After finding some decent deals in pawn shops lately, I decided to see what else I could find. The most notable was a shop that had a nice CZ 75 in Satin Nickel just like the one I got a few months ago for $429, well I wish I had shopped around, this one was used and marked $489 next to it was a poly coat CZ 75 in same condition for $499. They also had a heavily used Kel-tec p-32 for $299 and a very rare Russian SKS with the even rarer Grenade launcher and grenade sights, I thought it was a Yugo at first but the tag reassured me it was a Russian, and a steal at $350. They had a slew of Chinese SKSs all marked $250, and a Anschutz of some sort for close to $2000. I didn't say a word, just held in the laughter and walked out.
Pawn Shop Deals
- Thread starter kngflp
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Redlg155
Member
I understand the sarcasm of the post, however, just about no one pays the sticker price on any item in the pawn shop. You can be he has less than half invested on a used item, and at least a $200 markup on new firearms.
I have found a few exceptions where guns are priced fairly, but they seem to be the exception rather than the norm.
Now to support the initial post....It seems to me that pawn shop owners, and many gun shops prey on the ignorance of customers. However, a sharp person can capitalize on a pawn shop owner if he doesn't really know what he has!
Good SHooting
Red
I have found a few exceptions where guns are priced fairly, but they seem to be the exception rather than the norm.
Now to support the initial post....It seems to me that pawn shop owners, and many gun shops prey on the ignorance of customers. However, a sharp person can capitalize on a pawn shop owner if he doesn't really know what he has!
Good SHooting
Red
chris in va
Member
Yup, just point at that CZ and say "give ya $330 cash for it" and if he says no, shrug and keep looking around. Betcha they bite in a few minutes.
HighVelocity
Member
At the few pawnshops that I frequent, I use the same trick every time I'm interested in something and so far it has worked every time.
I hold it, flip it around in my hands, ask how much, after hearing the 1st price, I just stare blankly at the gun and don't say a word. The price will start dropping and when I hear a fair number I buy it.
I call it the Tim Duncan Haggle.
I hold it, flip it around in my hands, ask how much, after hearing the 1st price, I just stare blankly at the gun and don't say a word. The price will start dropping and when I hear a fair number I buy it.
I call it the Tim Duncan Haggle.
Oh I know they will come down on prices, they are just like used car dealers. I just dont understand how they set their prices, even someone with no gun knowledge should know that a shiny silver gun should be more than a dull black one. And my yugo SKS says Yugo 59/66 on the barrel, I wonder what genius decided it was a Russsian.
Modern stuff at pawnshops usually gets priced pretty high. The real bargains are to be found with rare/unusual guns.
Mark-up on guns taken into pawn and forfeited is usually about 400%. Don't get all upset about the shop 'ripping people off' because of the big mark-up. Pawnbrokers have all kinds of overhead that they need to cover, things like stolen items that they make loans on and don't get reimbursed for. There is also intrinsic value. I asked my old boss once, why should I pay $200 for this when you only have $50 into it. He responded that just because you find a $20 on the street, doesn't make it worth any less than $20...
All shops are willing to deal. Look for stuff that has been there forever. Try to learn their inventory codes. Usually on the price tag, there is a code that tells the salesman how much money the shop has into a certain item. If you have this knowledge, sometimes, offering twice that amount will make a quick sale (unless the item is heavily in demand).
Make friends with the owners/salesmen. I used to call up certain customers or put interesting items aside when I found something really nifty. These guys would also get special prices.
just my .02
Mark-up on guns taken into pawn and forfeited is usually about 400%. Don't get all upset about the shop 'ripping people off' because of the big mark-up. Pawnbrokers have all kinds of overhead that they need to cover, things like stolen items that they make loans on and don't get reimbursed for. There is also intrinsic value. I asked my old boss once, why should I pay $200 for this when you only have $50 into it. He responded that just because you find a $20 on the street, doesn't make it worth any less than $20...
All shops are willing to deal. Look for stuff that has been there forever. Try to learn their inventory codes. Usually on the price tag, there is a code that tells the salesman how much money the shop has into a certain item. If you have this knowledge, sometimes, offering twice that amount will make a quick sale (unless the item is heavily in demand).
