Whoa, Ted . . . I used the same source (Guns International) to compare asking prices on BSS 12's and Scott 700 12's. First off, I'm sorry you didn't know the difference between a 700 and a Bowood . . . but seeing as how I explained that to you (about 700 pounds, new, in 1980), you at least have a bit more to go on.
Second, it's interesting that you don't think BSS 12's often sell for more than $1,000, when I couldn't find a single one listed under $1100--and the average was $1400+. You buy or sell a lot of BSS 12's maybe? As far as that goes, comparing to the average of $3,000 for a used 700 12ga, I definitely know of one--excellent condition, in the maker's case--that sold for under $2,000 at the UP Shoot last month. So if the $1400 average is too high for actual selling prices, then it would appear the $3,000 is as well.
Most folks know that the older a Stevens double, the better the quality. The newer, the more fencepost-like they become. You may get more modern dimensions with a post-war gun, but personally, if I wanted a Stevens, I'd look pre-war--and pick up one of those inexpensive stocks.
As far as how many guns sell for LIST . . . well Ted, the 1600 and 900 pound prices were over in Merry Olde, not here in the former colonies. Don't you suppose there's going to be a bit of a markup--duty, importer's profit, etc? I mean, I bet I can buy a Darne cheaper in France than I can from the guy who imports them Stateside.
Ted, you're a confused fellow when it comes to economics. We've already established that a Scott 700 can be had, now, for about what one cost new in 1980. I couldn't have afforded one, new, back then--but I was certainly able to afford a BSS Sporter 20 for $400. And I'd certainly make more money selling the BSS Sporter 20 today, and perhaps upgrading to a Scott 700, after having bought it for $400 30 years ago. I don't think I want you handling my investments!
Long Range vs BSS . . . let's see: checkering, ST, ejectors, vs no checkering, DT, extractors. All those features, Ted, add to the market value of a gun. If you don't want them, fine--you can get by cheaper. As I said earlier, I'd sooner take an SKB 100 (even though I like the BSS ST better) because it's lighter and I don't need the ejectors. But you won't find any gunmakers that don't charge for those additional features--because they cost extra money in the manufacturing process. (Can you order me an uncheckered Darne, malleable iron frame, at a bargain basement price?)
Beretta Silver Hawk 10x the gun as a BSS? Ted, if I've told you once, I've told you a million times: avoid such hyperbole!
Handled one the other day. (Have owned them in the past, in fact.) With a BT, like the standard BSS, they're equally clunky. The one I saw was marked at $1200. Same dealer had a 12ga BSS Sporter for $500 more. The Sporter felt a heck of a lot better . . . plus it had those extra bells and whistles (ST and ejectors). Irrelevant whether you want them or not, but they're like options on a car: if you do want them, you have to pay for them.
