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Gunsmith service values

toad67toad67 Member Posts: 13,008 ✭✭✭✭
edited September 2012 in General Discussion
What type of % value if any do you guys put on Gunsmith services to used gun value? For example if a Smith did a trigger job and a barrel recrown on a persons firearm and charged $150 would you add $150 to the value of the gun if you went to sell or buy it? Thoughts?

Todd

Comments

  • Colonel PlinkColonel Plink Member Posts: 16,460
    edited November -1
    With hot rods and guns, it's hard to get the money out that you sink into them.
  • montanajoemontanajoe Forums Admins, Member, Moderator Posts: 60,240 ******
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Colonel Plink
    With hot rods and guns, it's hard to get the money out that you sink into them.
    +1 this.
  • Horse Plains DrifterHorse Plains Drifter Forums Admins, Member, Moderator Posts: 40,234 ***** Forums Admin
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Colonel Plink
    With hot rods and guns, it's hard to get the money out that you sink into them.
    Yep, agree. That $150.00 worth of work probably only raises the value of the firearm 40-50 bucks.
  • toad67toad67 Member Posts: 13,008 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I'm on the buying end of the deal FWIW......
  • Colonel PlinkColonel Plink Member Posts: 16,460
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by toad67
    I'm on the buying end of the deal FWIW......


    Well, break out some specifics. What kind of gun? What kind of work? And what kind of gunsmith did the work?

    If I don't know the gunsmith personally or by reputation, or can't get a recommendation, I'd take the value of any work with a shaker of salt.
  • zinkzink Member Posts: 6,456 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Probably 2/3 of cost to do the work. IF a well known smith did the work (Wilson, Ackley, Grace, etc) then the resale of the work would be equal if not more than the cost. I know some of my work sold for less, and some more, but the reward is when a satisfied customer comes back for more.

    Lance
  • toad67toad67 Member Posts: 13,008 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Remington 700 LSS in 257 Wby, recrowned, bedded and trigger job by a good local smith. Gun was made in 2008 only with a laminated stock and 26" stainless barrel and action. I've shot it and 1/2" @ 100 is the average. I'm thinking $800 or so with 4 boxes of ammo. Whatcha think? Thanks.

    Todd
  • zinkzink Member Posts: 6,456 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by toad67
    Remington 700 LSS in 257 Wby, recrowned, bedded and trigger job by a good local smith. Gun was made in 2008 only with a laminated stock and 26" stainless barrel and action. I've shot it and 1/2" @ 100 is the average. I'm thinking $800 or so with 4 boxes of ammo. Whatcha think? Thanks.

    Todd


    Good price. Any scope? Also, if you know and trust the smith, that goes a long way.
  • pwilliepwillie Member Posts: 20,253 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by toad67
    Remington 700 LSS in 257 Wby, recrowned, bedded and trigger job by a good local smith. Gun was made in 2008 only with a laminated stock and 26" stainless barrel and action. I've shot it and 1/2" @ 100 is the average. I'm thinking $800 or so with 4 boxes of ammo. Whatcha think? Thanks.

    Todd
    Is it Weatherby Ammo made by Norma ?
  • Colonel PlinkColonel Plink Member Posts: 16,460
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by toad67
    Remington 700 LSS in 257 Wby, recrowned, bedded and trigger job by a good local smith. Gun was made in 2008 only with a laminated stock and 26" stainless barrel and action. I've shot it and 1/2" @ 100 is the average. I'm thinking $800 or so with 4 boxes of ammo. Whatcha think? Thanks.

    Todd


    Sounds like a real nice gun.
  • toad67toad67 Member Posts: 13,008 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    No scope only bases and rings, Wby brass with reloads, 99% sure that I'm gonna own it if he sells it. Any one need a Stainless Wby Vanguard in 257? Let me know and I'll make you an auction.

    Todd
  • pwilliepwillie Member Posts: 20,253 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    You mentioned a barrel...Custom?
  • NOAHNOAH Member Posts: 9,690
    edited November -1
    And wimin too[:0][:D][:D]quote:Originally posted by Colonel Plink
    With hot rods and guns, it's hard to get the money out that you sink into them.
  • allamericangunshopallamericangunshop Member Posts: 727 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    OK ,
    depending on the Gun in question , and the work done ???
    May very well add to the value ,
    or ,
    Maybe Not ???
    a bunch of variables here ......
    Thanks !!!
    d.a.stearns ......... a.k.a. ....... SKEEZIX .........................
    Gunsmith / LEO
    Athens , Tn













    www.allamericangunshop.com
    www.tnhandgunclasses.vpweb.com
    .
    .
    .
  • retroxler58retroxler58 Member Posts: 32,693 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Smithin' is either a "needed" procedure or a "wanted" procedure...

    Most ofetn any Smithin' work done "jus'because" you wanted it done...
    Will net you zip in return unless it provides "added value" and is sought out by many as well.

