Best Time to Buy a Gun: Data from 1,689 r/gundeals Deals
We analyzed 1,689 firearm deals from r/gundeals to find the cheapest time to buy handguns, rifles, and shotguns. Here's what the data says.
Methodology
This analysis is based on 1,689 firearm deals posted to r/gundeals, tracked over a 12-month period. We monitored a basket of specific handguns, shotguns, and rifles across every month and holiday window to ensure consistent comparisons.
All prices are actual posted deal prices from r/gundeals, not MSRP or manufacturer-suggested pricing. These are the real prices shoppers paid after discounts, coupons, and promotions were applied.
Average Firearm Prices by Holiday Period
Handguns: Black Friday Wins
| Period | Avg Price | vs Normal ($557) |
|---|---|---|
| Black Friday | $508 | -9% (120 deals) |
| July 4th | $531 | -5% |
| Christmas/NY | $540 | -3% |
| Presidents Day | $574 | +3% |
| Memorial Day | $586 | +5% |
| Labor Day | $605 | +9% |
Per-Model Handgun Deals
- Glock 19: Black Friday $374 vs normal $591 (-37%) — massive savings
- Glock 45: Black Friday $474 vs normal $710 (-33%)
- Smith & Wesson M&P: Memorial Day $399 vs normal $526 (-24%)
- Beretta 92: Christmas $523 vs normal $686 (-24%)
- Glock 17: Presidents Day $330 vs normal $399 (-17%)
Shotguns: Christmas is King
| Period | Avg Price | vs Normal ($820) |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas/NY | $589 | -28% |
| Black Friday | $644 | -22% |
| July 4th | $829 | +1% |
| Presidents Day | $827 | +1% |
| Labor Day | $887 | +8% |
| Memorial Day | $911 | +11% |
Shotgun Highlights
- Beretta A300: Black Friday $758 vs $871 normal (-13%)
- Beretta 1301: Presidents Day $1,202 vs $1,462 normal (-18%)
Rifles: Labor Day is the Sleeper
| Period | Avg Price | vs Normal ($1,066) |
|---|---|---|
| Labor Day | $777 | -27% |
| July 4th | $1,079 | +1% |
| Christmas/NY | $1,137 | +7% |
| Black Friday | $1,275 | +20% |
Note on rifles: The Black Friday average is higher because more expensive rifles get listed during that period — not because prices go up. Look at individual models, not averages.
Monthly Price Averages: Cheapest Months to Buy
Firearms Overall
- Cheapest: September ($636, -14%) and July ($638, -14%)
- Most expensive: February ($954, +29%) and June ($801, +9%)
The Strategy
| Gun Type | Best Time | Expected Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Handguns | Black Friday, July 4th | 5-37% depending on model |
| Shotguns | Christmas/New Year, Black Friday | 22-28% |
| Rifles | Labor Day, July | 14-27% |
The real answer: Set price alerts on the specific products you want. A random Tuesday deal can beat any holiday sale. Use our product trackers and buy when the price hits your target — don't wait for a holiday that may or may not deliver.
Data based on 1,689 firearm deals tracked from r/gundeals.
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