How do I get a firearm appraised in Virginia?

J

JLS

Inactive
My brother-in-law needs to get a written appraisal on two firearms to clear up an estate. Does anyone know who, around Springfield Virginia, might be able to provide that service? Since one is a handgun, he's a little paranoid about the Va. handgun laws. Any input regarding Virginia handgun posession and transport laws would be appreciated.

Thanks, Jim
 
I moved from Richmond a year ago. If he is willing to make the drive, Green Top Sporting Goods just North of Richmond would be the best place. (If he calls 411, it is located in Ashland, VA--about a mile off of 95). Call them ahead of time, and make sure someone there can do it for you.

As to the laws--don't worry about them. Unless he is barred from owning a firearm, he is perfectly legal to transport the firearms for legal purposes. I would strongly suggest a locked case in the trunk or cargo area of his vehicle.

I know that there are a bunch of gun stores around DC, but am not sure of who is good and reputable.

Out of curiousity, what are the guns? And, values are published in the Blue Book of Gun Values (Fjiestad (sp?)) and the Standard Catalog of Gun Values (Schwing)--that might be enough, unless they are real high dollar collectables that need an exact condition appraisal and/or some kind of authentication as to original parts. The guys at Green Top, if they cannot help you, might be able to refer you to someone who can.

J.
 
Instead of a formal "appraisal," he might be able to get by with estimates of value from a couple of gunshops.

There are several in the Springfield area that could probably provide the service:

Gilberts on Route 1 in Woodbridge.

Shooter's Paradise in the Marumsco Plaza in Woodbridge.

Blue Ridge Arsenal in Chantilly.

They, likely, would just look in the Blue Book of Gun Values as Jim has indicated. Unless the gun is ultra rare, valuation will likely only be a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.

As for the handgun laws, tell your brother to make sure the gun is unloaded, and then wrap it in a clean, dry cloth, put it in a cardboard box, tape the box shut, and put it in the trunk of his car. If he can't put it in the trunk of his car, then it must be in the area farthest away from the driver.

If he follows those steps, there should be no problems for him.

------------------
Beware the man with the S&W .357 Mag.
Chances are he knows how to use it.
 
Mike,

I believe you mean Dawsons on Route 1 in Woodbridge. Gilberts is on Terminal Road in Newington.

Regards.
 
RWK,

Whoops, you're right. Thanks.

------------------
Beware the man with the S&W .357 Mag.
Chances are he knows how to use it.
 
I want to thank you all for the information you've provided. I've passed it along to my brother-in-law and he'll be contacting one of the gun shops this week. I'd given him the ranges out of The Blue Book of Gun Values but now he can get an appraisal on letterhead. Based on his description of the condition, the value of both firearms is less than $700. One is a Browning 1955 model .380 and the other is a Ruger No.1-S in 45-70. I've offered to store them in my gun safe for him. Very decent of me.

Thanks again, Jim
 
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