Is it worth selling a Colt 1911 and a Smith & Wesson M&P?

[armed85]

I have picked up woodworking as a hobby and I've gotten to the point that I would like to invest in some good power tools. A table saw, router, more clamps than I can count, and so forth are going to be quite expensive.

Thus, I would like to trim my gun collection to the guns I enjoy the most in order to raise money for my other hobby. Those being my Smith & Wesson J-frame 38 Special, Colt New Roll Mark 1911 Government Model, a Lewis Machine & Tool AR-15, and a Ruger 10/22.

I have two guns from my collection that I enjoy, but don't have an attachment to. Those being my stainless steel Colt XSE Combat Commander .45 ACP and a Smith & Wesson M&P Compact .40 S&W with Night Sights. Both are in like new condition and have the box, magazines, and paperwork.

I've tried to sell 6 guns on this site before over at the Trading Post. I've only managed to sell my Smith & Wesson 686 and the rest were traded to a local gun store rather than an individual.

My questions are: What's a good asking price for each gun? Will these guns attract attention or are they not popular on the used market?

My revolvers that I tried to sell online didn't attract much attention which is why I took a big loss selling to a gun store. I'm hoping that these guns will attract more attention and are worth the trouble of selling online.

 

[GunNut]

First off, you will always get more money selling locally or on the web than you will get from a dealer.

It's all about marketing your product correctly and pricing yourself where people will buy, plus having guns someone wants does not hurt.

1. Colt XSE Combat Commander .45acp - $650-750 depends on accessories and what exact model it is

2. Smith & Wesson M&P Compact .40 S&W with Night Sights - $425-500

Sure why not sell something that you do not need for something that gives you enjoyment? I'd do that in a heart beat.

 

[Ala Dan]

I have other hobbies myself, but I would NEVER, EVER "rob Peter to pay Paul";
so too speak. I would find another means to support other hobbies, than selling
off a good firearm~!

 

[ironvic]

You might also want to consider a dealer who will consign the gun for you. You pay the dealer a percentage, but he handles all the paperwork and you know the sale will be lawful and the buyer will be background checked.

I have done a lot of sales on consignment and find most dealers are eager to see what I have for sale as it allows them to expand their inventory offerings for little upfront cost. After you have developed a relationship with a good dealer, he may cut his percentage for your business. I have both made money and lost money in these deals, thr trick is to set an asking price that will make the transaction worth your (and the dealer's) time and move the product as quickly as possible. Be prepared to give 20% or so to the dealer, but remember, he has to make a living off the sale, too.

ironvic

 

[Sodbuster]

With sincere apologies to my friend Ala Dan, I would feel no qualms about selling off some firearms to buy woodworking tools. They are expensive. But woodworking is a very enjoyable and rewarding vocation, at least for me. It's as therapeutic as... shooting. I can't shoot more than one firearm at a time, but you do need quite a collection of tools, depending of course on what type of projects you have in mind. Enjoy. And yes Ala Dan, I was eyeballing those Seecamps you had for awhile.

 

[armed85]

I'll probably sell both. I'll have to do some research on an asking price. If anyone posts some selling prices for either of my guns, I would appreciate the tip.

While I do like both guns, woodworking tools are expensive. I'm looking at $1,700 and that's tools on a budget. A table saw is the most expensive item on my list and one tool I can't live without (I currently use someone else's table saw and it's fantastic).

A man can never have too many tools! I wish I could afford more

I appreciate the help Sodbuster, ironvic, Ala Dan, GunNut.

 

[milo z]

I don't think you'll get that much for an M&P Compact. There were a number of dealers sitting at $399-425 for a brand-new one at the last gun show I went to.

Polymer guns seem to lose value quick once they leave the store.

 

[Geno]

Can't tell you what to do.

If you do sell the Colts, PM me and send pics when you post them. I am usually interested in good-condition Colts.

Doc2005

 

[armed85]

Here's the Commander next to it's brother. I really like both guns. If I had more money I would keep both.

It's a hard decision. Woodworking and shooting are expensive hobbies. Add my desire to buy some reloading tools for .223 Rem and .45 ACP. My wish list is growing by the thousands of dollars

Believe it or not, I have not shot the XSE. I bought it a couple of months before I bought my house. I've been so busy with my house and moving in that my only range time has been with my AR-15 and my 10/22. I enjoy shooting rifles more so than pistols, but when it comes to pistol, the 1911 and the .45 ACP is my preference hence my screen name.

While these hobbies are expensive, the satisfaction is worth it. I suppose I have myself an answer don't I?

 

[Geno]

Those are what you call Colt 1911s!

Is the government model a series 70 or series 80?

Doc2005

 

[armed85]

double post

 

[armed85]

Was that a compliment or a question?

The government model is a Series 80. It's a damn fine government model at that. After it's break in period, the trigger smoothed out to a very nice crisp break. By break in period, I mean smoothing out. It has functioned reliably without a single malfunction. That's why I bought a second Colt.

 

[Geno]

Those are what I call Colt 1911s!

I should have used "I", not "you".

 

[armed85]

thanks

 

[redneckrepairs]

My opinion is only sell guns to buy tools if the tools will make enough to replace the guns . Other than that save for the tools and keep the guns . I am doing that now for tooling for my lathe and mill .

 

[armed85]

I don't think I'll make money off of my woodworking hobby. That isn't to say I'm not any good, but rather that I build furniture and work with wood for my own enjoyment. I would think that a having these tools would equal the satisfaction I would have keeping my two guns I'm considering selling.

I'm not selling all of my guns of course. I'll still have a 1911, J-frame revolver, AR-15, and a 10/22.

I want to buy a wood turning lathe too. That's a ways down the road however. I don't have the space for a lathe nor do I have the money. A lathe is a big "me want bad" item

Having to "explain myself" has put this into perspective and given me a lot to think about. For that thank you THR!

 

[jdc1244]

FWIW you have excellent taste in guns in general and 1911s in particular.

FWIW2 if I were in your situation I’d also keep the NRM – terrific shooter.

FWIW3 I concur with the prices quoted.

Enjoy your new hobby.

 

[armed85]

Thanks.

I have what I like to call the "All American" gun collection

It might be a humble collection, but when you think of an American firearm, my four are near the top of the list, and I very much enjoy shooting each one in their respective cartridges/calibers.

 

[Geno]

Taking some extra time to ponder the pros and the cons of a decision is seldom a bad thing. Especially when considering selling your firearms, think it through well. I regret basically only 1 firearm sale, but that is 1 too many. Take the time to make an informed decision.

 

[Hunter0924]

I would advise against selling Colts. Though I have never even thought of such an act I have a friend who sold a nice Colt Series 80 Government Model (and I was not aware he was selling it) and is now regretting it.

 

[Trebor]

You know that somewhere out there is a woodworker who just got into shooting and his buddies are trying to talk him out of selling his tools to buy guns, right?

 

[Anna's Dad]

I don't think you'll get that much for an M&P Compact. There were a number of dealers sitting at $399-425 for a brand-new one at the last gun show I went to.

His does have night sites which adds to the value. The $399 M&Ps (I bought one) were sans Night Sites. If its in pristine condition, I would think that $425-$450 is reasonable.

Of course the free mag offer is on again so if there are only 2 mags that might take $50-60 off of the relative value.