The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Does firing a gun substantially lessen it's value?

Edward429451 · September 5, 2012, 06:38 PM

I'm going against the grain here and say no. There are a few caveats. One is if it is a name brand gun with a good reputation. Another is time. Sure if you buy a gun today and try to sell it tomorrow, you'll lose a little if it's been fired. Wait 20 years and it may be worth double what you paid even if you've been shooting it all those years.

My Colt MK IV Series 80 45 is a good example. I paid 379 in 1984 and shot the pee out of it and have carried it ever since. I see them for 800 to 850 typically. I've turned down 600 for it.

Another would be my first Ruger RH (SS 5.5") 44 Mag. I paid 285 for it in 1988? Look at them now. 500+ for used ones.

I don't own collectibles because life is too short to leave the '57 Chevy in the garage.

September 5, 2012, 06:38 PM	#27
Edward429451 Junior member Join Date: November 12, 2000 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Posts: 9,494	I'm going against the grain here and say no. There are a few caveats. One is if it is a name brand gun with a good reputation. Another is time. Sure if you buy a gun today and try to sell it tomorrow, you'll lose a little if it's been fired. Wait 20 years and it may be worth double what you paid even if you've been shooting it all those years. My Colt MK IV Series 80 45 is a good example. I paid 379 in 1984 and shot the pee out of it and have carried it ever since. I see them for 800 to 850 typically. I've turned down 600 for it. Another would be my first Ruger RH (SS 5.5") 44 Mag. I paid 285 for it in 1988? Look at them now. 500+ for used ones. I don't own collectibles because life is too short to leave the '57 Chevy in the garage.