    If'n the used gun can't be used without needed Smithin'...
    Than the added cost will at least get you to the market value for that particular piece.
    But, rarely provide you 'more' than market value...

    Sometimes a "wall hanger" just needs to be admired for it's history... and left alone. [;)]

    .
    .
    .

    Like making an inline 58 cal Black Powder Rifle from a Savage 220...
    It simply is what it is... Nothing more.
    A "used Sav-220" now barreled for a 54 cal Black Powder Bullet...
    No amount of effort or money can change that... [;)]
  • woodshed87woodshed87 Member Posts: 23,478 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Colonel Plink
    With hot rods and guns,Wimmin's it's hard to get the money out that you sink into them.
  • RustyBonesRustyBones Member Posts: 4,956
    edited November -1
    I don't pay extra for a trigger job unless I get it done myself.

    Barrel re-crown - was it damaged or a custom barrel job? You shouldn't pay extra to bring the gun back to original functional condition. If custom barrel work I can see paying a premium if it has proven results.
  • FEENIXFEENIX Member Posts: 10,559 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by retroxler58
    Smithin' is either a "needed" procedure or a "wanted" procedure...

    Most ofetn any Smithin' work done "jus'because" you wanted it done...
    Will net you zip in return unless it provides "added value" and is sought out by many as well.

    If'n the used gun can't be used without needed Smithin'...
    Than the added cost will at least get you to the market value for that particular piece.
    But, rarely provide you 'more' than market value...

    Sometimes a "wall hanger" just needs to be admired for it's history... and left alone. [;)]
    Like making an inline 58 cal Black Powder Rifle from a Savage 220...
    It simply is what it is... Nothing more.
    A "used Sav-220" now barreled for a 54 cal Black Powder Bullet...
    No amount of effort or money can change that... [;)]

    L[:p]L! Now I have to clean my monitor. [^]
  • slumlord44slumlord44 Member Posts: 3,702 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Actualy a well done hot rod sells more than an original today.
  • v35v35 Member Posts: 12,710 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The proof of the puddin in this case is in the shootin.
    1/2" groups is the proof of value added.
    What you think it's worth is subjective.
  • retroxler58retroxler58 Member Posts: 32,693 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by FEENIX
    quote:Originally posted by retroxler58
    Smithin' is either a "needed" procedure or a "wanted" procedure...

    Most often any Smithin' work done "jus'because" you wanted it done...
    Will net you zip in return unless it provides "added value" and is sought out by many as well.

    If'n the used gun can't be used without needed Smithin'...
    Than the added cost will at least get you to the market value for that particular piece.
    But, rarely provide you 'more' than market value...

    Sometimes a "wall hanger" just needs to be admired for it's history... and left alone. [;)]
    Like making an inline 58 cal Black Powder Rifle from a Savage 220...
    It simply is what it is... Nothing more.
    A "used Sav-220" now barreled for a 54 cal Black Powder Bullet...
    No amount of effort or money can change that... [;)]

    L[:p]L! Now I have to clean my monitor. [^]

    Well... Am I wrong? [:D]
  • yoshmysteryoshmyster Member Posts: 22,065 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Usually ZERO. Now if a job was done that the buyer was looking for doing them selves then maybe 50% at best.
  • FEENIXFEENIX Member Posts: 10,559 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by retroxler58
    quote:Originally posted by FEENIX
    quote:Originally posted by retroxler58
    Smithin' is either a "needed" procedure or a "wanted" procedure...

    Most often any Smithin' work done "jus'because" you wanted it done...
    Will net you zip in return unless it provides "added value" and is sought out by many as well.

    If'n the used gun can't be used without needed Smithin'...
    Than the added cost will at least get you to the market value for that particular piece.
    But, rarely provide you 'more' than market value...

    Sometimes a "wall hanger" just needs to be admired for it's history... and left alone. [;)]
    Like making an inline 58 cal Black Powder Rifle from a Savage 220...
    It simply is what it is... Nothing more.
    A "used Sav-220" now barreled for a 54 cal Black Powder Bullet...
    No amount of effort or money can change that... [;)]

    L[:p]L! Now I have to clean my monitor. [^]

    Well... Am I wrong? [:D]


    Be nice! [:p]
  • bhale187bhale187 Member Posts: 7,798
    edited November -1
    maybe 1/3 of the cost at best, and even than you've got to find a buyer who wanted the exact work done that the previous owner did.
  • Horse Plains DrifterHorse Plains Drifter Forums Admins, Member, Moderator Posts: 40,234 ***** Forums Admin
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by slumlord44
    Actualy a well done hot rod sells more than an original today.
    Yep, and they still sell for 30%-50% of what you have in them.
  • machine gun moranmachine gun moran Member Posts: 5,198
    edited November -1
    One thing that is certain to kill my purchase of any firearm, is a statement that it has been 'custom-tuned'. At one point, I think I just about exhausted Smith & Wesson's stock of spare parts all by myself, replacing stuff that had been chopped and ground to the point that the firearms were dysfunctional.

