Big Bore Rifle Market

[CTDolan]

So, I picked up a gently used Ruger RSM in 458 Lott a week or so ago. I got the lovely rifle for $1400 on Guns International. The seller told me that the market is soft and the moment, that it's been hard to move the big boomers, hence the price (he then went on to tell me that the market for big doubles is even softer still).

Had it been a 416 Rigby, no doubt the seller could've likely gotten more, but I'm wondering, are you all seeing the same, here in the States? Just curious.

 

[mdwest]

I know I got the deal of the century on my Win 70 .375H&H.. It had exactly 5 rounds through it and was in brand new condition.. paid $650... but I got it off a buddy who actually tried to just give it to me before we finally negotiated out a "fair" price.. so I dont think my deal is any indicator of what the market looks like..

Before I bought the winchester I looked at several .375 and .416 options both at local gun shops and online and was surprised at how "low" the prices were though.. I fully expected minimum entry would be $1200-$1500 and found a lot of stuff below the $1K mark that looked like it was in good shape and of reasonable manufacture (CZ, Winchester, Weatherby, Interarms, etc..etc..)...

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

From what I've seen the market is down including especially in DRs. There's been some great deals in particular for the doubles the last couple of years.

An RSM for $1400 regardless of caliber is from what I've seen a great deal. Not long ago those were running typically $2K.

 

[CAustin]

Good looking rifle at a good price sir. Congrats!

 

[BC.Pat]

Well I hope what you say is true, I am still looking for a RSM in 375 up here. (Canada) . If I cant find one in the next year or so there are some companies that will import form the US, and will likely peruse that route.
Beautiful rifle BTW congratulations.
Pat

 

[CTDolan]

Thank you. I've been watching RSM's for a while and when this one came around I had to jump. Beforehand, any at such a price was the subject (or victim) of undesirable gunsmithing (muzzle brakes, etc.). This one has a poorly fitted recoil pad but I am already in the process of fixing that problem with a proper Silver's red pad (yeah, I know, they're not soft but they sure as hell look good!).

 

[Red Leg]

These are wonderful under appreciated rifles. Congrats on a great find. An industry buddy told me it would cost nearly 3K for Ruger to build such a rifle now - they would have to sell for at least 3500 to show any margin.

 

[CTDolan]

Well I hope what you say is true, I am still looking for a RSM in 375 up here. (Canada) . If I cant find one in the next year or so there are some companies that will import form the US, and will likely peruse that route.
Beautiful rifle BTW congratulations.
Pat

If the market is soft in the USA I am guessing the same must be true of Canada. There may not be as many floating around but perhaps when one does surface you'll get it at a reasonable price.

 

[CTDolan]

These are wonderful under appreciated rifles. Congrats on a great find. An industry buddy told me it would cost nearly 3K for Ruger to build such a rifle now - they would have to sell for at least 3500 to show any margin.

I've probably mentioned it before but for a while there was a joke going around regarding the RSM, that Ruger placed a rolled-up $1,000 bill in the barrel of each prior to shipping (implying that they were giving the rifles away, and then some).

Clearly, the RSM was one of Bill's personal projects (along with the Gold Label SxS), something he may have long wanted to do but held off pursuing until in the waning years of his life, at a time when the company was so well established he felt as though he could (and perhaps had the time to see it through).

 

[Desert Dog]

Yes, the market is soft for the big boomers and there are many great deals on used guns to be had right now.

A LARGE percentage of big game hunters in the United States earn a living in some capacity from the oil industry. My local SCI chapter is probably 80% oil men (in California).

The oil industry has been in the toilet for several years now, with no end in sight. Most of these folks now need to "realign" their financial priorities. In addition to big bore rifles; custom over/unders, ATVs, UTVs, Jeeps, 1-ton trucks, travel trailers, motor homes, off-shore fishing gear, boats, and many other items can be had in oil country at extreme discounts right now.

Unfortunately, way too many people that I call friends are on hard times right now because of this.

 

[BC.Pat]

USA I am guessing the same must be true of Canada

You would think so CT but its not always the case in my experience. Some rifles follow the USA markets pretty closely (with exchange) and others way under what a US consumer would expect to pay. There are a couple of fellows in Canada that export (lawfully) to the USA as a business specializing in historically significant (collectable) firearms and do quite a brisk business. The fellow I have had dealings with is Joe Salter ( he has a web site).

I suppose I would have to tip my hat to Mr. Ruger, I appreciate a man that would do what he did in producing the fine RSM knowing that it would likely never be very profitable. Ive been know tilt at windmills myself occasionally.

Regards

Pat

 

[BC.Pat]

The oil industry has been in the toilet for several years now

Its very similar situation in the "oil patch" here in Canada as well. I doubt it will change until the price of crude rises. Its the history of the resource industry in our country boom & bust , repeat as required.

Pat