Do you have a strategy when you trade guns or normally take what the gun store offers?
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Search. We’ve discussed this many times already.
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The closest I’ve come to trading a gun was a Beretta 84FS for a Sig Sauer P938 I still carry to this day. I technically didn’t trade because I did a private sale of the Beretta and used the money to buy the Sig. I sold the Beretta because 380 was way out of style at the time. I wish I had not sold it, as it would cost me twice what I sold it for to replace it now.
I once considered trading an FNP 40 because 40 S&W was falling out of favor. A gun store offered me $100. I kept it and I’m glad I did. I don’t carry it any more, but it has been my bedside protection for many years.
What I’m saying is to think carefully about why you are selling. Unless you are making a great profit on it, then you might wish you had kept it, or repurposed it later.
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I will only sell to individuals.
I got a brand-new Springfield 1911 Garrison that way. A guy was trying to get money to be able to afford tires for his car. He had never put a round through it and had already upgraded the grip panels. The store was only going to give him $300 for a gun that they would sell for $800. I paid $500 for it. It was worth it. I could have gotten it for $400 with no problem, but sometimes God puts it in your heart to be a little nicer. I saw him about 2 hours later. Turns out it was exactly what he needed to get the tires. We both were happy with the results.
I have multiple items that, if somebody really needs one, I will sell at a reasonable price. If I know you well, it’s a handshake and a thank you. If I don’t know you, then simply show me your carry permit so that I know you are not prohibited.
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A gun store offering only 30% of the value of a gun and then selling it for 90% is not a fair deal. They only make about 10% on new guns. Now if they were selling the used gun for only 20% over what they paid, then it would be fair.
The gun club that I’m a member of will list a price on a used firearm that, if I buy it, I’ll usually talk them down about 25% and I know that they are still making a profit from it. There is no need to rip off somebody trying to sell a gun.
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10%, maybe. Making the profits they’re making now on used goods is criminal. I’m much more concerned about my retirement than their boats and $100k pickup trucks.
Ever notice how everyone who owns a boat is a conservative… and you see the biggest United States flags flying from boats. I guess it’s because you have to work to have one!
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Good pointers above.
I once had a negative experience after purchasing a used rifle from a firearm shop/FFL dealer. It was having problems, ended up selling it back to the store. Since then, unless I am able to thoroughly test fire it before buying, I’m wary and only stick to purchasing brand new. I just cannot trust the quality of used, unless I truly vetted it.
Selling, ain’t got any particular strategy, I found stores pay about the same. Although I never tried it - I thought someone posted that Cabelas/BassPro at one time used to buy used, and paid a little more, maybe call to ask, IDK.
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