Make friends with the owners/salesmen. I used to call up certain customers or put interesting items aside when I found something really nifty. These guys would also get special prices.
just my .02
Some "deals" I have found in Austin pawn shops.
1. Ruger 10/22 stainless $225
2. Bersa .380 pistol $475{They thought it was a Beretta,even after I pointed out that it was a Bersa,a low budget gun}
3. Mossberg 500 {with pistol grip} $500
4. Lorcin .25 $150
5. Raven.25 $ 100
This is not all but just the ones I remember off the top of my head.
This is a neat thread and I will go pawn shopping this week and post the other"deals" I find.
Oh and in Austin the pawn shops dont come down at all on guns.{or maybe 10% on a bersa .380 }
1. Ruger 10/22 stainless $225
2. Bersa .380 pistol $475{They thought it was a Beretta,even after I pointed out that it was a Bersa,a low budget gun}
3. Mossberg 500 {with pistol grip} $500
4. Lorcin .25 $150
5. Raven.25 $ 100
This is not all but just the ones I remember off the top of my head.
This is a neat thread and I will go pawn shopping this week and post the other"deals" I find.
Oh and in Austin the pawn shops dont come down at all on guns.{or maybe 10% on a bersa .380
}
I've bought maybe one gun in a pawn shop even though I used to frequent them in search of deals. It's mostly a waste of time to mess with them, IMO. Once in a blue moon you get a deal, most of the time you have to grit your teeth and listen to them explain why you should pay more than new price for the beat up guns in the case.
Cosmoline
Member
Pawn shop owners will often try to jack up prices, but their ignorance can be their undoing. Here's a list of some of the deals I've got off the local blood suckers:
--Schmidt-Rubin 96/11 in mint condition, mis-marked as French: $150
--Finnish Model 28 Mosin-Nagant marked as Russian $100
--Colt Police Positive Special, mint second generation $150
--Colt tropper Mk. III $150
--Schmidt-Rubin 96/11 in mint condition, mis-marked as French: $150
--Finnish Model 28 Mosin-Nagant marked as Russian $100
--Colt Police Positive Special, mint second generation $150
--Colt tropper Mk. III $150
joegerardi
Member
Well, again, I have to stand up for pawn shops. My recent deals:
S&W 19-4 2 1/2", 99% - $250.00
SA 1911A1 USGI parked, new - $399.00
SA 1911A1 USGI stainless, new - $399.00
HK USPc .40, 95% - $450.00
Taurus 431 .44spl, 95% - $275.00
H&K Tactical .45 w/UTL, new - $1075.00
Guess I just have a better pawn here in Savannah.
..Joe
S&W 19-4 2 1/2", 99% - $250.00
SA 1911A1 USGI parked, new - $399.00
SA 1911A1 USGI stainless, new - $399.00
HK USPc .40, 95% - $450.00
Taurus 431 .44spl, 95% - $275.00
H&K Tactical .45 w/UTL, new - $1075.00
Guess I just have a better pawn here in Savannah.
..Joe
TheDutchman
Member
Got to love them Pawn shops I look at a Bulgarian Makarov for $475
I absolutely love pawn shops. They are the only place left where cash is king. I will go in about any pawn shop I can find just to look and see. My whole strategy revolves around finding a gun I like in a pawn shop and checking back over the course of a few weeks to see if it has moved. After about two weeks I will go back with cash if they still have it and make the deal. If a fair price can't be made I'll walk. I have only been in a few shops that don't come around as you're walking out the door with cash money (the life blood of their business). Those are the stores I know not to go into again.
If sticker price intimidates you, then you should just refrain from looking in pawn shops. The worst thing that could happen to you in a pawn shop is you offer the guy a price and he says no. In that case you still got the cash and he's still sitting on merchandise with less money to loan at 25%.
If sticker price intimidates you, then you should just refrain from looking in pawn shops. The worst thing that could happen to you in a pawn shop is you offer the guy a price and he says no. In that case you still got the cash and he's still sitting on merchandise with less money to loan at 25%.
