Who grades guns?

[AudieMurphy]

So with the ongoing activity of constant price increases in quality condition firearms. You have to ask yourself why does one firearm of the same model sell for more than another of equal condition. Sometimes its the venue that raises the bar or even a part of the country its being sold in. But the point I'm raising is that coin collecting has a national grading for condition and even stamp collection does too. Obviously sellers at gun shows push the envelope.... forget about that scratch....it was already on there before I got it...that don"t count! (LOL) P Prices are skyrocketing and no signs are slowing down. Just like a poster stated the other day, Deep pockets have entered the arena...Sure, its getting to be mandatory to have a letter...But how many potential buyers want to take off the grips to see if they're matching or the side plate to check the assembly #'s or 1911's to remove the slide to check barrel markings? Nobody wants to put wing nuts on thier grail, Its getting time for a National grading and documented origonal service....jmo

 

[Ameshawki]

We need a government agency for this.

 

[505Gibbs]

Interesting concept BUT, given the shipping restrictions, it wouldn't be too practical IMO! The need of an FFL on both ends of the transactions etc.
Just my $0.02.

 

[Grayfox]

Grading firearms is and always has been a matter of opinion. NRA and the Blue Book have basic outlines to grade by. There are experts who will grade a gun for you at a price. Most often a seller will grade a gun higher than a prospective buyer.
That's just the way it is. Learn to live with it.

 

[Bald1]

I think the difference between grading a coin and gun has to do with one being a mechanical device that is put to use. A coin just lays there and takes up space. Sure you can display it and admire it. But it can't be put to use. Different people will put different values on this use. I'm sure we all paid more than would should have for a gun we couldn't wait to shoot.

 

[Drm50]

Who grades guns? Why it's the "Dealers" at gun shows. The ones with the reading glasses hanging around their neck, a Safari shirt covered with gun company patches and a 10yr old Blue Book with Post-em notes hanging out. They are easy to spot, they always have $17 dollars worth of $11 dollar guns on their table. Cheerful chaps they holler at everyone carrying a gun. Free appraisals.

 

[BAM-BAM]

See the SCS&W page 37

 

[AudieMurphy]

who grades guns

Who grades guns? Why it's the "Dealers" at gun shows. The ones with the reading glasses hanging around their neck, a Safari shirt covered with gun company patches and a 10yr old Blue Book with Post-em notes hanging out. They are easy to spot, they always have $17 dollars worth of $11 dollar guns on their table. Cheerful chaps they holler at everyone carrying a gun. Free appraisals.

"cheerful chaps they holler at carry a gun" yea, like "what ya got there?"..next question is..."what are ya "asking" for it" my answer I didnt realize I had an "asking" price! LOL then you tell them to make an offer...and most will say they dont know what its worth....until its on their table what a joke!

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

The NRA grading is not really subjective, you just have to understand a few things. 1)There are 2 scales. One for modern guns, and one for antique guns. The other thing to understand: 2) The English Language!

Replacement parts effect the Collector's value, worn finish effects the Collector's value, Extra screw holes effect the Collector's value, belonging to a famous person (with Documents) effects the Collector's value.

Just being X number of years old or belonging to your family adds no Collector's value.

CONDITION

RAREITY

PROVINANCE

sometimes which cartridge, DESIRABILITY

FACTORY ACCESORITIES, like Ivory or Stag grips, factory case, or factory loading tools.

Collector's Value verses Usable Value are two different things. Scopes, sights, and leather gear are for using (Unless it belonged to that famous guy!)

When I was a kid, my dad bought a mid 1890's Colt SAA in 45 Colt (Most Desired Cartridge add a plus or two) It had a Texas Ranger Eagle on the butt (add 1/2 plus). It had an affidavit that this was the property of a non-famous Texas Ranger, and he carried it for his whole carrier (ADD 2 pluses) The hammer spur was filed thin (MAJOR Minus!) But the filing was in response to Texas Ranger Regulations (it's still a minus, but not as offensive)

Dad bought the SAA from the Rangers widow for $25 (going rate back then) and found a collector two years later and sold it for $125. He took a big risk tying up a week's pay for two years!

But this gives an example of what goes into grading Collector Guns. Also the thing you need when selling to collectors: IS SOMETHING THAT COLLECTORS WANT!

Ivan

 

[stanmerrell]

Guns are graded all the time. When someone says it's $2200 dollars, that's the grade.

I'm a coin collector, and it's coming someday. Someone will do it, but I'm not interested. Just my 2 cents...

 

[StrawHat]

The NRA grading is not really subjective, you just have to understand a few things. 1)There are 2 scales. One for modern guns, and one for antique guns. The other thing to understand: 2) The English Language!
…

Just being X number of years old or belonging to your family adds no Collector's value.

…

Ivan

Ding! Ding! Ding! Give that man a ceegar!

Yes, there is a National grading system. Has been around for decades maybe a century. The problem with it? It is too harsh for many people. They want that beat up thing to be priceless. