What Would You Guys Do? Old Fart That Needs To Sell His Guns.

[diyj98]

I've been to local auctions where someone was auctioning off their personal firearms collection. Buyers always seemed to pay more for guns there than they could have paid for used ones at a local shop. That's the way I would go. Check out a local auction company and see what kind of deal that they'll give you. You can always set a minimum price on certain guns (reserve), but the auction companies aren't fond of that.

I agree. Check with the local auction companies.

 

[jeffrefrig]

At least one shop local to me, the last time I looked at their services listed on their website, will give an estimate on gun collections' worth (not what they would give you, which would be considerably lower, of course) so one can have a good starting point on your asking price. Selling them singly may be a pain in the butt on the shipping end of the deal. Perhaps if you have a LGS that appraises your collection you may get a break on them shipping them to a buyer's FFL. I believe they make house calls as dragging a collection to the store naturally would be a real pain. Actually, I believe they all would make an appt. to make a house visit. I'm only 67, but a recent dr. visit has put me in the "reality of growing old" mode. Therefore I need to go through my small accumulation and tag the guns with who to leave them to and which to sell...then start selling and giving them to offspring or their mates. The only 2 grandchildren are too young to have a gun, but grandson, 16, will get the bulk of what I have. This is gonna be a real pain in the butt, but seeing the boy smile will be worth it.
Good luck to you.
I may just put some on a list, with pictures and an offer to EMail more pics if anyone asks.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

Selling guns are tough. An example is my brother and I had identical S&W Model 59 pistols. I sold mine for $750 before Covid and my brother is still asking for $1500.

 

[KS_kframe]

I'm at the point in my life.

Nov 2022, I helped my dad sell what was left of his S&W collection (ones I weren't interested in). Rather than deal with them individually, I took them to LGS Wichita Gun Club for consignment. The 18 and 66 sold within hours of being listed, and the 60 took a bit longer.

Dad passed away a few months ago, and that has me considering my mortality. I taped the LGS business card to my safe, and told my wife and daughter if the safe isn't empty when the time comes, to 'call Jess' and he'll sell what's left for them.

 

[Exmilcop]

Like most of us here, I'm distressed to learn that your health has taken such a hard hit. Being 74, I commiserate fully and though I'm in overall good health, age is making inroads into my abilities. OK, back on track, I'd go with the others urging a good auction house. We have 2 good ones in my region and should anything untoward happen to me, my executor has specific instructions as to where to dispose of my firearms. The 10% you pay the auction house is small price to pay for the ease of the disposal process and the wider market reach most good auction houses enjoy. May time be kind to you.

 

[Golddollar]

Like most of us here, I'm distressed to learn that your health has taken such a hard hit. Being 74, I commiserate fully and though I'm in overall good health, age is making inroads into my abilities. OK, back on track, I'd go with the others urging a good auction house. We have 2 good ones in my region and should anything untoward happen to me, my executor has specific instructions as to where to dispose of my firearms. The 10% you pay the auction house is small price to pay for the ease of the disposal process and the wider market reach most good auction houses enjoy. May time be kind to you.

That's pretty close to what I am doing. My will probably looks like a roll of paper towels, but I went into a pretty high degree of detail of who is to get what. I don't know how much of a firearms person my executor is, but I gave directions that he should consult with my brother and/or a cousin to help identify guns. There is a good auction house in Gettysburg that specializes in firearms auctions that will get anything not specifically bequeathed. I've dealt with the auction house for years so I have confidence it will do a good job. I just can't bring myself to sell much of anything now.

 

[Gebe]

Man, you guys are THE BEST! Thank you for all your responses! I will answer some of you guys soon. Thank you for your patience!

 

[Gebe]

I'm still here! Please have patience with me as I WILL get back here!

Have had some downturns with the health but coming around. Thanks to all for the wonderful suggestions!

 

[TheHobbyist]

Sorry to hear of your health issues and will pray for you and your family.