Yes but not everyone is going to be into what you're into. My dad has hobbies I can't even attempt to be interested in. Putting myself in a parent shoes I don't think I would have even thought about having it a heartwarming family experience. I'd probably just go....you want it? Here! But that's because I don't view guns as anything but guns

His kids may just not have an interest in guns. They know em, maybe wouldn't mind owning one but not enough to go and buy one. It doesn't have to be a heartwarming experience.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

The way I look at it, if there is something important enough to him that your elderly father wants you to have it before or after he passes, be gracious about it, accept it and thank him for it. In fact, thank him many times if/while you still have the chance.

The "guns are just tools" people may not get that and that is too bad... their loss.

I do not have nearly that many, but my safe is bulging at the seams. I tell myself I am done. Then another new gun comes out. If I like it, I buy it. Guns are great investments, my wife will need the money when I am gone. We have great friends who will help her get the best price for the ones not left to my family. I can always buy another Fort Knox safe.

I'm going to keep using them as long as I can.

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K & N S&W revolvers

I say go out like an ancient ruler, with all your firearms placed in your burial vault.
Thousands of years from now, archaeologists will be amazed when they uncover your remains and discover the cache of firearms. You will be thought to have been a man of great importance during your time

I've been thinking about the same question lately, principally since I inherited my brother's firearms. I know he enjoyed them but some of them are just not guns I'd buy. My son is less likely to want them when that time comes. My daughter shoots, but there are other things she'd rather do. I'm not sure she'd ever really want to own a firearm. Both children are in their late 20s and on their own with significant others who will probably be spouses in short order.

My thought is to find out which guns they want and put those aside and, like the OP, keep a couple for myself.

I am fortunate that my son, my one and only child, is just as enthusiastic about shooting, accumulating and reloading for guns of all kinds that I am. I plan to leave every gun (and all gun related stuff) that I have to him. I know he wants them and will genuinely appreciate them.

I don't understand the idea of selling off guns while young enough to use the money to enjoy retirement. Having more time to shoot guns is one way that I plan on enjoying my retirement. I am 63, in better than average health for my age (so says my GP).

I plan on keeping mine to till the end. My wife won't be burdened with disposing of them, our son plans on shouldering that burden. ;-)

My only regret is that he and his wife have no plans on having children so I'll most probably miss out on teaching my grandchild to shoot.

I'm with TTSH on this!

Unless you have family medical history to worry about OR you have some serious medical condition, at 57 many, if not most people have a LOT of good years left in them!

Heck, now in my early 50's, I'm now able to start some of what I couldn't afford when I was younger.

I figure what I buy now will be even more fun to have, and to use, when I'm retired and have the time to REALLY enjoy them!

Those polyoxymethelene grips on your cherished 3rd Gen aren't going to last too long either.

I liquidated all the P'08s and P38s before going into the hospital for my first hip replacement. All my non-US rifles went after I finished recuperation from the second hip replacement.
Now I'm 62 with a few M1s and a bunch of handguns. As you can see in my avatar photo. The worry is the M1s Garands, should I sell now and throw in cases of .30'06 or wait until the CMP runs out and hope for more money?

Already got that covered! I'll make some ceramic grips and use these...


My Mama didn't raise no dummy child!

My son in law is a gun guy so when I depart this vail of tears (71 this Fall) they'll likely go to him. The only exception would be my first off duty, a '68 Colt Cobra, to one of my girls.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

You could have what would become known as some of the best Karmas ever!
Of course, that won't fund any trips.

I never realized how young I was when I was still in my 50's. Looking back now after experiencing true old age, I can see it plainly.

And it's a fact that I got back into this expensive hobby in my late-50's after a full 25 years away. It was that pleasant combination of having more free time available while still not being completely broke from my early forced retirement. Add to that the stark motivating factor of an incoming rabidly anti-2A Commander-In-Chief and away I went and haven't stopped yet!

You are quite right, hopefully I will be around for a while. I am looking at this as a long term game plan. I will not run out and immediately sell 40 or 50 of my firearms, but I am looking at slowing down on new purchases and will most likely sell one if I buy one to keep it around 70 for a while. The trick is at what point do I start to thin the herd.

