doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Gun Purchase Atmosphere

All of the economic data says the average household is intentionally spending less and saving more, due to "economic uncertainty." Bank savings deposits are way up, and consumers are paying down their credit card balances. Home sales are slow, even at reduced prices. New car sales are also lower.

Gun shop owners tell me their new gun sales are way off, and the remaining sales are mostly CCW weapons. They say shotguns
and hunting rifles sales are very slow. That makes some sense, as most people don't truly need another shotgun -- and can easily wait until next year, ot the year after. Some on this board have estimated that prices of quality used SxS's have dropped 25%+.

So....

1. Have your long gun purchases diminished in the past 12 to 18 months? Intentionally?

2. Are you more likely to purchase another (un-needed) shotgun when the stock market and your IRA/401k are going up?

3. Has the supposed decrease in SxS prices tempted you to buy something you might have passed by two years ago?

Personally, I have only purchased one new shotgun in the past two years, whereas I probably averaged at least two purchases annually before that.

Comments?

Jerry

Jerry, I treat the SxS market like the stock market. Buy low ans sell high when the prices etc. rebound.

Jerry, my comments:

1. No, they've gone up. I've noticed a major boom in the sales and pricing of premium "black guns" such as FN SCAR17s, Robinson Arms, HK416s, etc. Regardless of the economy, some people are buying them either because they believe a ban is coming, personal security is needed, or prices are rising.

2. I've initially had to sell guns in the down economy due to different chapters in my family life with health insurance, bills, etc. However, I will be inclined to purchase a very premium gun for myself in the coming months because things are hitting the market today that were not available a couple years ago. "Family guns" and prized possessions that are best guns keep appearing on the market at low prices so the collectors are jumping in.

3. No. But the buying power has gone up. I used to buy boxlocks, now I can afford sidelocks at the same price.

Just my take on the market. I'm sure others will have different opinions.

Overall opinion: I think a lot of responses wil depend upon where someone's located and of course what their current financial situation my be. I suspect age is also a consideration.

Jim

The prices I have seen lately have been in my opinion stupid high on well used field grade guns here and elsewhere, that being said i doubt they are selling.
If it is priced right it will sell

People who have jobs are busy deleveraging themselves as much as possible, saving when they can, and avoiding buying new stuff. People without jobs are struggling to get by.

People who believe something bad will happen that can/might be fended off by personal firepower are buying black rifles and similar stuff.

I measure the severity of things by an old truism: the last things a guy will sell are the shotguns. That obtains in severe illnesses, marital splits, job losses, recessions/depressions, whatever. That we're seeing what seems like a lot more of quality stuff - not necessarily "Best of the best", but good guns nonetheless - at prices either steady or declining tells me things are getting increasingly difficult, if not desperate, in the segment of society which buys those nice guns. I think the trade in 870s and 1100s and lower-end guns has probably held steady and the prices haven't moved appreciably. But the nicer stuff we like to talk about - there are a lot of sellers looking for buyers.

And, as to my buying, I'm pretty satiated right now. I recently bought a nice French 16ga sxs and I want to spend some time getting better acquainted. I'm looking, in an aimless keep-my-eyes-open-but-not-hunting way, for a nice .22 revolver - a camp gun, we call them - and maybe a 28ga sxs. But the prices have to be right and I'm in no hurry. I'm far more interested in finding lead shot at less than $50 a bag.

I think there is a a solid market for truley fine collectable guns. Minty Parkers, graded Fox, Winchester 92's, 73's, 86's, M21's etc. The mid-range market (RBL's, M23's, M101's, etc.) is very soft. I think there is a strong market for what we call "smalls". Reasonably priced utilitarian guns and accessories; some guys just get the bug to buy something. I remain an opportunistic buyer.

i think the market is real soft. i looked at gunbroker under sxs ending before midnite.of 200 looked at 17 where bid on 10 didnt meet the reserve bids where $225.00- $700.00. not one bid on the upper end doubles. that should tell us something.

I've pretty much maintained my same purchasing routine on guns. Spending a lot more in other areas though.

I have not bought a gun this year. Last year, a very expensive gun (for my income) came along by a stroke of fortune and I'm making payments.

This may be the last gun for some time to come.

At some point, enough is enough.