Suggestions Needed

[trex1310]

I've just turned 65. Due to health reasons caused in part by my
vacation stint many years ago to the RVN and an encounter with
a sniper. I don't deer hunt or shoot as much as I used to. I'm not sure that what I have would be called a collection or not. I have 31 pistols (17 revolvers 13 semi-autos), 14 rifles and 6 shotguns. I don't have any children. There are no nieces or nephews interested in guns. There aren't any museums or places like that anywhere nearby. What should I do with all these guns? If I sell them I don't want to bother with shipping, dealers, FFL's
and all that. If I just put an ad in the local newspaper, although not
required by law, I would have to weed out the thugs, convicted felons,
ex-cons, etc. Any ideas?

 

[Kendal Black]

Many gun shops will sell your guns on consignment, or buy them from you outright for their used inventory. You may get a bit more money by going the consignment route, but it will take longer to get the cash in hand.

I appreciate your concern that the wrong people ought not get your weapons; if you sell your guns to or through a local licensed store, it becomes their job to screen the customers. It really isn't much of a bother to do things this way; take a gun or two in, talk terms and if that goes all right, bring more next time.

 

[thunder173]

maybe list them here on THR......

 

[Seanpcola]

Also there is a very active gun classified here locally in the Mobile AL/Pensacola, FL area. I'll PM you the link since I'm not sure if it's bad manners or forbidden to post other sites here on THR.

Sean

 

[MMCSRET]

I'm in the same situation as regards heirs; I'm selling off the ones I bought and never used like I thought I would. First go the duplicates, then the singles that have been in the back for over 25 years, then the high end ones. The nice thing is that they are "instant cash" if needed.

 

[Bobson]

I know some folks think it's rude to discuss money, but without going into details, are you gents finding that your gun collections were a worthwhile investment, based strictly on the money you're getting by selling them off?

I've often wondered if firearms can serve well as investments. I know some could, but wonder if, over the course of 40-60 years, the average gun's value will just tank - even if it's well taken care of.

 

[Trent]

Bobson, it really depends on what guns you choose, how they are cared for, etc.

And luck.

I mean, 15 years ago, I doubt anyone would think M1 carbines would be going for as much as they are today.

Or that those cheap Calico helical-feed mag alien-looking things would be run out of business by the AW ban and the old Liberty I sold long ago for $275 would be going for (at one point) over $1500. I understand they are now back in production but going in the 900's? Crazy.

*MOST* of the price jumps (sometimes exponential ones) are brought about by legislation. The *REST* are usually by end of importation or end of manufacture.

A weapon in production doesn't appreciate in value unless the manufacturer's raise the prices for some reason - and that typically doesn't happen in the US, since competition keeps everything in check.

 

[Trent]

(Look at Norinco Mak-90's - you used to be able to buy them all day long, even during the ban in thumbhole configuration, for $300. Now they're going for $1200+?????)

I still have two NHM-91's that pre-date the original ban (imported 1993, 12 digits apart on the serial #'s). I'll just hold on to them for awhile longer. They're only selling for $800ish... which is more than I paid for the pair of them.

 

[Telekinesis]

I'll second putting them up on the classifieds here, even if you put the stipulation of FTF only (no FFLs or shipping to deal with). I've bought, sold, and traded several guns on this forum (all FTF) and have met quite a few great guys on here who are local and always seem to be looking for a new gun. I'll also say that for the right gun, I would be more than willing to drive down to buy it from you.

I find it's easier to sell on gun forums (even if not this one) as most people on here aren't inelligable to purchase and actually know what they're looking at. Also, if you are just selling outright to a gun shop, expect to take a pretty good hit on the price.

 

[Canonsue]

The easiest is to find a local shop that will sell them on consignment.

 

[Kendal Black]

I know some folks think it's rude to discuss money, but without going into details, are you gents finding that your gun collections were a worthwhile investment, based strictly on the money you're getting by selling them off?

I've often wondered if firearms can serve well as investments. I know some could, but wonder if, over the course of 40-60 years, the average gun's value will just tank - even if it's well taken care of.

Sometimes yes, sometimes no.

I'm looking at divesting myself of a fair sized collection; I'm in the gray beard part of life and what I carry are the snub revolvers and what I shoot for fun are a couple of the shotguns. I probably ought to keep a Good Citizenship Rifle just on general principles. (That is the piece you grab if the Second Amendment ever needs to fulfill the purpose Jefferson foresaw.) But the rest of them can go. Oh, and a .22 rifle. Everyone needs one of those.

Anyhow, in checking out my selling chances, what I am seeing is that top brands hold value or appreciate. They appreciate if they are arguably the best things of their kind, from a quality maker, and no longer made. Colt Pythons, Belgian Auto Fives, things of that sort. Guns hold value if they are good serviceable arms of sound design, still in production: Remington 700, S&W 686. Bought used-excellent, and sold in the same shape, in inflation adjusted dollars their prices are the same or a little higher.

The guns that lose value are the ones that were never much good in the first place. I have one of the very first Taurus revolvers to make it to these shores. It goes bang every time, but it is as rough as a cob, and no one wants to part with folding money to buy it.

