Why is the Rascal so expensive?!

[Suther]

Why on earth is the Savage Rascal so expensive!?

They go for $225-250, which is more than a Mark II many places, more than a savage 64, more than a Marlin 795 or chiappa little badger, the list goes on...

It uses less material than a fullsize gun, doesn't include a magazine in the price (its a single shot after all) and its a dead-simple design, and yet it still as much or more than a fullsize gun! What gives?!

Now, I know they're still not that expensive in the grand scheme of things, but I can't help but feel like they are priced like $50+ higher than they should be...

 

[AB.boy]

I bought one for my son a couple of years ago. I was very patient and waited until I found a deal I can't remember exactly but I think I paid around $175 with free shipping. It's a great little rifle though. After having him learn to use the sights for a while, I scoped it last year and bought the DIP rail to mount it. It will be his gopher gun for the upcoming season.

 

[rifleman762]

I got one for $160. $50 USD mail in rebate, on sale, and free shipping. Wood stock, too.

 

[zuke]

Same reason gas goes up on weekends.
Because they can.

 

[Redblack]

I got one for $160. $50 USD mail in rebate, on sale, and free shipping. Wood stock, too.

That’s a hell of a deal you got.

 

[.22LRGUY]

I'd wait for a sale, or ask if your local dealer can do any better on one. I bought in the first year or two they were made, I think I paid about $175 for it. Still have it, and don't imagine I'll be selling any time soon. To be honest, I don't get the sense many of the used ones out there are high mileage, and as many years as we've had ours...I bet there isn't 500 rounds through the thing. I wouldn't hesitate to buy used, but I'd also call around to as many gun shops as you can...I bet it wouldn't be long before you found someone with new/old stock willing to deal.

 

[hawkmp9]

Most likely marketing because if you want a kids rifle it’s the #1 choice for simplicity.
BUT I will say they do seem to have excellent QC and very nice finishing on them.
They’re also quite accurate and I’m very happy with the pink one I bought my daughter.

 

[Suther]

Looks like you're not the only one who's not interested in selling, two or three WTB ads on the EE, only one for sale is a lefty at $250+shipping w/ a scope I don't want lol

If I could get a $50 USD rebate I'd be all over that! I saw them for $199 at Cabelas a few times over the last year, but I'd really rather buy it elsewhere...

 

[rifleman762]

That’s a hell of a deal you got.

I agree. I couldn't say no! Even though my oldest boy is still too small to shoot it and I've had it over a year. Maybe this summer he'll get to try it out.

It was from Cabela's for $225 minus the rebate if I remember right. The plastic stock ones were $200 with the same rebate.

 

[mastermind]

It fills a niche market nicely so they can price it how they want. I also took advantage of the Cabela’s sale + rebate. Great gun for teaching the kids and surprisingly accurate. Hopefully Boyd’s comes out with a stock for it

 

[S1de8urnz]

Yeah i waited and watched too. Went on sale at cabelas last year right before christmas with a rebate as well. Couldnt say no.

My theory is every hunting dad or grandpa is buying these rifles up. Not only are they pricy, but hard to find sometimes. Which drives the price. My kids have the mini quads which were not cheap either. Now im looking for a kittykat sled and they are more then the sled im riding now.

 

[JensenDK]

I bought one for my son a couple of years ago. I was very patient and waited until I found a deal I can't remember exactly but I think I paid around $175 with free shipping. It's a great little rifle though. After having him learn to use the sights for a while, I scoped it last year and bought the DIP rail to mount it. It will be his gopher gun for the upcoming season.

Great story mate... Next time you should at least aim at answering the OP's question okay ?.

I am guessing the market for firearms aimed at getting kids involved in sports shooting/hunting is extremely small. So they charge a premium for what they think the market will pay. It comes down to simple supply and demand. AS you suggested there is nothing in their manufacturing to suggest a higher retail price.

 

[AB.boy]

Great story mate... Next time you should at least aim at answering the OP's question okay ?.

I am guessing the market for firearms aimed at getting kids involved in sports shooting/hunting is extremely small. So they charge a premium for what they think the market will pay. It comes down to simple supply and demand. AS you suggested there is nothing in their manufacturing to suggest a higher retail price.

My reply was aimed at pricing and that fact that I waited a good long time before I bought one I thought was reasonably priced. I was also offering the information that they do go on sale and there are deals to be had if one is patient, then I offered up our experience with it to communicate that it is worth waiting for. maybe i should have written in a way that more obvious for someone like you. Your reply just regurgitated what has already been said without any first hand experience purchasing or using this rifle, well done...slow clap for you. Your contribution to this thread was much more valuable. I can't wait for next gem of wisdom.

 

[barry1974w]

I’m with the others that mentioned it’s because they can. Brand name little quads, brand name little sleds, and firearms that fit children are all way overpriced because we (the fathers and grandfathers mostly) are willing to pay a premium to get something decent so our kids can come play.
I found my sons rascal at the local gun show one year, it was the last one P&D had there and it was red(happened to be my sons favourite colour at the time). There was a couple other outfits there that had some in more popular colours but they wanted a whole bunch more cash. I’m pretty sure I ended up paying $175 after tax. It fits my son perfectly now, but he already thinks he wants my 10/22..... so it’ll be going up for sale once he outgrows it(he’s also an only child).

 

[bertn]

Agreed that they are overpriced compared to the 22's you mentioned, but people are buying it at these prices otherwise they would for sure be cheaper.

Probably very cheap to make, few parts, basic rear sight etc.

I like mine though. Bought it privately, on ee like new in box with few (if any..) rounds through and with scope bases and paid about 200 shipped.

Just take your time and you will find a near new used one since many kids lose interest after shooting a few times or grow out of it. Used at a good price gets likely scooped up fast so if you see one don't hesitate.