will pay for them and ask what they will sell them for. They know the market better than a person who sells the odd gun here and there. If you are taken your pistol to the same dealer that is setting you up with your long distance rig... it might be worth while to sell all your pistol to them because 1, all your pistols will be sold at the same time. 2, eliminate internet fraud. 3, saving you the hassle of checking The buyer's RPAL, applying for the transfer, ATT and going to the post office (X 3) and 4, if you feel you should get a bit more money for your pistols... even if the store can not give you more, they will certainly be able to give you a better price on your new rifle.

If anything, this approach will give you an idea about what stores are selling compatible pistols for and you could price accordingly. Many people price themselves out of the market so be careful. Buyers are aware that they will save on the taxes if they buy private but buyers would also gladly pay the taxes and a little more to eliminate the fear of posible fraud and to have the ability to use their credit card as an added security feature, convenience and to collect reward points. Good luck.
 
Everyone here knows used pistols are worth 100% of new price because your example has expensive ammo ran through it and has been determined to be "very accurate."
 
Garaldtao said:
Here is another take on putting a value on your firearms. Take them to a local dealer and get an idea of what they will pay for them and ask what they will sell them for. They know the market better than a person who sells the odd gun here and there. If you are taken your pistol to the same dealer that is setting you up with your long distance rig... it might be worth while to sell all your pistol to them because 1, all your pistols will be sold at the same time. 2, eliminate internet fraud. 3, saving you the hassle of checking The buyer's RPAL, applying for the transfer, ATT and going to the post office (X 3) and 4, if you feel you should get a bit more money for your pistols... even if the store can not give you more, they will certainly be able to give you a better price on your new rifle.

If anything, this approach will give you an idea about what stores are selling compatible pistols for and you could price accordingly. Many people price themselves out of the market so be careful. Buyers are aware that they will save on the taxes if they buy private but buyers would also gladly pay the taxes and a little more to eliminate the fear of posible fraud and to have the ability to use their credit card as an added security feature, convenience and to collect reward points. Good luck.
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Very well said and sage advise OP.
 
Phat Eagle said:
Lots of guys complain there's nothing but crap deals on the EE. I think that's because the good deals go in minutes of posting...

Most seem to go for 75-80 percent of new if they're in good shape. Pretty much ignore the value of most upgrades. Want it gone fast? Ask 60-65 percent of new...

Ask more than that and you can expect to bump many times before it goes...

As for who will buy a used pistol at that price? Remember that buying new adds another 12-16 percent in taxes... your savings are likely closer to 30-40 percent, and most (quality) firearms won't ever need warranty work. Also note that SOME manufacturers have a lifetime transferable warranty (eg: CORE rifles).
Click to expand...

Taxes shouldn't be a factor in the EE . I'm in Alberta an only pay 5 % tax . Probably why I don't make many purchases off the EE and usually find a good deal on new stuff for around the same price .
 
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