Looking for a pricing guide to Surplus.

chrisluh

chrisluh

CGN Regular
EE Expired
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Grande Prairie, Alberta
Like the title says, is there any place to look up market values for common military surplus that is accurate in Canada. I am just starting to collect and know that I have been given the royal screw already on a couple of purchase but do not want to post here each time I am looking to but something. It does not have to be bang on and I know it depends a bunch on things but it would be nice to know that a common Lee-Enfield No.4 MK1* should sell for $? roughly so when you see one posted in the EE for $500 you know better instead of learning the hard way (generally speaking). There is a lot of rifles out there to be collected and if you have to learn the hard way for each one then you might loss your mind. Case in point is the SVT-40, I see one posted in the EE that no one has taken so I am guessing it is priced to high but I do not know because I do not know the going rate for this rifle. When I first started I would have just bought the rifle and found out later that I paid too much, it is enough to make you scream. I have looked at a bunch of pricing catalogs but they seem to all be American and I know that things are different priced up here so is there any options besides posting all the rifles and handguns I am interested in and asking everyone here? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Chris
 
Whew no small order here.

I've never seen anything like that myself. Price is dependent on a lot of details. Two rifles may look the same but in reality one is a chopped down bubba and the other is a collectable. And it's the little details that make teh distinction.

Research is the key to pricing, I have a few dogs in my collection, and I've overpaid for a few rifles, but I've also found a gem or two for bargin price.

My advice don't get all excited about owning every rifle you see take your time, do the research, and you won't get burnt on price. Hey If someone was to offer me twice what a rifle is worth I would sell it. I also like to buy rifles for less then they are worth, its human nature.

There is a lot of knowledge here that you can tap in to use it.

besides any book would be outdated as soon as the next shipment comes in.
 
My old man use to say, "It's worth only what someone will pay for it." That being said, your best bet is to start going to gun shows and talking to some of the older collectors. Also, if you think you'd like to start collecting firearms, DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT TO COLLECT!!! and stick to it! When I got back into buying military firearms about 9 years ago, I was all over the board buying stuff, and didn't really know what the hell I was doing, expect buying guns that I thought were neat.... I guess. So I started zeroing in on Enfields, pre 1918. Buy some books and get reading, so at least you'll have some idea of what you're looking for, what questions to ask, and what to watch out for. Also, hang around the military surplus forum and ask question. We've all made some boners (or got burnt as some say), that's one way to learn, but like I said, gets some good books on the rifles you have an interest in.

I'll let someone else give you their idea of what things "should" cost...

Cheers
Dean
 
Collecting means not just buying

Sgt Striker said:
My old man use to say, "It's worth only what someone will pay for it."
Click to expand...

Mine said, a fair price hurts both parties equally.

Sgt Striker said:
Also, if you think you'd like to start collecting firearms, DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT TO COLLECT!!! and stick to it! ....
Click to expand...

I found that buying guns because they were cheap was like drinking cheap beer. Good for a while, but painful later on. You put money in them, buy ammo, lose interest and then realize nobody will take them off your hands.

My current concentration came as a result of some of those cheap guns. I realized that I had accidentally bought a number of guns along a common theme. So, I decided to pursue that thread, knowing I would be tempted. I now have a number of 'first generation' military semi-autos. I still need more, but there are only so many to fill the blanks. Once I get one of each, it will be to improve the quality of each example.

I have also felt that collecting firearms incurred an obligation to show them as part of a well-done display at a formal gun show. You know, the part of the event that isn't for sale. Bragging on the internet is one thing, teaching is another.
 
maple_leaf_eh said:
.......I found that buying guns because they were cheap was like drinking cheap beer. Good for a while, but painful later on. You put money in them, buy ammo, lose interest and then realize nobody will take them off your hands.
Click to expand...

+1 ......... great analogy ....... :D

Both ~Angel~ and I try to avoid mediocre pieces unless they can be used as a trading currency, but in general, they appreciate very little in value.....

Regards,
Badger
 
As has been pointed out, collecting premium quality is the best course of action. Having said that, a lot of fun can be had with lesser specimens, as long as the price reflects condition. If you do not pay an inflated price, you should be able to sell the piece without taking a loss. Even using the absolutely plain jane "good" condition No.4 rifle as an example, prices have been edging upwards. The marketplace at this site can be educational - there are large number of active buyers here. If a piece remains unsold, either there is something wrong with it, or the price is high. If its gone in 5 minutes, it may well have been an exceptionally good buy - or was the exact piece that someone was looking for. Keep your eyes open. Unless you are looking for select, premium items, another specimen is going to come along later. I'm currently buying an item, and am willingly paying somewhat more than market for it. But the item is very special and under the circumstances, unique.
 
At the end of the day, I think everyone makes a few bonehead purchases. I know I did. But over time, you learn. The peices I buy now are of much higher quality than what I bought when I first started. No substitute for experience and patience.
 
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