The same pawn shop as in my initial post also has an 88 series TZ-75. They have it marked $325, which is a little on the high side but pretty close to being a fair price. My thinking is, since it's not a real big name gun they probably think it's a cheap POS hence the low (for them) sticker price. I don't really need it cause I have two CZ 75s but I would like a full size 9mm for my GF to shoot. I would by it if I could get them within $200-$250 range. What should I offer them to start out with. I had planned on offering them $200 cash but now I am thinking I should start lower so we can work our way to the middle. I am really bad at haggeling and I know it's there business. Also should I just play dumb about the gun or should I let on that I know how high their prices are.
I would get cash and go in and ask to see the gun. Give it a real good inspection with the guy standing there. If you have a bore light bring it. See if you can bait him into stating a price first. Tell him you have cash. The guy who brings up price first usually loses. If you can get him to give you a price, then make your move. If you think his offer is fair then go ahead. I'll usually push for a little more if I can get him to start talking price first. Don't be afraid to walk away.
bigflax925
Member
- Joined
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- 10
I have had a few good deals at Pawn Shops...
I picked up a minty High Standard 22 Mag Derringer with holster for $75 and a first model Colt Agent in good shape, with only a little wear on the cylinder, for $120.
I also saw a HK91 copy CETME selling for $1200. What a bargain, hard to believe I turned that one down!
I picked up a minty High Standard 22 Mag Derringer with holster for $75 and a first model Colt Agent in good shape, with only a little wear on the cylinder, for $120.
I also saw a HK91 copy CETME selling for $1200. What a bargain, hard to believe I turned that one down!
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TheDutchman
Member
O yeah forgot the one Pawn Shop who had the Colt 1991A1 GM for $850 I offered $425 cash and got scoff at, I ask why a plain Jane Colt was so much there reply was "They Don't Make Colts Anymore" 
Guess I didn't see that news flash.
Guess I didn't see that news flash.Bear Gulch
Member
Sounds like the gun show that I had a booth at this weekend. I couldn't figure out who was worse the competing sellers whou wanted $225 for a Mosin Nagant 91-30 in a plastic sporte stock or the folks who went from booth to booth offering ridiculous low ball prices for quality guns.
MY favorite was the fellow from Kali (he also own property here, but refuses to get Idaho ID) who went from vendor to vendor trying to buy hand guns and getting turned down until he found a seller who overlooked his out of state status.
MY favorite was the fellow from Kali (he also own property here, but refuses to get Idaho ID) who went from vendor to vendor trying to buy hand guns and getting turned down until he found a seller who overlooked his out of state status.
I have a couple of S&W .357 pistols from pawn shops. They don't look pretty but they work very well.
I always thought the key to Pawn Shops was looking in on the shops regularly for deals or mis-priced items. I never liked doing that. A friend of mine likes to go to the chain stores since they generally don't have the owner setting prices.
He had seen that many pawn shops were selling stuff other than firearms on E-bay. His son worked at one and that was his entire job. Taking pics and posting stuff on E-bay. He was finding it difficult to get good deals as pawn shops at least for stuff other than firearms. Most of the good stuff was going on E-bay where it seems someone somewhere was always willing to pay more.
One question I always had: Why don't pawn shops reduce prices on their shotguns? Most of them down here on the Gulf Coast have 14 shotguns. None of them are priced anywhere near what I would pay for a used shotgun. That and the lever action 30-30's.
I always thought the key to Pawn Shops was looking in on the shops regularly for deals or mis-priced items. I never liked doing that. A friend of mine likes to go to the chain stores since they generally don't have the owner setting prices.
He had seen that many pawn shops were selling stuff other than firearms on E-bay. His son worked at one and that was his entire job. Taking pics and posting stuff on E-bay. He was finding it difficult to get good deals as pawn shops at least for stuff other than firearms. Most of the good stuff was going on E-bay where it seems someone somewhere was always willing to pay more.
One question I always had: Why don't pawn shops reduce prices on their shotguns? Most of them down here on the Gulf Coast have 14 shotguns. None of them are priced anywhere near what I would pay for a used shotgun. That and the lever action 30-30's.
drannor
Member
Funny, actually had a conversation about this last night with a friend who worked at an Austin area pawn shop for years.
