Soft gun prices

[Wilmurt]

Do prices for above average side by side shooters seem to be soft because the market has slowed or is changing? I own a few Parkers and Winchester Model 21’s and have been looking at prices for both in 16 gauge. It seems IMO that Model 21 asking prices today are below prices of 1 or 2 years ago and the guns I follow online don’t ever seem to sell. Above average Parker 16’s seem to sit on the shelves too and when called the owners are not wanting to move off their prices. Are others seeing the same market dynamics with side by sides?

[Ken Hill]

Tom,

I agree with prices being soft. Dealers seem to still keep their prices high and some guns stay online for sale for a long time. Dealers may have a lot of consignment guns allowing the guns to stay for sale with little overhead.

It isn't just model 21s and Parkers either. Quite a few makes of side by sides are for sale for a long time.

Ken

[Kensal Rise]

Originally Posted by Tom Jay

Do prices for above average side by side shooters seem to be soft because the market has slowed or is changing?

Sad to say, but the market IS changing. Today's shooters want:

1) over/unders
2) plastic stocks
3) choke tubes, and
4) Scores/huge bags of game.

Not art, craftsmanship, heritage... or field sport as we knew it.

Proof? Just thumb through a copy of any popular shooting magazine. You'll see the market of tomorrow.

It's media/tech driven. And it isn't going to change.

On a brighter note, California is burning to the ground... (sarcasm)

[Dean Romig]

Another thing not yet mentioned is that the market has become flooded with these guns.

The older collectors are facing their mortality and, often as not, with nobody in their families to pass them down to, they go to market.





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[6pt-Sika]

Originally Posted by Dean Romig

Another thing not yet mentioned is that the market has become flooded with these guns.

The older collectors are facing their mortality and, often as not, with nobody in their families to pass them down to, they go to market.





.

I already gave my wife a list of what I want put in the box with my ashes

[6pt-Sika]

We see this almost every day at the shop . People die and the family wants the money rather then the guns . Now I’m not saying everything we move for folks are upper quality guns but we do see a fair amount . Quite a few times we’ve had folks come in after someone died and say dad told us this one was worth blah blah blah , and I tell them what a more likely value is in today’s market . They tell me I’m crazy and we lost it at what they say , six months later I’ve talked them down to what I told them and the gun sells .

[Wilmurt]

What’s the best way to negotiate for consignment gun that the shop doesn’t own? I’ve seen 2-3 guns I would have bought but the consignor had unrealistic expectations to the gun’s value. I’ve heard more than once after my reasonable offer was refused with cash in hand that someone will walk into their shop and buy it. Return 6 months later said gun still on rack and made same offer only to be refused again. Doesn’t make sense.

[6pt-Sika]

Originally Posted by Tom Jay

What’s the best way to negotiate for consignment gun that the shop doesn’t own? I’ve seen 2-3 guns I would have bought but the consignor had unrealistic expectations to the gun’s value. I’ve heard more than once after my reasonable offer was refused with cash in hand that someone will walk into their shop and buy it. Return 6 months later said gun still on rack and made same offer only to be refused again. Doesn’t make sense.

If you came in our shop and wanted to make an offer if I thought it reasonable I’ll call the owner and tell them the offer and in my opinion they should seriously consider it . If on the other hand someone comes in and try’s to lowball the heck out of the item I’ll just tell them I am 200% sure that won’t be accepted . We have about half of a fellows Browning accumulation in the shop and all of its priced at about 1 1/2 times what I think the fair market value to be . But we have sold some of it .

[Craig Larter]

The market is soft in my opinion except for the very best stuff be it guns or decoys. 17th and 18th century antique furniture is in a deep depression I hope vintage guns and hunting memorabilia doesn't follow. That being said I am still actively buying and not real concerned about future value as my stuff brings me joy.

[TARNATION !!!]

Originally Posted by Craig Larter

...I am still actively buying and not real concerned about future value as my stuff brings me joy.

Amen