Help, Not Sure What I'm Getting Into...

[Novice]

Here, this is probably the better place to post. I am trying to find out what this gun is worth. It is a DPMS lower with what I believe is a M1S 300 Fireball upper (at least that is what the barrel says). However the man I am buying it from said that he believes only the barrel is a 300 Whisper and the upper is a DPMS, and that I could simply buy just a .223 barrel and exchange them out. Oh, and it comes with a Redfield LE-9 tactical scope. Here are some pics, and it comes with a box of ammo. I currently have a Dillon 550B reloader, so I could roll my own. Please help on what I am looking out with this gun, your opinions on it, and what you think it would be worth.



Thanks a millon,

Barry. aka- Novice

[copper]

The rifle itself appears to be a mix of parts, with a model 1 sales barrel, DPMS lower and an ACE stock. Assuming it's in good shape, I'd say that is worth $750 to $800 in todays market. The Redfield LE scopes are pretty nice quality. I've got a 4x12 LE variable on a .308 bolt action rifle and it's a nice optic. I'd say that is worth about $300. So together, you have about $1050 to $1100 worth of stuff there. Of course that's my personal opinion and not gospel.

[Novice]

Thanks Cooper,

I was hoping that I could pick it up and maybe make $100 or so. I buy and sell all the time, and this is the first I have heard of a 300 Whisper or 300 Fireball. He wants $950 for everything, so I guess I will let this one go. If I knew I could sell it for $1100 cash I would snap it up, but I don't even know how to find a buyer as strange as that sounds. Thanks again.

[LouBoyd]

I'd say copper has made a good estimate.

Whether the upper receiver is DPMS or M1S doesn't matter much. I doubt you could detect a difference from changing uppers other than perhaps cosmetically.

The M1S barrel will cycle and stabilize supersonic or subsonic heavy bullet loads. Without a suppressor the muzzle blast is nearly as much as a 223. It just is missing the supersonic crack of the bullet downrange.

If you don't want a 300 Fireball I'd suggest you sell the complete upper on gunBroker.com then buy a complete 223 upper of your choice. That's the least hassle. Keep the scope if you like it.

[Novice]

Thanks guys, I think I will pass on it all together. To me the AR is nothing more than a novelty item. Sure it looks cool, but I have never had one group the way my bolt or single fire rifles have. But I guess if we went to war in my town, it would be nice to have. :) I was really buying it to resale, but if I can't make $50 or $100 then it is not worth it.

[Fudmottin]

With tuned ammo and someone better at shooting than I am, I'm pretty sure my AR can touch 1/4 MOA. It can certainly beat 1/2 MOA. That's with the 223 barrel. I've been too busy to test the 300-221 barrel. I expect similar performance though.

If your guns are bench guns, I can see why you might think an AR is not accurate. But a good AR can match a good bolt gun when built right.

[leo6223]

Buying a gun with the intention of reselling is a no-no and can run afoul of ATF regs.

It really seems that after paging through a good many pages here (and in the "for sale" forums) there seems that there may be a few "posers" looking to catch an unknowing person....ie ATF agents with nothing better to do.

In "today's" market an AR is worth more than 700-800. In fact they are worth a tad over a grand easy. Depending on how desperate some people are they are worth as much as $1600.


Personally, I'd buy the gun and part it out. you'll make more selling the parts then you will the whole rifle.

In fact, if you don't want to buy the gun then give me the guys info. I'll buy it from him. And no, I won't buy it from you after you buy from him.........because I guess my tinfoil is wrapped too tightly on my head but I would suspect it would be some type of ridiculous attempt to bait me into something "illegal".


Again, you said you like to "buy and resell"....well friend don't let the ATF goons ever figure that out....10 years in Fed pen.

[Spook]

Originally Posted by Fudmottin

But a good AR can match a good bolt gun when built right.

Only when the bolt gun isnt built right.

[JimM44]

leo, Good advice, I wondered in someone was going to tell him that.

I see current newspaper articles with the current panic and folks are quoted as buying two, one to shot and one to resell when the price goes up.

Your average person doesn't undertand that intent thing BUT if they would read the form they are signing it clearly asked if you are buying it for YOURSELF. If they are buying for investment to resell then the answer is NO on that form and the dealer would deny them the purchase.

I have sold a few over the years I no longer wanted but I didn't buy them with the intent to get rid of them, I had to have it at the time and later no longer wanted it.

My 7.62x39 AR was one example, I just HAD to have it and then didn't really like it. In fact the 7.62x39 I only got rid of the upper so I still have the part I filled out the form for.

[Spook]

Originally Posted by JimM44

leo, Good advice, I wondered in someone was going to tell him that.

I see current newspaper articles with the current panic and folks are quoted as buying two, one to shot and one to resell when the price goes up.

Your average person doesn't undertand that intent thing BUT if they would read the form they are signing it clearly asked if you are buying it for YOURSELF. If they are buying for investment to resell then the answer is NO on that form and the dealer would deny them the purchase.

I have sold a few over the years I no longer wanted but I didn't buy them with the intent to get rid of them, I had to have it at the time and later no longer wanted it.

My 7.62x39 AR was one example, I just HAD to have it and then didn't really like it. In fact the 7.62x39 I only got rid of the upper so I still have the part I filled out the form for.

If I put on a hat made of tin foil can they still read my mind?