Times are TOUGH!

[C Dexter]

I know I am stating the obvious but times are really tough these days. Only a couple years ago, I saw some rifles sell easily for twice what they are today. Do a couple searches on the auction sites and you'll see what I mean- several pages of collectable firearms but only a few bids. It's sad.

Even gunshow attendance has dropped off dramatically from the irrationally high levels we were seeing early in the year.

I hope Santa finds a few primers for me for Christmas!

[Charlie]

It's a buyers market right now and cash is king.

[Emri]

"Quality" stuff come up for sale recently. Seems most of the stuff offered is either someones dream or just another "shooter" rifle.

That said, the big auction venues have had many a nice rifle for sale with "provenance" from a well known collector; but I haven't seen many of them that were "original". Certainly nice rifles, but not quite worth what the auction house estimates or the gavel price.

I KNOW the economy is getting better....I am getting "pre-approved" offers in the mail again for credit cards so I can spend more money than I have!!! For two years now they haven't been showing up as often. I've recieved 8 in the past two weeks. Used to be more than one a day, or at least it seemed that way. I wore out a shredder on them and probably will have to replace it now.

FWIW,

Emri

[Jeff L]

An example of high end items coming up for sale. I doubt the auction will hit his reserve price.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=142262130

-Jeff L

[joem]

Went to a few auctions and everything went high. Just a little under new prices. The guns were like new and didn't look to be fired.

[Sunray]

"...the auction sites..." Prices are always high on auction sites and at live auctions. Auction sites and live auctions aren't selling to the informed buyer.

[1mark]

I went to a small auction with about 100 guns. Times are not that tough. Here are some of the results.
M1917 Eddystone $650.00 w/bad bore
Springfield Krag $600.00
Springfield Trap door $650.00 w/a bad cracked stock
Springfield M1922 rifle $1450.00
Carcano rifle with cut up stock. A bad sporter job. $150.00
Erfurt 1917 rifle also a real bad sporter job $175.00 (bolt and safety rusty)
DWM 1918 reproduction luger $1,000. Bad fitting grips and a even worse job on the metal finish.

People have the money and they are spending it.

[lyman]

"...the auction sites..." Prices are always high on auction sites and at live auctions. Auction sites and live auctions aren't selling to the informed buyer.

I've been fortunate at a few local auctions, and picked up some decent deals , both on guns, and accessories,

however the few lots I've bought in the past few years were definately the minority at those auctions,

many used guns selling for current retail,

many sporters and guns with major issues selling much higher than I thought possible,

it really pays to go to an auction during the preview times, and make good notes!