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Gun Show


ken98k

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Went to a gunshow yesterday to try to sell a 1st gen 1911 (1920) and a new in bow Blackhawk in 44mag.

When I asked a local dealer if he was interested in the Blackhawk, he proceeded to tell me how little the gun was worth. He said the gun sold for much less than the $500 I was asking. I wonder where?

I didn't bother to offer the 1911 to him.

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it has also been my experience that you're offered what is an insulting amount if selling; but if buying, the same gun from the same dealer, charged like it was Gen. Puller's personal side arm.

karl

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When selling to a dealer they will verbally down grade anything you're selling. Its part of the usual negotiations. I know I've felt insulted at some of the low ball offers but their #1 motive is profit. S/A revolvers especially adjustable sight models not used in CAS are not a hot sellers. S/A 44 mags can be popular with those that don't have the bucks for a D/A revolver. The dealer likely had in the back of his mind he might be sitting on it for several months before it sells. My guess he probably offered you about 50% of retail.

 

Your best bet at gunshows is looking for a non-dealer buyer. I've turned a few by sticking a sign on a wood dowel, sticking it down a long gun barrel, slinging it over my shoulder and walking around the show. Keep in mind one rarely get their asking price. If you put a price on your sign, leave yourself some wiggle room but not to much or the potential buyer wont bother to stop you. I've always put "for sale or trade" on my signs. You will offered up some junk but at least you open up negotiations. Only happened to me once after failing to cut a deal. Guy called me a few weeks later with the cash.

 

Your old Colt you'd be much better off taking it to Gunbroker or one of the 1911 forums. The only way to get close to its value is connecting with a collector. You might also hook up with a shooting bud and share a table.

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I have a couple people very interested in the 1911, and I'm certain it will sell sooner or later.

There is at least one 44mag revolver in every home in Alaska so, once again, it's just a matter of time before someone wants a new gun with no paper trail.

It just amazes me what low life scumbags many FFL dealers are. It's really a wonder we still have gun rights at all, with so many of these arrogant dirtbags representing gun owners.

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Forgot you're in Alaska. The 44 should sell for a decent price. Are their any local forums like Backpage active in your area? Here in Phoenix Backpage has hundreds of guns added daily.

I have the colt listed on Backpage and the ruger is on alaskaslist.com

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This 1911 forum gets a lot of traffic and has some hard core collectors. Don't know if their pockets are as deep as on the S&W forum but you might hook up with a collector searching for your date. Chances are good they require a minimum number of posts or a member for a certain length of time before allowing anybody to post a for sale ad. You might consider going there with a bunch of pictures and details asking "how much should I sell it for". Expect to be low balled but chances are you'll get a good idea of its value to collectors. Find out how much a FFL in your area will charge to ship FFL to FFL. Mine gets $20 + insured postage. I always drop a bomb of FFL and shipping fees after we've negotiated a price, most will offer a split.

http://forums.1911forum.com/index.php

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