Gun prices going crazy around here?

[XShaneX]

went to a local show to pick up a new cetme. Last 3 shows they were $320 then 330. They were out of them and there was a lone one at one of the other tables for $775. I was like WTF!!??

SKS's were no longer $90(for used or lower quality ones) or 120(for the nicer grade ones) they were now minimum $140 for a used one and up to $170 for a basic new one w/o gernade launcher. Used ones in very used condition were going for $150 and they wouldn't come down on the price

AK's were only up $10 bucks to $310 but I wanted the cetme instead of the ak.


Is it normal for prices to fluctuate like this? Is it a result of the AWB ending? Is the some other factor I don't know about? The prices I was used to and were expecting were taken from previous shows in the same area over almost a year

[ziadel]

don't get a CETME, I got one and I still cant get it to work 100%


needless to say, as soon as I got a spare 800 beans laying around, I'm dropping it on a PTR-91. MUCH better rifle IMO.

[Hydrant]

I think people are now really starting to realize that a lot of the surplus guns that could be had for cheap (we bought SKS's for 70 bucks when they came out) and turn out to be great all around guns. For hunting and just all around plinking, plus the aftermarket for the SKS is going crazy too. From the Russian Makarov that shoots a 9x19 is a accurate enough pistol that is getting great reviews from people that use these for plinking or even concealed carry. You could snag a Makarov for about 60 bucks at the time, and now I see them for around 120-150 ish depending. The SKS's in all their versions were selling here at the beginning for 70-90 bucks, now its tough to find one in good shape for under 150 ish.

I dont know why they are going as crazy as they are, could be the unrestriction of the assualt rifles (although that basically did nothing) or the 9/11 thing.

Goes to show though, guns seem to be a good investment that will hold their value.

[joel647]

It's simple supply and demand : sellers have figured out that they can raise the prices and people will still pay it for them . Lots of people figured that they better run out and get an *assault rifle* before they got banned again , mostly people who didn't understand the ban in the first place or who thought that they'd make bank on a stockpile of post-ban , non ban , banned or whatever they would be called in the future .

Funny thing about guns prices is how different they are region to region . For example , *assault rifles* are not in high demand here and are cheap but due to our stupid laws concerning which pistols are approved which limit most pistols to what was here pre-98 , some things like 1911's , Walther PPK's , SIG 230's , Kahrs , mini-Glocks will go for $75-100 more than in NH or ME even though brand new , full sized SIG's , Berettas etc are $75-100 cheaper than they are in places with high demand for pistols like FL . It's odd .


Another thing is that gunshows are getting crappy in general and lots of sellers are there trying to snag uninformed buyers thinking they're getting a deal because they've heard how much whomever saved . It also sucks that there seem to be more people selling crap and knicknacks than guns too - at least it used to seem like there were more , motivated sellers before .

[XShaneX]

ziadel said:
don't get a CETME, I got one and I still cant get it to work 100%


needless to say, as soon as I got a spare 800 beans laying around, I'm dropping it on a PTR-91. MUCH better rifle IMO.

I'd heard that the odd cetme might need some tinkering. A guy I met really liked his but you have me wondering. What exactly went wrong with yours? I didn't know how much I would get into and how much I would be shooting so I thought that it would be a good step before going with an A3 AR and putting out that type of cash

[XShaneX]

Hydrant said:
I think people are now really starting to realize that a lot of the surplus guns that could be had for cheap (we bought SKS's for 70 bucks when they came out) and turn out to be great all around guns. For hunting and just all around plinking, plus the aftermarket for the SKS is going crazy too. From the Russian Makarov that shoots a 9x19 is a accurate enough pistol that is getting great reviews from people that use these for plinking or even concealed carry. You could snag a Makarov for about 60 bucks at the time, and now I see them for around 120-150 ish depending. The SKS's in all their versions were selling here at the beginning for 70-90 bucks, now its tough to find one in good shape for under 150 ish.

I dont know why they are going as crazy as they are, could be the unrestriction of the assualt rifles (although that basically did nothing) or the 9/11 thing.

Goes to show though, guns seem to be a good investment that will hold their value.

I almost bought a makarov because it looked like it would be a good carry gun and at $160 it still seemed like a good deal. I wasn't even looking for a handgun but at the price I almost bought one just because of the price. I might have to go get one if they're developing a following and are getting ok reviews. I'm just shocked at the SKS's almost doubling and the rapid price increases in 3 or 4 months(went right after the AWB ended). After I didn't see any cetmes I was going to pick an SKS up for plinking and maybe trying out deer hunting next year but at $170 for a good one I hesitated and realized that there's no hurry as I can get them anytime

[XShaneX]

joel647 said:

It also sucks that there seem to be more people selling crap and knicknacks than guns too - at least it used to seem like there were more , motivated sellers before .

granted I went to a gun and knife show but there was only 4 real tables selling guns and a bunch of crap surplus, knives and toys(air soft guns). I was kinda peeved with the lack of guns for sale there. Granted I did go on the second day

[Hydrant]

