Low Prices on ARs

[brentlacy]

A few of the more budget priced ARs are running at prices that have not been seen in a few years. What are your thoughts on grabbing one or two as a purchase, for a small "investment"? Worst case you have a couple functioning rifles you got for cheap.

 

[johntheplinker]

Go for it. I'd research any purchase carefully, there are some real gems among the lower tier but also some real dogs.

 

[DadSmith]

IWI Zion 15 are good rifles and ate abundant right now for a decent price.

 

[brentlacy]

I was discussing with a co-worker today that I'm (more than) old enough to remember Sandy Hook and all the crazy that happened directly afterwards. A family member is an FFL in IL, and was doing all he could at that time to find anyone with an AR to buy and resell, as they were unobtanium in all the bigger stores in the area from the panic.

With as polarized as things are now, I could see something like that kicking off a rush like that to a magnitude of 10 or more.

Even "base" PSA upper/lower combos regularly hovering around $400ish has peaked my attention. Bear creek is running a sale on a complete rifle for $349. I've not seen one that low for a bit. People love to hate on them. There has only been one time that one didn't go bang for me... (unfortunately for my middle, it was when he had a buck in the cross hairs) and that was easily fixed with a $15 enhanced firing pin (7.62x39).

I have pretty well what I "need". Anything bought would likely sit back "for a rainy day".

 

[DeadeyeChrista'sdad]

Every time Pelosi or Hilly tell me that I don't need one, I buy one. You should buy two.

 

[Tyler-The-Piker]

inexpensive "budget priced" ARs as an "investment"?
No.
are they part of my collection?
Yes.

 

[Ggreen]

Or buy 1 quality piece...

 

[Expat]

I don't know if we will see runs on ARs in the near future even close to some in the past. Just like this last run on guns, ARs didnt do much, AKs jumped some.

 

[2in1evtime]

Ar's are pretty abundant right now, noticed at start of covid parts were being inflated greatly, now they are coming down also, i always keep enough parts around to build 3 0r 4 rifles in case of a SHTF scenario or a supply disruption. Presently waiting to see what happens with the 80% builder issues and atf!

 

[BE Mike]

No firearms are a good investment, especially plastic and steel. Cheap guns aren't the most desirable, so when it is time to sell, you won't be happy. You are not likely to beat inflation. Put your money in something else for the long term.

 

[BGDave]

During the last run on firearms there was a dealer at an unnamed gun show paying $800 for any Glock that came in the door. Same dude was paying $800+ for any AR 15 that came in.
Having said that, he still has some of those Franken ARs. I'm assuming he is accepting offers now.
Investing in firearms is going to be dicey at best.
My advice is during the next big thing, don't get greedy. Sell early.

 

[BGDave]

During the last run on firearms there was a dealer at an unnamed gun show paying $800 for any Glock that came in the door. Same dude was paying $800+ for any AR 15 that came in.
Having said that, he still has some of those Franken ARs. I'm assuming he is accepting offers now.
Investing in firearms is going to be dicey at best.
My advice is during the next big thing, don't get greedy. Sell early.

 

[DadSmith]

I'd like to see videos on different AR-15 rifles chambered in 5.56x45mm from $350 rifles to $3500 rifles, and run each one 5000rds. See how each one holds up. You might be surprised by the results, or could be exactly what you think the results will be. Until it is done we really don't know how good rifles are in all those price ranges.

 

[Dean C.]

If I were to "put back" an AR for this reason it would a name brand "mid-tier" rifle the IWI Zion mentioned upthread would be a good option.

When the sheep go running for guns they look name brands , every black polymer pistol is a Glock to most of these people .

 

[brentlacy]

Some really interesting perspectives here.

 

[brentlacy]

I'd like to see videos on different AR-15 rifles chambered in 5.56x45mm from $350 rifles to $3500 rifles, and run each one 5000rds. See how each one holds up. You might be surprised by the results, or could be exactly what you think the results will be. Until it is done we really don't know how good rifles are in all those price ranges.

There is this one. Odd that the bottom tier PSA was the first one to make it all the way through the torture test.

 

[churchmouse]

A few of the more budget priced ARs are running at prices that have not been seen in a few years. What are your thoughts on grabbing one or two as a purchase, for a small "investment"? Worst case you have a couple functioning rifles you got for cheap.

As an investment no.

 

[DadSmith]

There is this one. Odd that the bottom tier PSA was the first one to make it all the way through the torture test.

I'm not into throwing your rifle into water, mud, and sand. Just shoot them 5k lube as needed no cleaning type of test. See how far they run.

 

[mmpsteve]

No firearms are a good investment, especially plastic and steel. Cheap guns aren't the most desirable, so when it is time to sell, you won't be happy. You are not likely to beat inflation. Put your money in something else for the long term.

Don't know if I totally agree on this. Maybe it's true for AR's and cheaper items, but I've done pretty well with several lines in my collection: Marlin and Browning lever actions, CZ bolt rifles and rimfires, some of my handguns, etc...

Of course, it's a crap shoot, but I got to enjoy them at the same time they were accumulating value. Can't do that with the 401k.

.

 

[indykid]

Friends have said to me - How much would you have if you invested in some market? I don't know, but I never would have guessed that the SAR-1 that I paid $269 out the door would be approaching $1000, or the $300 MAK-90 would have an asking price nearing $1500. Or the SPAS-12 that I paid under $1000, or the Russian TIGR for $1000. Look at original Colt Python prices.

But unfortunately unless the stuff hits the spinning device, I doubt that any AR will double or even quadruple as some of my prizes have.