    The worst I saw, was a 'custom-tuned' 10mm Colt Government that had half of the bottom of the chamber ground away. The guy had ground the feed ramp to a shallow angle, and ground it so far forward that the rear of the barrel would overhang the feed ramp by a long way when the barrel was at the rear (in the feeding position). So he simply ground the bottom of the chamber away, to match.

    I really like the words 'factory original'.
  • Bill JordanBill Jordan Member Posts: 1,402 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I really like the words, "Excellent Condition"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • KEVD18KEVD18 Member Posts: 15,037
    edited November -1
    rarely do you get more than 50% of what you put into custom work back out of it when you sell, if you get anything.

    the bottom line is that a buyer wont pay much for your custom work. if they were going to pay for custom work, they would commission the work themselves.

    this is a variable concept though. boilerplate custom work(trigger job etc) you can get a decent amount of the cost back. real custom work(unusual furniture, engraving, other out of the box stuff) is frequently too unique.
  • toad67toad67 Member Posts: 13,008 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Well It's finally over, I shot it and bought it today. 70.9 grns of RL25 pushed a 115 gr Nosler Balistic tip at 3300 FPS. The best group was .310" @ 100 yds. Gave him $750 and he gave me the gun.[^]
  • retroxler58retroxler58 Member Posts: 32,693 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by FEENIX
    quote:Originally posted by retroxler58
    quote:Originally posted by FEENIX
    quote:Originally posted by retroxler58
    Smithin' is either a "needed" procedure or a "wanted" procedure...

    Most often any Smithin' work done "jus'because" you wanted it done...
    Will net you zip in return unless it provides "added value" and is sought out by many as well.

    If'n the used gun can't be used without needed Smithin'...
    Than the added cost will at least get you to the market value for that particular piece.
    But, rarely provide you 'more' than market value...

    Sometimes a "wall hanger" just needs to be admired for it's history... and left alone. [;)]
    Like making an inline 58 cal Black Powder Rifle from a Savage 220...
    It simply is what it is... Nothing more.
    A "used Sav-220" now barreled for a 54 cal Black Powder Bullet...
    No amount of effort or money can change that... [;)]

    L[:p]L! Now I have to clean my monitor. [^]

    Well... Am I wrong? [:D]


    Be nice! [:p]
    I was being nice... If I'm wrong... I'd be the first to admit it and apologize.
    But I highly doubt I'm in error on this one. [;)]
  • retroxler58retroxler58 Member Posts: 32,693 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by bhale187
    maybe 1/3 of the cost at best, and even than you've got to find a buyer who wanted the exact work done that the previous owner did.
    Exactly...

    Everyone's idea of improvement over the base model is different...

    Add cost if you like but be aware that cost does not EQUAL added value...
    And consequently, the opposite holds true as well...
  • toad67toad67 Member Posts: 13,008 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by retroxler58
    quote:Originally posted by bhale187
    maybe 1/3 of the cost at best, and even than you've got to find a buyer who wanted the exact work done that the previous owner did.
    Exactly...

    Everyone's idea of improvement over the base model is different...

    Add cost if you like but be aware that cost does not EQUAL added value...
    And consequently, the opposite holds true as well...


    I agree 100% with you on your thoughts. However on this gun the added $ value of the services was pretty minimal. When I asked the question I was not sure where he was going to start in regards to price. I feel that the added services made the gun go from good to great and I got it for what I feel was a good price. I also realize that the value is in the eyes of the beholder and there is a big difference between services that improve or just make a gun serviceable. Thanks again for all of the input.

    Todd
  • retroxler58retroxler58 Member Posts: 32,693 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by toad67
    quote:Originally posted by retroxler58
    quote:Originally posted by bhale187
    maybe 1/3 of the cost at best, and even than you've got to find a buyer who wanted the exact work done that the previous owner did.
    Exactly...

    Everyone's idea of improvement over the base model is different...

    Add cost if you like but be aware that cost does not EQUAL added value...
    And consequently, the opposite holds true as well...


    I agree 100% with you on your thoughts. However on this gun the added $ value of the services was pretty minimal. When I asked the question I was not sure where he was going to start in regards to price. I feel that the added services made the gun go from good to great and I got it for what I feel was a good price. I also realize that the value is in the eyes of the beholder and there is a big difference between services that improve or just make a gun serviceable. Thanks again for all of the input.

    Todd
    What's MOST important is that you AND the seller feel you made a good deal...
    He that he got enough to cover his costs adequately... And...
    You that you got enough value to cover the cost of purchase.
    Anything else... Well really doesn't matter.

    Glad you feel good about it... [;)]
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