First time buying high-end rifle-Any room to negotiate?

[Atlas12]

I'm interested in a Blaser R8 Long Range Professional success in .338 Lapua, along with a Semi-weight fluted 6.5 Creedmoor barrel, bolt and a QD scope mount.

All in all it comes to about $8500.
I'm just wondering if negotiating is a thing in gun sales, or if that'd be a big faux-pas?

How have y'all done it in the past?

[Nyksta]

that will be quite a light package for 338 Lapua.... good luck to you

[oldgutpile]

Not sure where you are shopping it from.
You might want to consider the gun consignment section of Prophet River.
Seen a few R8 models there recently. A consignment deal is much more likely to have room to negotiate than a retailer. As long as you get the gun package, with the Blasers you can always buy the barrel you want as an add on.
I am a huge Blaser fan. I started with the basic rifle, found another few barrels at "last years price', and later on a demo stock at a smoking good deal and finally, aw heck, just buy another bolt and now I have two of them!
They are not cheap, but IMO you definitely get what you pay for! I can honestly say that I could get rid of every other rifle I own and just have it covered with these. A great piece of German technology.

[Atlas12]

Originally Posted by oldgutpile

Not sure where you are shopping it from.
You might want to consider the gun consignment section of Prophet River.
Seen a few R8 models there recently. A consignment deal is much more likely to have room to negotiate than a retailer. As long as you get the gun package, with the Blasers you can always buy the barrel you want as an add on.
I am a huge Blaser fan. I started with the basic rifle, found another few barrels at "last years price', and later on a demo stock at a smoking good deal and finally, aw heck, just buy another bolt and now I have two of them!
They are not cheap, but IMO you definitely get what you pay for! I can honestly say that I could get rid of every other rifle I own and just have it covered with these. A great piece of German technology.

Thanks for the reply, and the tip on Prophet River consignment. I've looked at their Used section before, but somehow missed that part.
I didn't really think there's much room for negotiating on a retail sale, but wasn't sure if it was anything like buying a car.
Edit: Was looking at the rifle at Sylvestres in Bonnyville.

While I do plan on getting set-up with a progressive reloader with dedicated die plates for each calibre, I don't think I'd shoot much when I'm throwing $10 bills at the target with a .338, so I'd like to get something smaller right away.

I saw the trailer for the R8 a few months ago and its been stuck in my mind since. Then I handled one at Calgary Shooting Centre... without sounding too douchey, it really is a work of art. There's no fiddling or wiggling the trigger assembly to get it out of the rifle. You depress the two catches and it actually jumps out of the rifle 1/4".
Its just a super neat rifle.
Plus once you have it, for $1500 you can have a super rifle in just about any calibre you want!

[TargetRick]

For a rifle priced at $8,500 - ulp - I sincerely doubt there's much chance of haggling price.

However, you might have a much better chance of getting them to throw in things like a box of ammo, or a reloading die set, or boxes of reloading parts such as fresh brass or high-performance bullets. Or all of same.

[Groundhogger]

I think it's a fair question no matter what you're buying, but like everything...I'd have fairly low expectations just in case. Granted, the most I've ever spent on a rifle was about 1/4 that much. lol

Retailers always have margins of course, and usually have a little room. Rather than under-pricing and expensive gun itself (as mentioned) dealers may be more inclined to give you better deals on related gear for it. I wouldn't be surprised if the manufacturer dictates how low retailers can/can't go..as they sometimes don't want to see their premium brand at "discounted" prices. Admittedly, I have more experience with this sort of thing in other interests/hobbies. Specialized for what they are, not gear in that price range mind you.