Hello everyone. The newest Blue Book of Gun Values the 41st edition which I buy every year has come out recently. Unfortunately, Mr Fjestad, the editor for many years, recently passed away. This newest edition is touted as a memoriam to him. My question, has anyone bought this one yet? Is it just a reprint of last year or does it have the newest up to date values? I understand that the values do not change all that much each year but in certain instances, like the discontinuance of the High Power, the reintroduction of the Colt Single Action Army, Cobra, and the Python make me want to have the latest information. Is This purchase worthwhile? What do you think?
Fjestad Blue Book of Gun Values 41st ed 2020
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This is only my opinion and others may disagree and that's perfectly fine as we are most likely using it for much different guns.
I believe that this (fantastic!) reference book hasn't had much decent market value use for many years. I mean to say that the book and all the information inside is certainly of fantastic use, but as a price and value guide, it is outdated and in some cases, it is extremely and shockingly outdated.
To put it another way... for the guns I seek, if a dealer has a table with handguns on it and I ask about the price of one he doesn't have marked and he picks up the big Blue Book (any edition!) then I already feel like he's entirely out of touch with the real current value of what we are looking at.
But again, I'm not likely asking him about a S&W revolver from 1952, we are looking at more modern guns.
As an informational resource, the Blue Book is legendary. As a market price/value indicator, it has a legendary history but that it is or should be long retired. I will reiterate for anyone itching to say I'm wrong
but I'm talking about modern guns and scarce variants of modern guns.
I like to pick up a Blue Book when I see one that's selling for two bucks in a used book store. It's terrific for identifying things and often for finding a "last known MSRP" but as a price guide, much of it is completely irrelevant.
We had a similar discussion with Jim Supica with regards to his (and Richard Nahas) phenomenal Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson. He made it clear to us that his publisher basically demands that it be considered a price guide, because that is simply how it works in the publishing business, but we all know (and the authors do as well) that it is a killer reference and identification guide, and to keep on top of market values is nonsense, the market often changes between final submission and printing/distribution. Add to the fact that the newest 4th Editions of the book came what, 10 years after the 3rd Edition?
I believe that this (fantastic!) reference book hasn't had much decent market value use for many years. I mean to say that the book and all the information inside is certainly of fantastic use, but as a price and value guide, it is outdated and in some cases, it is extremely and shockingly outdated.
To put it another way... for the guns I seek, if a dealer has a table with handguns on it and I ask about the price of one he doesn't have marked and he picks up the big Blue Book (any edition!) then I already feel like he's entirely out of touch with the real current value of what we are looking at.
But again, I'm not likely asking him about a S&W revolver from 1952, we are looking at more modern guns.
As an informational resource, the Blue Book is legendary. As a market price/value indicator, it has a legendary history but that it is or should be long retired. I will reiterate for anyone itching to say I'm wrong
but I'm talking about modern guns and scarce variants of modern guns.I like to pick up a Blue Book when I see one that's selling for two bucks in a used book store. It's terrific for identifying things and often for finding a "last known MSRP" but as a price guide, much of it is completely irrelevant.
We had a similar discussion with Jim Supica with regards to his (and Richard Nahas) phenomenal Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson. He made it clear to us that his publisher basically demands that it be considered a price guide, because that is simply how it works in the publishing business, but we all know (and the authors do as well) that it is a killer reference and identification guide, and to keep on top of market values is nonsense, the market often changes between final submission and printing/distribution. Add to the fact that the newest 4th Editions of the book came what, 10 years after the 3rd Edition?
wheelgun28
Member
When stores still had guns for sale, Id love it when the dealer checked the book value of a Smith. It just was a guaranteed bargain!
Values change faster than they can print books.
I was told back in the day the used auto business had a weekly magazine, kinda like a Pennysaver or mini newspaper with values.
The gun world is very big and no one person can know everything about every area.
Values change faster than they can print books.
I was told back in the day the used auto business had a weekly magazine, kinda like a Pennysaver or mini newspaper with values.
The gun world is very big and no one person can know everything about every area.
I have Theon line edition which is supposedly updated more often and I use it for a reference in the pawn shop where I work, not so much as a price guide, but for reference. Prices I have found are very regional, for instance in my area there are few places to hunt with a rifle so they are often a hard sell. I find checking the various auction sites more valuable.
deadin
US Veteran
Ever notice that many "dealers" seem to have two valuation books under their table?
A new one if you are buying from him and an old one if you are trying to sell him something.......
A new one if you are buying from him and an old one if you are trying to sell him something.......
LVSteve
Member
It amazes me how a work of fiction can have 41 editions.
Keep in mind, ALL of these kind of books are "GUIDES". There are so many variables on individual firearms the books can't be more than a ballpark reference.
DWalt
Member
More useful as a general reference than as a price guide. I have a few old editions, have no need to pay the price for any new edition. GunBroker is a more reliable source for valuation information.
A LGS/Pawn shop recently received serval firearms from one of their employees from one of their other locations. There is a Smith Corona 1903A3 in the group.
The rebuilt stamp from the Ogden arsenal is on the butt stock however, the rebuild stamps, found just forward of the front recoil screw, in the floor plate, have been sanded or steel wooled into oblivion.
The parkerizing is 95%+. I know the owner very well and he has, in the past, asked my opinion as to the value of U.S. military weapons.
I was dumfounded to see that he had priced this rifle at $2,500.00. When I asked him where he "found" that value, he pull out his new "Blue Book" and smiled.
I told him that I wished him well and if he received that price for the rifle, I would place my Remington 03A3 with him on consignment. I am not holding my breath or anything else.
The rebuilt stamp from the Ogden arsenal is on the butt stock however, the rebuild stamps, found just forward of the front recoil screw, in the floor plate, have been sanded or steel wooled into oblivion.
The parkerizing is 95%+. I know the owner very well and he has, in the past, asked my opinion as to the value of U.S. military weapons.
I was dumfounded to see that he had priced this rifle at $2,500.00. When I asked him where he "found" that value, he pull out his new "Blue Book" and smiled.
I told him that I wished him well and if he received that price for the rifle, I would place my Remington 03A3 with him on consignment. I am not holding my breath or anything else.
AJ
US Veteran
The Blue Book, current or older is a good reference book for the most part. As a price guide it is fairly out of touch with realty. If I want to know what some older guns are selling for, I look at the "Completed Auctions" on Gunbroker. If it is a new piece I just look it up on line.
You got to watch dealers (in shops or at gun shows). They like to use 10-15 year old Blue Books when quoting you a price that they will buy the gun for from you. The tactic is to show it to you in print, so you can "see" they are offering you a fair price. When selling you a gun and they quote a price to you, they bring out the new book (if it is to their advantage) and show you the price. Most dealers are not much better than Used Car Salesmen when it comes to tactics.
You got to watch dealers (in shops or at gun shows). They like to use 10-15 year old Blue Books when quoting you a price that they will buy the gun for from you. The tactic is to show it to you in print, so you can "see" they are offering you a fair price. When selling you a gun and they quote a price to you, they bring out the new book (if it is to their advantage) and show you the price. Most dealers are not much better than Used Car Salesmen when it comes to tactics.
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