Let's discuss the market for 12-gauge guns.
 

I'm sure we've all noticed how prices have fallen for 12 ga. guns. Jus last year I posted a want to buy thread where I asked for a Trojan or VH gun in any gauge, but in all original condition with a budget of $1500. I got a few replies back, but all were either for guns that had issues or higher priced for original guns. I just recently won a very nice all original 1903 VH, 12 ga. in the G&D auction for a $700 bid. There were 2, D grade guns that sold for $900 bids. Both of those guns had been previously restored, but really? Myself I would love to get my hands on a small gauge Parker, but for now I will enjoy getting some very nice original 12 ga. Parkers for half price as compared to a year or two ago. Why do you think people do not seem to want the 12-gauge guns?

Good question Dave. I have some all original sxs 12s of different makes that I cant seem to give away at the local gun shows we set up at. I have them priced in the $600 - $1500 range. People touch, caress, admire, and say they'll probably be back. Never see them again. We call them " Bebackers ". Some ask if I have any 20s or 410s. When I do bring them, they dont understand the difference in prices. I notice today's market or best 12 ga sellers are the pumps and semi autos in the 2 - $400 range, and most of the buyers need instruction on how the gun works. I think sxs 12s are sleepers, and alot of bang for the buck! I load them down with 3/4 ounce loads, and they shoot like a .410. I've bought some graded 12s for a steal! Enjoy your 12s!

Chris, AZ

The reason some guys are asking more for their 12s is because they paid the premium back when they commanded higher prices. Buy retail, sell wholesale is hard to swallow for some.

Ask me how I know. :rotf:

But…trends are trends, and they will change…if you live long enough.

Thats true enough, Garry!
I'd think people would want to shoot 12s with the prices of today's small gauge ammo.

I am a big fan of 12ga #2 frame Parkers. As others have said, the market is the market like it or not. In original condition guns, grade for grade in similar condition, 20ga Parkers are selling for 3.5 to 4X over a 12ga. If your in the 12ga camp times are good. In the 20ga Parker offering the best value, in a graded example, are the GH's in my opinion.

I think one of the reasons is that a lot of us are older and don’t like the recoil as much as we used to.

My impression is that the prices for 12 gauge sxs guns have fallen so drastically is that the market is FLOODED with them.





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I love a 30"-32" #2 frame 12. In most cases(regardless of barrel type) you can shoot most target loads without worry. They swing well and hold their own on a sporting clays course.

I did just get a #1 frame 12 and have been shooting these 7/8oz loads from Fiocchi: https://www.fiocchiusa.com/shotshell...-1278OZ75.html

They are wonderful and I have been able to hit some far targets with those shells. Easy on the gun and shooter. They're wonderful in a #1 frame and maybe be even better in a #2 frame!

12 gauge Parkers with condition are still selling just fine. It's hard to compare a brown VH with lots of blue loss and a recoil pad with a pristine VH with some color and a dogs head butt. Give me the item numbers of the Guyette guns that sold for nothing and I'll tell you why they sold for nothing.

All things are temporary in my eye. The trend is lighter faster longer and while that appeals, it also reminds me of a friend who says a "Corvette is the best car around for the HP per dollar spent so I don't see the point in spending more." Fine, but if you want to eat at a Chinese buffet for $9 fine, you're not getting good Sushi and you're not getting a Porsche or Audi. I've driven all of them the experience is different and whether the cost of admission is worth it is up to you. I made the mistake of shooting a wonderful 12g game gun that still haunts me but no way $45,000 is in my pocket but I can dream. Likewise you're not getting a 28g VH for $3,000 anymore. This is the playground you CHOSE to play in. If you want a $1,000 12g go get a Mossberg. Although times have changed I can't believe they won't swing back, it's whether or not you can wait that long for the swing to occur. Like I stated in a previous post I'm waiting to sell some 12's but then I have some time on my side and am blessed to be able to afford to hold on to them. I genuinely do feel bad for folks who invested at the peak and may need to sell now. I always seem to do that with stocks not with guns, and therefore I think investing in firearms is always wise : ) At least I tell my wife that.