Dealer prices in this article have been removed by webmaster.
Are You Missing the Boat on Surplus?
By: Bob Finley
Admit it, when you sell a new domestic firearm or a high priced import, you pray that the customer buys a few boxes of ammo and accessories just so you can make a buck on the sale. The margins on new firearms just aren't there. To add insult to injury, you're probably also competing with large discount department stores in your area who can, in many cases, sell guns for less than you can buy them! This is where surplus firearms can make a big difference in your store.
Okay, I can hear you now. Some of you don't think that surplus guns are worth the time and energy. The truth is, that's where you're missing the boat...
Let's take a look at the facts. There is definitely room for excellent margin on surplus firearms. Some, like the Mosin-Nagant M91/30 from Century International Arms are available in good condition for less than [$0.00] If you can't sell these at a profit, it's time to lock the door!
The bargains are out there, but you have to know where to look. For example, Century International Arms will send you a free monthly catalog (similar to their insert included in this issue of AFI). Simply send a signed copy of your FFL to Dept. AFI196, P.O. Box 714, St. Albans, VT, 05478.
Another money maker from Century is the Swedish Mauser M96. They are available for less than [$00.00] in good condition. If you don't think that's a deal, then you aren't looking hard enough. Here's why: Since the Swedes never used corrosive ammunition, nearly every single Swedish Mauser has a bright and shiny bore. Sure, there may be some dust or grit in it when it comes out of the box, but just run a patch down the barrel and you'll have to wear sunglasses to look down the bore! Learning little facts like that about surplus firearms can give you the insight you need to find some really great deals. And being able to communicate this to your customer translates into more sales.
It should be obvious by now that you can turn a decent profit on basic surplus firearms, "but what about the accessories?", you ask. Let me assure you that the accessory market for surplus firearms is just as strong (or stronger) than the "new gun" market. But don't take my word for it, check out the SKS Sporter package available from Century International Arms. This is a truly great package deal that you just can't go wrong with. It includes an SKS rifle (with a beautiful new synthetic stock) and Century's VisionPlus 2.5 x 20mm scope, a specially designed SKS scope mount, a durable Kolpin rifle case and they have even included a trigger lock to finish off the deal. All of this is available for the unbelievable price of [$000.00]! If you didn't want to offer this to your customers as a complete package, there is no law (yet!) that says you couldn't split it up and offer each item separately, allowing your customers to pick out their own "package".
Speaking of "sporterized" rifle packages, customers who prefer bolt action rifles are not left out in the cold, as Century also sells a package built around the Swedish M96 Mauser mentioned earlier. This rugged beauty has been fitted with a new synthetic stock complete with sling studs. The bolt has been bent down to clear the scope (yes, there's a Simmons scope included too!), the receiver has even been drilled and tapped for see-thru scope mounts (they're included) and you still get the great rifle case and a trigger lock - all for less than [$000.00]!
But I'm getting off the subject which is surplus firearms and how you'll profit by selling them.
In addition to surplus guns being money makers for you, all of these guns have a history. Why buy a "commemorative" when you can have the original? To see what I mean let's take a closer look at one of the guns currently available from Century - the Nagant Revolver. This one just oozes with history! For starters it has a fascinating operating feature, its cylinder, which moves forward once the gun is cocked, forming a gas seal with the barrel. These are the actual revolvers which were standard issue to the Russian army during the reign of the Czars and were in use until about 1933 when the Russian TT semi-automatic pistol in 7.62x25mm took over (yes, these are also available from Century!).
But the deals don't end here, Century also carries newly manufactured FEG 9mm pistols (and at the time this article was written, high capacity magazines were still available for these), for under [$000.00] each, special collector variations of the Ballester Molina .45 ACP pistol made for the Argentine Navy and Maritime Police, and the list of bargains goes on and on...
You are no doubt wondering, "Okay, I'm interested in selling surplus in my store. How easy is it to do business with Century International Arms?" In just one word, the answer is...simple!
I know that Century does business the way I would, the old fashioned way. You can call their 800 number, mail or fax your order to them and pay either by check, credit card, or have your order sent out C.O.D. No complicated dating programs, accounting statements, monthly payments or expensive revolving credit plans. The folks at Century tell me they do it that way to keep their customers' costs down. When you think about it, they are right. Someone has got to pay for the so-called "convenience" of a credit program, and guess who that is - YOU! Hey, you can even reach them on the Internet at Webmaster@CenturyArms.com
As I mentioned earlier, Century's insert is printed in this issue of AFI, take a close look at what they've got to offer. Don't just skim through the pages, or you'll be missing that boat again! And, I don't think I could sum it up any better than Century does on the first page of their insert:
Offer your customers well-made, well-known firearms at prices anyone can afford.
Sell your customers a product that they will want to buy plenty of accessories for.
Sell firearms that have enormous historical value.
Sell some of the finest firearms in the world at prices even the local X-Mart can't compete with!
So what's the bottom line? You profit!
Don't miss the boat this time!
[Century International Arms Main Page]