HELP a Girl with handguns!!!!

L

Lizzee

Inactive
Hello.
I have joined this forum because I am trying to sell my father's handguns (and rifle), but have no idea how to fairly price them because I know nothing about guns.
I have a Colt Diamondback .38 Special; and a Brazilian made Taurus 9 mm.

My father purchased these approximately 20 to 30 years ago, so they are not new (I think the Diamondback isn't even made anymore), but they have not been used in approximately 10 years, which is how long he's been deceased.
Before that he only rarely used them at the range because he did not hunt.

I've been trying to upload the pictures, but I can't because of a security token issues. I'll try and post again later.

I'd appreciate any help with this though.

Thank you,
Lizzee
 
Lizee, price your guns by looking up what they are going for on Gunbroker. If you need help, just let me know

WildcondtionisimportantAlaska ™
 
The easiest way to handle this is to take the guns (unloaded) to the biggest gun shop in the area and ask them for help. They know the local market.

If possible, see if they'll take the guns on consignment. They probably do this sort of thing all the time. They'll take 25-30% of the sale price, but you won't have to go through the hassel of selling stuff you don't know much about.

The Diamondback is a serious collector's piece and should bring a good price.
 
+1 on gunbroker

you can also check out gunsamerica.com. For that matter, there's a sell/trade forum on TFL, where you could see if anybody is selling anything similar, and what their asking price is.
 
From going to a large number of estate sales here a gun owner cannot shoot in their later life, but hold onto their guns, I have to say there is a chance they are not worth much. Sitting in a safe without any cleaning for ten years is not exactly great for a gun. I have seen quite a few guns at auction with a fair amount of rust on the high wear internal parts etc. Sad, but it happens.
 
Thank you all

I appreciate all of your input, this helps a lot.
There is a gentleman that is interested in the Diamondback, so hopefully I will be able to get a better idea of what to price it for.

Thanks again,
Lizzee
 
Your local library should have copies of the Blue Book of Gun Values. I just typed in "gun values" in my library's online card catalog and got five or six hits for books available at the library.

There will also be a discription of that gun model's history as well that you might find interesting.
 
auctionarms.com
gunbroker.com
gunsamerica.com
are all good places to get an idea of the market, but be smart, see who is bidding and how much, it does NOT matter if a guy is asking $2,000 for something if no one is bidding that high.
 
You could send them to me. I'll do a full appraisal, see how they shoot, take them to ranges, take good care of them, feed them quality ammunition and be able to give them back in about 50 or 60 years with a full report. If you need any help, just let me know.
 
Keep the Diamondback.

AFS
Click to expand...

I don't normally encourage this kind of sentiment, but I think AFS is right *if* you are not in a position where you need to sell. The diamondback is a very nice piece that will likely increase in value. I don't know if you are sentimental, but I would guess your father appreciated the build and quality of that fine revolver. Also I don't know your feelings on guns, but if you are not an owner (with these two exceptions) you might consider retaining the revolver for self defense.
 
Another +1 on keeping the Diamondback.

Even if you're not interested in firearms, it's possible that your kids might be.

How cool would it be to be given Grandpa's old Colt revolver? Wow.
 
Do what is best for you,but the folks who suggest "Keep it" are giving good advise.

Not only that,I suggest a book titled "Armed and Female"

And check with the local gunshops on basic firearms training.

You might find you enjoy shooting,and that Diamondback is a good choice for defending you and yours from harm.
 
Slide on over to:
(http://www.coltforum.com/)

A wealth on information as well as nice people.

Whatever you do, make sure to get an honest appraisal of the Diamondback. That is a very nice revolver that will only go up in value.
 
You need to find a retail shop you can trust - and get a good 3rd party evaluation of what you have.

Many shops will work with you on consignment / but you may be able to sell thru thru some of your dad's friends, family, etc - without paying the typical 20 - 30% fee for consignment.

Value is relative - but find someone you can trust. Use sites on internet like gunbroker or gunsamerica / and be honest with yourself in terms of condition.
 
Gunbroker is a great national average of a pistols worth . Whatever you do dont take less than a gunbroker price . The colt you have is highly collectable and in demand in some circles if it is a nice speciman . Collectible firearms tho are like jewls in the sense you need to know what you are doing ( or trust someone else to know ) to maximize your return . Drop WildAlaska who commented above a private message and i am sure he will help you. He is a gundealer , but like an honest lawyer ( i belive he is one of them too ) he is a rare find. He will help ya , and do it in a public an area as you are comfortable with. Wild dont fear " peer pressure " much here because he is honest .
 
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