Value Assessment

W

WarrenReed

Inactive
So whats the best way to figure out the market value of your firearms? I know it really comes down to what a buyer is willing to pay, but what is the best way to get a decent guesstimate?
 
Look at recent sales of firearms with pictures and descriptions reflecting guns of similar characteristic and condition. If possible, check those sales within your part of the country/world.

On-line auctions are the most readily available sources.
 
Those are the two biggest ones, and the ones I go to when I need a quick value check.

Just be sure to look for "sold" lots, a guy can ask for whatever but by looking at sold prices you get a better idea of what people are willing to pay for an item.
 
Post good pics and descriptions in the appropriate sub-forum here and you can get a fair ballpark value.

Notice I said "good" pics.
 
I know it really comes down to what a buyer is willing to pay
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I think it's very important to focus on exactly this part right here.

It seems to me that the best way to get the answers you seek is to ask the folks who do it most often... maybe including some of the people who hang out in forums like this one. And it's hard to put numbers down on a gun unless and until we have an idea HOW the number is going to be used.

What I mean to say specifically is...
I believe it's a radically different number depending on any/all of these scenarios:

--estimate for insurance purposes? Replacement or collector "value" ?
--estimate if you wanted to SELL it?
----sell it to whom: end owner? Or quick sale to a dealer?
--estimate if you were a buyer seeking precisely that?

And the numbers returned hinge on the above thing FAR more for some guns than for others. Example... Glock 19. Doesn't matter quite so much with the above. But a pre-64 Winchester Model 70? A heap!

On top of all that is condition. To put it clearly, there are many folks who don't have half a clue how to properly denote or rate condition. And I don't mean to say they gloss over deficits with some bad intention but in most cases, they simply have no clue how major a deficit can be that they haven't noticed. Again I say, if you're talking about finish wear on a Glock 19, pffffft. If you're talking about a scratch in to the metal on a Registered Magnum, you're potentially talking about a significant percentage drop in condition and "value."

Keep in mind that I am truly trying to be helpful and not adversarial--
Folks who are active in this hobby get approached often with "what is this worth?!" and it's almost like approaching a doctor at a cocktail party and saying "my brother in law has a pain in his abdomen -- whaddya think that is?!"

;)
 
lamarw said: If possible, check those sales within your part of the country/world.
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In addition to what Sevens listed as variables this one can also be VERY important. So states have silly laws like Kalifornia where if a particular handgun isn't on the roster it can not be imported. HOWEVER, if it is already here it can be transferred. These types of silly laws can bring a premium for some guns in jurisdictions where you have a limited and finite supply.
 
Thanks Seven! I appreciate your input, I didnt find anything you said adversarial, but honest, and I respect that. Just kinda getting back into the gun/shooting world after losing interest for a few years.
 
It is an important point for us who insure our hobbies/collections. I carry a supplemental insurance policy on my firearms and my clock collection. My Wife does the same with her jewelry. The insurance company requires I provide a list of my firearms, as an example. along with there estimated value.
 
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