 

[mrcooper]

Last Friday I was at a gun shop and the owner was waiting for a widow to bring in a gob of guns fer him to sell she had gave him a list a week ago and he has looked up prices in the ball park of course he has to see them first, Their was a gun in his shop on consignment not her's that I made an offer on but the owner said no. no harm done.

 

[Hossfly68]

Wait until I can sell my Jeep and I'll take some off your hands. Just promise not to tell my wife. She let me know last week that she thinks my "arsenal is complete", as she put it.
On the other hand, you could give me a call and I'll come get you and we could go shooting at my brother in law's place down near Belingrath.

 

[MMCSRET]

I never really considered them an investment in the same context as a 401K or real estate. I bought, sold, traded, & built guns because I wanted to. I knew they could be instant cash if necessary. I don't have any really rare or particularly high end guns. I have some that are very desirable and have appreciated, others are just shooters and that's what I bought them for and paid accordingly. I like guns and have probably owned well over 200 of them, but they were just tools or hobby horses, if you will, built to be used, traded and liked or disliked; but in the end I'll sell all of them and piss the money away before I die with them and someone gets them for nothing.

 

[OkieGentleman]

Value of guns

This conversation should be a reminder to everyone to have an up to date listing of their guns, ammo, reloading equipment and misc STUFF and its value. We would hate for the wife to sell for 10 cents on the dollar to some SO AND SO because she does not know what the value is and you have dropped dead at work. If nothing else make sure she knows of a knowledgeable trusted friend or family member to ask for advice, you know she is not going to keep it and may need the money after you are gone. If you want that favorite nephew or grandson to have the shotgun he has always admired, make sure and leave a note with your will that you want him or her to have such and such. My brother loves my 45 auto and my wife knows to give it to him if I pass and to let him help her sell off anything she does not want to keep.
I have seen several collections of fishing or shooting gear go for nothing due to ignorance on the part of the grieving wife.

 

[Mike OTDP]

You probably won't get the best prices locally. I know my own collection would not. I'd put what I wanted to sell on one of the online auction sites, unless it was a high-dollar exotic...those warrant one of the big auction houses.

 

[trex1310]

Unfortunately for me there is only one local gun store that would be
willing to take my firearms on consignment. There are others that are
willing to buy, if I don't mind accepting $.25 on the dollar. So, I have
done some research before I posted. I've had some suggestions via PM
that I will look into. I just hate to part with some like this one.....

On the other hand, you could give me a call and I'll come get you and we could go shooting at my brother in law's place down near Belingrath.

You have a deal.

 

[Kendal Black]

My, but that is a pretty horse pistol. But if i can't put in my pocket or behind my hip for CCW, I don't have a use for it. Someone might: The first thing that came to my mind when I saw that gun was antelope.

Might be worth your while to ask around, do a little driving and visit a shop with better terms.

I've had gun stores try to pull the 25 cents on a dollar trick on me, too. Of course it does their bottom line good, if you bite, but what I did instead was take my business elsewhere. Permanently. I may be petty, but I even drove out of my way to buy skeeter repellent and fish hooks someplace else.

 

[gdesloge]

On the radio show Gun Talk, the host Tom Gresham has as one of his advertisers Dury's Gun Shop in San Antonio.

They will apparently sell entire collections of guns.

Here is the relevant page from their website: http://www.durysguns.com/sell-your-guns



Selling your guns at Dury's is safe, and easy, and you can be sure you are getting a fair and honest deal.

There are three methods you can choose from to sell your gun. Each provides various benefits and you are free to choose the method that best suits your needs.

1. Outright Sale to Durys - This approach provides you instant cash and piece of mind as the transaction will be completed in minutes after the gun is evaluated by our buyer. (WE PURCHASE GUNS AT 30% OFF OF BLUE BOOK VALUE)

2. Consignment Sale - This approach will normally net you the most money for your gun but you have to wait untill the gun is sold to receive payment.

3. Consignment Auction - Some guns typically sell for higher prices through auction than in our store. Let our sales experts guide you based on the specific model and condition of your gun.

If you live close to San Antonio, the best approach is to bring your guns to our store (see map under "Contact"), so that we can see them and help determine the best sale option for you

If you do not live near San Antonio, please give us a call at 210-531-2629 or 210-531-2629 . We can help you in various ways to simplify the selling process, from estimating the value of your firearm to providing a shipping box with a convenient pre-addressed UPS call tag. (A UPS call tag sends a UPS representative to pick up your gun from your home.)

For more sizable collections, arrangements can be made for a personel visit to your location.

When you are ready to sell your guns, please give us a call.

Click on the button below if you have digital pictures of your gun or prefer to contact us by E-mail.



By the way, I am not affiliated in any way with Dury's. I merely hear their advertisements on Gun Talk.

Best of luck -

gd

 

[TJ AK-74]

Set up a table at the next gun show and price them at 80-90% of their value. Be willing to negotiate a little lower. You shouldn't need to worry about the clientele as less then 1% of firearms used in crimes are obtained from gun shows. If you don't feel comfortable selling to someone, either refuse to sell or make them sign a bill of sale and copy their drivers license info. Taking them to dealers is usually a good way to get ripped off. An option for any unique pieces would be Gunbroker.com - they have pretty low fees and you would ship them to an FFL, so no need to worry about thugs getting them.