His comment was that the chain owned/operated shops make most of their money from loans, and that cycling their actual product inventory is not the highest priority. Hence the INSANE pricing. I saw a rusted up CZ-75 marked at $450 last month, next to a heavily used Delta Elite 10MM for $1200!!!!
My friend gave me the following advice:
- Hit locally owned shops that actually have incentive to move inventory
- Shop in the later hours at the end of the month, usually this is a night manager (not owner) who wants to make his monthly sales based bonus
- Luck out and find something rare that they don't have a book listing for (mentioned above)
Only pawn shop buy I've ever made was a 98% S&W 586 no dash for $300 in Denton, TX. I was pleased.
His comment was that the chain owned/operated shops make most of their money from loans, and that cycling their actual product inventory is not the highest priority. Hence the INSANE pricing. I saw a rusted up CZ-75 marked at $450 last month, next to a heavily used Delta Elite 10MM for $1200!!!!
My friend gave me the following advice:
- Hit locally owned shops that actually have incentive to move inventory
- Shop in the later hours at the end of the month, usually this is a night manager (not owner) who wants to make his monthly sales based bonus
- Luck out and find something rare that they don't have a book listing for (mentioned above)
Only pawn shop buy I've ever made was a 98% S&W 586 no dash for $300 in Denton, TX. I was pleased.
My deals from a former local shop include:
Smith 19 nickle 2.5 inch $200
Smith 19 Blue 2.5 inch $250
AR-15A2 Z-Cote $600
Colt Python Nickle $500
Colt ComCommander brushed nickle $450
Ruger 10/22 with a fugly beat on stock $90
just look ....and quit thinking that they are trying to 'rip you off.' :banghead: This is America. We operate under a CAPITALIST system. Guns are not necessities like gasoline. If you think the price is too high, shop elsewhere. No one is forcing you to buy what you don't want.
Smith 19 nickle 2.5 inch $200
Smith 19 Blue 2.5 inch $250
AR-15A2 Z-Cote $600
Colt Python Nickle $500
Colt ComCommander brushed nickle $450
Ruger 10/22 with a fugly beat on stock $90
just look ....and quit thinking that they are trying to 'rip you off.' :banghead: This is America. We operate under a CAPITALIST system. Guns are not necessities like gasoline. If you think the price is too high, shop elsewhere. No one is forcing you to buy what you don't want.
I have bought 2 FN MKII Highpowers for 390 and 400, the 390 had light surface rust that came away with no pitting by a CLP rag. I bought a LNIB Kahr MK40 for 425, carried and shot it for two years and sold it privately for 375. I picked up an 870 express for 180, not a steal but okay.
Best deal I ever made was selling the same shop a Chuck Daly 1911 for 100 outright. Gun still sits in their shop today with a cracked barrel bushing, broken ambi side of the safety and a intermittent feed problem for the low low price of 495! Buy it now!
I cruise this pawn shop regularly, looking for the pricing error or something I can beat them down on. You can't be shy about the beating since all prices wil be NRA 98% ++++ Rust is a free option.
Best deal I ever made was selling the same shop a Chuck Daly 1911 for 100 outright. Gun still sits in their shop today with a cracked barrel bushing, broken ambi side of the safety and a intermittent feed problem for the low low price of 495! Buy it now!
I cruise this pawn shop regularly, looking for the pricing error or something I can beat them down on. You can't be shy about the beating since all prices wil be NRA 98% ++++ Rust is a free option.
ken w.
Member
I have gotten a few deals from local pawn shops.I bought a Snap On 1/4" drive socket set for $15.00 that sells new for over $500.00 . I bought an Anschutz .22 target gun for $125.00 and a bunch of Marlin model 60's that were "not working" for $20.00 each that needed cleaning.So,yeah,I've made out pretty good at pawn shops.
. I bought an Anschutz .22 target gun for $125.00 and a bunch of Marlin model 60's that were "not working" for $20.00 each that needed cleaning.So,yeah,I've made out pretty good at pawn shops. BluesBear
member
I get great deals at pawn shops. Of course I have already determined which shop are worth folling with and which ones aren't
As a rule I say away from all of the chain shops. If you can even find a Pawn America that has an FFL I've never see a gfood deal on ANY gun there.
