Selling all of your firearms

[Styx]

Anyone else think about selling off almost all of their firearm collection, or knows someone who has? I have have a large collection of handguns, holsters, accessories, rifles, stripped lowers, etc that I'm thinking about getting rid of. Basically everything except maybe 3 handguns and a couple of rifles.

 

[Demi-human]

I know of a good home they could go to...
(It’s mine...)

 

[doubleh]

Perish the thought.

 

[Demi-human]

One, well loved, is better than a hundred neglected.

 

[Legionnaire]

I'm a few years away from retirement, at which point I'll probably change state of residence. I expect by that time to have started downsizing significantly. As I'm in no rush, however, I will do so selectively and in a way that maximizes the value I receive for the sale; not talking about taking advantage of a buyer, just not letting things go at fire-sale prices. Honestly, I could sell two thirds of the collection and still have all the bases covered and then some.

 

[Blkhrt13]

I wouldn't ever do that. but if I did I would wait till an election year or a pandemic and get in on that demand to get best pricing.

 

[montanaoffroader]

When/if I downsize, my youngest daughter will be first in line with her hand out. I will probably take a severe loss on most of my accumulation...........

I had considered sending a few non-heirloom guns down the road to fund other projects, but then my youngest informed me that they were now "Dad's guns" and should not be sold outside the family.....y'all can see where this is going.

 

[Styx]

IDK... It's just become a chore. I have acquired thousands of dollars worth of stuff the majority of which goes without being used. Heck I even have doubles of some rifles that I purchased on sale or right before the last election that are still sitting in the box and were last taken out at the LGS when it was transferred to me. I have handguns that are still NIB. If I saw something I liked or wanted to collect, something I thought might be banned or hard to find in the future, or there was a rebate or a deep discount in pricing, I brought it if I had the extra cash to.

I know many gun guys have 20+ ARs, AKs, etc, dozens of handguns, hundreds of mags and other accessories, but they primarily only shoot a handful. I only shoot my carry guns when I go to the range, and really the only time I bring my other toys is when I go to the range with co-workers to watch them be impressed and have fun shooting something they never shot before...

Im only in my 40s, but was trying to do a will. I tried asking several family members, friends, etc but none seemed interested in taking on my collection (some of which will continue to rise in value) or take responsibility for selling it if I die suddenly.

I just think I'm getting over the whole collection faze and see no point in it, but on the other hand, I'm somewhat attached and I'm worried I might regret selling down the line.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Dont forget you have a direct line to a high-quality targeted demographic right here at THR!

Ive got a few years before Ive gotta worry about that terrible thought. Lots could happen between now and then. There could be war, there could be famine and apocalypse, or, more likely, they may all fall off a boat in a tragic accident.

Ill worry about it when the time comes, I suppose. Until then, my family has all the instructions they need to dispose of everything properly if I fall off a boat.

 

[Obturation]

guns are my friends, one can never have too many friends.

 

[Styx]

Ill worry about it when the time comes, I suppose. Until then, my family has all the instructions they need to dispose of everything properly if I fall off a boat.

What did you instruct them to do if I may ask? One of my main concerns is none of my friends and family are really comfortable with or like guns.

 

[George P]

I am starting exactly that; have way too many guns with no sentimental value that just don't get used any more as I get older
A few shotguns for targets and birds, a few handguns for HD/SD, maybe a PCC for fun and HD......maybe keep a .22 or two for grins and giggles

 

[Blkhrt13]

What did you instruct them to do if I may ask? One of my main concerns is none of my friends and family are really comfortable with or like guns.

Look im 39 so you cant adopt me But I can be your Brother you know? like pencil me in cap!

 

[FROGO207]

Hell I was told 30 years ago that I needed to get my affairs in order as if I was lucky I might live for five years tops. Since then I have changed careers, become a member of the gun of the month club that has lasted 20 years or so yet and suffered through several relationships with the fair sex. If I had believed that the doc was spot on what kind of life would have I endured just waiting to kick off. I also belong to the world association of procrasators. Told the family when I kicked to arrange a 21 gun salute using some of my firearms and sell some of them after to finance my funeral if they wanted. At your age I am wiing to bet you will live to regret selling any guns you might in the next few years. Cant get rid of family but it might be time to expand your circle of friends to include some thay actually LIKE guns. If you do sell somdthing use the money to fund another gun you wanted more. Just being a realist here and see no downside to keeping what you have if you are not homeless or starving to do so.

