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Fair price for a used Tripp STI 2011 .45?


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I'm looking to buy a used STI 2011 in .45 and was wondering what the average price runs for a basically stock used model? A local guy has an almost new stainless (maybe hardchrome) Tripp STI for sale - it comes with 4 x 126mm mags (factory - no extended basepades), only other add-ons appear to be a Kensight adjustable rear and a fiber optic front. What would you consider a fair price for this pistol?

STIphoto.jpg

Thanks in advance!

Edited by Fullauto_Shooter
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I wouldn't pay much over $1k. The gun is useless for anything except L10, and outside for being useful for competition an STI doesn't really have much value over any other firearm. The retail price premium is worth it (to me) to shoot Limited or Open, but a gun that is useless for either of those is useless to me.

If shooting a double stack .45 has some particular value to you, then don't pass it up just because it wouldn't be worth it to me. STIs have great fit and decent trigger parts and honestly, people on this forum who have custom guns who didn't consider a factory STI are missing out. I love my Eagle and if I never had to shoot .40 again, I'd be real happy. STIs are great guns and they are a great supporter of our sport, I just wouldn't have much use for one in .45.

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What I've seen is a 45 acp is not as sought after as it would be in 40..So the market is a little lower on them..you would have to find a price you will be satisfied with,,mags are between 50-& 80 .

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The owner verified the pistol is hardchrome. I've heard of Virgil Tripp and have been told that he was the "T" in "STI", but is there any premium placed on a Tripp gun? One drawback is that the mags are 126 instead of 140 - so I'd have to get new tubes.

Still looking for estimates on value.

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if it is a custom built gun from Virgil Tripp then yes it would be at a higher price than a factory STI, which from picture it looks like a nice gun. Virgil doesn't build guns much anymore and even though it is 45 it would still be a custom build and probably more realistic price would be $1800-$2000

You are not going to be a huge disadvantage with an 18 round 45 compared to most using a 20+1 round 40s&w limited gun, you will just have to choose when to reload a little differently

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if it is a custom built gun from Virgil Tripp then yes it would be at a higher price than a factory STI, which from picture it looks like a nice gun. Virgil doesn't build guns much anymore and even though it is 45 it would still be a custom build and probably more realistic price would be $1800-$2000

You are not going to be a huge disadvantage with an 18 round 45 compared to most using a 20+1 round 40s&w limited gun, you will just have to choose when to reload a little differently

Thanks for the feedback Jake. The current owner isn't sure if the pistol was customized by Tripp - the guy he bought it from had worked with Tripp at some point but didn't mention it having any custom work when they made their deal. The seller did say it has a nice trigger (possible trigger job) but aside from that and the hardchrome, it seems pretty stock.

Still open for more opinions - let's hear your thoughts on a fair price.

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I'm looking to buy a used STI 2011 in .45 and was wondering what the average price runs for a basically stock used model? A local guy has an almost new stainless (maybe hardchrome) Tripp STI for sale - it comes with 4 x 126mm mags (factory - no extended basepades), only other add-ons appear to be a Kensight adjustable rear and a fiber optic front. What would you consider a fair price for this pistol?

STIphoto.jpg

Thanks in advance!

Yeah it's hard to tell from the pic. My first limited gun was built by Virgil and it ran 100%. Call Virgil and give him the serial number. He is usually very helpful. Or as close as your are, just drive over there!

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I don't go with a set "fair price" on guns or anything else for that matter. Negotiation is based on

A. The sellers needs not wants (urgency).

B. The condition of the item.

C. The relative popularity of the item.

D. How badly do I want it?

Current market value means nothing if you are patient and know what price point you want to achieve. I would look at what a stock STI 2011 in .45 is selling for new with 4 new 126mm mags and start at 50% of that and see where that takes you. Unless the provenance is proved beyond a shadow of a doubt the gun remains a "rumored to be" Tripp gun. As long as you preface your offer as a starting point, there is no need to feel like you're offending the seller with a low number when he has set no asking price. Buying and selling is older than prostitution, as even the first John had to negotiate a rate with the first hooker before they did the deal.

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As long as you preface your offer as a starting point, there is no need to feel like you're offending the seller with a low number when he has set no asking price. Buying and selling is older than prostitution, as even the first John had to negotiate a rate with the first hooker before they did the deal.

You make it sound so dirty - I'm just trying to buy a pistol! :)

Some good points in your post - thanks for your input.

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When you see the guy have fourteen C note's with you and make the offer and show him the money. Good chance he will take it. If not you go home with $1400 in your pockets!

Very sound advice, but the seller is a member of this forum and following this thread so all you guys are passing along tips that are getting eavesdropped on :)

I sent Mr Virgil Tripp an e-mail with the SN, so I'm hoping he can provide some type of verification on the history of the pistol. I appreciate everyone responding and am still open to additional feedback.

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it's worth whatever you're willing to spend on it! I had a 2011 in 45, and I really miss it actually. I didn't compete with it besides for fun, but it made a good HD gun and carry gun. Sold it to finance a grown-up life, but I'll get another one.

with the price of components, it's not really worth it over a 45. However, if you want to shoot heavy metal or another 45 based event (or already load it for cheap and just like the round) I would start at $1200 or so and work from there? If the seller is on this forum, he knows that 45 isn't hot potatoes for matches either ;)

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Update - this pistol is now mine! The seller and I reached a partial trade deal and both walked away quite happy. Shot it yesterday and it ran like a scalded dog and was very accurate. Only drawback is that it came with 126mm mags and I'd really like to pick up a few 140mm mags. I've always liked the .45 but agree the cost of components is making it harder to run one with any frequency.

ETA: Using the SN, I verified with Mr Virgil Tripp that this is an original Tripp Research pistol that he built a couple years ago using old new stock. I showed it to my buddy Aaron Hayes, (whom many of you know is a top-notch gunsmith here in CENTEX) and he seemed impressed with the build and attention to detail.

Edited by Fullauto_Shooter
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  • 1 year later...

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