where do you get firearms values?

[tork'd]

is there an updated source for modern firearms?
rifles, pistols and revolvers?
is there a source that "gun guys" use?
not a collector, but like to go to an auction or two or answer an ad for sale without losing my shirt.
any help?

thanx don

 

[bloo]

good place is to ask the guys on this forum. Most books will be out of date by the time they are printed. Also prices vary from different parts of the country.

 

[zonker5]

I use "blue book" a lot, I know it's out dated a bit but it's a starting point. I also look at the auctions but so often the asking prices are so far out in la-la land as to be useless. Same with what you see at gun shows.

Best is keeping an eye on classifieds here and on other forums...and I use my "gut feel" a lot.

 

[HAWKEYE10]

If it's a new gun I Google Buds Gun Shop to get an idea what a gun would cost. If it's a used gun I look it up on one of the auction sites like Gun Broker. You can also Google the gun and get information. For scopes I look on SWFA's site, also Optics Planet has scopes. Ebay is a good place to look for gun accessories. These places aren't always the very cheapest but you can get an idea. Don

 

[H Richard]

When you look up guns on the auction sites, be sure to use advanced search and only look at "completed auctions". There are a lot of guns on the auction sites with "wish-full" prices that never sell.

 

[deadin]

Unfortunately it looks like GB no longer offers "Completed" searches.

 

[Fishslayer]

Living in Kalifornistan the prices in the Free States are always going to be lower than the "value" here, especially on older S&W revolvers.

I use them for a guideline, then find information on a particular gun. Then I decide if I want it or not & how hard I'm gonna haggle.

Usually when I decide I want it & go back to the shop... it's gone.

 

[AirCommando]

I got info in this book that the gun sitting on it is worth more than I paid for it. This is the "Blue Book".

It is updated every year. You can get one sometimes (I did) in local gun shops.

 

[blujax01]

You ask the guys here and they'll tell you the prices are way too high, the Internet Dealers are driving prices up and it's all going to hell-in-a-handbasket.

Unless they're the ones selling - in which case your offer is an insult and you're a low balling ***.

 

[glowe]

Gunbroker still offers completed auction listings. You have to sign in and go to advanced. They moved the completed auctions to a separate tab.

The easiest way to get burned out there is trying to buy something that you know nothing about. Very few people can master every model, issue, type of S&W, so start by picking an area of collecting you can learn and become the expert. Watch gun auctions and learn what prices your models are selling for. Learn about condition assessment, options, alterations, reproductions, and mismatched parts. Gather up research books, updated gun pricing catalogs, and log your purchases.

. . . or you can ask the Forum

 

[Atulip]

I usually check gunbroker. Then add 10% and expect to pay that at a gun show or local shop.

Sometimes I check manufacturers websites. Then subtract 10-20% from msrp and expect that locally.

 

[Rule3]

You ask your local Gun Dealer, If selling he will tell you Blue Book is meaningless. If You are buying he will say it is a "Guide only" he will then show you prices from Gun Broker with no bids. You ask here on the forum and others and get a range of $200 to $500 difference. You then scratch your head a lot and just open your wallet and pay the price. Next week you will find the same gun for less, so you just say win some loose some.

 

[deadin]

Glowe,

Thanks for pointing out the "Completed" Tab on GB.
I never even looked at the top of the page.

I guess I getting stuck in my ways.......

 

[OLDFED]

I applaud the BB because of the data and scope of the listings. It has surely ruined the fun of buying and trading because everyone uses it like the Bible or Koran...The Word of God! We've all made decent offers on a piece only to get the owner to point to his BB and say I'm trying to cheat him because the BB says .......

 

[Pete99004]

If I'm trying to buy something local I do the GB completed auctions search add freight and FFL charges to get a ball park. I will pay a bit more for one I can walk out the door for because it's less hassle than using GB with shipping and FFL fees and I can see and feel what I'm buying. That being said - prices have gone up a substantial amount over the last 12 months IMHO.

Pete

 

[gregintenn]

I go with my gut feeling on how bad I want the particular gun.

 

[tork'd]

thanx for the input everyone.
have used most of the suggestions.
it seems things are changing quickly around here for some reason and i just wondering if i was missing something. it seems i am doing what others are but i still can not seem to get what i could call a good deal anymore. i guess it's a "just keep plugging away" situation.
thanx again

 

[kennyb]

don't forget the SCSW....great book ....like all books it's only a guide

 

[oldman45]

The value of any thing depends on how much a buyer is willing to pay and what the seller is willing to take.

As stated earlier, the location will have a lot to do with the value. A used gun in NY will sell for more than one in Louisiana.

According to the news media, there are a lot of people making a good living buying used guns in one state and transporting them to another state for sale.

 

[IceCreamMan]

I go with my gut feeling on how bad I want the particular gun.

I agree, if you like the gun and you feel comfortable spending the money, go for it. If you're not sure you are going to keep the gun, then you should pay closer attention to the values.

As a dealer, I use the combination of "Blue Book" and gunbroker or other auctions sites. The best way to keep up on values, I think, is to hit every gun shop in your area often. You will get an idea of what is selling and for how much.