Best way to sell firearms and get good prices.

[Robert Ford]

I inherited a number of older firearms. Revolvers, hunting rifles, shotguns, black powder. You name it there is a little bit in there. I need cash now, so I can pay for things related to the rest of the estate as well as some home repairs that I need to get done and soon.

What is the best way to sell these guns and to get the best price possible? The pawn shops only want to pay about 50% value at best. My local gun shop is only interested in 1 or 2 of the 15 I am willing to sell.

Of course I am keeping the better ones for my personal collection.

Any pointers? I have never sold a gun before, only purchased.

I would prefer to deal locally. Colorado Springs Colorado.

Thanks

 

[John Wayne]

There are stores and websites that buy collections. If you had a specific collection (like 75 S&W revolvers in various model numbers, finishes, years, etc.), then your best bet would be to contact an auction house. You mentioned that you were trying to sell 15 guns though, and that they were of all different types, which means that they only have individual value, and not any sort of increased value as a collection, so:

Avoid pawn shops at all costs. There are a few decent ones out there but most will offer you 25% of what your gun is worth and then try to sell it, used, for more than a new gun costs.

Selling to individuals is the best way to retain your money. It does, however, come with the responsibility that the individual you sell it to is trustworthy, and you could wind up in trouble if you sell a gun to someone who can't own one. You also have to advertise and do your research.

Not a lot of gun shops (around here) are buying guns right now. Most will sell them on consignment for a 10-15% fee. I'd say this is your best bet--gets the guns out of your name, ensures they go to someone who can legally own them, gets you a decent amount of money, and doesn't require you to advertise them or research their value.

Good luck, and I hope you keep a couple for sentimental purposes. Once they're gone you can't get 'em back

 

[Flynt]

To get the best price, I'd list on Gunbroker. Your audience is so large that you'll ultimately lure guy who's "gotta have it."

Alternatively, I'd search the web for local trading forums. In Texas, there is "Texas Gun Trader," http://texasguntrader.com/ It allows individuals to post classifieds for free and is organized by area. In other words, I can narrow the search to guns in the Dallas area if I want. It allows me to sell face-to-face and not have the hassle of shipping something I've sold through Gunbroker. There's probably a similar service in Colorado.

 

[statelineblues]

TheHighRoad has a great section for buying, selling, trading firearms and accesories - I've bought a couple of firearms posted here and have not had any problems. I'd advertise them here - members are always checking it out.

Gunbroker is a good website as well.

 

[rallyhound]

In Minnesota

K-bid.com bring in the top prices.

I think on line auctions are always best

 

[pro2]

Before you list on Gunbroker, make sure you research each firearm before doing so.... if you do not properly list the firearm, you will not receive the traffic you want. Also, if you description is questionable, and the pictures are poor, a cautious buyer will pass over it. As I already inferred, post sharp detailed pix.

AGAIN, RESEARCH. Also talk to any family that may know the history of these firearms. You do not want to sell off anything that your family has sentimental ties to (or at least I wouldn't).

 

[Robert Ford]

In Colorado

I posted a couple on here as suggested. I don't have digital camera, so any pics would have to be cell phone and those are terrible. Better just to have local interests look at them.

I have already pulled out my favorites and the sentimental ones, but really there isn't anyone but me to be attached to them.

Anyway, I really don't want to deal with trying to ship a firearm. So, I will try to find some local internet sites and maybe call a few more shops.

Thanks for all the advise.

 

[awgrizzly]

Maybe you can try to get in contact with local gun enthusiasts. Check with reputable gun clubs and gun shops to find a contact person. I doubt any collector or shooter will pass up a chance to look at some guns. Interview the person before letting him into your house, and do some research on the guns first so you know if they try to hand you a line.

 

[Furncliff]

You might contact the Rod and Gun Clubs and shooting ranges. They may have message boards that you could post on. Denver is a big market. Seems like if you could get the word out there you might have some luck.

 

[AK103K]

I've always had the best luck selling at a couple of local shops with high traffic, and putting the guns up on consignment. They rarely sit long, and theres no hassle. Im lucky enough here to have a shop that only charges a $20 fee per gun. More likely, it will be somewhere in the range of 10-15% of what the gun sells for.

 

[rskent]

I have had pretty good luck with Gun Broker and posting on the bulletin board at the range. But I have had the best luck with our local newspaper.
You can list them via internet. It’s very quick and easy. The best part is, the ads are free.
Steve

 

[Trebor]

Just so you know you have two choices to sell that many guns.

1. The easiest way.

2. The way that will bring the most money.

The easiest way is to do face to face sales within your own state. You'll want to advertise locally. Just understand that because you are limiting your market it will take longer to sell the guns this way and you many need to keep reducing prices to get them to move.

(Actually, the *absolute* easiest way is to sell them to a gun shop, but that will bring in the least amount of money).

The way to bring in the most money is to advertise them nationally on-line, and ship the guns to the FFL holder who will accept them for the new buyer. You can advertise them for free on forums like THR or pay a small fee to advertise them on Gunbroker or Auction Arms. The auction sites will give you the most exposure.

This route requires more work, but is the best way to bring the maximum value for each gun.

Btw, either way, you really want to buy or borrow a digital camera and take some simple pics. Even if you only advertise locally you'll get a lot more interest with some pictures. Many buyers won't even contact you unless there is a picture with your ad or, the first thing they'll ask is for you to send a picture. Very few people will drive to buy a gun without at least seeing a picture first. Digital cameras aren't expensive, and you should be able to borrow one if nothing else.

So, you have to decide: Do you want to sell these the easiest way possible, or bring in the most money possible? The two choices are pretty mutually exclusive.

 

[JellyJar]

Post what you have here in our Trading Post section. Lots of us are looking for good guns at decent prices!

Lots of pictures help.

 

[Mudinyeri]

Post what you have here in our Trading Post section. Lots of us are looking for good guns at decent prices!

Lots of pictures help.

And put a link in this thread. I also know a few people that buy entire collections, but that business seems to have slacked off in the two years since Obama was elected.

Post up the entire collection in the for sale section. Put up individual prices and a collectively lower price for everything.

Generally speaking, you can get better prices locally. Do you have a local e-classified list that allows guns to be sold? Craigslist does not ... although, there are creative ways around that limitation.