I plan to keep living until I stop so disposing of my meager firearms collection won't be an issue. Some or all would go to my son.

In your case, which do you prefer, travel or 70 firearms in a safe?

In my case, I like giving things away. So, I'd probably drop one of two on unsuspecting people just for fun. If I were considering an "endgame", which is unlikely.

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Just Say No - To Social Media

I just want to thank all who have responded, I have read every post. Many have been very thoughtful. I appreciate ALL the views expressed.

I did pretty much the same thing with 5x7 index cards.It was a good thing while I was growing the collection,as I could see the voids that I wanted to fill,and with downsizing,better identifying what I want to keep.Noting things that are duplicates or very similar,is a help.
I put a value to the gun,the mounts the scopes,the extra magazines,and things like the extra Model 41 barrel.

I have two children and neither of them is much interested in guns.

My son IS interested in history, and I will give him the Walther PP my Dad captured during WW2. My daughter has dibs on a 1903 Colt - gold plated, that I think she appreciates more for the bling factor, than as a firearm.

My nephew, who IS a gun nut has already been given my grandfathers guns..and will likely get another one or two when I am done with them.

I have one gun with some true historical significance and am thinking of donating it to either the WW1 museum, the CMP or the Fort Sill Museum.

In just this past week, I have started separating the wheat from the chaff and am just starting to put items up for sale on this site. Selling the duplicates and lesser quality ones that I can stand to give up. (It helps that I am looking to buy a boat for my retirement home!)

You are 57 yrs young!....A lot of us are older. Some much older....As for me I plan to enjoy mine to the fullest for as long as I can...As for dying with a collection it shouldn't be any more trouble to dispose of that boats/tractors/tools/land etc.......Some people worry TOO MUCH about the future to enjoy the present............

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S&W Accumulator

My firearms collection is cataloged in an online inventory. The beauty of this method is it makes doing updates a snap and I periodically review the inventory and do just that. Furthermore I routinely copy the inventory off to disk and store it offsite should anything ever happen to my computer.
As far as disposal goes I'm still not sure what I'll do. So far none of my grandkids has exhibited much interest in my collection. However the instructions I've included with my inventory are specific regarding disposal guidelines should something unexpected happen to me. I plan on enjoying my collection as long as practical for now.
Jim

Thinking about Arik's post about guns just being guns, and other posts that guns are tools, reminded me that I inherited my dad's tools also, and some of them have real personality...for instance wooden bodied planes that my dad had inherited form his dad, and his dad had inherited from his dad. Dating back to the 1800s, and still just as functional today as they were when they were made. I wouldn't sell them for anything, and although I don't use them much, I do use them now and then, just to reconnect with the family history. They will go to my sons.

Family joke: one of the tools I inherited was a beautifully handled awl. Of course, I used to show it to my oldest son, and explain to him: "Son, one day, this awl will be yours!!".

Well, maybe you had to be there.

Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

I'm of a similar age and collection size situation. I keep trying to downsize but it seems that every time grit my teeth and sell 2 or 3, I end up adding another. (Read: It's a slow and agonizing process with only marginal sucess.)
What I have done is to create a list of all of my firearms with serial numbers, values, accessory lists, etc. The list is updated regularly and kept in a file that contains other critical info that she may need if I'm not around. ( Insurance policy #'s, Car titles, Pension and Bank info, and other such.) There are also instructions on what LGS to take them to in the event of my death. I have already pre-negotiated a 10% consignment fee on the lot with that shop (and noted that in my records as well.)
That way, when I'm gone, she has nothing to worry about. Everything is cataloged and sales prices/ proceeds are pre-set. All she has to do is have them come pick them up and then sit back and wait for the checks.

Yea, it will cost me (her) a little in the end but this way I get to enjoy them, and the hobby of collecting until that fateful day. Besides, I think it's bad luck to start planning to be dead at our age. :-)

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Dave

The plan is laid.
Prepaid cremation and burial plot.
Ashes dumped in ammo can ,placed in safe.
Safe buried in plot under tombstone reading: 'Gone devil hunting.'
I ain't going anywhere unarmed.

