Armory Sponsor
Posted: 3/17/2014 5:21:44 PM EDT
|
Ever since about 2008 I have been interested in MG's... I have watched prices fluctuate like crazy and honestly don't know if it is a good time to buy or not.
My limit is probably an AC-556, but I have been looking at MAC's pretty hard. There just isn't any way for me to get into an M-16 at this point in my life.... What say the hive? |
| I haven't seen much of a fluctuation. Pretty much everything transferable has been on a steady climb and I see no reason for the prices to stop. What's available now is all that will ever be available and until they reach a price point where only the wealth can afford them they will continue to climb. The longer you wait the more you'll pay. Just my humble opinion. |
| I'd probably buy the MAC. It will be cheaper to feed. It has a lot of aftermarket support. I would think it would be easier to sell when and if you feel the need to use the money to upgrade. But in reality, ALL machineguns sell so I really wouldn't be worried about dumping off an AC556. MACs just move fast. They are the entry level machinegun and people are always looking to pick them up. |
|
Quoted:
I have watched prices fluctuate like crazy and honestly don't know if it is a good time to buy or not. The time to buy a full auto is right now, because prices will continue to climb as the supply continues to decrease. Factor in the chance that future ownership may become more difficult due to restrictive regulations, or even an out right ban, and that makes buying now even more desirable. A MAC type weapon is a great entry level MG, and about the cheapest and easiest to find. |
|
Very wise man....
Every year, newcomer wants to purchase MG and the supply is fixed since 86. I see more and more people holding off their MG for good reasons... I will not sell my LL or HK sears. Every month, year, I see people posting "should I buy now or wait?".... just remember, today's crazy price is tomorrow's deal of the year. The time to buy a full auto is right now, because prices will continue to climb as the supply continues to decrease. Factor in the chance that future ownership may become more difficult due to restrictive regulations, or even an out right ban, and that makes buying now even more desirable. |
|
Quoted:
Very wise man.... Every year, newcomer wants to purchase MG and the supply is fixed since 86. I see more and more people holding off their MG for good reasons... I will not sell my LL or HK sears. Every month, year, I see people posting "should I buy now or wait?".... just remember, today's crazy price is tomorrow's deal of the year. Quoted:
Very wise man.... Every year, newcomer wants to purchase MG and the supply is fixed since 86. I see more and more people holding off their MG for good reasons... I will not sell my LL or HK sears. Every month, year, I see people posting "should I buy now or wait?".... just remember, today's crazy price is tomorrow's deal of the year. The time to buy a full auto is right now, because prices will continue to climb as the supply continues to decrease. Factor in the chance that future ownership may become more difficult due to restrictive regulations, or even an out right ban, and that makes buying now even more desirable. This is exactly why I bought one now. I figured if I didn't do it now I never would be able to. |
|
Quoted:
Ever since about 2008 I have been interested in MG's... I have watched prices fluctuate like crazy and honestly don't know if it is a good time to buy or not. My limit is probably an AC-556, but I have been looking at MAC's pretty hard. There just isn't any way for me to get into an M-16 at this point in my life.... What say the hive? Prices vary a lot for any given gun, but they have trended upwards except for a 2 or 3 year period after the '08 crash. If you're thinking about it, go ahead. By the time your approval comes in the prices will have gone up even more, and if you wait, you have to save up more to buy it. I just wish I bought more back in 1999 when I started buying MGs... or even better, when I started getting interested in them in 1975. If you can sell off your semi-autos to gather up more cash for an M16 conversion (about $15k), you can always buy uppers for it to suit your wants later. |
|
there's been no price fluctuation
in 2010 the worldwide supply of money fell by 25% as the full force of the 2005 bank scam hit so there was a dip in MG prices (and all other collectables) as everyone sold off all their Harleys and boats to pay for their underwater 3rd mortgages then when the tsunami of mortgage defaults was over, the prices of MGs started marching right back up again. anybody who thinks MG prices are going to drop is kidding themselves there is always a spread on NFA gun prices since the marketplace consists private sellers all over the entire country suppose you want a particular gun some guy somewhere will be bragging on some net forum about how he got one for $8,000 you'll see ads on subguns for $10K to $12K and reuben will have them for $14K and they'll be some knucklehead who has his on gunbroker for $20K for some unknown reason that's not a fluctuation, that's just a normal price spread. |
|
Quoted:
My limit is probably an AC-556, but I have been looking at MAC's pretty hard. Just because the MAC's are usually the cheapest doesn't necessarily make them any lesser of a gun, especially these days. The MAC's have more options available second only to the M16/AR platform. Calibers in .22/.380/9mm/45/5.56, various uppers, stocks (folding, fixed, collapsing), rails vs. fixed sights, grips, mags, suppressors that work really well with a MAC...I'm sure I'm forgetting something. |
|
Thanks guys...
