How Supply and Demand Affects Firearm Resale Prices

Post authorWritten by: Maley
Post datePublished on: September 17, 2025
Updated dateUpdated on: February 20, 2026
3 min read

When it comes to selling a firearm, most owners focus on brand, condition, or rarity. While those factors matter, the biggest influence on resale value is the same force that shapes every market: supply and demand. Understanding this relationship can help you time your sale, set realistic expectations, and maximize your return.

The Basics of Supply and Demand

At its core, supply and demand is simple:

Supply = how many firearms (or specific models) are available for sale.

Demand = how many people are actively looking to buy those firearms.

When demand rises and supply is low, prices increase. When supply rises and demand falls, prices decrease. Firearms are no different, though certain outside forces make this market unique.

What Creates Demand for Firearms?

Several factors influence demand in the firearm resale market:

Legislation and Politics

1. 1. Gun Control debates and proposed legislation often drive a surge in buying.
  2. For example, talk of restrictions on AR-15 style rifles has historically increased demand and prices for those models

Cultural Trends

1. 1. Popular movies, TV shows, and video games can drive up interest in specific models.
  2. Collectors often chase firearms tied to military history or iconic designs.

Hunting and Sporting Season

1. 1. Hunting rifles and shotguns see higher demand leading into hunting season.
  2. Competition handguns or long-range rifles spike in popularity before major shooting events.

Economic Conditions

1. In times of economic uncertainty, buyers often invest in firearms as tangible assets.
2. Conversely, when discretionary income is low, demand for collectible or high-end guns can decline.

What Influences Firearm Supply?

Supply isn’t just about how many guns exist, it’s about how many are available on the market at a given time. Factors include:

Manufacturer Production

When factories increase production, more firearms enter circulation, reducing scarcity.

Limited runs or discontinued models hold higher value due to rarity.

Import Restrictions

International trade laws can suddenly reduce supply. Imported firearms, like certain AK variants, can skyrocket in value when availability is cut off.

Condition and Longevity

Firearms are durable goods; many last for generations. However, pristine examples in their original box are always in shorter supply.

Estate Liquidations

As collections from older generations enter the resale market, temporary oversupply of certain models can drive down prices.

Examples of Supply & Demand in Action

The 2020 Ammo and Firearm Shortage

During the COVID-19 pandemic and political unrest, demand for firearms and ammunition spiked dramatically. Supply chains were strained, leading to record-high resale prices for even common models.

The Surplus Market

Military surplus rifles like the Mosin-Nagant were once sold for under $100 due to oversupply. As supply dried up, prices climbed to $400-$600+ for the same rifles.

Collectors Firearms

A Colt Python revolver used to be relatively common, but after production ceased in 2005, demand rose while supply shrank. Prices for pristine models shot into the thousands.

Timing Your Sale: When to Sell a Firearm

If you’re considering selling a firearm, pay attention to these trends:

Sell before major legislation passes: buyers often pay premiums when they fear restrictions.

Leverage seasonal demand: sell hunting rifles in late summer and early fall.

Monitor collector markets: rare and discontinued models generally rise in value over time.

Act quickly during high-demand events: political or social events can cause temporary spikes in value.

Key Takeaways

Firearm resale prices are directly tied to the balance of supply and demand.

Demand is shaped by politics, culture, hunting seasons, and the economy.

Supply demands on production, imports, condition, and availability.

Timing matters: selling during demand spikes can add hundreds or even thousands to your payout.

At CashMyGuns.com, we help sellers navigate this complex market by providing fair, data-driven offers for their firearms, without the stress of timing it perfectly or finding the right buyer.

Thinking of selling your gun? Get a free online appraisal from Cash My Guns today and see how supply and demand is working in your favor.

TagsGun Value, price guide

Written by: Maley

Maley is a U.S. Navy veteran turned marketing enthusiast with a passport full of stamps and a head full of ideas. With a degree in marketing and a well-worn suitcase, she spent 5.5 years living in England and has explored 14 countries (so far). When she is not crafting creative campaigns, you will find her wrangling her two spirited kids, adventuring with her wired-hair pointing griffin doodle, or being always ready to taste-test the best bites in town. Her hobbies include baking bread from scratch, ruining movie endings (quietly, in her head... sometimes), and making to-do lists she may or may not follow.