Military surplus prices

[Gil Martin]

There are two local gun shops that get in military surplus arms from time to time. The shops prefer to sell sporting arms so usually incorrectly identify surplus arms and have no idea what they are worth. As a result, the hang tag prices would cause chest pains. After the overpriced arms sit on the used gun racks for a period of time, the "sale" prices start to appear. One shop has a low number Springfield 1903 priced at $1,895.00 and have placed it on sale for $500.00 less. I offered some pricing advice was told thanks, but no thanks. It is amusing to observe this whole process. All the best...
Gil

[jplonghunter]

Gil

It is a wonderment what people are asking for milsurp today. What amazes me even more is that after sitting in the rack forever, they don't come off the price.
However,if you have something to sell,they expect to purchase at blue light special.
Guess that is the answer,buy low,sell high.

jplonghunter

[skeet]

You think Surplus stuff is high???..I went to a Winchester based gun show Friday..They had prices that were amazing..and some really high prices on some obvious fakes and refinished guns. You just don't see 1930's guns in newer cardboard boxes...except at those shows. They even believe their own BS

[jon lynn]

With the obvious favorites, like the Mauser, and the Springfield getting harder and harder to come by.

I am just waiting for the 91/30 to become the new one to sporterize. Then wait for the price to get stupid.

[Adam Helmer]

Gil,

Military arms have always been a very good investment. I prefer them to gold. After the crash, a military arm will get one all the gold one can carry. LOL.

Adam

[Joe Boleo]

If you are able to locate quality pieces at reasonable prices, go for it. After roaming around gun shops for a lot of years I am convinced that you can pay just about any price for a used military surplus arm. The trick is to know when to snatch something up or pass on it. I am still learning. Take care...
Joe

[popplecop]

Almost sounds like you were in Gander Mountain, Gil. I never could understand where they come up with prices on used firearms.

[Joe Boleo]

The most sticker shock I have ever seen was on surplus arms prices at Cabela's. Take care...
Joe

[Seawolf1090]

Our periodic gunshow has a couple vendors like that - they think their crusty old milsurps are all "collector's items" and price them accordingly.
My buddies and I call them the "Rolling Antique Arms Museum"........

Another vendor prices his guns properly - uses the Gun Value books as a guide, tempered by rarity and demand. I have bought several guns from him, and have never been displeased. He had one Spanish Mauser once he had not seen before - so new he hadn't yet researched it. I already had one, and knew the going average price, and helped him determine a fair sales price. He's the rare 'honest' gunshow vendor I have met. Always has something interesting for me to look at too - he knows what like......