I really want an M-16.... I mean, that is what I will lust for for until I get one. They are just pricing themselves out of my range.  I guess I could part with some semi-auto guns but I have refined my collection to a point that I really like most of what I have even if I don't shoot it much. I could theoretically (ahem), finance an M-16 with a 401k loan and pay myself the interest (I'm young... I know still stupid).
I think I will keep an eye out for a month or two and take the plunge for an M-11/9. $5000 just seems insane when I was seeing them go as low as $2200~ after the 08 meltdown. |
|
Quoted:
Thanks guys... I really want an M-16.... I mean, that is what I will lust for for until I get one. They are just pricing themselves out of my range. I guess I could part with some semi-auto guns but I have refined my collection to a point that I really like most of what I have even if I don't shoot it much. I could theoretically (ahem), finance an M-16 with a 401k loan and pay myself the interest (I'm young... I know still stupid).
I think I will keep an eye out for a month or two and take the plunge for an M-11/9. $5000 just seems insane when I was seeing them go as low as $2200~ after the 08 meltdown. If an M16 is what you want, sell Title 1 guns or take out the damned 401k loan ... but buy it. Registered transferable MGs are not a "budget decision"; they are an emotional, gut choice. Find the money and buy what your heart wants, then keep it forever. Between the actual initial cost and the wait ... it's a big-bucks, long-term commitment not unlike getting married. Do it right the first time. (Posted by a guy who has been married three times ... but the final marriage has lasted 28 years and is stronger than ever, because I finally figured this out.) |
|
Quoted:
If an M16 is what you want, sell Title 1 guns or take out the damned 401k loan ... but buy it. Registered transferable MGs are not a "budget decision"; they are an emotional, gut choice. Find the money and buy what your heart wants, then keep it forever. Between the actual initial cost and the wait ... it's a big-bucks, long-term commitment not unlike getting married. Do it right the first time. (Posted by a guy who has been married three times ... but the final marriage has lasted 28 years and is stronger than ever, because I finally figured this out.) Quoted:
Quoted:
Thanks guys... I really want an M-16.... I mean, that is what I will lust for for until I get one. They are just pricing themselves out of my range. I guess I could part with some semi-auto guns but I have refined my collection to a point that I really like most of what I have even if I don't shoot it much. I could theoretically (ahem), finance an M-16 with a 401k loan and pay myself the interest (I'm young... I know still stupid).
I think I will keep an eye out for a month or two and take the plunge for an M-11/9. $5000 just seems insane when I was seeing them go as low as $2200~ after the 08 meltdown. If an M16 is what you want, sell Title 1 guns or take out the damned 401k loan ... but buy it. Registered transferable MGs are not a "budget decision"; they are an emotional, gut choice. Find the money and buy what your heart wants, then keep it forever. Between the actual initial cost and the wait ... it's a big-bucks, long-term commitment not unlike getting married. Do it right the first time. (Posted by a guy who has been married three times ... but the final marriage has lasted 28 years and is stronger than ever, because I finally figured this out.) I agree. If its what you really want and you have a way to do it then you should go for it. If you have time to pay yourself back on a 401k loan its not such a bad deal. |
|
Quoted: Thanks guys... I really want an M-16.... I mean, that is what I will lust for for until I get one. They are just pricing themselves out of my range. I guess I could part with some semi-auto guns but I have refined my collection to a point that I really like most of what I have even if I don't shoot it much. I could theoretically (ahem), finance an M-16 with a 401k loan and pay myself the interest (I'm young... I know still stupid).I think I will keep an eye out for a month or two and take the plunge for an M-11/9. $5000 just seems insane when I was seeing them go as low as $2200~ after the 08 meltdown. That's exactly what I did. I'll have it paid back in 3 years. By then, the gun will have gone up in value a couple grand i'm betting. I also bought a M11/9 with the bonus money I got back in Jan  |
|
Arghhhh....
