Reality check, used gun value.

[ChesterP]

There's no set formula and just taking 20% off for vat and reducing 20% is not a one size fits all. It's all about supply and demand and what someone is prepared to pay. You'll almost always get more for a 15 year old Sako 75 in .308 than for a 6 month old Howa even though it probably costs more new now than the Sako did then. That doesn't make the Sako an over-priced rifle. It is highly sought after so people are prepared to pay more. Tikkas may be two a penny but they're still stonking good buys even at brand new prices, so a 2 year old example in good nick with low count round for £500 is way under what I'd be prepared to sell one for...the original VAT doesn't even come into the valuation, as someone had to pay it new therefore it is absolutely a material consideration in the used value (ie you ignore the vat and reasonably ask about 70% of new for a low round count rifle in mint condition....if it's in demand, you'll likely get that price as well).

What I do object to is dishonest selling. Anyone who puts up a knackered old bit of plumbing with a pitted barrel and just because it looks cosmetically ok, then describes it as in very good condition and asks good money for it, should be ashamed of themselves. I know a dealer not far from Gloucester who likes to do that sort of thing, but would hope that no-one on here would.

As others have said, rifles are worth what someone is willing to pay for them, so if someone doesn't like a price, either buy elsewhere or buy new and be done with it.

 

[straightpull6547]

And then theres those that lie about round count, the buggers!
i keep exact records of every round loaded, and from my current stock i can disclose and prove complete history if ive owned from new. Thats like keeping old mot’s and service records on a car.

 

[VSS]

And then theres those that lie about round count, the buggers!
.

Yep, always makes me chuckle! Why would anyone keep a rifle and hardly use it? Oh, but it's only had 50 rounds through it, honest !

 

[Klenchblaize]

And then there are those that lie about round count, the buggers!

Best then purchase a 300 Weatherby Magnum as you can be 100% assured the round count will be LOWER than that claimed by the Tyro!

K

 

[deerstalker.308]

Yep, always makes me chuckle! Why would anyone keep a rifle and hardly use it? Oh, but it's only had 50 rounds through it, honest !

as someone once said, it’s like not sleeping with your wife just to keep her in pristine condition for the next man....

 

[20-250]

Yep, always makes me chuckle! Why would anyone keep a rifle and hardly use it? Oh, but it's only had 50 rounds through it, honest !

Well, have something built then life moves on whilst waiting. Family or work commitments change, ground is lost or another rifle is favoured over the new addition. More than once, I have sold rifles with a genuine very low round count at great financial loss. That’s life.

 

[Klenchblaize]

If I'm honest, when I first saw the Op's post it struck me as the desperate outpoorings of someone who was disappointed that a rifle; of considerable interest in the SD classifieds, was beyond their means and rather cunningly thought to shame the seller into reconsidering the asking price! Stranger things have been known I'm sure before you berate me.

My experience, borne of 40 years interest in fine sporting rifles, is if it looks a dog it usually is but that seldom is this an indication of actual use but rather the owner's values that are unlikely to include daily bed making with matching hospital corners and a couterpain of F1 sleakness. Therefore beneath an unloved exteria may well lurke a tack-driver in-waiting and of low shot count as the seller claims.

Remember also there is a not inconsiderable number of SD members who never get the opportunity to use their pride & joy in anger or even with any regularity at a range.

All a long-winded way to say there are some very good second-hand rifles out there to be had and for a very reasonable price.

K

 

[bobjs]

yep,

got a wee black book with my loaded round count on my current rifles, sold rifles in the past and the history has gone with the rifle,

so round count is important in a rifle with its original barrel, but when a rifle has been fitted with a new barrel the round count could well be lower than your think, so,the seller then could be telling the truth, or am i just dreaming that bit,

needless to say, i would take any of my rifles to my favourite respected gunsmith for an inspection before the buyer pays up,

regards

bob

 

[User00001]

I think it's fair enough if someone wants to put unrealistic prices on their items just to see if someone who doesn't know the market will bite .....buyer beware I suppose, but I think it is a bit of a pain when they then keep 'bumping' the advert and pleading with people to buy. Just put it up there and let people find it using the search function if they want to.

I agree with what others have said re semi-custom rifles, been there done that, great way to lose money.