Similar situation here with respect to family. I'm 65 and in good health (which means nothing if you're hit by a truck).

I'm starting to sell a couple of the more collectible firearms - the ones that might take more time and expertise to find a buyer. In a few years, I'll start thinning out the more valuable pieces - not because I'll need the money but to make things easier if I die. A few years after that I'll start thinning out the "users" - like my 69xx pistols; leaving the ones I want to shoot frequently.

(In other words, the Hamden built High Standard Victor goes but the Ruger Mk II target stays.)

I tried to keep a list with current values, but then just decided to keep a list with my condition assessment and sources for pricing.

A trusted FFL would be nice. I decided to make do with naming a couple of reputable dealers who take consignments.

I am a little older than most of the posters here. I have not really heard any specifics about how to turn a rather large collection of firearms into cash and get a reasonable percentage of what they are worth. I have a 50 yr. marriage with no children or heirs with an interest in arms. Which auction company's have served anyone well? A plan makes good sense at this time. I really do not want to sell and ship piecemeal. I have always enjoyed cleaning and storing my toys. Not so much anymore. It's far easier to collect than to dispose of the collection. BIG DECISION TIME!

A thought provoking question, one which I have considered. Like others I have a log book which includes notions on equipment, purchase price, etc. My youngest daughter who lives within a few hours is my executor. She likes guns and already has a few of mine including my first service revolver, but lives in NY.

My son is a police officer in TX and has received several guns already. He will get my Class 3 gun and suppressors.

My oldest daughter dislikes guns, so no issues with her.

My wife is younger, so I expect that she will outlive me by many years. She is knowledgeable and aware of firearms values. We don't need the proceeds of a sale right now, so I continue to add to the accumulation. I will start to sell the extras and less pristine guns now and let the others appreciate. I have my health right now, but no one knows the future.

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Made it, Ma! Top of the world!

A lot of you boys are going to get the drizzles if you don't come out of the rain.

This is one of the most depressing topics I have ever read. Go back and reread the comments. Men in their late 50's and early 60's selling their guns and sounding like they are waiting for St. Peter to show up.

I have health issues that causes making it to 70 doubtful. Rather than selling I am refining my assortment of guns. I am working on getting two of a number of my handguns as that will make it easy to divided them up between my two kids. Since the immediate future for our Country looks very dark (North Korea, race riots, etc.) I have become more concerned about having enough ammunition to shoot in my guns.

So 2017 is my gun lite diet. No gun buying, focusing instead on stocking up on self-defense ammunition for my handguns. Lordy, lordy, lordy it sure is difficult to do when there are so many nice handguns out there needing a good home.

Not worried about mine, they will be seen too after I'm gone!
Me, I'm still going to keep on looking and collecting! Not at the rate I once did but when I see something for the collection I grab it!
Also stocking up on ammo as I go as well!

This discussion needs to include firearms related products. I gave 15-20 bayonets as part of my martial collection. I have thousands of NOS casings waiting to be reloaded. Some of them are for obsolete calibers and worth several bucks per case. Then there is 40-50 pounds of powder, the majority of them still sealed. The same thing with the rest of my components. Many unopened boxes of bullets, primers, etc.

57 years young!

I shot in a pistol match with late 60's-70 something year old Vietnam vets and a lot of those guys smoked my scores.

I'm 37 and I shoot the living (heck) out of everything I own, because you never know what tomorrow may bring.......I have one daughter but I live my shooting life as if I'm simply "renting" my guns , because I can't take them with me. I got lazy this summer and haven't shot a lot, but I promised myself that late summer- fall this year I would shoot as much as humanly possible.

I used to obsess about it, a little nick, holster wear, tiny rust spot from sweat, etc , I caught myself doing it recently since I think I have some form of latent OCD that I work to overcome.

Just shoot , enjoy, have fun.......I also culled the herd and got rid of guns I never used.