Ok, looking through the safe today, and realized most of my stuff is NFA/NFA related besides the fudd guns. Not going to sell any NFA stuff. Looks like this may be less easy than what I thought. Saw a converted AR-15A2 on Sturm for 16.5 today. That doesn't look too bad. Are there any conversions to specifically avoid? A real deal just isn't going to happen I think. |
|
Quoted:
Arghhhh.... Ok, looking through the safe today, and realized most of my stuff is NFA/NFA related besides the fudd guns. Not going to sell any NFA stuff. Looks like this may be less easy than what I thought. Saw a converted AR-15A2 on Sturm for 16.5 today. That doesn't look too bad. Are there any conversions to specifically avoid? A real deal just isn't going to happen I think. SBRs an suppressors are money losers. Might as well keep them. |
|
Quoted:
SBRs an suppressors are money losers. Might as well keep them. Quoted:
Quoted:
Arghhhh.... Ok, looking through the safe today, and realized most of my stuff is NFA/NFA related besides the fudd guns. Not going to sell any NFA stuff. Looks like this may be less easy than what I thought. Saw a converted AR-15A2 on Sturm for 16.5 today. That doesn't look too bad. Are there any conversions to specifically avoid? A real deal just isn't going to happen I think. SBRs an suppressors are money losers. Might as well keep them. Well, keep looking. I sold an Oly/PAWS conversion last December for $14.5k because I wanted a quick sale, which I got. Sometimes, sellers don't want to deal with weeks or months of tire-kickers. No conversions that I would flatly say to stay away from ... most have been fixed to run fine by now. An obviously repaired, or ridden-hard-and-put-away-wet, example should jump out at ya from pix. Stay away from those. As far as what to keep ... Jeep29 is right, suppressors have little resale value, but once you own an M16, you may well lose your love for any semi ARs. To me, they are M16s with their testicles removed. I only own one today, a factory Colt 6933 bought mostly for the upper, but also because it was an older one with the large hammer- and trigger-pins... Which brings up my next point: Once you have your M16, not only will you stop shooting your semi ARs, you'll also start collecting FA fire-control parts to tinker with, and having a ton of those plus semi ARs is not a good idea. I went through my collection and sold off: -- Any NIB or unfired examples I had owned for more than a year or two. If I hadn't shot them by then, I never would... so what's the point of owning them? --The guns I had always wanted, but when I got them, it turned out I did not enjoy shooting them. Had a bunch of pre-'64 Model 70 Winchesters in this category. --The guns I had always wanted, but simply had no use for. A Ruger No. 1 Tropical in .458 Winchester Mag fell in this category. I do miss it, and today, decades later, I'm looking for another one ... but I sold it for enough to buy a transferable MG; and today, I can buy a dozen replacement .458's for what my one MG is worth. I also "opted out" of the new-car craze. I buy minty off-lease 2-3-year-old cars, then drive them for years after I pay them off. I have saved enough in unneeded car/lease payments to underwrite most of my MGs and ammo. Just some thoughts. Everyone needs to set up their own life priority list. MGs are expensive, but even today are affordable if you really want one. That may not continue to be true five or ten years from now. And then you'll be looking back with regret. Your Mileage May Vary. |
|
Here's how I look at it -
most MGs still cost the same or less than a sort of lame used car, like 2010 Ford F-150 with 50,000 miles on it. I'd rather have a clone M16 or an UZI than a F150. The F150 is a consumable, same as a roll of paper towels or a pair of bluejeans. It's guaranteed to be worth nothing at some point. The M16 or UZI, on the other hand, is a high end collectable. Given our bizarre political environment today, I would not have $100K invested in MGs. But I'd have the price of a new car wrapped up in them. You only live once, if you're too careful about everything you'll end up playing computer chess in a football helmet while eating tofu. |
|
Quoted:
Get in where you can and while you can. I passed up a chance to get an Uzi back in '02 when they were selling for 2K. And now they are 8K+ NFA rarely gets cheaper... The list price advertised for years in the inside front cover of SAR was $2995. JLM in NH sold them for $2750, the price I paid in 2000. I was debating getting 2 of them, but ended up getting the one because I had already bought an M60, an MP5SD sear gun and a Colt M16a1. I would have, but there was no more money... 
