Another question of etiquette...

[FROGO207]

I just keep a log of the guns and expensive things that I own and what I paid for them as well as when. Just use the inflation calculator and at least break even on them. Won't be my worry then though.

 

[ColoradoMinuteMan]

Older people who are at the age of facing death are usually a lot less sensitive and fragile than we give them credit for. It’s usually the kids who are sensitive and emotional. If it was a 25 year old widow who recently lost her 20 something year old husband with his whole life she’s did him it would be something different. A lot of older people Arne talk that sentimental when it comes to practical objects. You aren’t asking to buy his service revolver that he carried for 30 years and is in a glass display case, you’re asking to buy dusty boxes of ammo that are in the attic. Like has been stated, she may have no idea it’s even up there. Simply as if she is aware, and if she has interest in getting rid of it. Tell her it’s a sellers market and it might be a good time to dispose of it. Offer to inventory, price, move or sell it for her in exchange for selling some of it to you at a discounted price. Be very transparent and let her know what the going rate is, and what you’re offering her in relation to market price. Honesty and straigjt forward was goes a long way with older generations. There is always the risk she may have her kid get involved and they think they are sitting on a mint, thus ruining your changes of discounted prices, but you've really got nothing to lose.

 

[twarr1]

I would personally feel like I had a duty to at least let her know it was there. Or confirm that she is already aware of it. It could be dangerous, depending on how it's stored, how long it's been there, etc. Heat accelerates the deterioration.

 

[Hartkopf]

Last time I bought a case of ammo was early 2019 and they were giving it away! This is what I told my wife. The ammo was cheap compared to now but it was still over $250 (45ACP) and she probably saw through my BS. There is a chance, in the OPs case, the widow thinks it was cheap and has little value. Some of us guys over spend now and then and tell our wives we spent almost nothing. This is just another reason I would feel compelled to tell her what she has, if she's receptive to the topic.

 

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

Yes, a reasonable offer, tactfully made. I have known a number of families who were left nothing but a pile of debt and anything that could be converted into cash was, and plenty were the relationships were not the best and there was plenty of forgetting to.do.

 

[Reloadron]

That brings up a good point, maybe a topic for another thread entirely. A bit morbid but I often think about and worry that should I pass on, when I pass on, my wife may need to sell some things. I don't expect her to be the enthusiast I am and while I would love for her to keep it all, that might not be in her best interest.

Point being, there is a good chance she would be lost in terms of value and would hate for somebody to take advantage. I would like to compile a list with values, what I would ask along with knowledge of where to go to get value guides, etc.....

Good point and I think we have had a few threads touching on the subject I don't recall a thread in which that was the main topic. Might be interesting to see some thoughts of members regarding the classic last will and testament. What to do with all the guns, reloading supplies and ammunition when I check out. This would save spouses and children a lot of grief.

Ron

 

[N9NWO]

That brings up a good point, maybe a topic for another thread entirely. A bit morbid but I often think about and worry that should I pass on, when I pass on, my wife may need to sell some things. I don't expect her to be the enthusiast I am and while I would love for her to keep it all, that might not be in her best interest.

Point being, there is a good chance she would be lost in terms of value and would hate for somebody to take advantage. I would like to compile a list with values, what I would ask along with knowledge of where to go to get value guides, etc.....

It is best for the family to sell weapons that the family does not want at auction. Auctions bring more money than a dealer would give.

 

[Grayrock]

It's a 2nd home, empty most of the time to my knowledge. It's been about a year since I've been there and a while before that since his passing.

So- are you going to pursue this?

 

[DustyGmt]

So- are you going to pursue this?

I am not 100% certain. I basically agree with most of the posters in this thread. It's not like I'm asking for an heirloom and I'm fairly certain that this ammunition is 100% worthless to her and that a cash offer could potentially help the family more than something collecting dust in a hidden crawlspace. I just don't want to put her on the spot with a surprise visit so I'll have to find out if there may be more work to do at this house so it can be brought up sort of organically or if not, leave a quick note with my contact information on the door that way her or someone in her family can reach out if interested or at the very least they will be alerted to the fact that it's even there.

But at this point I don't really have any qualms about throwing the offer out, it's not like there is any obligation or pressure for her to sell or even respond for that matter if I leave a note and she has no interest in dealing. She can pitch my note in the trash and go on with life. No harm done...

 

[JTHunter]

Something else just occurred to me - what happens to ammo in a high humidity environment? Doesn't it (sometimes) become unstable and dangerous? You might save someone's life by seeing if that ammo is still there and, if dangerous, getting a professional to remove it.
Just thinking - - -.

 

[ColoradoMinuteMan]

I know you probably aren't planning on doing this, but I wouldn't leave a note on the door that says "Hey your attic is full of ammo." Especially if the home in unoccupied. I'd just use the contact information you have to get in contact with her directly. To be honest, I've seen this sort of thing play out a few times. I've contacted people regarding an old car or something very politely letting them know if they ever have interest in getting selling it to please contact me, only to find out that they sold it to next to nothing to someone 5 years later who happened to stop by and just ask if they could buy it on the spot.

I am not 100% certain. I basically agree with most of the posters in this thread. It's not like I'm asking for an heirloom and I'm fairly certain that this ammunition is 100% worthless to her and that a cash offer could potentially help the family more than something collecting dust in a hidden crawlspace. I just don't want to put her on the spot with a surprise visit so I'll have to find out if there may be more work to do at this house so it can be brought up sort of organically or if not, leave a quick note with my contact information on the door that way her or someone in her family can reach out if interested or at the very least they will be alerted to the fact that it's even there.

But at this point I don't really have any qualms about throwing the offer out, it's not like there is any obligation or pressure for her to sell or even respond for that matter if I leave a note and she has no interest in dealing. She can pitch my note in the trash and go on with life. No harm done...

 

[DustyGmt]

I know you probably aren't planning on doing this, but I wouldn't leave a note on the door that says "Hey your attic is full of ammo." Especially if the home in unoccupied. I'd just use the contact information you have to get in contact with her directly. To be honest, I've seen this sort of thing play out a few times. I've contacted people regarding an old car or something very politely letting them know if they ever have interest in getting selling it to please contact me, only to find out that they sold it to next to nothing to someone 5 years later who happened to stop by and just ask if they could buy it on the spot.

Yeah, that actually occurred to me, in an earlier post I mentioned that I would slip the note inside the door so that the information wouldn't be hanging out on the door. I said "on the door" in my last post by mistake.

 

[Grayrock]

Go for it. The worst that could happen is she says no. But you'll never know unless you ask.

 

[__steve__]

If she done grieving just get to the point and ask.

 

[Encoreman]

I would definitely let her know that you discovered the ammo stash when you were working. There is a very good possibility she doesn't know it exists. Heck I "hide" stuff from myself all the time. Like many have said you have nothing to lose and as long as you are tactful I see no problem with it. There is no telling how many guns and ammo are stashed away that may never be found until the wrecking ball tears down the place in 100 years or so.