Firearms Values

[The Don]

I was wondering if there is a book/s or website/s that can help me determine the value of a firearm. I am always looking at used weapons at shops or that friends are selling. I always wonder is this a good deal? Is it really worth that? And of course am I getting screwed? I know commonsense and basic gun knowledge goes a long ways but I would really like a little more solid price then “well I think its worth”. I have no particular makes, models or types in mind. I love them all Handguns, Rifles, Shotguns, Black Powder you name it! I thank you all in advance for your help and appreciate any information you give!

 

[jimmyraythomason]

Books on gun values are good if you are in the business of buying,selling or trading guns but have little use otherwise. What a book by whomever says a gun is worth has no bearing on what a buyer and seller actually agree on(which sets the true "value" of a gun). Here are a few for sale on Amazon. <http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Book-Values-S-P-Fjestad/dp/1886768676> They can either make you happy or sad about your last gun deal. They are handy for insurance purposes.

 

[DCR]

^ +1

Those books don't take into account the relative scarcity of the firearm described in any particular geographic area either. So, if the book says a used gun in X shape is worth $500, that's meaningless if there are none in your area of Michigan. Sure, you can go online and maybe locate one in an auction for around $500, but you'll have shipping and receiving FFL costs on top of that, so the "value" of $500 is no longer what it will cost you. Know also that some other buyer in another part of the country where that particular gun is not otherwise available may always outbid you, too.

So, in deciding if your local deal is "worth it," you're going to have to factor in your hassle, waiting time for an out-of-area purchase to be delivered, and other costs before trying to convince a seller in your area that the gun he has priced at $650 isn't "worth" what he thinks it is, and know that Joe Sixpack from down the street may walk in and figure $650 is a good enough deal for him and buy it, leaving you gun-less and still wanting one.

Whatever you do, don't treat any book's opinion of "value" as gospel and try to chisel someone down based on what the book says; most people who do get nowhere and tick off a seller for life.

 

[rscalzo]

Unless the books are updated frequently and produced in regional volumes, I don't think they are very usefull. Prices change too often. What something sold for last year has no relation to taday's market.

AR's were going for top dollar are now collecting dust and being cut to rock bottom pricing. Even M1A's are sitting on a local shops rack at a great price. Where used guns were flying off the shelves last years are all coming back to the point of dealers not taking any more in. Print can't keep up with such rapid changes.

 

[The Don]

Ok guys thanks!

 

[Caliper_Mi]

Unless the books are updated frequently and produced in regional volumes, I don't think they are very usefull. Prices change too often. What something sold for last year has no relation to taday's market.

AR's were going for top dollar are now collecting dust and being cut to rock bottom pricing.

To your point about regional books: I don't see any glut of used AR's around, or any decrease in price on the new ones here. Too bad, cuz I'd like one!

 

[The Don]

To your point about regional books: I don't see any glut of used AR's around, or any decrease in price on the new ones here. Too bad, cuz I'd like one!

Ya I would like to find a low priced one here too! You are lucky if you can even find one! Not to mention the ammo for it and about a dozen other calibers!!

 

[wideym]

To me, gun value books are primarily for looking up guns I wouldn't normally be interested in or odd ball guns, for a baseline pricing. Other than that they are pretty much useless to me, expecially since any gun can be easily looked up on the internet for new prices or used prices.

Some gun values are not really realistic, given the fluctuating market prices-specifically ARs, AKs, and newer knock-offs like Golanis and C93.

 

[danprkr]

They can be a tool, but like all book values can't take into account your local market, fluctuations, and other factors. But, if you buy and sell a lot they can give you a starting point.

 

[Vonderek]

Hard to find online. You can buy Fjestad's at the bookstore...it's a bit pricey. Also you can find Fjestad's or other reference books at the library. However, those are often out of date.

 

[poco loco]

AR's? come to Az...

We have rows of AR variants at just about every gunstore and all at decent pricing esp compared to the panic....

As to value, for the most up to date info, I look at what is actually selling and getting bids on gunbroker.

Not asking but only those that are actually selling......Prices are pretty low right now on lots of stuff......

Imo this is the most accurate. It really doesn't matter what something is "worth"...All that really matters is what someone will pay right now, today......That's what it's worth in reality.............

 

[jimmyraythomason]

It really doesn't matter what something is "worth"...All that really matters is what someone will pay right now, today......That's what it's worth in reality.............

That's what I've been saying for years! The exact same holds true for "collector's" value too.

 

[FROGO207]

The only thing that I find the Blue Book useful for is it lists all the different configurations of a particular firearm and that is what will drive up the value, rarity of certain features. And +1 for looking up the completed prices on the major online auction sites. It will give you an idea of the range of value.
The bottom line----research will pay for time spent in $avings.

 

[The Don]

Thanks again for all the info guys! Its nice coming to one of these sites and just getting peoples opinions and not bashing!

 

[Bubbles]

Easiest way is to register at gunbroker.com and search the completed auctions to find current values. Then factor in shipping, transfer fees, sales taxes, etc.

 

[Dr.Rob]

For more esoteric valuation you can try http://www.collectorsfirearms.com, damn near anything you'd want to buy they have for sale and priced accordingly (ie whats the difference between a 80% blue model and a 60% blue model). They are NOT an auction site and retail prices are listed. They are a great resource.

 

[mgkdrgn]

The books are a nice "starting point", but all that matters really is what someone is actually willing to pay for the item.

Gunbroker would be an excellent resource.

 

[22-rimfire]

The best book on gun values is "The Blue Book of Gun Values" by Fjestad. It is updated yearly and published around March or April. It is only a guide. But if you aren't familiar with a particular firearm, it is a very good starting point. There is also a lot of other information contained it the book that is interesting. I use the book, but they have gotten rather expensive for somebody who is not actively buying and selling as I have in the past. I buy a new edition every two years now. Retail price on them is $49.95, but you can find them cheaper at gun shows.

Closed auctions on Gun Broker and Auction Arms are a good source of info. They give you a hard number.

The regional variation in price is still present and you see it at gun shows. But the difference has been significantly reduced in recent years with on-line sales that get routed through a FFL dealer in the buyer's state. If you buy and sell a lot, it is possible to make a little money if you understand the regional and local market. But it is tough if you are buying at near market price. It is a $20 here, $15 there, and an occasional $100 deal kind of thing that I feel is a waste of time overall. You have to love it.