Rifle Scopes Painted Optics: Resale Value "Shot"?

[sapper_6]

Hi guys, I really hope this is in a relatively correct forum to post. Last thing I want is my first post on SH to make me out to be a pogue, not looking for flamage.

I am curious as to the consensus on what happens to the resale value of a piece of optic once say, the body (minus glass obviously) has been painted. I.E- Duracoated or Kyrlon'd etc.

I surmise that often times people would shun away from such pieces of kit if they didn't "match" their own kits scheme but other than that... what is the harm upon resale.

Assuming an optic is still in 100% functional condition and is merely painted say "desert", would it generally take a hit on the used market and if so how much?

Thanks guys,

 

[Austan]

Re: Painted Optics: Resale Value "Shot"?

It does seem that an optic that gets coated will have less resale value. As to how much I think depends on how much work is required to remove the coating. If it's just krylon I'd estimate a 10% loss in value. For Duracoat or other harder to remove coatings the loss in value would be more substantial (20-25%). On the other hand, if you were to do a really nice job with a solid color in either FDE or OD, there is the possibility it could up the resale value for some buyers. In the end, any item is only worth what someone is willing to pay.

 

[Redmanss]

Re: Painted Optics: Resale Value "Shot"?

Krylon comes off. Here's a great thread on how to do it:
For those afraid to paint their weapons......

If you're looking to use it for a short while, then why bother getting it coated? Otherwise, I really don't concern myself with resale value. I use it however I need to, just like a vehicle.

 

[tbugher62]

Re: Painted Optics: Resale Value "Shot"?

Check out Ebay the painted scopes seem to sit and sit and sit with no buyers, until they are priced about 60% of the price of an unpainted one.Most dont seem to sell at all for some reason.

 

[hbus1300]

Re: Painted Optics: Resale Value "Shot"?

I would never buy one that has been painted unless it was an amazing deal. There are enough used options out there to pick from to not get someone's Mona Lisa. I am probably more concerned with my stuff retaining as much of its value as it can though, because I can't afford to depreciate it. Just a newbs 2 cents.

 

[JRose]

Re: Painted Optics: Resale Value "Shot"?

I have a $3400 Hensoldt that's spray painted tan. It looks good, works for me, and if I ever sell it, I can remove everybit of it where the buyer will never know it's ever been painted.

Stick with spray paint.

 

[jasonk]

Re: Painted Optics: Resale Value "Shot"?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JRose</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a $3400 Hensoldt that's spray painted tan. It looks good, works for me, and if I ever sell it, I can remove everybit of it where the buyer will never know it's ever been painted.

Stick with spray paint. </div></div>

Well now we all know.....and it's worth $8 now because of it. However, I'll give you $10 because I like you.

 

[JRose]

Re: Painted Optics: Resale Value "Shot"?

You know nothing.

(waves his Jedi mind trick hand over JasonK's face, and robs him for his SS...)

 

[wiganbear]

Re: Painted Optics: Resale Value "Shot"?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hbus1300</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would never buy one that has been painted unless it was an amazing deal. There are enough used options out there to pick from to not get someone's Mona Lisa. I am probably more concerned with my stuff retaining as much of its value as it can though, because I can't afford to depreciate it. Just a newbs 2 cents.</div></div>

I agree, I use my gear a lot and in all conditions but have an eye on resale just in case I need to move it on, you never know what is around the corner. Why not buy a scope already painted so it's taken the hit already and you can leave it if you like it or get in painted another colour?

 

[BCP]

Re: Painted Optics: Resale Value "Shot"?

I think it does, but if you strip it off and clean it up good as new none will be the wiser.

 

[Powder_Burns]

Re: Painted Optics: Resale Value "Shot"?

Whenever you get ready to sell something, its normal procedure to try and clean up your item and make it look as 'LNIB' as possible to help your chances of selling said item. A car for example, you would vacuum the upholstery and clean the interior, maybe take the car for a wash and wax job before trying to push it on someone. If you wanted to sell that scope, the same procedure applies to an extent. Clean up the body and try to get the dust/dirt off the lenses so it looks as pristine as possible, and it will help your chances of getting it sold.

 

[shoepop]

Re: Painted Optics: Resale Value "Shot"?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hbus1300</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would never buy one that has been painted unless it was an amazing deal. There are enough used options out there to pick from to not get someone's Mona Lisa. I am probably more concerned with my stuff retaining as much of its value as it can though, because I can't afford to depreciate it. Just a newbs 2 cents. </div></div>

Agree newb's 2 cents, also has good sense.

 

[ARP]

Re: Painted Optics: Resale Value "Shot"?

I think I don't own a single scope that doesn't have paint on it and I likely never will. I paint the things before I ever even use them for the first time. If I ever get so desperate or want to so bad as to need to sell any of them then I figure I am desperate or wanting enough to not worry about taking a small percentage hit if one even does.

 

[KChen986]

Re: Painted Optics: Resale Value "Shot"?

The scope I purchased did not have too many offers, even though it was a smoking deal, possibly due to the dura-coat on the scope. However, after a bit of research and some elbow grease, I brought the scope back to almost-NIB.

I think the added work of restoring the scopes lowers their price--however, I consider inexpensive painted scopes to be of great value.

 

[RollingThunder51]

Re: Painted Optics: Resale Value "Shot"?

Keep the paint off the clear ends and you will get more for it.

 

[ARP]

Re: Painted Optics: Resale Value "Shot"?

If I ever sell one you will find that I also offer to remove and or repaint the item to suit the buyers fancy