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The used firearm market is shifting — fast.
Between late 2024 and early 2025, one thing became clear: buyers are more informed and more price-aware than ever. Customers now walk into gun stores referencing GunBroker listings, Armslist ads, and TrueGunValue estimates pulled straight from their phones.
None of those sources tell the full story — but all of them shape expectations at the counter.
For FFLs, understanding what actually sells, what’s slowing down, and how buyer behavior is evolving is now critical to protecting margins.
Here’s a data-backed look at what moved, what stalled, and what those trends mean heading into 2026.
In This Post You’ll Learn
- Which used firearm categories performed best heading into 2026
- Which segments slowed — and why
- How GunBroker, Armslist, and TrueGunValue signal buyer demand
- What pricing and trade-in shifts FFLs should expect in 2026
- How stores can adjust strategy to stay competitive
The Strongest Sellers Heading Into 2025
Across GunBroker and Armslist, a few categories consistently stood out for engagement, watcher activity, and speed of sale.
Modern Carry Pistols Continue to Lead
Compact and mid-size striker-fired 9mm pistols remain the backbone of the used market. Models like the Glock 19, Glock 43X, Sig P320, and Smith & Wesson M&P series continue to sell quickly and predictably.
The reason is simple: reliability, aftermarket support, and constant concealed-carry relevance. Price them correctly, and they move.
Lever Actions Outperformed Expectations
Lever guns surged again, especially Henry, Marlin (post-Ruger relaunch), and Rossi models.
A mix of cultural resurgence, modernized designs, and renewed interest in classic platforms has driven strong demand. Lever actions remain one of the most dependable used categories entering 2025.
AR-15s Stabilized — With Pricing Pressure
The AR market isn’t booming, but it’s steady. Optics-ready rifles and recognizable mid-tier brands continue to sell consistently.
Older configurations and generic builds still move — but only with sharper pricing. ARs remain high-volume inventory, but margin discipline matters more than ever.
Categories That Slowed or Stalled
Not every segment carried momentum into 2026.
Budget Pistols Lost Buyer Interest
Taurus G2/G3, SCCY pistols, and Hi-Points showed slower movement across online marketplaces.
Buyers are increasingly willing to spend slightly more for better-quality used pistols, pushing true “budget” models further down the list.
Niche Calibers Continued to Decline
Firearms chambered in .40 S&W and .357 SIG attracted fewer watchers and sat longer on both GunBroker and Armslist.
With 9mm continuing to dominate, demand for these calibers has not rebounded.
Surplus Rifles Finally Cooled
Surplus rifles remain widely listed, but buyer enthusiasm has softened.
After years of aggressive price inflation, casual buyers have stepped back. Enthusiasts remain, but turnover is slower and pricing needs to reflect that reality.
What to Expect in 2026
Buyers Are Even More Price-Sensitive
Used firearm buyers now compare listings across GunBroker, Armslist, and other marketplaces before stepping into a store. Overpriced used guns sit longer, and customers are more prepared — and more comfortable — negotiating.
Optics-Ready Firearms Continue to Pull Ahead
Optics-ready pistols and modern rifle configurations consistently outperform older models. As pistol red dots become standard rather than optional, firearms that aren’t optics-ready are seeing slower turnover unless priced aggressively.
Data-Driven Pricing Has Become a Necessity
FFLs relying on gut feel alone are increasingly exposed. Buyers expect valuations rooted in real market behavior — not just national averages, but what actually sells locally. Stores that blend national demand signals with their own sell-through data are better positioned to protect margins in 2026.
Key Takeaways for FFLs
- Pay stronger trade-in values for high-demand categories like modern pistols, optics-ready guns, and lever actions
- Tighten margins on slower segments like budget pistols, surplus rifles, and .40-caliber firearms
- Don’t rely on GunBroker or Armslist list prices — they show interest, not transaction reality
- Use local sales data to refine pricing; national averages don’t tell the whole story
- Standardize appraisals to reduce employee-to-employee pricing variance
How Slingit Helps FFLs Compete in 2026
As buyer expectations are increasingly shaped by online marketplace data, FFLs need valuation tools grounded in reality — not scraped list prices online.
Slingit blends national demand signals, regional pricing behavior, and your store’s historical sales to deliver instant, defensible used firearm valuations.
That means buying smarter, avoiding overpaying, and ensuring consistent appraisals across your entire staff — even as the market continues to evolve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are used gun prices expected to rise or fall in 2026?
Prices remain strong for modern carry pistols and lever guns, while surplus rifles and niche calibers continue to soften.
Is GunBroker accurate for determining used firearm values?
GunBroker is excellent for gauging demand and seeing what is selling, but list prices rarely reflect actual selling prices.
Why is TrueGunValue sometimes inaccurate?
TrueGunValue is a great source of information but relies heavily on scraped listings and broad averages. It’s useful directionally, but not precise at the variant level.
How can FFLs stay competitive in 2026?
By using consistent, data-informed appraisals that reflect both national demand and local sell-through behavior.
About Slingit
Slingit is an AI-powered firearm appraisal and market intelligence platform built specifically for FFLs. We help gun stores buy smarter, price more accurately, and protect margins through instant valuations, variant-level identification, national and local market signals, and store-specific historical sales insights.
Slingit brings speed, consistency, and confidence to trade-ins, pricing, and listings — helping FFLs operate more effectively in a rapidly changing used firearm market.
