If you're buying 20 cents on the dollor, what's not to like. You can never go wrong with a k gun, especially at grave robbing prices.

 

When I was trap shooting, I shot a KS-5. I was the finest trap gun I have ever shot. I liked it so much I sold my much more expensive P gun as it sat in the safe gathering dust. The only change I made was to get rid of that terrible recoil pad they put on it. If you have found a good one, dont let it slip through your fingers.

 

I've owned a BT-99, a Perazzi TMS and a Ljutic Mono Gun ARS and I've shot a friend's KS-5 many times. First of all let me say that these guns are not Top Singles, they are true Single Barrel Trap(SBT) guns. This means that they were designed from the ground up as a Trap single shot gun. The receiver is not an O/U receiver with one barrel missing, it's designed to only have the one barrel ever. This tends to make the receiver more low profile.

The KS-5 is as nice a Trap gun as you will ever get. Of course you need to check all the normal things on a used gun; top lever position, trigger pull etc.

If you're only going to shoot Singles and Handicap with the gun, you will be hard pressed to find a better gun. I prefer the Ljutic to any other Trap gun I've ever held. Simpler and more robust design and built in USA. That's just my opinion, but there it is.

 

Thanks for all your replies! It sounds like I may have found a winner. The price does indeed fall within the grave robber range for Krieghoffs, and it will be even less if I sell my current trap gun.

The only drawback to this whole thing is, the gun is out of state. Granted, it's being sold by an excellent shop with an ironclad reputation (don't want to disclose which one, as I don't want someone grabbing the gun before me, but they are one the best in the country for fine shotguns, used and new), but I am nonetheless concerned about not being able to check stuff out in person. I've held a KS5 and know it fits me, but with a gun halfway across the country, it's tough to check the cosmetic condition, action tightness, etc etc yourself. Hopefully my fears are unfounded--people have said that the folks at this shop will always shoot straight with you regarding any questions re: used guns, after all, you're buying a Krieghoff!--and there is a no-fire return policy should the absolute worst happen. Best case scenario is, the gun is in wonderful condition (it's listed as "excellent", which as I understand it is only inferior to "as new") and the grave-robbing price is a true bargain; worst-case, there's a reason for the price being low, but I wouldn't expect that from this shop. I will call them tomorrow and get all the details.

Has anyone bought a used K gun online? Ever since I got scammed into buying a .22 for $100 more than the Blue Book price, I've been wary of buying anything sight unseen...then again, that was one guy, and this is a nationally-recognized gun shop dealing exclusively in high end target guns.

 

Ever since I got scammed into buying a .22 for $100 more than the Blue Book price...

Forget the Blue Book. It's just a list of what someone might be expected to sell a gun for. Value is decided in only two places; the hand of the guy writing the check and the hand of the guy accepting the check. PERIOD!

When I look for anything I start with normal research. I look on the net to see what it's selling for. I check sites like ebay, gun broker, Amazon and so forth. Then, if possible, I look at local stores. I'm hugely biased toward the local place. The online deal will have to be more than $100 less for me to go that route.

If you like the gun, decide within yourself what it's worth to you. Then go get it. If you decide you're willing to pay $4K for the gun and the person selling it won't go less than $4,500, walk away. There are other guns out there. The lowest I've seen a KS-5 go for is $2K. The highest price I've seen was higher than $5K for a new one. Crown grade and other fancy grades will adjust the prices accordingly. Add some unique engraving and the Blue Book value is completely useless.

 

I have owned a KS-5 since around 1994 or so and like others have already stated, you won't find a better trapgun, especialy for the prices they are going for now. I rarely shoot it nowadays as doubles has become about my only serious game in trap. The link below has an article about the KS-5 that you might enjoy.

http://www.shootingsports.com/krieghof/ ... ks5.htm#01

 

A gun dealer buddy gave me a KS-5 to shoot back in the early 80's. I shot it several weeks and gave it back based on too much recoil. At the time, I didn't understand gun fit or how to get the gun to fit properly, taking recoil out. I did like the gun, but with reciol not well enough to pay for it.

Latter, purchased a K-80 and got it to fit properly. At the same time Krieghoff upgraded the KS to KX. Only real change was how the rib adjusted and cosmetics on the receiver. With recent rumor that Kguns were dropping the KX line, this also dropped the prices for both KS and KX. Now Kguns have anounced they will produce the KX single line for 2010, but the prices have stayed the same. So...it may be a good time to buy a previously enjoyed Kgun.

Doesn't really matter what condition the gun your interested in is. I'm certain it does not have so much wear that it couldn't be repaired/rebuilt/refinished. That KS is good for many 100 of thousands of rounds, still has a lifetime warranty on parts. You only pay for labor if you go to a certified Kgun smithy. PM me if you need one.

Maltzie

 

Thanks again for everyone's advice...long story short, I was NOT the only one who saw this gun, and was beaten to the punch. Big surprise. Good news is, there are others out there that I've already found. Now certainly seems to be the right time to buy one of these...wish me luck!

 

I just started shooting trap last month and my dad had a ks5 trap gun that he gave me that was his grandpas. Its a great gun ! One of the best guns I have shot in a very long time !

