Which guns hold their value the best?

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@Bubbleboy There is nothing special about knowing which airguns have will go up in value or hold their value well. Its not some skill that must be guarded because there’s huge profits to be made. It’s a matter of seeing thousands of WTS ads throughout the years, across multiple forums and by default absorbing that knowledge as you look for your next rifle. I’m not asking because I think I’m going to find Gary Barnes type rifles in estate sales and then come make a fortune in the member classifiedsof AGN. Thank God I make enough money to support my AG habit and can continue to buy more guns that I don’t need but want

@cmatera I can deal with 20%. Thanks for sharing your experiences

@Bob-in-WV I’ve seen what happened to guys like TP3ranch I don’t care to make money in airguns. I am just fascinated by airguns as an ingenious feat of engineering's and their functionality

@JadedC I agree, scarcity is probably the biggest factor in value increasing. Kind of like this Smith &wesson 78g i just bought. It’s the early model with the adjustable trigger, custom 9” Lothar Walther barrel and has a frame that does not leak like some of them were known to do. The guy that sold it to me gave me such a good price I saw no reason to negotiate. Even thought it’s only worth about $200 (to the right buyer) was a good investment for me and I will not be in the red if I decide to sell it. 


 
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@hawkeye That’s your prerogative. I like to make sound investments in anything do. It does not mean I don’t have as much fun with airguns as you do. As a somewhat new airgunner I’m just trying to expand my knowledge as much as possible. 

I think it’s very useful knowledge to know how much a given air rifle will depreciate in value. You may be privileged with enough money not to have to take such things into account
 
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I don't think there is anything wrong with keeping in consideration how much a rifle will depreciate. However, I believe that should only be a minor point in the whole equation. Like someone else said I think the best thing to do is to do good research and try to only buy (new or used) rifles and equipment that you like the best for you given needs. If you are not 100% happy with your purchase then I think inevitably this will cause one to sell the item quickly and thus resulting in a loss. If you only buy items that you are truly happy with then you will probably keep it for hopefully a few years, which in my mind more than makes up for the loss because you will have been able to get good use and enjoyment out of it. 
 
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I get it. Buy used or buy something I know I’ll never sell.

It seems talking about how well a gun can keep its value is not a concern for most airgunners. It’s not exciting as FPS or ft. lbs info. I guess that’s why you don’t see a depreciation rating as a selling point in the description. Granted you don’t see that on any products description. I have a habit of thinking in terms of investing, was raised this way. Either way, losing %50 of my hatsans value does not make me have less fun with the gun. When I’m able to hit exterminate a pigeon that’s been eating my dogs food, I still get the same sense of joy
 
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@hawkeye That’s your prerogative. I like to make sound investments in anything do. It does not mean I don’t have as much fun with airguns as you do. As a somewhat new airgunner I’m just trying to expand my knowledge as much as possible. 

I think it’s very useful knowledge to know how much a given air rifle will depreciate in value. You may be privileged with enough money not to have to take such things into account
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I always try to get a bargain if I can, mostly now I buy used.
 
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@hawkeye The deeper I get into the web of airgunning the more I see that buying used is the way to go unless you must absolutely have that new toy as soon as it’s released

@regarval Now that’s a perfect example paying a premium to have the newest toy on the block. Although, I would consider the edgun .30 a keeper. And once it enters the keeper realm price becomes irrelevant. I’m still on the fence with selling the huben. I’m predicting that now is the best time to sell before more semi autos hit the market selling for hundreds of dollars cheaper than a huben. Time will tell how that plays out
 
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I want to explore the economic side of this conversation. There is a term called 'utility' which is an intangible concept described monetarily based on what you get out of something. Also, I disagree with most of this conversation that guns depreciate 50% quickly. The actual depreciation is much smaller so the depreciation cost based on it being old, a newer model being out, fixes needed, etc is only one part of the picture. The laws of supply and demand control the rest of the cost. The less demand there is for a gun used, the lower the used price will be because there is low demand. On the flip side, a Taipan Veteran, will sell for much more used as there is very high demand in the used marketplace - they don't last 6 hours most of the time. 

If you want to buy a gun that will have good resale, look at the used gun market. See which guns sell fast and which ones sit there. If you buy a "popular" gun you will be able to get more for it used.

The one other thing I have learned is that I will never buy a gun for life. My needs and desires constantly change - so I when I buy a gun I do consider the resale value of it. That's not true on every purchase though, I have purchased a few niche guns I know I will never see value back in, yet I know I will not own them forever.

Here are a few pointers, from my view, that help with resale value. These have nothing to do with airguns necessarily as well, it applies to any hobby item.

  • Keep the original packaging - it shows you care about the full product, not just the gun. it shows you have preservation on the item in mind.
  • Take good care of it - presentation is everything. if something looks like you've treated it terribly you probably have. A safe queen will sell for more than a 'well used' item.
  • Perform regular maintenance and be able to speak to that maintenance in your sales post. 
  • Take quality pictures - one picture that shows everything and then some close-ups to show detail. An item will sell much faster and at a higher price and quality pictures will help.
  • Ask a reasonable price - no, I am not going to pay $1,400 for your $1,500 gun.
  • Include shipping in your price - nothing makes a person feel good like free shipping.

YMMV but I can tell you that I've never sold anything I have been the first owner of for less than ~70% of new.
 
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@alex2865 I’ve heard nothing but good things about cricket. I would suspect a gun like that to hold it value being they’re so desirable



@DonC H*LL YEA! That’s one heck of an investment, both financially and entertainment. I would imagine that whiscombe is a dream to shoot. I see them up for sale sometimes for exactly the price you said. Thank you for your post, you gave an exact example of what my post was asking👏
 
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