The Current State of Gun Buying (prices) in the US

[Aragorn243]

General observations on gun sales in the US since the Sandy Hook School shooting.

Prior to the shooting, WASR 10 Romanian SKS's were selling new for $550. AR-15's were $800-$1000 depending on the manufacturer.

Two weeks ago I attended a very large gun show in Philly. There WASR 10's were selling for $750. AR's were about $1200. There were plenty for sale of both types.

Yesterday at a gun show in Reading PA, WASR 10's were selling for $1200-1250 and AR's for $1500-$2400. There were not many of either type. It was a smaller show so not necessarily an accurate comparison.

My local gun shop had 30 AR's prior to the shooting and sold all of them within a few days afterwards.

A look on Gunbroker the other day also seemed to show the same trend although prices had not risen quite as high on there, they are still many hundreds over the suggested retail prices of these types.

In the meantime, while older Milsurps didn't appear to be as affected as much, Mosin Nagant 91/30's were selling for $150 and Nagant Revolvers for $135. These prices are about 1/3rd higher than they had been as recently as the end of summer.

I suspect that prices will come back down in a few months as the political climate stabilizes but for now, I wouldn't be looking for anything in these types of rifles.

I was standing in line waiting to purchase a Type I Japanese rifle and was watching guys buy SKS after SKS, usually without even bothering to open the bolt and check the bore. At $430, they were more affordable than the other types. M44's were also selling well, both the Russian and Chinese versions, the Chinese versions were practically sold out at this most recent show.

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[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

I suspect that prices will come back down in a few months as the political climate stabilizes but for now, I wouldn't be looking for anything in these types of rifles.

From your lips to Gods ears. If you are not correct I will be priced out of the hobby to a great degree.

[Aragorn243]

Bolt action firearms and other manual types didn't seem to be affected too much so I wouldn't jump to that conclusion although it has crossed my mind as well.

If the semi's get banned, they will go to what's next to buy. To a large degree that will remain the synthetic stock pieces of junk that are produced today but others may begin to seek the milsurps which will in turn drive them up too.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

A two edged sword. I like being somewhat in the minoity at gunshows looking for milsurps but if it would actually grow the hobby I supose it could be viewed as a good thing.

[Bionicback321]

I was at a show here on the space coast yesterday and the 30 rnd mags for AR's & AK's are also insanely priced. $10 metal AR mags going for $30, Magpuls that were $15 to $20 are now $60. The AK mags have doubled in price. Fortunately the milsurp ammo at the shows seems unaffected right now, however the going price for 100 rnds of .22 LR was between $15 to $17. I fear it's going to get a lot worse before it gets better.

[Anzac15]

I have never seen more crack induced prices than I have seen at the last two gun shows I've attended. This weekends show was a particularly amusing demonstration of outright gouging. Thank goodness I got my ARs and AKs before all this madness.
On the flip side, I have bought some fantastic milsurps from people bringing them in to get rid of to buy said AKs and ARs.

[Aragorn243]

I have never seen more crack induced prices than I have seen at the last two gun shows I've attended. This weekends show was a particularly amusing demonstration of outright gouging. Thank goodness I got my ARs and AKs before all this madness.
On the flip side, I have bought some fantastic milsurps from people bringing them in to get rid of to buy said AKs and ARs.

I have thought of that. I would really like to get a nice Garand and I have an AK I like but don't have a huge interest in. Might try that trade route.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

On the flip side, I have bought some fantastic milsurps from people bringing them in to get rid of to buy said AKs and ARs.

Great minds think alike. Show next week end. Lets see if my instincts are correct.

[raindog]

Ammo prices are also really high and ammo is getting scarce.

However, I've noticed that some favorite milsurp calibers are still unaffected.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

However, I've noticed that some favorite milsurp calibers are still unaffected

7.5X54 French and .303 arrived today. Privi from Midwayusa. No shortage yet. .223 ,.45,9mm and even .22 LR are drying up fast.