 

[Buzznrose]

Anyone else think about selling off almost all of their firearm collection, or knows someone who has? I have have a large collection of handguns, holsters, accessories, rifles, stripped lowers, etc that I'm thinking about getting rid of. Basically everything except maybe 3 handguns and a couple of rifles.

I've gone back and forth with selling off some, but I probably don't have near the amount or collection of most folks here.

I guess my input to you is this...

1. If you need the money, by all means start liquidating them and get top dollar as needed. Pretty good time to sell them actually, especially the handguns and such.

2. If you don't need the money, consider looking around for younger folks who are really into guns, but maybe don't have a lot of disposable cash, and maybe cut them a really good deal. I know a lot of younger guys (and a few gals), and some who are maybe middle aged but their paychecks with their families are kinda tight, who would love to get a nice older S&W wheel gun, higher end 1911, or a Winchester lever gun but really cannot afford them. I'm not saying to give them away, just consider giving them a really good deal to help propagate the love of the classics, if you know what I mean.

Just a thought...

 

[Hartkopf]

Is your family done expanding at this point? Will you ever have a grandkid or nephew?

Seems like a long ways off but I would leave every gun in the safe because when you’re 64 years old and guns are REAL hard to get due to politics, you can teach your grandkids to shoot.

If you are doing ok financially I would not sell anything good. Maybe just sell crap that you don’t even like or is in bad shape.

 

[danez71]

I don't have a lot to begin with compared to others here but I have been reevaluating things.

Sure, there's about 4 that I can get rid of but I still have them for reasons that are still valid. I only have 1 true dupe and its just a 10/22.

One of the main reasons is to be able to pass down the basics... a decent set of tools. My daughter will keep them but is also smart enough to get rig of anything she doesn't want.


The bigger issue for me is the ammo; specifically the size and weight of it. A center fire pistol is about the same size as only 2 boxes of ammo for it.

I'm considering a move half way across the country. The ammo, then dogs, and then guns seems to be the challenge for the final trip.

 

[sparkyv]

I'm a pragmatist. Nearly all my firearms have a specific purpose and get cycled through at the range. Only one has any real sentimental value and two are semi-collectable, but they all get shot routinely. Still, I'm not attached to these things, and I don't care what happens to them after I'm gone.

Now this is the BEST idea I have ever come across on what to do with one's own firearms when one departs this world. I'm using this one, FROGO207. Thanks for the idea!

Told the family when I kicked to arrange a 21 gun salute using some of my firearms and sell some of them after to finance my funeral if they wanted

 

[49willys]

I had to sell off a bunch of my mil surp rifles when I got divorced.Needed the money.Started filling the safe again in the last few years and made a promise to myself,never again.NEVER AGAIN.
When I kick the bucket,my kids get them an can do what they want with them.

 

[ilbob]

I have no one to pass them down to so eventually it will make sense to pare down the assortment.

They are just things.

 

[I6turbo]

I do NOT want to leave a bunch of guns and stuff for my family to dispose of. If I've made clear arrangements for who wants what guns and accessories, I think that's great. But I don't want to just leave a bunch of gun stuff for someone to deal with.

When you take a few steps back from the gun-nut forest that most of us here live in, you realize that selling a bunch of guns, ammo, scopes, parts, what-have-you, would be a major PITA for the huge majority of people. Heck, most of us here don't even want to mess with it, and we're "experts" in the subject matter. I don't want to leave that task to anyone. Doing so is likely to taint their memory of you, it won't be a positive experience for them, and they may forever feel like they got screwed in getting rid of your once-beloved possessions.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

What did you instruct them to do if I may ask? One of my main concerns is none of my friends and family are really comfortable with or like guns.

Im blessed that both my girls are smart, shooters, and have a deep disdain for young men with ponytails who drive hybrids so they both get to choose whichever peices they want to keep for themselves and the grandkids. There are a couple I have labelled indicating that I would like them to stay in the family if possible.

Beyond that everything is cataloged with detailed descriptions and values and I have a trusted friend who owns a pawn shop who would sell the remaining accumulation for a fair price for them.

 

[URIT]

I've been contemplating selling off the majority of my collection too. I won't be selling to a reseller or consigning my firearms. I see my options as listed on the gun forums I visit, using an online auction site, or renting a table at a local gun show. I'd be interested to read about others experiences too.

 

[EIB0879]

Nope.

 

[jhb]

yes been thinking about it. mainly due to my age and older eyes and massive space and lots of time they take up. have a brother in law with an intense top end historical collection. no kids to leave to. hes been liquidating at gun shows, until recently of course.