To me, new guns are like new cars and new electronics--once it's out the door it depreciates in value. Also, like classic cars that are kept in original condition, over time guns can appreciate in value.
What I am curious about is your thoughts on what is a "fair" price for the "average" used gun. I know there's no such thing as an "average" gun but lets' say that Shooter X has a firearm that currently retails for $1000. He/she has shot 200 to 500 rounds through it, it has been cleaned and lubed properly after each use, it functions properly and displays "acceptable" accuracy (whatever that may be). Maybe there's a few small dings or scratches from range use/transporting/general handling, let's say the firearm rates 95-98%.
The firearm is still manufactured today, it is not heavily backordered (unlike the 10/22 takeddown which is almost impossible for find and people are scalping them on GB) parts and accessories are available, and it's a reasonably popular firearm, not some oddball or collector's piece.
Shooter X, for whatever reason, decides to sell his/her firearm through this forum. What do you think he/she should reasonably expect to get for the firearm?
Let's talk in terms of percentage off of current retail. Here's what I think: X should expect to price his/her firearm at 30% off of retail ($700). IMO, no one is going to pay 10% to 15% off for a used firearm that's currently available. You could ask 20% less ($800) but at that price you'll get a lot of tire kickers and you'll waste a lot of time showing the firearm and possibly dealing with lowballers (no offense--I've been called that more than once, and that's by friends!).
At 30% off retail, someone will definitely be interested in it and it should sell pretty quickly. By my reasoning, if I wanted to sell a Ruger 10/22 that currently goes for $250, I would price it at $175 and it should sell quickly. If I priced it at $225 (10% off) I'd probably be offered a bunch of Junior Mints or Almond Roca. If I consigned the piece to a gun shop, it would probably be priced no higher than $200. I would then pay them 20% commission, so I'd end up with $160.
So, what do you think?