Home build resale value

[WVshooter]

I'm considering building an AR for 3 gun type matches but seeing how often I buy and sell guns I started wondering how badly I could expect to take a bath on a home build if I decided to sell it.
I hate to think that way but it's reality. I was pricing everything out and I could save maybe a few hundred dollars give or take building a comparable rifle to what I could buy from a name brand.

So for anyone who's built their own guns and sold them, how bad of a beating did you take?

 

[Bill Larson]

Great subject..........with AR`s specific and all guns in general......what`s the difference in a 3500$ gun.... and a 1200$ gun with exact components built by the owner...... WORKMANSHIP.....
It isn`t a great feat to build a gun that is micro-MOA..... with the components available today.....You gotta have some machinery.... not just a hand drill.......although a lot can be done CAREFULLY with a hand drill.....
I`m a retired machinist....bought lathes and mills while still working......Have always built my own guns to compete with.....satisfying and cost effective.....
AR`s esp. can be assembled by the builder.....resale..... a good gun...and a guy who knows it will pay 75% of what the big guys are getting....
Living the American dream costs around 100$/hr. to keep a shop open......do what you can yourself......what you save..buy bullets/barrels

 

[GH41]

I'm considering building an AR for 3 gun type matches but seeing how often I buy and sell guns I started wondering how badly I could expect to take a bath on a home build if I decided to sell it.
I hate to think that way but it's reality. I was pricing everything out and I could save maybe a few hundred dollars give or take building a comparable rifle to what I could buy from a name brand.

So for anyone who's built their own guns and sold them, how bad of a beating did you take?

You are NOT going to save $200 unless you already have the tools to do it. You are not going to buy the tools to do it properly for $200. The only reason to build a rifle is if you cannot get what you want off of the shelf. There are plenty of top shelf AR builders out there that will build what you want for less than you can do it yourself. I custom gun from a professional builder will retain more value than a Frankengun assembled by you. On the other hand there are plenty of dumb asses out there! They stand in line to buy Bushmasters!!

 

[Mike_Honcho]

Been through the shopping list many times, the savings on new parts vs a new gun really don't amount to more than @ $200 - which you'd loose more than if you ever went to sell it.

Now - used parts are different story... If you are patient and know exactly what you want you can scab some thing together for a LOT less than retail.

 

[Danco411]

The real reason to build is to choose the individual components YOU want. Factory rifles are a blend of parts chosen by the manufacturer based on performance and price. Most folks end up replacing and upgrading parts anyway unless you get a Larue, Knights or some other super high end rifle. An AR is nothing but a collection of parts, many which are user specific. So any AR for sale is worth what the parts are worth minus use. So build what you want based on your needs. Barrel length and caliber are most important. Lots of superb aftermarket barrel makers which will shoot much better than those which will come on most factory sticks. Triggers, BCG's, receivers and stocks in all flavors and most better than factory in total.

I like to build high end AR's. I build them, shoot them then sell them to try other combinations. I don't make money for sure but I don't loose much if any either. I like to break even which is how I price my used rifles. When looking at a home built AR I look at the parts list and figure out what it would cost to build. If the asking price is within reason and I want it, I'll buy it. Don't care who built it as long as there is no damage. I'll disassemble and reassemble anyway.

Frankly with a factory rifle you'll get quicker resale as long as the price is right. Folks who don't know AR's will stick with factory because they think it's safe which is fine. Those who understand the platform will only look at the collection of parts. Me I'll never own a factory rifle. None have the collection of parts I like and want. Nor do they ever shoot the same. But that's just me. YMMV

 

[Travis S]

I try to be thrifty where I can. I roll my own ar's and have for years. I buy used when I can, New on good sales. Rarely do I sell a complete rifle. When I get tired of a configuration and want something new it's easy, I sell the front end only, the stock. I know what I like in grips, triggers do I leave that together. I know I like flat tops, would end up buying another one anyways so why sell it? Buying quality used, in shape, don't really lose anything.

 

[mallrat]

I figure if you decide you don't want to shoot it anymore, you can stick it in the back of the safe and sell it when the next panic hits.

 

[zyrtec9]

what he said ^^

 

[Travis S]

Mallrat has a very valid point as well...

 

[WVshooter]

I figure if you decide you don't want to shoot it anymore, you can stick it in the back of the safe and sell it when the next panic hits.

Thats a really good point. There's always one coming.

I've already got a lower and parts kit that's been sitting in the safe for over a year. I might as well plan one out and get it together and not worry about whatever the resale value of it would be. Hopefully it'll be kick ass and I won't want to sell it anyway.

 

[mallrat]

Don't get me wrong, I don't want there to be another panic, but I'm betting there will be.

 

[sawman556]

I've always found it best to break AR's down into parts if I want to sell a personal build. Now wouldn't be the best time to sell.

 

[banditbump]

I have never seen parts or prices this low. New Colts for way under 1k, $600 starter ar's for sale online and in lgs. Parts are super cheap, lots of smaller ar companies must have overstocked during the last panic. You can find lowers for $50! It will be a while for the next panic imo because u need the Democrats in charge of Congress which doesn't look possible for several years. We have a pretty pro gun supreme court as well that could strike any new gun law as well. I would say now is the time to buy, hold, and shoot ar's whether you build them or buy them.

As to the op's original question if u plan to do competitive shooting u might as well build the rifle so u learn the platform understand how it works and how to fix any problems. I think u can save way more money than u think. I saved a alot buying just the barrel and lightweight carrier from jp new, then got all the other parts used or new from a less pricey vendor. When u build u can pay as u go, if your patient. Also there is a 17% or something tax on new firearms if u look at some ar parts and rifle vendors you will see that factored in, as in if u buy all the parts to build a complete gun in one purchase they will charge u extra for that reason.

Honestly I regret selling every gun I ever have. They are all worth more now than when I sold them.. most of the time I have sold or traded firearms to fund another gun purchase I was in a rush for the next big thing and didn't get full value for what I got rid of.

 

[Lofty]

It all comes down to what you paid for the parts. Be patient.... Like a buzzard, with cash in hand.... You can snatch parts at great prices. Some might be used, some never assembled. I've built some great ARs with high end components for cheaper than I can buy off the rack Colts.

This way you never take a bath on it. Most I lose, if anything, is shipping.

Like someone else said, part it out.... You'll get more for it.

 

[wareagle700]

Now is not a good time for selling used AR's and especially homebrew's. As stated above, prices are low and parts are plentiful. I would hate for another panic to come but that is the best time to get rid of stuff. For now, your best bet is to take the rifle apart and sell everything separate.

 

[N0mad]

I say shoot the crap out of it... Wear it out with practice and more practice... I was never interested in them until the gov decided I might not need one... I bought a BCM 16" flat top complete upper during the panic from BC direct they are about the same price now... The lower I bought complete it think they moved about $50 lower from the same company... I put a Geissele trigger it, scoped it and added a few other accessories but it's not a percision rifle it's just a lot of fun.

I'm gonna keep it and put as much ammo through it as I can afford to.

It ain't no safe queen or collectors item that's for sure.