You need to find a pawn shop with a good gun guy. THOSE are the shops you can wheel and deal with. Sure all pawn shops put a high price tag on stuff. That's because of their core clientele.
You would have had to work in one to know what I mean. If I tried to explain it to you I'd be called names and the resulting bruhaha would get this thread locked.
It amazes me the number of people who go into pawn shops and gun shops that are either too timid or too stupid to ask for a better price. I guess everyone has gotten used to shopping at Wal-Mart where the price tag is final. And even that isn't always final.
Years ago...â„¢, when i was an FFL, I was out of state at a gunshow and after the Saturday show we stopped by the local K-Mart for some various sundry items. Browsing through the gun dept I notice a small stack of Interarms .30-06 ammo. I opened a box and it was Mexican surplus FMJ. It was marked "managers special" for $2.25 a box. I asked the clerk how many boxes they had. He replied they had a bunch and it wasn't selling. So I said, Exactly how many and how much for ALL of it. He called the maneger over and after I explained that I was an FFL and interested in buying a large quantity. He went into the back room and returned and said they had a total of 317 boxes.
So.. I kept a straight face and said, "Well if you make me a deal I'll take all of it." He looked in the computer and said, "I'll sell you all 317 for $1.10 a box."
I paid cash.
I sold every single one the next day at the show for $3 a box.
I am sure that being near the end of the month and that managers want the biggest sales numbers they can get helped a bunch.
As a rule I say away from all of the chain shops. If you can even find a Pawn America that has an FFL I've never see a gfood deal on ANY gun there.
You need to find a pawn shop with a good gun guy. THOSE are the shops you can wheel and deal with. Sure all pawn shops put a high price tag on stuff. That's because of their core clientele.
You would have had to work in one to know what I mean. If I tried to explain it to you I'd be called names and the resulting bruhaha would get this thread locked.
It amazes me the number of people who go into pawn shops and gun shops that are either too timid or too stupid to ask for a better price. I guess everyone has gotten used to shopping at Wal-Mart where the price tag is final. And even that isn't always final.
Years ago...â„¢, when i was an FFL, I was out of state at a gunshow and after the Saturday show we stopped by the local K-Mart for some various sundry items. Browsing through the gun dept I notice a small stack of Interarms .30-06 ammo. I opened a box and it was Mexican surplus FMJ. It was marked "managers special" for $2.25 a box. I asked the clerk how many boxes they had. He replied they had a bunch and it wasn't selling. So I said, Exactly how many and how much for ALL of it. He called the maneger over and after I explained that I was an FFL and interested in buying a large quantity. He went into the back room and returned and said they had a total of 317 boxes.
So.. I kept a straight face and said, "Well if you make me a deal I'll take all of it." He looked in the computer and said, "I'll sell you all 317 for $1.10 a box."
I paid cash.
I sold every single one the next day at the show for $3 a box.
I am sure that being near the end of the month and that managers want the biggest sales numbers they can get helped a bunch.
It's been about 10 years now and the Pawn Shop (Cols. OH area) since went out of business, but I got several real deals on 1911 series pistols there. The daytime manager wasn't the most gun educated and I ended up buying an older but MINT Wilson 1996A2 for $500. I bought a new set of grips and screws, tore it down, cleaned it up, and sold it for $1100. I've gotten a couple of nice SA pistols I bought and sold too, to fund my AR habit. Too bad they are gone now. Now the only real deals I can find are on stolen power tools.
HighVelocity
Member
I just picked up a couple of Pawn shop treasures this afternoon.
Sig Stainless 230SL w/1 mag and Don Hume 715 IWB holster for $200
(Dirty but in good shape w/hogue finger groove grips)
S&W Model 36 Chiefs Special Target, original grips(square butt ), w/1 speedloader and locking alluminum case $175
(Some holster wear, no pitting or rust, super slick trigger about 85% left of the original blue)
Today has been my lucky day.
Sig Stainless 230SL w/1 mag and Don Hume 715 IWB holster for $200
(Dirty but in good shape w/hogue finger groove grips)
S&W Model 36 Chiefs Special Target, original grips(square butt
), w/1 speedloader and locking alluminum case $175(Some holster wear, no pitting or rust, super slick trigger about 85% left of the original blue)
Today has been my lucky day.
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