 

Pileatus: Don't be too afraid of buying a gun on line. I have bought many guns on line. I try to use my credit card if possible. (This way I have leverage if needed). I buy from reputable sellers that have good feedback on previous sales. I talk with them on the phone and exchange emails with them. I ask for detailed photos and ask for a 3 day inspection period. (In this way if the gun does not meet your expectations; all you are out is the shipping). Good luck on your search. Ed

 

You guys do realize that this thread is over a year old, right? Pileatus has probably found a gun by now.

 

Rastoff I like this:
Forget the Blue Book. It's just a list of what someone might be expected to sell a gun for. Value is decided in only two places; the hand of the guy writing the check and the hand of the guy accepting the check. PERIOD!

How true. More people should follow advice.

 

Can we resurrect the dead? Good guns never go out of use, manufactures just put newer features to sell them. Browning is know for using the same gun, like Special Trap and relabeling them Crossover, etc.

Krieghoff, back in the late 1920;s may have been one of the German gun makers Val Browning went to have his bother John M. B25 superposed. But FN match the $30 cost to make and that's another story.

Suhl, Germany was under Communist control after WWii, but Krieghoff made guns there since 1886 or so. So Did Merkel, but no trap guns. Krieghoff , like some other German gun makers move to ULM, in 1948. KS5 introduced in 1985.

Perazzi introduced its TM line SBT in the 1970's and both gun makers still make one of the best SBT in Europe. The BT99/100 are made in Japan, and are fine for the money.

So a SBT gun that sold for under $3k in the 1980, sell used for almost the same price. A newer, streamlined KX6 or TM9 go for almost double.

So the question is how has the KS5 held up in almost 30 years of production in one form or the other? Remember those early SO and Belgium Browning's from pre war years, almost 75 years old and going strong like that Pink Bunny, just have to get some tender loving care.

One last thought, it was reported that the KS5 may have used the same Boehler Antitini high cost/high CR almost stainless steel of the mid 19980-90's. It is reported that Krieghoff, like other gun makers, switched in say 2004 to a different high grade steel.

Krieghoff International spokesman stated the K80 and the KS5 had the same steel in earlier guns. A spare barrel for a KS5 listed for almost $1900, whereas one o/u for a K80 for $2400, sounds like the story of high grade steel barrels on the KS5 is true and could be one reason they have not depreciated a dime in over 30 years or so.

So you guys that have KS5 today, will never loose a dime on one of the best SBT made with Boehler Antitini steel barrels. Even Perazzi did not use this steel in the TM line.

 

Have one. Had it for years. One of the best shooting trap guns ever made.

 

Hi everyone
Cyber Monday had a 15% discount on all used guns at Cabela's Gun Library. Good deal expires this Saturday.

Originally found 1988 KS5 high gloss blued receiver with gold lacquered highlights on all lines and logo. Look like a gold wire inlays. Has adjustable comb, screw in chokes, adjustable butt (? unknown maker) was priced at $2699.99.

Second time saw it was priced with a 10% discount to $2,430.00.

This Monday Cabela has a 15 % discount and after several calls Cabela agreed to reduce price by an additional 5% down to $2,295.00. Pick up after holidays.

Called Tom Ward, DuPont's master gunsmith and they agreed to look at the gun, since the last service date was in 2003.

The KS5 as you all may know, has been replaced with KX5 then newer KX6, but had longer forcing cone and bore of .732 or so, which was almost today's standards.

International said older barrels were made from the same high strength steel as the K80 until around 2004 or so, Boehler Antitini ?

I found that the older Beretta like S680, for runner of 682, 692 were hand engraved and hand checkered and had after 1996 or so narrow receivers to match the S686/7 line.

I just found a Beretta 687 EELL Diamond Pigeon for $2000 only issue was 13 1/2 LOP, two field spaces for $15 each and 14 3/4 LOP. Keep looking for K80;s but they are well above my budget. I am a weekend trap shooter only, but love the craftsmanship of fine older over and unders, like the KS5/TM1/S680/682/687. Modern 686/SV10/725/Cg Summits are ok but the engraving cant match the older hand engraving for beauty/style!

Good shooting, and that's for confirming how well the KS5 were made.

 

frankgoss: You made a great deal on a great gun. I have a KS5 Special. (Adjustable rib). Love the gun. Bought it 5 years ago for $2700. Good luck and hope you enjoy the gun. Ed

 

Frank let us know how that KS-5 works out for you. Check and see what barrel hanger is on it too. I shoot a #1 hanger on mine. Love a high shooting gun.

 

KS5 1988 bottom line price under $2,2k, Pick up after holiday.

Took to Tim Ward of Gunsmith, LLC Jacksonville Skeet and Trap. Nice guy, check out gun for free, said upgraded spring and gun in good condition. Came with 7 screw chokes, extra hanger, NASCO alum hard case ; wood tiger stripped and good condition.

Out of by 20/25 with no adjustment of comb, just LOP on butt. Good gun, like TM1 Perazzi.

Also have DT10 and 682 for trap.