Stevens / Sears Shotguns collectable?

[DammitBoy]

Not too many years ago, I would pick up an old stevens or a sears double barrel from the pawnshop for 65-75 bucks.

They were usually pretty beat up and some had dings near the end of the barrels. I would cut them down to a legal pistol grip with a 20" barrel length.

I'd do a soft blue on them, get the paint off of the receiver, and restain that awful looking yellow finish to a nice walnut finish. Usually, I'd temper the receiver with a gas torch and they'd turn out beautiful.

I would sell them for 250-300 bucks. Nice profit, fun project, and the results were always appreciated by anybody who saw them.

I've noticed that these shotguns are now selling in the 400 dollar range. ***? Why would anybody pay that kind of money for a cheap mass produced shotgun? They have stamped checkering and black paint on the receiver.

Most of the ones I see are beat up. How is this a collectable?

 

[RetiredLawman]

Collectable?? No way!

Some of them are stout, usable shotguns. Rather crudely made and still economy guns. I have several in 85-90% condition that will bring around $275-300. I bought a 20 gauge 311H last week for $290, OTD.

They are plentiful and can be found in most guns shops. Pawn shops put ridiculous prices on them but a bit of haggling can get you a good deal. They are not rated for steel,a minus.

Nope! Not collectibles. Just good stout economy guns.

 

[DammitBoy]

Economical my butt, the last twenty I've seen at gunshows, pawnshops, and gunshops have been priced at 400 bucks - which is crazy in my opinion. At first I thought is was a fluke, or just one or two greedy dealers - but not after seeing so many at that price point.

Anything over 200 dollars is too much money in my opinion. Especially the condition I've been seeing priced at 400.

 

[JohnBT]

"Not too many years ago"

Yeah, we're getting old. That was last century, right?

I've found myself starting to sound like my grandparents who were all born in 1890, 1891 and 1893. "It costs how much?"

My father had to move to assisted living in 1/07 and I do all of his errands and business and shopping. The price increases in just the past 2 years has shocked him a little. Things like a timer, lightbulbs, hearing aid batteries, clothing, and his favorite lunch at Applebee's is up from like $6.99 to $9.49.

John

 

[RetiredLawman]

FWIW, check out gunbroker.com. Don't even try to buy at gun shows. You can easily find 311s in great shape for around $300 or less.

I have never found a deal at a gun show. Not even close. Hit the pawn shops and haggle. The price tag is usually double what you can take it home for. Pawn shops loan only 1/3 of the value so go haggle. You can buy a $300 for around $200-225. That is unless the pawn shop doesn't want to sell and had rather look at it than sell it.

My advice is stay away from gun shows unless you just want to look. I see 311s frequently in gun shops for less than $300. I realize that they sold for $79.95 thirty years ago. They have appreciated in value but they are far from being collectibles.

I see Fox B Models for less than $500 in 95% condition. They are upgraded 311s. Same innards, better wood, vent rib, etc. The last 311 I bought is a 20 gauge Quails Fargo with vent rib; $290 including tax.

 

[DammitBoy]

I went to a gun show last month. I bought a N.I.B. Ruger Super Blackhawk stainless .44 magnum for $375.00 - I've always found good deals at gunshows, you just have to be patient and look hard. Never say never.

I've also found great deals at pawnshops, especially from the guys who know I'm a buyer.

I've also found good deals at gunbroker.com - but not on sears/stevens shotguns. They usually list right at 300-400 bucks.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=138564997 This is typical, the guy is asking 329.00 +shipping - add your transfer fee and you're looking at 400 for a sears shotgun.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=138591393 Here's one starting at 425.00 asking 525.00

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=138491003 Another asking 310.00

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=138781141 Current bid 350.00 reserve not met.

I was paying 75 bucks for sears shotguns 10 years ago at pawnshops, not 35 years ago...

 

[Speedo66]

Not all of the 311/5100 series were "painted". Some of them were nicely blued and had lovely case hardened colors.

Some even had decent wood. No, they were never meant to be high end doubles, but then they were never priced that way.

Current prices reflect the fact that you can still get a decent working SxS shotgun, made in the US, with parts still readily available.

A little looking around will find you a nice example in the $250 range, which still beats most of the eastern european imports as far as fit and finish, not to mention longevity. Who know how long parts will be available for the imports?

Some of the Russian imports I've seen are downright crude, even compared to the "lowly" 311.