Friend/shooter died - help me evaluate his rifles

[rick_reno]

A good friend and fellow range master recently died - his widow has asked for help in determining what his rifles are worth. I have no idea, so if anyone can help we'd appreciate it. He left a room packed full of shooting stuff - we have to go thru it too.

They are all NRA 95% or better. This guy never hunted with them, he'd show up at the range and sometimes shoot one shot, clean them and then we'd spend hours talking. The Ackley guns mentioned below will be sold with dies.

98 Mauser, 35 Whelen Ackley improved, stainless barrel, Leupold 4X12 scope
Ruger M77 338/06 Ackely Improved, 4X9 scope (?), Sheilen barrel
Ruger M77 22-250 Ackley Improved, Bushnell 4X12 scope
Ruger M77 223 Remington Deer Field 4X12 scope
Savage 22 LR, Tasco 4X9 scope
Winchester 30-30 Pres. Teddy Roosevelt 1901-1909 commetorative
Winchester M55, Ser # 1899

 

[BusMaster007]

Look for a publication called 'Gun List THE INDEXED FIREARMS PAPER'.
It is similar to Shotgun News but a heckuva lot easier to read and use...

There are several listings that may help you determine the value of the firearms mentioned, or you may wish to contact one of the Dealers listed that buys 'estate collections'.

It is an Honor for you to serve your Friend's Wife in such a way.
He would be proud to know his treasures here are being looked after properly.
Good Luck.

 

[jame]

It's nice to see someone that is there to make sure a grieving widow is not being taken advantage of. Gunsamerica.com is an OK place to determine retail value as well. Why not save her the the advertising costs and post them for sale here, after you determine value? I'm sure many members would be willing to purchase those that may be for sale.

 

[makarov]

Except for the custom rifles you could probably get a good idea by looking at several gun values books. Most bookstores carry several, you don't need to even buy the books, just browse through them and see what the guns are worth. The only scope that will add significant value is the Leupold. I wouldn't bother asking a gun shop what they are worth, I have seen too many people get taken advantage of that way. Check out the auction sites to see what others are going for. That is how I check prices to see what something is worth when buying or selling.

http://www.gunsamerica.com
http://www.auctionarms.com
http://www.gunbroker.com

 

[makarov]

Looks like more information on some of them might help. The Winchester 55 search on Gunsamerica turned up this:

http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976222568.htm

If it is a deluxe model or in a rare caliber that gun might be worth even more.

Good Luck.

 

[Cosmoline]

I third the gunsamerica votes. I've sold five rifles in a row there, some of which had sat around on consignment for six months or more locally.

 

[cratz2]

Sorry to hear of your loss... I'm sure she appreciates your help. But your friend certainly had eclectic tates in rifles. I'd be honored to own either of those first two.

If they aren't in a big hurry to sell (ie don't really need the money pronto) gunbroker.com is set up so that you aren't charged anything until the item sells. Not sure about gunsamerica... never used them.

If you need any technical help, feel free to contact me directly. I'd be happy to help in any way I could.

cratz2

 

[cabinetman]

To All who read this:

First of all, I, too, extend my sympathies. Losing a shooting buddy is tough. This brings me to the point I'd like to make, however.

No one knows your collection like you do. This is why you should have an up-to-date inventory of everything you own, including a true, fair market value of all of your firearms which you update each and every year.

As a C&R, I keep a file on each weapon I own complete with condition, markings, accessories, identifying markes, etc., etc. If I leave this mortal plane, my wife will be able to take my folder and know exactly what to expect. Now, whether or not she'll be able to identify each rifle is another thing entirely!

Just a suggestion to all of you to keep your collection up to date with the proper documentation.

Rome

 

[Grump]

Cabinetman is spot on. My recent clients have been lucky to NOT be faced with this conundrum of having no clue about the value of what's left. Take care of things beforehand, friends.

The inventory helps if you get burgled, too. No guns, but I had records for everything except the Palm that got ripped off a while back...

The .338-06 should get a bit of a premium because of the Shilen barrel--if it has almost zero throat wear as expected for the usage described. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'd give it an extra $75, right?

The other Rugers and the Mauser I expect to be all about the same value.

Which Savage .22 LR? That price will be sensitive to model & age, with possible collector value if old and you FIND a collector... On the TR commemorative, many command very little premium, but it can make the sale easier--"neato" factor, don'chaknow.