What's a used CZ 85 C worth in MA?

[Unregistered(d)]

I have a 1993-built CZ 85C in very good condition with Hoque grips and 2 high cap mags. It has had a DA/SA trigger job from Teddy Jacobson, along with a barrel recrown and ramp polish.

New CZ's cannot be sold in MA, and dealers cannot sell an CZ's that they cannot prove were in the state before 10/21/98 - which means that these pistols are available virtually only through private sale, in state.

What is it worth? I'm asking $475, about the price of a used Beretta 92 of the same vintage but without the gunsmithing. So far, I've had two offers to trade for even more obscure pistols, after advertising the pistol here and in local newspapers for four months. I paid $375 befor ethe prohibition, and if $225 worth of gunsmithing on a CZ is worth zero, I'll probably keep it.

[Walt-Sherrill]

You'll probably keep it, then.  (And if I had $475 plus shipping, I'd send you a check, today.)   Maybe after I get back from vacation...  (Or maybe we can work a deal WITHOUT magazines, as I don't need any more hi-caps.)

[How about trading it for a Kel-Tec Carbine with a  Glock 10 round and 17 round magazine?  The 10 rounder is drop free (although they both drop free from the gun.)  The carbine comes with mounted light, butt extension, and carrying case, manual, etc.  (Is this gun approved for MA?  It is a long gun, that might get around the restriction.)  About comparable value with the extra stuff (like a $100 mag).  A real hoot of a gun to shoot.]

After-market work generally doesn't add much to the value of a gun when its being sold. Even a Teddy Jacobsen trigger. But especially if you're trying to sell it over the net or in a newspaper ad.

When I add stuff to a gun I do it for my sake, and not to enhance resale value... 'cause I know from shopping and selling, you'll be lucky to get $.10 on the $1 for those enhancements.

The thing you have to do is take it to ranges where your shooting buddies can shoot it, and show that it delivers added performance.  

I could've sold my 85 Combat several times for what I had in it -- and I paid about $100 more than you did, and added about $80 in parts and tuning.  (It's nickel.)

[farmplinker]

I'm guessing you'll end up keeping it. Many people are leery of any modifications done to a gun, not knowing what exactly was done or why. In any event, paying more for a used gun in an ad than a new one costs is hard to swallow, even with performance modifications.

Why won't CZs be legal in MA? I know you have some dumbass gun laws up there, but I'm not familiar with the specifics of this one.

[Unregistered(d)]

CZ USA does not plan on taking the steps necessary for sale here.

It's disappointing as M1911A1's with quality gunsmithing are worth more, but live and learn.

[Tbaus]

VG it seems to me that your pistol is worth more in Mass. due to the scarcity.That value most likely goes down out of state. I don't know the smith, but if he also is "local" and is "known" , that again will add value LOCALLY. Perhaps you did not advertise in a publication that a CZ collector/shooter normally looks in, where you live. Perhaps the timing was wrong. Me personally, if I saw an add run for four months, I would begin to wonder what was wrong with the item for sale. If I had an add that failed to sell an item in 2, 3 weeks  tops, I would pull the ad, wait 3 weeks, reword it and try again. Perhaps you did not word the ad in such a manner as to get someones attention. I would not give up. Value of an item is what someone is willing to pay for it, not what some book says, although the book is a good starting place.

[Unregistered(d)]

- Gunsmith is Teddy Jacobson, Actions By T - the best action man in the country! He now charges $150 for a DA/SA job.

- I didn't run one ad in a single place for four months. All I've gotten so far is offers to trade even more obscure brands.

I'm cutting the price to $400, if it doesn't move out it will go on auctionarms.

[Walt-Sherrill]

If you'll take time payment, and hold the gun until you receive final payment, I'll give you $400.  And send the first check for $100 in the next few days...  

(I should be able to send $100 every two weeks thereafter...)

As I noted on TFL, this is a odd financial time for me -- as we're leaving Friday for a week at the beach, and my cash reserves -- normally weak, at best -- have been trounced upon and thrashed.  

(I'm close to retirement, could be laid off at any time -- thanks to a recent major bank merger -- and we're trying very hard to NOT CHARGE for things like vacation...)

I'll send a copy of my FFL's license with the first check, too.

If interested, my email address is  wsherrill@triad.rr.com.  Send me your (snail) mailing address.

I notice from your profile that you're into Garands.  If you're interested in C&R guns, I've got several choice C&R long guns, including a Swedish Mauser that's nearly perfect, a Husqvarna 640 that is beautiful [8mm], and a very nice P-14 Enfield that was featured in a Shot Gun News article (and is shown in Paul Scarlatta's newest book on Bolt Action Rifles).  

The two military guns have bayonets, slings, etc.  I've also a nice EG Makarov, a Radom P-35, a cute little CZ-50.  Oh, yeah: a clean shooter (not collectible) Luger with extra mags.  All of these guns shoot well.   (The Luger is very accurate, but magazines continue to be a problem with that gun.  I've got four, and only one really works as it should.  I've thrown others away.)

Digital photos available of any of these if interested.

Maybe we can work a trade of comparable value.  In fact, I might be willing to take a bit of a beating and you could come out ahead and recoup more of your investment -- to keep from having to spend hard money.

(I know that MA has strict laws, so cash may be the only option.)

[Walt-Sherrill]

In a private message to me on TFL, VG decided that he wants to sell in MA -- to avoid SHIPPING and FFL expenses -- and wasn't interested in my offer.  He didn't try to negotiate to offset some of those extra costs or make a counter offer.  (I expected to pay the shipping for a cash sale.)