XShaneX said:
I almost bought a makarov because it looked like it would be a good carry gun and at $160 it still seemed like a good deal. I wasn't even looking for a handgun but at the price I almost bought one just because of the price. I might have to go get one if they're developing a following and are getting ok reviews. I'm just shocked at the SKS's almost doubling and the rapid price increases in 3 or 4 months(went right after the AWB ended). After I didn't see any cetmes I was going to pick an SKS up for plinking and maybe trying out deer hunting next year but at $170 for a good one I hesitated and realized that there's no hurry as I can get them anytime

They (Makarov's) are all around good guns, there are a couple versions that are out on the market. The 2 that I know of are the Polish and Bulgarian versions. I have heard that the Bulgarian version is the better one of the two. We have a 3 of the Makarov's (Bulgarian) and havent had a problem with any of them. I know one that we keep at my dads farm for general plinking has never had a problem with jamming or anything. Only thing we do is just the general maintenance to them.

www.aimsurplus.com Great place to pick up surplus rifles and pistols. Located near me and are great guys to deal with.

[Jason]

Hydrant said:
I think people are now really starting to realize that a lot of the surplus guns that could be had for cheap (we bought SKS's for 70 bucks when they came out) and turn out to be great all around guns. For hunting and just all around plinking, plus the aftermarket for the SKS is going crazy too. From the Russian Makarov that shoots a 9x19 is a accurate enough pistol that is getting great reviews from people that use these for plinking or even concealed carry. You could snag a Makarov for about 60 bucks at the time, and now I see them for around 120-150 ish depending. The SKS's in all their versions were selling here at the beginning for 70-90 bucks, now its tough to find one in good shape for under 150 ish.

I dont know why they are going as crazy as they are, could be the unrestriction of the assualt rifles (although that basically did nothing) or the 9/11 thing.

Goes to show though, guns seem to be a good investment that will hold their value.

you cant get a Russian for that price now...a bulgy yes, not a russian.

[Hydrant]

I guess I was refering to the styling or whatever of it. When most people seem to refer to them I've always just heard the name being Russian Makarov. Just because of I guess from where it originated from. But yes, I've yet to see a pure Russian Makarov. The only 2 styles/versions I have seen are the Bulgarian and the Polish. And, the Bulgarian being the better of the 2.

There is a Czech pistol that looks like it took some looks from the Makarov, Czech CZ52 that is in a 7.62x25 caliber. It is a bit more bulky than the typical Makarov. But its around $115 bucks, so it might be a good plinking gun. Never shot one to say for sure.

[Jason]

Hydrant said:
I guess I was refering to the styling or whatever of it. When most people seem to refer to them I've always just heard the name being Russian Makarov. Just because of I guess from where it originated from. But yes, I've yet to see a pure Russian Makarov. The only 2 styles/versions I have seen are the Bulgarian and the Polish.

www.makarov.com

[ziadel]

Originally posted by XShaneX
I'd heard that the odd cetme might need some tinkering. A guy I met really liked his but you have me wondering. What exactly went wrong with yours? I didn't know how much I would get into and how much I would be shooting so I thought that it would be a good step before going with an A3 AR and putting out that type of cash

its the odd cetme that doesnt need tinkering...


out of spec magwells, ejector problems, bent recoil rods, rear sites that sometimes dont stay put, obstructed barrels from that stupid pin they use to put the muzzle brake on protruding into the bore, ground bolts are a big concern, a few cetmes have gone boom...


mine works OK, just ok tho as long as you keep it clean, mine also works with either G3 mags, or CETME mags, which they all don't...


if you really really want one, you can buy mine

[frogstr]

Better than the gun show prices here. really beat up Yugo SKSs for $250. and a CETME (At least it had the forged recevier, not the stamped) for $499. Cheapest m-16 clones are $950.

[vtr996rider]

Originally posted by XShaneX
SKS's were no longer $90(for used or lower quality ones) or 120(for the nicer grade ones) they were now minimum $140 for a used one and up to $170 for a basic new one w/o gernade launcher. Used ones in very used condition were going for $150 and they wouldn't come down on the price

If the SKS was a Yugolsavian Model 59 the $170.00 isn't too bad. They typically go for around $150.00 from wholesellers if you have a C&R FFL. They are a lot less common than the Yugo 59/66's which have the grenade launchers on them and the flip up grenade sights. The 59/66's are going for about $130-140 in very good/new condition.

IMO most gunshows suck for buying guns (at least around here anyways). Sometimes a deal can be found but they are usually few and far between. Ammo is typically about the same as online vendors but you don't have the shipping charges which can make it very appealling.

[lanispet]

[quote]frogstr said:
Better than the gun show prices here. really beat up Yugo SKSs for $250. and a CETME (At least it had the forged recevier, not the stamped) for $499. Cheapest m-16 clones are $950. [/QUOTE



i've never seen a CETME for less than $450, an AK clone for less than $375, or an SKS for less than $130 for sale locally at a retail shop or a gun show. Fluctuations are normal, tho, as wholesale suppliers run out or get new shipments in. i get circulars from several of the big milsurp wholesalers, and see their prices go up from time to time.

...dave