Gun Value Advice - Potential Purchase

[bfpgw]

The local gun shop, where I've purchased several long and hand guns, has a used 1895SS .45-70 for sale.  It has a few nicks in the stock, nothing upsetting.  The bore is clean, shiny, and looks perfect.  The bluing has a slight amount of wear, but no rust, etc.  I don't know much about the 1895 models as I only have a 336C and an 1894C.  The stock and forend have no checkering, just smooth finish.

He has a sticker of $395 on it, but I am pretty confident I could get him down to $360 or $350.  Is that price a reasonable deal?  I don't want to steal it from him, but don't want to pay more than an average to good price.

Any suggestions?

[hardertr]

You can get one NIB (new in the box) from auctionarms for $425.....

If you've purchased guns from this guy before, offer him $350 (out the door price) and see what he says.  If you're willing to wait and see if it's still there after Christmas, you can probably get him to take less.  He probably has a 30-40% markup on what he gave for it, so he should let it go for $350-$360 since you've bought guns from him before.

Part of the fun of buying used guns is the haggling.  Most dealers won't think twice about knocking 10% off used guns just so they can turn a quick profit.

[ggeilman]

You can always try, but $395 is a good price for an 1895SS from what I have been reading.

[wsjones]

Sounds not unreasonable to me if you can get it for $350.  I paid that for mine used 2 years ago, although it was exceptionally nice.  What the heck, it's Christmas - buy yourself a present!

-WSJ