Blue Book Pricing
I have been looking for an older Colt DS. Found one in a pawn shop, first model with the square butt, 95+% condition, $950. I thought that price was rediculous, but looked in the new Fiestads blue book and thats what they listed it at. Are these blue books getting carried away? They set the price, sellers look at the blue book and put that price on the gun. It seems like the blue book author has gotten the power to control the market.
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Someone said something about my selling something for over Blue Book pricing on another thread. I pointed out why some prices are way off base in the Blue Book due to the rarity of the item there are no sales to track. So what guns are way overvalued in the book and waht are undervalued.
They list a Remington 721 with a low of 145.00 *I have never seen one go for less than 250.00. So what do you think they are off base on0 -
I have had many more than one dealer tell me they wished they could buy at bluebook, forget selling a bluebook. The blue book is way, way off on almost everything. Most things listed in the book are undervalued. Compare what things actually sell for on GB to the BlueBook and see. Where it is mostly accurate is on the $150 or less non collectable item, or things on which there have been no magazine articles. As soon as someone writes an article on what a great old rifle the Savage Model 99 is, the prices go up $100, at least for a while. 0 -
geographic regions have a lot to do with pricing " everything is worth what you can get out of it " I was selling an old silver dollar for my sister a co-worker made an offer and I said I have it priced about right according to the book and he said well now the "blankety-blank book ain't buying it!" 0 -
quote:Originally posted by He Dog
I have had many more than one dealer tell me they wished they could buy at bluebook, forget selling a bluebook. The blue book is way, way off on almost everything. Most things listed in the book are undervalued. Compare what things actually sell for on GB to the BlueBook and see. Where it is mostly accurate is on the $150 or less non collectable item, or things on which there have been no magazine articles. As soon as someone writes an article on what a great old rifle the Savage Model 99 is, the prices go up $100, at least for a while.
Agrred the prices on a lot of older guns hasn't changed in 10-15 years simply because the dealers don't report on them. Also there is the regional differences. I wish I could sell an Ithica Model 37 for what they price them at. They sell well in the North and in the Flyway but you have to give them away around here.0 -
*I think the proximity to the big gun show in Tulsa and the frequency of smaller shows has depressed the prices around here. People wait for the BIG SHOW to try and find bargains. 0 -
I have found the Blue Book to be good for information and as a guide but the best pricing guide is the search feature on Gunbroker for completed sales. 0 -
To those who received their card for ordering a new blue book this year.
In the past, they have always had an option of buying 2 years, a little cheaper.
They did not have that option on my card, did they have it on yours?
As far as "true" value goes, I didn't even order a blue book this year.
I use the "sold" list here on Gun Broker (+) as a more definitive guide.
The blue book is ok to get a "ball park" value on guns that do not sell online often.
The blue book does have some good "tech" info about certain firearms.
Which hasn't changed since last year edition.0 -
I dunno Wipala, I have never noticed many of those bargain guns at the Wannamacher show. I like going, but I never come home with much. Mostly patches and such. I keep finding something really nice and then realizing I I paid $300 less for the one at home in better condition. Those guys with all the Savage 99's are fun to look at, but way to rich for my pocket book. Last year, I came home with knives.
I buy the Blue book every other year, alternating with the Standard Catalog.0 -
everyone misses it in the first couple of b/b pages.
it states that the figures are based on REPORTED SALES over a national average.
factors:
* geographics play an important role.
* not all sales are reported.
* only key players are used for the data which tilts the report.
* private sales are not a factor.
* its a RETAIL GUIDE, not a bible for every gun owner, yet every gun owner demands that their gun bring in bluebook prices.
hope this helps.0 -
...a good referance book, at best...and works well to flatten out collected $2 bills...[;)] 
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quote:Originally posted by He Dog
I dunno Wipala, I have never noticed many of those bargain guns at the Wannamacher show. I like going, but I never come home with much. Mostly patches and such. I keep finding something really nice and then realizing I I paid $300 less for the one at home in better condition. Those guys with all the Savage 99's are fun to look at, but way to rich for my pocket book. Last year, I came home with knives.
I buy the Blue book every other year, alternating with the Standard Catalog.
The bargains are there you just have to look. Most are walking the aisles and on the small dealers tables. 1 or 2 tables sellers who are cleaning out the safe or looking to get rid of grandpas old beater. the real deals are in the accesories and odd lots . A real good place to look is the West end tables The dealers who have to load out early Sunday afternoon. They need to recoup their costs quiker so are more likely to deal.0 -
Blue book is refrence only.When I was hitting alot of shows I too wished I could buy at BB prices.When the smart buyer with a BB showed up complaining how over priced I was on an item in ref. to the book I'de say go find another for the BB price and I'll sell you mine for 10% over the rated amount.I've made great deals at the BIG SHOW,Grade VI lightning 410 NIB,w/ inv. 2K,M-12 16 ga, solid rib 400.00 95%,Rem.M-12 cresent butt,factory tang,flip front sights,threaded for silencer with "can" container,in original box,425.00,antique Win 94,30 WCF,semi deluxe,takedown,1/2 round,2/3 mag,tang and tunnel sights,90%+,1425.00.Colt SA,1898,44-40,5 1/2",75%,great fitting period stags,1400.00.To mention a few that I remember well.To many win.63's to count some I took back on trade at the same show to sell again,I sold the same 63 4 times at one show.All of them were Cash and carry.Yeah things are a little different now but ya can't beat the atmosphere at Tusla.It's a great time hunting for the bargain of the show.See ya in the fall ,and spring 08 0 -
I will remember those tips Wipala, Thanks! You going be there in April? We are planning a little party this year. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by He Dog
I will remember those tips Wipala, Thanks! You going be there in April? We are planning a little party this year.
Yes not setting up though.0 -
O.K. , this is a topic that has been around since 'gun traders' started ??? the various books are not (generally speaking) worth a hoot as pricing guides ...But are good (great in blue book) for info ,
for prices , us as a dealer/trader/collector I use Gun Broker , {elsewhere} , Guns List and Shotgun News to see current realistic prices ...
Thanks !!!
d.a.stearns
Gunsmith / LEO
Niota , Tn0 -
You guys are missing the point of this thread I wanted to know what guns you think are way over or underpriced in the Blue Book.
The Remingtons 722 and 721s are way off in my opinion and the imported SA 22 revolvers FIE Excam so forth with a top of under 100.00 When was the last time you saw one sell that low in 100% condition. Beatup versions sell for more than that now. The sheap little 25 autos sell for much more than book value consistantly0
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