I'm only 75, so I have...what?...another 20 years to worry about this.

Who says life isn't good to an old guy....I can hunt anytime I want too....And the results are tasty too......Brought to bag 8/17/17 at 740 pm.....Already eating snack sticks & cube steak.....I'm gonna enjoy all my stuff as long as the Lord lets me..........

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S&W Accumulator

The amount of powder you have on hand caught my eye. I don't know what the regulations are where you live but 50 lbs of powder here in Arizona without a powder magazine would get you cited and probably tossed in jail. The max on hand and inside is 10lbs.
I appraised an estate of a reloader last year that had over 200 lbs in his house! I told the executor to get it out of there ASAP because if the police or fire dept. caught wind of it they'd cordon off the whole house until they could dispose of it. Somewhat off subject but I think this is important!
Jim

Gosh, I think you hit a responsive chord. I have recently helped the sons of friends dispose of their father's guns in two incidences. They had absolutely zero idea what anything was worth. Message: thin the herd while you're above ground, you will not be under pressure to dispose of them, and will probably be able to maximize the return, plus it's fun finding them a good home.

I am glad you brought it up! We focus on the firearms, but the related accessories and accoutrements can be substantial. In my case, I have probably a hundred bayonets and military knives, at least a hundred nice pocket knives, several tubs full of militaria, etc. And that is not even getting into spare magazines, ammunition, scopes, and parts. I know what the fair market price is for just about everything I own. But my wife and kids would not have a clue.

I think I need to think on this a bit more thoroughly. If something happened to me tomorrow, my wife would have a mess. I think I need to talk to my brother-in-law, he is a gun nut, and I trust him. We may need a pact to help each others spouse if one of us departs too early.

I really do not mean to sound morbid, but I have seen too many friends/family and related folks die in their 50's/60's lately to not have a plan. I hope to be around a long time!

I have really been thinking about what to do with my collection. Especially now that my wife has leukemia and we really have been busy with her bone marrow transplant. I don't really know when I will be using any of my weapons again, except my carry pieces. We are both 64 and it is probably time to get to that bucket list.

Not sure if it's a problem or not, but daughters, sons in law and grandsons are all interested in guns. Recently one daughter bought a new Ruger MKIV. I have a MKII that is a safe queen I would have given her had I known.
I do have an index card for each gun showing date acquired, from whom, original cost and what I think is a fair price for it.
I'm sure a few of the guns will have many takers. Still trying to figure out the best way to handle this. Wife has zero interest.

I can plan all I want and leave lists and directions in the will, but once I am gone they are going to either honor my requests or do what they want with them...... the guns pale in comparison to how they will divide up the rest of the estate in terms of cars, property, art, coins and cash.......all I can do is plan, it will be up to the living then to follow my wishes or not.......

Guys - what a daggone CHEERY thread!
Actually, similar situation as many here. Will hit the big 6-0 this Fall.
Never thought I'd get this far.
My son, a great young man, has zero interest.

So, the time will come when I'll make some sorta decision.
Maybe right after this next GoneBroke deal I'm wrapping up......

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Ret'd LEO
SWCA #2275

Sorry to hear about your wife. I wish her a speedy recovery. (I have some experience with this, as my son was diagnosed with lymphoma at age 9. Spent a year in hospitals with chemo and radiation therapy. He is now 23 years cancer free, but the treatment side effects are part of why I will probably never have grand kids.)

I'm much older than you. A few years ago I gave my two children the guns that I carried or have some other meaning. I wrote some provenance with each of the guns, including some situations where they were used. That took care of a few. My kids aren't super into guns like me, but have their own and shoot once in a while. Those guns will either be sold or passed down to my grandchildren. I really am not concerned. When I give gifts, they are for the person who gets them to do as they please. There are no strings attached. I have been selling off some of the guns that I haven't used in quite some time. They are in great shape and I'd like someone younger to get to enjoy them. I used to shoot competition and was pretty serious about it, but I'm not physically able to do the type of competitive shooting I once did. Although I'm thinning the herd, I have bought a couple of newer model guns to enjoy, as well as, a couple of suppressors (waiting...waiting...waiting). I still enjoy shooting, even though my interests have taken a turn. I still shoot some clays too, but just for fun. There are a few guns I will probably have until I just can't shoot anymore. My competition guns are hard for me to let go, as there are just too many good memories attached to them and there are a few self-defense guns that'll probably not be sold either, simply because I like them so much, like my S&W Model 60-10, 19-3, 629, and 60-7. There will be several guns for my survivors to deal with, but I won't be in on the decision making!

