Re: Luger values
Matt,
I have the same books and I agree with your observation. One big factor that cannot be taken into account in the books is the area of the country where you are trying to buy and sell. Different firearms sell for different prices in different area. This make the price guide books as that, just a guide. If you take the small pocket book by Davis, his prices seem VERY high compared to the other books. I have had Davis's book since it first came out and the prices he lists for a particular Luger is above what the highest dealers sell them for. I trust the two books you have to be the best on the market, but you must use your common sense and how bad you want the pistol as a factor.
What I don't like is to be at a gun show and a dealer pull out his book and say "look, the price of this firearms is worth $XXX.00, I am selling it for 20% less than that. You are getting the deal of the century". Go to another row and there is the same firearm selling for 50% less than the other dealer was asking and that is the going price in that area.
My opinion is to use the books as a guide, see what the highest price that is listed, see the other book with the lowest price and then come up with an average. Just remember, the prices listed in these books are retail, try to buy them for less as most dealers have approx. 30% profit at a minimum. Also, dealers must make a profit to stay in business, I just don't want to pay more than a pistol is worth. Just a few of my thoughts on this.
Marvin
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