Gun prices continue to drop. Hallelujah!

[orpington]

That was kind of my point, there's an oversupply of cheap workers, so there's no demand for workers for those jobs. And other trades are being replaced by automation.

IT is still a good field to get into. Really any STEM job pays very well, I'm in engineering and my pay increases have stayed well above inflation.

The advantages of a STEM degree are a myth, except for the E part of that. It was stressed when I was younger how valuable a science degree was. Not true! Every day I regret not having a degree in Engineering!

Not quite sure why I didn't get an engineering degree other than it meant staying in college an extra year. I am fascinated by firearms and their engineering. Should have studied that!

 

[CapnMac]

so there's no demand for workers for those jobs. And other trades are being replaced by automation.

Except that there's a huge lack for welders, plumbers, electricians, HVAC people.
All of whom can pull in really good wages, today, $60K to $120K (which is better than most of architecture, for instance).

 

[Solomonson]

Prices are relative to income. In 1990 the median household income was less than $30,000. In 2016 it was closer to $60,000. A gun that sold in 1990 for $200 should be priced at about $400 today. The fact is that even during the run on guns buyers were paying a smaller percentage of their incomes on them than at any time in history.

The competition has already reduced the price of guns. Prior to the AWB in 1994 an AR was selling for $700-$1000. That means in relation to incomes an AR should be $1500-$2000 today. And that is about where the high end AR's are priced. But there are many more options today than in 1990. Even during the buying frenzy of the last 8 years a very usable AR could be had for $600-$700.

When in 2017 manufacturers start selling guns at prices well below 1990 levels (adjusted for inflation) the gun manufacturers are in trouble.

Not really. First, take a look at say a beefy 1/2" drive Bosch corded (not cordless) drill motor. It's cheaper today then it was in 1990. The price drop is even greater for cordless drill motors. It's greater yet when considering inflation.

Further, compare the raw materials, machine time, assembly time, etc. between that 1/2" drive Bosch corded (not cordless) drill motor and a Glock 17. The Glock is priced at double that of the Bosch, yet I suspect the Bosch is at least as expensive to build even with cheaper labor. The only difference between the two otherwise are any excise taxes paid on guns.

 

[salt&battery]

Not really. First, take a look at say a beefy 1/2" drive Bosch corded (not cordless) drill motor. It's cheaper today then it was in 1990. The price drop is even greater for cordless drill motors. It's greater yet when considering inflation.

Further, compare the raw materials, machine time, assembly time, etc. between that 1/2" drive Bosch corded (not cordless) drill motor and a Glock 17. The Glock is priced at double that of the Bosch, yet I suspect the Bosch is at least as expensive to build even with cheaper labor. The only difference between the two otherwise are any excise taxes paid on guns.

maybe the Bosch motor is made in china now

 

[ColoradoShooter77]

I just bought a Ruger SR40 full size for $325 out the door! Hura!

 

[shafter]

Prices are low because excess product is being dumped. Businesses can't sit on large inventories. Prices may stabilize a little below election prices but don't expect rock bottom prices to continue for long.

 

[AlexanderA]

Rejoicing about low gun prices may be misplaced. Yes, it's good for consumers in the short run, but if manufacturers, distributors, and dealers can't stay in business, that will be bad for the gun world in the long run. What we really need is a stable market, free from panics, and without price spikes either on the low or the high side.

We have a thread elsewhere about "super owners." Continued low prices mean that these "super owners," and gun collectors in general, are losing, in the aggregate, millions of dollars in asset value.

In other words, low prices are good if you don't own a lot of guns, and want more. The more guns you already have, the greater the adverse effect to you of low prices.

 

[salt&battery]

Rejoicing about low gun prices may be misplaced. Yes, it's good for consumers in the short run, but if manufacturers, distributors, and dealers can't stay in business, that will be bad for the gun world in the long run. What we really need is a stable market, free from panics, and without price spikes either on the low or the high side.

We have a thread elsewhere about "super owners." Continued low prices mean that these "super owners," and gun collectors in general, are losing, in the aggregate, millions of dollars in asset value.

In other words, low prices are good if you don't own a lot of guns, and want more. The more guns you already have, the greater the adverse effect to you of low prices.

a gun market free from panics? never happened or will happen

 

[bassjam]

The advantages of a STEM degree are a myth, except for the E part of that. It was stressed when I was younger how valuable a science degree was. Not true! Every day I regret not having a degree in Engineering!

Not quite sure why I didn't get an engineering degree other than it meant staying in college an extra year. I am fascinated by firearms and their engineering. Should have studied that!

I think the "T" folks in IT do pretty OK as well. But I agree, a pure science or math degree won't take you many places outside of education unless it's tied to real profession, like chemical engineering or finance.

 

[bassjam]

Except that there's a huge lack for welders, plumbers, electricians, HVAC people.
All of whom can pull in really good wages, today, $60K to $120K (which is better than most of architecture, for instance).

I still get on my brother for dropping out of his electricians apprentice program. He was making darned good money even as an apprentice, but he got sick of all the union BS he had to deal with so he quit. Now he probably makes $35k a year when he'd probably be easily doubling that as an electrician by now.

 

[Ignition Override]

salt&battery: so true about panics being possible.. Have most people now decided that elections are the only events which have ever inspired a panic?

What makes them believe that the US has no more sociopaths/violent psychos still on the loose?