Like many of the other posters, I keep mulling this over. I have already posted here, but reading the other posts has kept this on my back burner.

I think we can "overthink" this problem. A few years ago I had a fairly serious cancer surgery, and after getting some good advice, made out a living will, a medical power of attorney, a general power of attorney, a last will and testament, etc. I included many specific firearms bequests in the will, but even though firearms are a significantly portion of the estate, I am leaving most of the decisions on dividing them up to my family.

I know that after a death in the family, many family arguments and squabbles often ensue. But I know my sons and their wives and my grandkids (all under 10), well enough to know that they will deal with whatever I didn't specifically bequeath in a fair and calm manner. GF also, for that matter. Beyond that, I don't intend to live what's left of my life spending an inordinate amount of time worrying about what will happen after I'm dead!! I periodically update my database with current values, and have a detailed inventory with photographs, with a printed copy, and also stored electronically.

Now, I intend to have fun shooting, reloading, collecting, and not worrying too much about what everyone is going to do when I'm dead!! After all, I'm only 71. My mom had 25 years left when she was my age.

I'm still working full time, haven't even thought about retiring (for the second time) yet. I can afford better guns now than I could when I was working 20 years ago.

Bottom line, I intend to plan a reasonable ammount for what happens after I'm gone, but go on living just as long as I can!!! And that includes guns, ammo, reloading, gun leather, and everything else connected with our hobby.

Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

I'm 70 and still enjoy having all my firearms in my possession. All of mine will go to one of my nephews (I have no children). Interesting hearing all the different attitudes. Certainly a case of each having their own answer. And, as it should be.

God bless,
Birdgun

A timely thread as a friend and I were talking about the topic this morning. I'm 64 he is 63. I'm retired he's soon to be. Neither of us have any family remotely interested in firearms. I've often mentioned I need a thin the safe out a bit but trying to decide what to sell isn't easy. We have these old smith revolvers and semi autos, at least speaking for myself as it has become a passion, hobby whatever. So I think I need to sell some and I just found another that excited the hell out of me to buy and I did. I have no answers as to end of game. Guess I'm not there yet.

With all respect to all of my fellow enthusiasts here, I am quite content to leave all my firearms to my son & grandson and not worry what happens after I am no longer at the firing line. Why? I have knocked at Death's door twice. The last time was three years ago when I was wheeled into an ER after collapsing in a local store. The trauma doctor and ER nurse and drug doctor looked down on me and said you need to to have surgery now or there is no tomorrow. That statement brought great clarity & focus into my life regarding what I really valued. Blue steel. Wood or plastic or whatever mattered little. I have sold all except what my family will keep as pieces of me. What else matters?

You sir, have an excellent attitude. I am 64 and shoot even more now that I am semi-retired. I renewed my relationship with a nice M700 Remington last weekend. I also cast up a bunch of bullets for some of my other rifles. I doubt that I will be adding many guns to my collection but I intend to hunt a lot and shoot the guns I own a lot. I have a pretty decent ammo supply and don't intend to let that dwindle.

That said I have two nephews who both like guns a bunch. I will leave my collection to them.

Yes, guys, what the heck, many of us are in the period of our lives when we ought to be focusing on doing what we love to do, and enjoying life... when this thread started, I was thinking about buying another safe!! Need more room!!

Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

I think there are a lot of guys in this thread that need to adopt me!

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Just Say No - To Social Media

That's the attitude!
(but I'm still up for adoption ... dad?)

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Just Say No - To Social Media