I think it's a combination of several things.
First,,, look at the average handgun buyer. Most are a bit "younger" than those of us who grew up watching westerns. They grew up watching action films with black, plastic & tactical guns. Us older guys,, we like our 6 shooters,, while they like the bottom feeders.
Next, the manufacturers will follow the demands & make what sells. Lots of that type available now.
Throw in the softer gun buying market, because there isn't a current threat to take away all guns,,, JUST the evil looking black rifles. (Of course we know the anti's want them all,,, but they pick on one type at a time.)
Throw in the current political climate,,, where the media & all the hype about students walking out of schools in protest,,, (which we all know is a farce,) and demands for guns have decreased a bit. And of course,,, having a more pro-gun president than the past one,,, has made panic buyers quit looking & spending.
There are also protests outside gun shows & such. it may be keeping folks away from them.
Let's face it,,, western style handguns are not looked as desirable to the masses,,, but when they do go up for sale they are either high priced, or not offered. I know of many gun shops where just seeing a SA offered is not too common. It's about their sales.
Yet,,, when they are offered,,, because there is a dedicated hard core bunch of us old timers,,, prices are high,, and dealers have to make money.
I have been shaking my head at a few offerings here. I see nice, desirable excellent OM 3 screw SA's offered for the same or even less than a NM SA. AND,,, they are not selling. Any OM in excellent condition SHOULD sell for more than any current NM in similar condition.
Vaqueros are excellent for SASS. Yet,,, I think SASS has hit a plateau of activity, and there are more available guns than buyers.
To sell anything,,, you have to present it to a buyers market. If you take a Ford to a hard core Chevy show,,, you will not sell it easily. But take it to a Ford show, and you will get interest, & a buyer if it's reasonable. Same with guns.
I know it seems to be a bit of a hassle to ship a handgun,,, especially in some states. But if you figure out your price, and offer it at that plus actual shipping,,, you can sell it quicker when offered in a place that has buyers. Such as the Forum here.
And,, any FFL can ship a handgun via USPS for about $20,,, IF,,, IF,,, they are set up with the USPS by placing a copy of their FFL with them. I'd find a dealer who will do this. Even if they charge you a small fee to handle it,, it can make the sale painless. I rarely sell a handgun,,, but when I do, I use a small local dealer, who uses the USPS, and I help my dealer by doing all the packaging etc. I make his work less,,,, and he helps by not charging me much.
Oh, and I recently saw a NM Blackhawk 45 Colt, used, no box, in a gun shop,,, for $399.00. In a market area where black, plastic & tactical rules. If I had a need for another NM 45,,, it would have come home with me. Still thinking on it,,, but I have a few other things to buy first.