 

[JabaliHunter]

yep,

got a wee black book with my loaded round count on my current rifles, sold rifles in the past and the history has gone with the rifle,

so round count is important in a rifle with its original barrel, but when a rifle has been fitted with a new barrel the round count could well be lower than your think, so,the seller then could be telling the truth, or am i just dreaming that bit,

needless to say, i would take any of my rifles to my favourite respected gunsmith for an inspection before the buyer pays up,

regards

bob

Fitting a new barrel doesn’t reset the clock...

 

[finnbear270]

Some "Old" actions are worth more than some "New " ones.

 

[straightpull6547]

Another example

tikka t3 lite stainles, good used condition, shooting well, worth say £600?

add a £900 bartelin rebarrel, is it suddenly worth £1500???

no, someone might pay perhaps £900 for it, thats all

an no, i dont want Bobs rifle on the cheap

 

[Lateral]

Regardless of what the "seller" values something, the "right price" is what someone is prepared to pay for it. If you advertise something, and it's still there after several months, you're either selling something no one wants, or it's too expensive.

It's human nature to want something cheap, and most people will make an offer if they are interested. Accept it, or not, sellers choice. Likewise, a buyer can walk away anytime !

 

[Hornet 6]

A second hand rifle is worth exactly as much as someone is prepared to pay for it.

Neil.

 

[finnbear270]

Second hand ? or not?,https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=13&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwj68PaE5OHYAhUFIcAKHfNHA_cQFghWMAw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.armslist.com%2Fposts%2F4790696%2Fst-louis-missouri-rifles-for-sale--custom-mauser-big-game-rifle--waffnfabrik-oberndorf-commercial-action--375-ruger-&usg=AOvVaw0TzsIGTiv8NLtiUuLyMlW3

 

[bobjs]

Fitting a new barrel doesn’t reset the clock...

fitting a new barrel sets the clock as to the round count on the new barrel,NO ONE is suggesting it restets the clock on the action trigger or bolt as pressured bearing parts that’s true,

so the action in its past life as a 243 has seen 2000 rounds does that mean when you for the new barrel it’s the same? i for one don’t think so,

bob.

 

[ChesterP]

fitting a new barrel sets the clock as to the round count on the new barrel,NO ONE is suggesting it restets the clock on the action trigger or bolt as pressured bearing parts that’s true,

so the action in its past life as a 243 has seen 2000 rounds does that mean when you for the new barrel it’s the same? i for one don’t think so,

bob.

That's true Bob but actions and trigger assemblies ought to be good for many thousands of rounds. My little 223 probably saw 8K rounds before I got hold of it and has been re-barreled since. I would expect that to last at least another rebarreling if needed (It'll probably see me out!)

 

[Klenchblaize]

On the one hand you might well commend this relatively new obsession that is aquiring only sub-minute of angle sporting rifles, that may only be enjoyed if given of low round count and, if second-hand, "not a lot of money" but whatever happened to craving a particular rifle for no other reason than it captures your heart with it's inherent grace and finish?

If you're coming into this game as a young man or women there's plenty of time in my opinion to be clinically sensible about what you raise to your cheek so never feel bad about or allow youreslf to be bullied into not aquiring something that gives you a thrill to look at and handle. To do so will only cause regret.

I aknowledge my ramblings will be controversial but as somone who considers such rifles to be no less works of art than anything to be found in a gallery I'm simply glad the pressure of a Stalking Forum wasn't around to ensure my conformity in 1974.

K

 

[colin jalland]

I have bought 2 full custom rifles in the last year s/h at around 1/3 of there new build cost as said earlier they are only worth what someone wants to pay. I have a semi custom Rem 700 .223 which cost me over £2.5k to build but i know i would struggle to get more the £1 k if i tried to sell it ,but it's what i wanted .

 

[straightpull6547]

fitting a new barrel sets the clock as to the round count on the new barrel,NO ONE is suggesting it restets the clock on the action trigger or bolt as pressured bearing parts that’s true,

so the action in its past life as a 243 has seen 2000 rounds does that mean when you for the new barrel it’s the same? i for one don’t think so,

bob.

what’s your experience in having new barrels fitted Bob?