Gun Appraisal

[roc1]

Does anyone know if the gun appraisal you get from Gunbroker or Auction Arms is worth the fee?I do not really know what to price a M1 or Colt pistols by Bluebook alone as they are often more valuable than the book says because of becoming scarce.I guess this applies to any gun but more so on the more expensive ones and harder to find ones.
Thanks for the help
roc1

 

[Gator]

I don't know if they are worth the fee. I'd feel confident in asking on a specialty board like Jouster.com for the M1. Be prepared with plenty pf pics all the drawing numbers though. There are guys who post there who literally "wrote the book" on M1 rifles. The ColtForum is a good place for Colts.

 

[glockman19]

I just buy the Blue Book and use it as a starting point.

 

[10X]

I wouldn't use the Blue Book. The market changes too rapidly and books are obsolete before they are printed.

This forum can provide a lot of good answers. Many of the members here belong to other forums as well and keep up with current values.

 

[Mike Sr.]

Book values are joke; there are plenty of resources on this net much more reliable.

I am sure you will find site for collectors of military items and they will be your best bet.


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[Vaarok]

Gunboards.com, or the appropriate forum here. Just ask for folks to shout out what they think it's worth, and average the quotes.

Bluebooks are a ridiculous joke and a waste of money..

 

[ShunZu]

I have an account on gunbroker.com and wouldn't consider paying for an appraisal with all the good folks here that know there stuff on THR, imho.

There are saavy buyers out there... if it's a nice piece, you have GOOD quality pictures of it, and it's desirable, the buyers will give you fair market price. I personally like the 15-second rule on gunbroker, (as opposed to getting sniped by last-second buyers as happens so often on ebay items).

If you set your starting bid at a realistic price, you should get what it's worth without paying them for an appraisal. Trust THR and average what the response is, as was recommended above.