Used No.1 prices

[seasterl]

While in search of a No.1 on the GB and even at my local gun show, I've seen countless No.1 that are used (and some well-used!) that are still priced $700-800. When I make reasonable offers consistent with the age, wear, and obvious used condition, the sellers basically say to "get lost" and they maintain the price so close to the price of a new model. It took me three years to sell off a few big game rifles in the past, and I had to take a hit on each one (and all were unfired in mint condition with box and manual), but my sale price was 50-60% of the price I paid for new. Now, it seems that most of these prices listed on well-used rifles are closer to 75% of their cost when new. I think the big game rifle market has taken a back seat to the handgun and black rifle markets for too long and is ticked off and trying to bully its way back. What do you guys think?

PS: I finally found a new one at a reasonable price that I will use for a donor rifle for that 500S&W project I mentioned on another thread. It's the 416 Ruger Tropical in "C" barrel weight.

 

[gatling]

Good question. Some are advertised at inflated prices and they sit for a long time, others are priced fairly high and they sell quickly. Like anything else, the more rare, the higher the demand and the higher the price. The older ones (in my opinion) generally had nicer wood, and they command a premium. Most sell well under the MSRP, and most sell for way more than they did when new 20 or 30 years or more ago (as is the case with many firearms). I've bought a lot of these rifles, and I never felt like I got screwed on any of them. I only sent one back to the seller because I felt it was not as advertised, and he had no problems refunding my money. I started collecting these when MSRP was $265, and they were sellling (in those days) for around $230. I haven't bought any of them to sell, though, and I've felt okay with the prices I've paid (or I wouldn't have bought them).