I have no trouble "making an offer" and have had many accepted. I think both the buyer and seller ended up happy.
In many cases the gunshop owne may be willing to take 10% tp 25% less than the posted price. Especially if you visit that shop regularly, and get to know the staff. Sometimes I see something I covet that has been there for several months, at the same price. It is reasonable to ask "Do you want to sell that to me today for $XXX?"
I think that the current recession will see more gunshop owners willing to consider "offers." It helps to build a relationship with the gunshop manager.
Last week I was in a large gunshop, that I visit often, and the manager took me aside, and said the owner really wants to liquidate more of his inventory, and that he could come down significantly on any shotgun I was interested in.
JERRY