|
|
Quoted:
The list price advertised for years in the inside front cover of SAR was $2995. JLM in NH sold them for $2750, the price I paid in 2000. I was debating getting 2 of them, but ended up getting the one because I had already bought an M60, an MP5SD sear gun and a Colt M16a1. I would have, but there was no more money... http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa219/faldoc/UZI%20related/IMG_5651.jpg Quoted:
Quoted:
Get in where you can and while you can. I passed up a chance to get an Uzi back in '02 when they were selling for 2K. And now they are 8K+ NFA rarely gets cheaper... The list price advertised for years in the inside front cover of SAR was $2995. JLM in NH sold them for $2750, the price I paid in 2000. I was debating getting 2 of them, but ended up getting the one because I had already bought an M60, an MP5SD sear gun and a Colt M16a1. I would have, but there was no more money... http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa219/faldoc/UZI%20related/IMG_5651.jpg I ordered a full-size Vector from an incoming batch to JLM, but the day Jim called to say it had arrived, I had just mailed a check for $1,300 for an NIB M11/9mm with a STEn-mag conversion, and was temporarily tapped out. Jim said, "No problem, I'll sell this to the next guy, and give you one from the next batch." Sigh. Of course, there was no "next batch" ... Vector had sold out. Uzi prices immediately took off, of course. I ended up buying mine NIB from another source less than six months later ... for $3,900, instead of $2,750. Live and learn. 
Lesson: Even 14 years ago, MG prices could jump 50% in six months. That's even more true today. |
|
Well, thanks fellas. I kind of needed the encouragement. I was buying for collection, but mostly for fun so ended up with an 86 SWD M-11/9. Even got the whole kit with Lage upper, .22 kit and a bunch of mags and stuff.
Pretty happy about my meager little toy. Now the wait begins. I'm thinking about switching from going the individual route to trust route to expedite the process a bit. May start saving for something to just oil and love like a Schnelfeuer. Always like those things. |
| I don't think anyone has mentioned this... It seems to me that if the CLEO signoff requirement for every entity purchasing a MG goes through, that could reduce the pool of buyers. That could be a temporary reduction or permanent. Seems to me that a reduction in buyers would equal falling prices. Thoughts? |
|
Quoted:
I don't think anyone has mentioned this... It seems to me that if the CLEO signoff requirement for every entity purchasing a MG goes through, that could reduce the pool of buyers. That could be a temporary reduction or permanent. Seems to me that a reduction in buyers would equal falling prices. Thoughts? My thoughts ... --If 41P does go through, this time there are some experienced, heavyweight law firms lined up to challenge it in federal court on several levels. I've read their comments and briefs, and the issues go well beyond just the Second Amendment. If 41P stands, the challenges will be very, very interesting. --Since 41P was proposed, several state legislatures are now debating "must sign" state laws (IIRC, it has already been signed into law in one state). Look for more of this in coming months in the "free" states. --While suppressor, SBR and SBS sales may take a hit, the MG market will feel any impact far less, IMHO. MG buyers today are mostly in an entirely different demographic. MAC prices will be the most effected, but with the majority of other MGs in the five-figure range now, buyers tend to be folks who are more used to dealing with legal barriers, and finding lawful ways to overcome them. For well-heeled buyers, it's not an issue. Get a CLEO sign off through strategic political campaign contributions; establish a residence in counties that have solid histories of CLEOs signing off; start up, or buy into, an existing brick-and-mortar FFL operation. All of these options are far cheaper than the overhead routinely paid by people who collect classic cars. That's my take; your mileage may vary. |
Armory Sponsor