beginning collecting

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pja089

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What is a good resource for collectible handguns? I have a ruger .30 cal carbine shooter that I picked up at auction, and I want to know how much its worth. Are there any good appraisers in the central pa area? I would like to find out if its worth what I paid.
 
There are books that state the value of specific firearms models, but you can get a good idea just by comparing it to prices online. Compare it to websites like gunbroker.com and even online retail stores like cheaperthandirt.com

At least this is my opinion. The retail stores will give you the value of a brand new model and the auction sites like gunbroker will tell you how much they can sell for used.
 
You can buy them new for around $400-$450.

If yours is a nicely old 3-screw model (pre-1973, I think?) then it's likely worth a bit more. It's not known as a "collectible" example of a handgun. They are a lot of fun, however. I love mine.

If you paid $300 or less for it, and it's in terrific shape, then you did well. If you paid $300-$400 and it's in terrific shape, then you did okay. If you paid more and/or it's beaten, abused or neglected, you did not do well.

If you bought it as an investment, something you hope or expect to appreciate in value, you probably missed... by a wide margin.

If you want to invest, don't buy firearms.
 
"Collecting" can mean more than "Investing." I consider myself a novice firearms collector and I love it! I doubt i'll ever make money at it and that's not my goal, I collect for the interest, the diversity, to learn the history, to appreciate the art and engineering of a well-made revolver, and so on.
 
If you're collecting, just buy what you really like, that is in the best condition you can afford.

But do your homework, find out what a gun is worth before you spend the money.
 
[QUOTEI have a ruger .30 cal carbine shooter that I picked up at auction, and I want to know how much its worth. Are there any good appraisers in the central pa area? I would like to find out if its worth what I paid. ][/QUOTE]

I'm sure it's a fine rifle, but it likely isn't worth paying an appraiser to look at it. I'd suggest www.gunbroker.com and that will give you a rough idea of what they are going for these days.

Keep in mind that most firearms aren't collectable or investment pieces.
 
I'm sure it's a fine rifle, but it likely isn't worth paying an appraiser to look at it.
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Ahhhh..it's a revolver, not a rifle. :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

With the right info, you can easily get a pretty good valuation here or especially over on RugerForum. Of course condition is first, and then factors such as the completeness of the package (orig packaging, etc) , it's age any non-factory work (and verification on who did it)
De[ending on all these factors, it could be a $800 gun or it could be a $200 gun.
 
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