How Do I Know If This Gun Is Priced Reasonably?

[tleevs]

As you guys know, I'm totally new to handguns so I'm completely clueless right now if a given price for a handgun is a good deal or not. I'm currently looking for a S&W 686 6" 6-shot and I found one new at Gander in Maple Grove. They have it priced at $799. I know S&W may be considered a "high-end" brand for revolvers, but $799 seems a little steep. Is my instinct right or do they have the gun priced reasonably?

A couple other questions...where can a guy go to find a good selection of used guns? If I can find that gun used instead of new, that would be ideal.

Finally, I found some sites that sell guns online. How the heck does that work? Don't you need to be physically present so they can check your id and run your background check? And should I even be looking online in the first place???

Thanks for any tips...

Travis

[Belgiboy]

Travis,
The Gunstop in Minnetonka has a beautiful looking 686 for a lot less money. Gander Mountain is overpriced, period.
Here's the adress: 14704 Excelsior Blvd, Minnetonka

[dismal]

Finally, I found some sites that sell guns online. How the heck does that work? Don't you need to be physically present so they can check your id and run your background check? And should I even be looking online in the first place???

You can buy guns online, but they must be shipped to an FFL (licenced gun dealer), where they will verify your Permit to Purchase (or Carry) and do a NICS check, just like if you bought a gun there. Most FFL charge between $20 to $30 for this service.

A couple of good sites are:

http://www.impactguns.com
http://www.gunbroker.com

[LarryFlew]

I usually check prices at gunbroker.com just to see where they are compared to what i want to buy locally.

[mnnate]

Gander will rob you any which way they can...I say check elsewhere. Get an idea online of prices then start checking around..

[RobD]

Gander will rob you any which way they can...I say check elsewhere. Get an idea online of prices then start checking around..

Agreed... If you see the price at Gander, you know it's not reasonable.

[Lastgunshop]

As I tell my customers when they come in to my shop asking for a price. Let say you are looking for a XD 9mm 4" Blue Springfield Part# XXXXXX. I quote them a price and tell them to go home a call all the gun shops in the phone book and tell them what they are looking for, " XD 9mm 4" Blue Springfield Part# XXXXXX." If the gun shop wants you in to there place, they should shoot you there best price in hopes that you buy extras ammo, mags, cleaning kit etc........ Always get the sale person name too.

[Paul]

I have a guy I use for FFL transfers just north of you in Ham Lake, he only charges $10, if you are interested.

[Paul]

A quick internet search shows one for $559.99 at a online dealer... Probably about the best price you will find.

[tleevs]

Could you tell me the online dealer where you found this? I'll check the online resources given in this thread myself so if you found it there I'll find it. And I would definitely be interested in knowing who the FFL guy is near my house! Please reply with it here or PM me. Thanks!

And thanks everyone else for the help. As someone new to this, I appreciate the assistance. I figured the guns at Gander were probably high given they are a retail shop that doesn't necessarily specialize in gun sales. I'm glad I asked though because I was so tempted to pull my wallet out;) No more trips to Gander for me (at least for handguns).

Travis

A quick internet search shows one for $559.99 at a online dealer... Probably about the best price you will find.

[Paul]

Could you tell me the online dealer where you found this? I'll check the online resources given in this thread myself so if you found it there I'll find it. And I would definitely be interested in knowing who the FFL guy is near my house! Please reply with it here or PM me. Thanks!

And thanks everyone else for the help. As someone new to this, I appreciate the assistance. I figured the guns at Gander were probably high given they are a retail shop that doesn't necessarily specialize in gun sales. I'm glad I asked though because I was so tempted to pull my wallet out;) No more trips to Gander for me (at least for handguns).

Travis

A quick internet search shows one for $559.99 at a online dealer... Probably about the best price you will find.

http://www.stnickguns.com/department.asp?Dept=hand+guns

[ijosef]

Some guy is selling one on the classifieds here for five bills.

You can also go to your local library and check out the latest edition of The Blue Book of Firearms or Gun Digest's Book of Gun Values. The books aren't always accurate, but it's a good starting point.