Best way to sell a gun collection

[JohnGa]

I am being transferred to a country which does not permit the possesion of firearms.
My collection consists of more than 40 handguns and long guns.
I need to sell the guns quickly, and welcome any suggestions.
Thanks

 

[drsfmd]

Moving a lot of guns quickly means you have two realistic options... sale to a gun shop or auctions. Either way, you won't get as much money as you might in local sales, but you'll be done with it quickly.

 

[Bhi curamach]

If it were I with this dilemma, Id consider stashing them with someone if possible.
Somewhere its legal that is. A good friend or relative perhaps.
If this transfer is a permanent move then I guess selling is for the best but if there were any reasonable way to hold on to that many firearms Id sure as hell try.
Probably nothing you have not considered and likely unhelpful but that's my initial response based on what little Ive to go on.

 

[Reloadron]

If storage is not an option and they need sold fast then run them out like an estate sale. You find a dealer or a few dealers, have them look the lot over and decide if you like the highest bid on the entire lot.

Individual sales of a few at a time will obviously net more for the guns.

Your call...

Ron

 

[rosewood151]

Where do you live? State/part of country/major city.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

An auction is the best way to go -- look for Auctioneers in the phone book. A well-advertised auction will almost always bring in more money than a sale to gunshops.

 

[Bubbles]

- Sell to an FFL
- Consign with an FFL
- Sell them yourself on GunBroker, start the guns at a penny, no reserve or buy-it-now price.

 

[jmr40]

I'd leave them with family or friends if the move is on very short notice and claim them when/if I returned. Selling quickly is going to require you to get far less than they are really worth in many cases. If you don't plan to return and selling is the best option I still let family or friends sell them for me and keep a commission for their trouble.

A lot depends on the guns and their value. A collection of 40 guns might not be worth $5000, or it could be worth $100,000. It could be made up of decent, but common guns easliy replaced, or old out of production guns with family history that are irreplaceable at any price. Knowing that would influence my decision.

 

[Warp]

Where do you live?

Post what you have in the board's sale section to start?

Get a table at a gun show?

Leave with friends/family, and get them back later or have them sell them more carefully to retain more value?

The gunbroker auction...guarantees you'll get something for them, but lots of shipping hassles I wouldn't want to have to deal with myself

 

[14427H]

Looks like consigning to an FFL might be the bet on short time frame. You can likely get 85% of their price and not have to take a big hit by dumping them.

 

[TAKtical]

I would give them to a trusted family member to sell individually so that I would get the most money out of my collection. If you need quick cash I would auction them. You are likely to get more money at auction than at a gun shop. Gun shop will want to make a profit so you would be lucky to get half of what you paid for your collection. A few months ago I had a gunshop offer me $700 cash or $800 trade for a 1911 that is easily worth $1600. It sold last week on gunbroker for $1850.

 

[The_Armed_Therapist]

If you're in Ohio, I'd gladly sell them all for you for WAY more than you'd get in stores and only charge keeping one of them. Yes, I am serious.

 

[Midwest]

What country are you moving to that doesn't allow possession of firearms? Even the U.K. and Australia allows shotguns.

 

[Mike OTDP]

I agree with the advice to store the guns if you aren't leaving the country permanently.

Otherwise, Gunbroker for the ordinary pieces.

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

One to three at a time, separate listings, on gunbroker. I have watched a large collection get sold that way, and the family got top dollar for each one.

 

[jim243]

I need to sell the guns quickly,

Depends on what is quickly? I would set up a Family Trust and transfer the guns to the trust, setup a bank account for the trust, contact a auction house that has the resources to store the guns in safes. Workout a reduced fee with them because of the size of collection and make sure they have sufficent insurance to cover the value of the firearms. (a insurance rider listing you as the insured) They will need to have a FFL lic. (many do that handle auctions of firearms). Have them sell off the guns 5 or 10 at a time per auction and transfer the proceeds to the trust bank account (under your control). This should spread out the sale over a one or two month period and insure you will receive better value for your collection.

You can appoint other trustees to the trust, like your father or brother or someone you really trust. You should be the only one listed on the bank account.

You may have attorney fees for setting up the trust or ask your banker if they can do it for you.

Just a suggestion.
Jim

 

[beatledog7]

Don't sell them as a batch unless you absolutely have no other choice. You'll be practically giving them away.

 

[Steel Horse Rider]

You could try Armslist.com or gunauction.com but I wouldn't sell mine as I have family members who would probably bid on storing them for me....

 

[BADUNAME30]

Where do you live?

Post what you have in the board's sale section to start?

Get a table at a gun show?

Leave with friends/family, and get them back later or have them sell them more carefully to retain more value?

The gunbroker auction...guarantees you'll get something for them, but lots of shipping hassles I wouldn't want to have to deal with myself

Looks like yer neck Warp.....JohnGa.

 

[newfalguy101]

Consign with Gunshop,

That way there is NO rush to sell quick, the shop just sends a check as the guns sell

 

[Warp]

Looks like yer neck Warp.....JohnGa.

It does look that way. It's not a small state, though, so I ask.

I might be interested in something he has, or if he is semi local and looking for a legit gunshop I might be able to offer recommendations.

 

[bushmaster1313]

Have you developed a relationship with an FFL who knows how to work Gunbroker?

Are there outfits that would take the whole lot and put it up for auction?

I have often wondered if there is an opportunity for the NRA to make some money and help people out at the same time.

"We will take your guns, put them up in fair online auction, and take 15% of the gross."

Under $1500 the online market seems to operate pretty efficiently.

 

[tarosean]

What country are you moving to that doesn't allow possession of firearms? Even the U.K. and Australia allows shotguns.

If he/she is being transferred more than likely its on Expat status. Which generally means he/she is going to be a resident alien on a work visa. Which means there is no way he/she can import weapons. Even purchasing is highly unlikely regardless of country.

Im an expat in the middle east while there are guns everywhere I cannot legally posses one. Dang sure cannot import one. Even thou Id love to pick one up just for "home" defense. So Im left with a kitchen knife for HD or a pocket knife I kind of sorta smuggled in since Im not supposed to have that either. But could buy one here in a store, go figure...

 

[Bubbles]

I have often wondered if there is an opportunity for the NRA to make some money and help people out at the same time.

"We will take your guns, put them up in fair online auction, and take 15% of the gross."

1) The NRA would have to get an FFL.
2) We only take 8%.

 

[newfalguy101]

1) The NRA would have to get an FFL.
2) We only take 8%.

I use a sliding scale, the more the gun brings, the LOWER my cut ( by percentage ) is