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Posted: 6/25/2013 11:19:16 AM EDT
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I've always wanted a spas-12 since watching Jurassic park as a kid.
A local guy is selling one for $1600 in good condition. Is this the average asking price these days? |
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The original lever safety was recalled. Trying to get the replacement button safety is going to be expensive and probably a wait to look for a used one as you can't find anymore.
Price seems about right, make sure it's got all the parts, replacement parts are rare and expensive, lots of people seem to lose the arm hook and breakdown tool. |
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I've owned several Spas 12 over the years. The price at 1600 may be ok in today's market but it would depend on the configuration. Aside from the safety issue, there are other factors to consider.
There were four stocks available for the Spas 12, a folder that locked in the rear sight (most desirable), a folding stock that didn't lock into the rear sight, a standard stock with a pistol grip and wooden stock that detached from the pistol grip. Also, be sure the Spas has the buffer in the receiver as well as the buffer in the rear of the folding stock. If either of these buffers are missing or broken, the weapon can get damaged during use. Replacement buffers are out there. But they are hard to find. Does it have choke tubes? Those can go for over $100 if you can find one, Does it have the factory sling? If the Spas that your buddy is selling has the folding stock that locks into the rear sight, has the hook, has the two buffers, has additional choke tubes and the factory sling, I would say that the $1600 would be worth it. If not, the price would go down. During the AWB, I paid as little as $700 for a Spas 12 and as high as $1100 for one NIB. |
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I got mine for $1050 in 2010. It had the older, lever style safety which was recalled for safety reasons as earlier stated. Push button replacements are extrememly rare and fetch minimum $500 if you can find one. I took mine to a gunsmith with pics of another arfcommer's pics of his push button safety and the gunsmith converted the lever into a pushbutton. You definetly need to do this. Do some google-fu or search on here under my username and SPAS 12 safety pic request or something to that effect to find it.
Chris at spas12.com used to sell replacement buffers but he is fairly unreliable. Gun broker has the buffers now and then for good prices. My gun didnt have any original buffer left and if you fire it without one your bolt will crack the reciever in semi auto mode. The buffers are pretty cheap and easy to install, get a new one as the old ones crack and disentigrate. Also replace the rubber bumper pad on the folding stock arm so it doesnt slam into the top of your reciever. If you have the folding hook stock, replacement rubber buffers are available that go around the axle pin for the shoulder portion. Mine was cracked in half when I got it; I think I got all three replacement rubber pieces mentioned from the same guy on GB. Spas12.com has pics of all what I'm talking about. Its a pretty badass gun, not the most comfortable to shoot, but if you're asking about this gun, you probably dont care about that. Definetly a head turner at the range. |
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$1600 is pretty much top of the mark, so it better be flawless for that price (new in box, crossbolt safety, 8 round tube, original hook, etc.). I bought mine on consignment from a shop about four or five years ago for $675. Its a fun gun and great to shoot, it'll def. attract attention at the range. If you get it, get some snap caps and drill with it until you are comfortable before going to the range. The mechanics are very different from any other shotgun and you'll find yourself yanking, pulling, pushing on something that doesn't move that just did (get your minds out of the gutter, I'm talking about the bolt, foregrip, etc.). They are certainly getting collectible and rare, they are actively selling on gunbroker for great prices.
As mentioned above, SPAS12.com is a good site for reference; however, the guy who runs it has gotten unreliable. When I ordered the replacement buffer and buttstock buffer, it took a year to arrive!! That was after numerous attempts to contact him and report him to the BBB. Save yourself some heartache and order the parts on gunbroker, you'll thank yourself. |
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Quoted:
$1600 is pretty much top of the mark, so it better be flawless for that price (new in box, crossbolt safety, 8 round tube, original hook, etc.). I bought mine on consignment from a shop about four or five years ago for $675. Its a fun gun and great to shoot, it'll def. attract attention at the range. If you get it, get some snap caps and drill with it until you are comfortable before going to the range. The mechanics are very different from any other shotgun and you'll find yourself yanking, pulling, pushing on something that doesn't move that just did (get your minds out of the gutter, I'm talking about the bolt, foregrip, etc.). They are certainly getting collectible and rare, they are actively selling on gunbroker for great prices. As mentioned above, SPAS12.com is a good site for reference; however, the guy who runs it has gotten unreliable. When I ordered the replacement buffer and buttstock buffer, it took a year to arrive!! That was after numerous attempts to contact him and report him to the BBB. Save yourself some heartache and order the parts on gunbroker, you'll thank yourself. I agree with the above, the operations of the Spas are very differnet from any other shotgun. I just recently paid $1100 for mine. Got it from a friend who was in a tough spot for cash. It has the fixed stock, new style safety and is in excellent shape. I agree that $1600 is probabily the top of the bar when it come to value. A few months ago I saw some go for $1400-1500 on gunbroker around the time I bought mine. It seems like they are only going up in value and they defanitly have the cool factor. |
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