Gun shop not interested in trade ins of ARs

[Paraguy]

I was surprised to hear that my local gun shop was not interested in trade ins of ARs and AKs.  They had one AR and a lot of empty spaces on the shelf, not sure of their logic, maybe they know something the rest of us don't know.  Any insights or similar experiences?

[Jrlobo]

Well, Para, sounds like he anticipates rough sledding ahead for ARs. Frankly, I never saw a used one that was worth a plug nickel as most Yahoos don't know how to maintain them, clean them or store them. And the ones that were GI were the worst. The ARs owned by members of this forum notwithstanding, of course.

[Paraguy]

Well, Para, sounds like he anticipates rough sledding ahead for ARs. Frankly, I never saw a used one that was worth a plug nickel as most Yahoos don't know how to maintain them, clean them or store them. And the ones that were GI were the worst. The ARs owned by members of this forum notwithstanding, of course.

I asked for a price on a NIB AK and got the same reply, not interested.

[BBJohnnyT]

I asked for a price on a NIB AK and got the same reply, not interested.

Time to find a new shop.

[tombogan03884]

Sounds like either a Fudd or a sell out.
Or an idiot.

[Sponsor]

[MikeBjerum]

I was shopping in a gun shop I know well, have bought from before, and bought from last week ... the day after Christmas 

I was amazed at how empty their walls were.  They had as many staff unboxing and tagging new guns as people doing paperwork and sending them out the door.  The stockers were not making any headway, and I was there for an hour!

I asked how their supply was on uppers, and they told me uppers were in good supply so far.  They are selling a little more than before, but stocks are good.  He said they ran out of lower components first, complete lowers second, and complete AR's won't be around long.  I asked if he had any idea on lead times from the different manufacturers.  He told me they had orders in everywhere they can, and were ordering as allowed, but they are not taking any orders from customers at this time.  Their concern is how long it will take to get combined with uncertainty over legislation.  They want nothing to do with sold guns that can't be delivered once they arrive.

All of that said, they are willing to purchase used AR's customers bring in.  Just don't expect huge premiums for them, because this shop is not raping buyers!

[wtr100]

gun shops have an interesting place in the world especially the small ones.

right now the market for AR's is crazy high but he needs to make a profit on the trade so he's going to have to offer below market to make money but with all the folks hollering about 'gouging' might just the whole thing to big a pain in the neck for him

[billt]

Frankly, I never saw a used one that was worth a plug nickel as most Yahoos don't know how to maintain them, clean them or store them.

The AR-15 while being the most popular rifle in America, unfortunately is also the most abused. As was mentioned, a lot of the used ones have not been very well maintained. Many have had the bores shot out from over heating from continuous rapid fire, and other such abuse.

Another thing is a lot of these guys are simply trying to cash in on the current madness. They want ridiculous prices the shops are not willing to give them, because they wouldn't be able to see a profit by getting involved in such nonsense. This whole thing has spiraled out of control and someone has to say enough is enough.

[Jrlobo]

Okay. Enough is enough. Hmmm, I must not be that someone, eh?

[Paraguy]

I think you are right about the madness Billt, they just made a killing and don't need to buy something they just sold you a couple of months ago for 50% above their original sale price; probably doesn't feel right to them.  That said, they might be doing us (those trading in) a favor in the event that the AWB goes into place eliminating new inventory and making it an even stronger sellers market for those who have NIB rifles/pistols/mags covered by the ban.  I would rather the ban not go through and just hold on to spec rifles, they are more fun to shoot and the "scare" was excuse enough to buy them.