How is rarity defined?

[BanjoJohn]

It's rare to find a firearm advertised as in "very good" condition that doesn't have rust, thin bluing, or scratches.
The 95% was over when you shot it, and it starts going down after that.

 

[bambam]

An appealing stippled Glock is a rarity.

 

[Kahrnut]

An appealing stippled Glock is a rarity.

View attachment 1323794

 

[Falcon1]

My right hand rubber band gun is rare because there isn't another one just like it in the world, but that doesn't make it valuable.

 

[canoecanoe]

rare
[rer]
infrequent · scarce · sparse · few and far between · thin on the ground ·
occasional · limited · odd · isolated · unaccustomed · unwonted
antonyms: common · frequent

• (of a thing) not found in large numbers and consequently of interest or value:
  "the jellyfish tree, one of the rarest plants on earth"
  synonyms: unusual · recherché · uncommon · unfamiliar · atypical · singular
  antonyms: ordinary · commonplace
• unusually good or remarkable:
  "he plays with rare strength and sensitivity"
  synonyms: exceptional · outstanding · unparalleled · peerless · matchless ·

 

[lostchild]

Rarity tends to show a lot of pink...

You talking old Hustler magazine centerfolds?

 

[Kyzrsoze]

Rare don’t mean poop if there’s no demand.

I have several firearms that were fewer than 100 made, and never will be made again by law (Open bolt semi automatics) but since there’s almost no demand for them I can call them rare, seldom seen, hen’s teeth.. the price is still mediocre.

Exactly.

Conversely, many folks will scoff at a gun listed as rare simply because it's not a gun that they like. The fact that you (as in anyone) don't like Glock doesn't drop the value of my G19 and G23 gill models. There are plenty of people willing to pay top dollar.

 

[T. May]

That word is used way too much to justify a price or to drum up interest. I believe a better term/word would be uncommon. It's not "rare", it's just not something you see every day. A great example would be my Model 10 with a 5" barrel. It is not rare by any means, but that barrel length is uncommon compared to the usual 2, 4, or even 6 inch length.

 

[Kyzrsoze]

That word is used way too much to justify a price or to drum up interest. I believe a better term/word would be uncommon. It's not "rare", it's just not something you see every day. A great example would be my Model 10 with a 5" barrel. It is not rare by any means, but that barrel length is uncommon compared to the usual 2, 4, or even 6 inch length.

True. I have used the description "uncommon" in my ads before. Honestly, "rare " is overused regardless of its truth. I've sold rare items before, but I've never used the word in an ad. In my experience an item that is truly rare sells itself quickly.

 

[palmettomoon]

Rare = $325 used Glock
Common = $600 used Glock