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Having not bought an "expensive" new gun before, I need some pointer from thiose who may have or know.

Should I be paying the list price? Or is it acceptable to negoitiate - I think it is and what discount would be a reasonable expectation? 10%, 20%?

It is currently between £4k and £5k depending on what I go for ... and delivery could be 6months or so.

I wouldn’t hold your breath trying to get a discount that large if at all, the UK gun trade already works to very tight margins.

Sportsman Gun Centre who are a very large player often have discounts but you can’t be picky.

Polchraine wrote:Having not bought an "expensive" new gun before, I need some pointer from thiose who may have or know.

Should I be paying the list price? Or is it acceptable to negoitiate - I think it is and what discount would be a reasonable expectation? 10%, 20%?

It is currently between £4k and £5k depending on what I go for ... and delivery could be 6months or so.

If the rifle you wanted was readily available i.e. sitting in a rack somewhere, then there may well be scope for a bit of a reduction. If you are expecting to wait a few months for delivery on an expensive rifle then I think the chances of a price reduction are minimal. I would suggest that there are market forces at work here and where the item concerned is at the top end of the price bracket, the less those forces work in your favour. Just my opinion of course and its always worth trying to negotiate.

Regards

LL

Polchraine wrote:Having not bought an "expensive" new gun before, I need some pointer from thiose who may have or know.

Should I be paying the list price? Or is it acceptable to negoitiate - I think it is and what discount would be a reasonable expectation? 10%, 20%?

It is currently between £4k and £5k depending on what I go for ... and delivery could be 6months or so.

10% could be the margin to the dealer(if there lucky) less carriage so probably not . What are you buying ?

Polchraine wrote:Having not bought an "expensive" new gun before, I need some pointer from thiose who may have or know.

Should I be paying the list price? Or is it acceptable to negoitiate - I think it is and what discount would be a reasonable expectation? 10%, 20%?

It is currently between £4k and £5k depending on what I go for ... and delivery could be 6months or so.

I can't comment on a rifle for that price but some dealers usually have package offers such as Howa 1500, scope, and moderator. Are there any accessories you would like which could be negotiated? Additional barrel, a set of competition reloading dies?

I've not bought a "new" rifle for a while but when I've bought bulk bullets/reloading components I've sometimes asked for a small discount for bulk items and I've usually got it (5% or so). As with all things, it'll depend on the dealers discretion and whatever relationship you have with them.

Have you had a look to see if it's available or more competitively priced in mainland Europe?

https://www.guntrader.uk/guns/rifles/bl ... 5132348003

https://www.blaser.de/en/products/firea ... U0,ZG0,Z20

Sorry, have been away for a few days with no access to email.

It is actually a new shotgun, although I would guess most comments would be applicable to those too. Coming from a UK based gun smith - made under their name in Europe so only available through them. The base gun is available in Europe fractionally cheaper.

It is potentailly made to order to get the right stock dimensions and choice.

Polchraine wrote:Sorry, have been away for a few days with no access to email.

It is actually a new shotgun, although I would guess most comments would be applicable to those too. Coming from a UK based gun smith - made under their name in Europe so only available through them. The base gun is available in Europe fractionally cheaper.

It is potentailly made to order to get the right stock dimensions and choice.

very unlikelly for a discount i wouldhave thought

Actually there can be a reasonable mark-up on some firearms, certainly 20% and more off list of many models. having said that, some shops will heavily discount their prices so they are floating just above trade and they make their money either on advance sales and/or on extras as a package in the case of rifles. So you end up paying 2k for a rifle plus rings plus 'scope plus binoculars which looks good on paper however the extras are of average quality and have very little re-sale value.

Ordering a fully fitted shotgun is about the best thing you can ever do and it will make a massive difference to your shooting. Ask them about the point of balance as it is often overlooked by new owners, are you looking for a slow gun or a fast gun. This is as much about your style and type of shooting. I prefer longer barrels balanced just forward of the pin however many customers ask for their guns to be slowed down or be more neutral ans even swapping out the butt pad or changing the length of pull makes a big difference to the balance of the gun.

I think it's down to the RFD. I know someone who had just shy of £400 knocked off a new gun.