Browning Side by Side Value

[HoosierQ]

I have a beautiful field grade Browning side-by-side, 12ga 2 3/4. Silver single trigger, beaver-tail forend, pistol grip stock, ejectors. Looks like 20 coats of varnish and not a scratch on it.

My dad purchased it back in probably 1973 or so. Each barrel has a different choke.

Anybody have some ideas about how much such a thing is worth? It is a beautiful piece of work but, in all honesty, I am just not a beautiful shotgun kind of a guy and I would love to hook it up with somebody who can appreciate it while building up my war-chest for something more utilitarian.

First step is to get a good idea on value. Any comments would be appreciated.

 

[porsche]

have i hunted with you? at any rate, the 28th edition blue book lists the japanese made B-SS at $1,000 in 100% condition, and $350 in 60% condition.

sporter with a straight stock is 85% more, and grade II more than that (3k at 100%). these are retail prices.

 

[Virginian]

The model you have has the non-selective trigger. And what length are the barrels? I have the Sporter Model (straight stock) in 20 Ga. with the selective trigger, and they are about top of the heap in the Grade 1s.
If you look on Auction Arms, Gun Broker, et al, guns like yours are going from $1600 up from what I see. And some of the Browning BSSs sell up to $2600, so the Blue Book is not always correct. 28 gauge Winchester 23s are up to $5600.

 

[HoosierQ]

Indeed, the triggers are non selective. I am not sure how long the barrels are. I will check. I want to say 24 or 26 maybe but that's a guess. This thing has got to be pretty darn close to 100%...way above 60% at any rate.

 

[HoosierQ]

So for arguments sake, let's say this thing is worth some real bucks. How does one get a good offer? Can you trust gun dealers to give you your due at a trade? I suspect not.

What do you guys do in a situation like this?

 

[porsche]

be as realistic as possible when trying to value the gun. comparables are a way to do it as was mentioned. a dealer has a certain cost structure and will pay you a price that will reflect the dealer's risk of not selling the gun or carrying it in inventory for a while and its cost of doing business: checking out the gun, insurance, record keeping. trade value not so much an issue of trust/no trust as it is the cost of doing business.

 

[Virginian]

First, troll Auction Arms, Guns America, GunBroker, and see what guns like yours are actually selling for. Then, post it on GunsAmerica or Gun Broker with the minimum you will accept. I've sold a bunch that way.
Or, carry it to a local gun show with a sign. Also sold quite a few that way.
A gun dealer has to figure/guess how long he is going to have to hold onto it before he sells it, and time costs money. The good ones will usually offer you 80 to 85%. Some will sell it for you on consignment, so they have no holding costs.