I offered him either cash sale over two months, in which he holds the gun until paid, or a trade for gun(s) of comparable or greater value.   (This was all complicated by Maine's complicated gun transfer laws, to be sure.)

But given my offers, which he refused, I suspect VG finds some value in being able to complain about a gun that everyone else loves.  (I'm sure he's miffed about having put the extra money in the trigger.  Teddy Jacobsen has a good reputation.)

Someone else make him a better offer.  

Its a good gun, and I have no doubts it can be made to perform in a more than satisfactory manner.

[Unregistered(d)]

Walt, here's the message you sent me:

Quote:  I've made you an offer for your 85 Combat on the CZ Forum, but you've not been there in several days, it appears. I'll repeat:

If you'll take time payment -- and hold the gun until it's paid for, I'll send you $100 in the next few days, and $100 on the 1st and the 15th of the following two months, until its paid for. I'll send a copy of my dealers FFL with the first check. (I'm getting ready to take the wife on vacation, and your "deal" came at an inopportune time> )

The other option: if MA legal issues can be resolved -- i've got several possible trades. Mix and match to get comparable value. (Digital photos available for ANY of these guns.)

I MINT Husqvarna 640 (8mm). Beautiful gun. Worth $350 +.

A Excellent Enfield P-14 (similar to the M1917) with bayonet and sling. This gun was featured in a Shot Gun News article last year -- I can send you a copy of the article -- and appears in Paul Scarlatta's new book on C&R Bolt Action Rifles. ($350 + with "good" bayonet.)

I VG Swedish Mauser, sling, bayonet. All matching except barrel rings. Beauiful wood. Very, very accurate with iron sights. $225 +/-.

A collector grade MN 91/30, all matching, $125 (includes bayonet, sling, accesories). Arsenal refinished, etc. A shooter Luger $400+/- Very accurate. Mags continue to be a problem. I have four but only one works worth a crap. (I"ve thrown several away.)

A very nice East German Makarov ($275?) with spare mag. This little gun is a real tack driver. Got it in trade.

A great little CZ-50 (.32 acp) ($125) with spare mag.

I was trying to very, very politely explain that I didn't think you would ever come up with the money. I don't know any private seller that has ever seriously considered time payments from a private individual he doesn't know in another state.

As I believe I explained to you in my message, I have re-listed this pistol at two local gun clubs and in a local publication that accepts handgun ads. And I thought I also explained that if these local efforts did not work, I would then list the gun on auctionarms or gunsamerica.

I am sure as moderator of this forum and most enthusiastic defender of the marque, my conditional enthusiasm is bothersome to you. But I have never said that this or any CZ is not a good pistol or does not shoot well - only that they are not the best. No one would be happier to be wrong - because then I would sell this pistol, and fast! And if you can get $275 for a Makarov, why can't I get over $400 for a CZ85C that shoots as well as any other?

[Walt-Sherrill]

Quote:    I was trying to very, very politely explain that I didn't think you would ever come up with the money. I don't know any private seller that has ever seriously considered time payments from a private individual he doesn't know in another state.

I'm back from vacation, VG, and have the money in hand.  The full amount.  Still interested?   $400 and I pay shipping?   I can send it all out, with a signed copy of my FFL's license as soon as I hear from you.

------------------------
I won't be surprised if you refuse again...

And it wasn't just "a" Makarov, VG, it was an "NRA Excellent" East German Makarov.  They're pricey and they don't make them any more.  They're getting downright hard to find, even.   (The EG ones have the best triggers of any of the Maks, and are much sought after.)  The prices have almost doubled in the last 5 years.

[Unregistered(d)]

Walt, you're on, here's exactly what I'm offering so there's no surprises or heartburn.

- At the $400 price, only 1 magazine, pistol also has plastic case and manual.
- I'll send you all the digital images you want and the pistol is in very good condition, but there is no right of return.  I'm not sure how MA law would handle it, so no 3 day return period. You send me the payment, I send you the pistol, and we're done. I will accept your personal check.
- Shipping at my actual cost, Fedex overnight with insurance, in the past it has been between $27-38.

OK?

[Walt-Sherrill]

OK.

Send me your snail mail address by email, and I'll put a check for $430 in the mail tomorrow, along with a copy of my dealer's FFL...    

If shipping costs prove to be a bit more, I'll send you a second check upon receipt, for the difference.  (Let me know as soon as you know.)  My email address is wsherrill@triad.rr.com

This gun will probably be sold to one of my shooting buddies in the next month or two...

And please do send me a couple of digital photos, etc., when you email me your shipping address.  

[Unregistered(d)]

Walt, a guy in my shooting club has offered $425 conditional on a shoot this weekend. Obviously this deal is preferable to me, especially since you intend to resell it. But if one of your friends is willing to pay more, let me know. If this gentleman reneges, I'll get in touch with you.

[Walt-Sherrill]

If the gentlemen reneges, you'll need to find someone else to sell it to -- as I no longer have any interest in doing business with you.

I suspect the others who have been observing this exchange will be very circumspect in their dealings with you, as well.

[Unregistered(d)]

Walt, I understand your feelings.  If I'd had your money in hand, I would have honored it.

As my stated intention from the beginning was always to sell it locally, as the other offer was received by telephone at about the same time as yours, as we hadn't concluded any details, and as our prospective transaction was adversarial from the start, it's probably just as well.

The prospective buyer never showed up for the 8am range appointment this morning. I'm relisting the local ads with a slightly lower asking price and detailing the gunsmithing by Mr. Jacobson, so hopefully this time I'll have better success.  

But you've accomplished your mission!