Typical pawn shop, Mike. They are worse than car dealerships.
They "acquired the item for 10-50% less than true value
To make a pawn shop purchase;
1. Know what you are buying
2. Know it's value
3. Offer 25% less than what you are willing to pay
4. Be prepared to walk, if they don't deal.
The longer they have had the item, they better they will deal. Their objective is getting cash in hand.
Today's market is NOT conducive to great deals on firearms.
My friend visits a nearby pawn on a monthly basis. A couple years back, he had been watching this Kimber 1911. Knowing it had been in the case over 90 days, he offered $700, it was priced at $1100.
The guy acted offended and mad, told him that was a $1500 gun.
My friend walks around the counter and sees an identical Kimber. Looking at the tag, he figured out the coded number, that it was a new item.
He offered $1300 out the door for BOTH, take it or leave it.
He now owns 2 Kimber 1911