Handguns with the best resale value

[Tallinthesaddle]

Maybe I have visited too many car lots and seen what they would give me for my trade-in, but as for handguns, what makes or models usually have the best resale value?
Over the years I kept most of the ones purchased, it is just some don't fit my hands, or I don't like the sights or I don't shoot with them as well as with others.

[Beiruty]

Some firearms commends higher prices because they are called collectibles. Others are like used items depreciate and you can do an appraisal by checking real selling prices on comparable items on gunbroker, etc.

[chartreuse]

Some firearms commends higher prices because they are called collectibles. Others are like used items depreciate and you can do an appraisal by checking real selling prices on comparable items on gunbroker, etc.

Indeed. For example, Webley Fosbery's are pretty much worthless, these days. If any of y'all have one I'll take it off your hands for $50. In fact, call it $100, I'm feeling charitable.

[Carry-a-Kimber]

Some firearms commends higher prices because they are called collectibles. Others are like used items depreciate and you can do an appraisal by checking real selling prices on comparable items on gunbroker, etc.

Indeed. For example, Webley Fosbery's are pretty much worthless, these days. If any of y'all have one I'll take it off your hands for $50. In fact, call it $100, I'm feeling charitable.

Good luck with that, these guys don't even believe a HK USPc is a fair trade for a '67 Stingray.

[A-R]

I've always found that Glocks hold their value. You can see well used Gen 3 Glocks selling on TGT.com for MORE than a brand-new Glock costs at LEO/GSSF prices. Glocks are kinda like a Toyota (before their recent problems) or Honda in that way. They're not super expensive to begin with, and they don't depreciate much because they are so well known for durability and longevity of service. And their parts are easy and inexpensive to replace.

[Tallinthesaddle]

I probably should have said modern day handguns. That would help.

[Mastodon]

I've never gotten rid of a gun.

[Beiruty]

glocks were on sale for $399 at CDDN.

[gigag04]

I find that handguns of the pre owned variety have the best resale value.

[chartreuse]

I find that handguns of the pre owned variety have the best resale value.

That's one of those things that's counter-intuitive, but true. It's never stopped anybody buying brand new cars, though...

[mr surveyor]

I find that handguns of the pre owned variety have the best resale value.

actually, that's exactly the way I look at it. The better quality handguns will often lose 20-30% of their sticker price after a couplle of years, even if kept in the 95% condition range. Shoot em, carry em, and take good care, and they'll still get back your original price after 10 years... if not more.

I'm just not sure over the long haul what kind of "resale" all the tupperware is gonna have in 15-20 years, but a good quality steel handgun by S&W, Ruger, Kimber, Sig, Beretta, Colt, STI......... I think there's a day you'll get your money back, plus.
You can also factor in the economic trends... I have a LNIB (with the box)1971, 3 screw Ruger Single Action Six Combo, with the original sales tag stamped $69.50. I've been offered $500. That's just about equali to 40 years of inflation.


surv

[shootthesheet]

Glocks in 9mm, .40 and .45. They will hold the a steady resale value for the most part. Others will come and go but I think they will retain value the best. Glocks have a pop culture following as well as a good reputation among gun owners.

[RECIT]

I think MOST Colt handguns retain or appreciate in value better than any other handgun out there. I don't own any, but have had a few come across my hands. Also quite a few S&W revolvers are great investment pieces usually the older or rarer models hang on better.

[SpringerFan]

Colt 1911s command some high prices on the used market.

[A-R]

I think MOST Colt handguns retain or appreciate in value better than any other handgun out there. I don't own any, but have had a few come across my hands. Also quite a few S&W revolvers are great investment pieces usually the older or rarer models hang on better.

I agree with you in terms of Colt and S&W guns that are no longer made. But I don't necessarily see a high resale value of a basic Colt 1911 - relative to its high retail sales price, of course. A Colt Mustang or Colt Python have very high resale value because they're no longer made. Same with many of the classic S&W revolvers.

But if you're buying a new gun now, how do you know if it will or won't still be made in 5 or 10 years? It's a crapshoot. I certainly didn't know 12 years ago that my Colt Mustang would be worth twice what I paid for it (and three times what I traded it for on a new Glock). But I could likely sell that Glock today for about 80% of what I paid for it new 12 years ago. That's not bad for an EDC weapon that most people find "ugly".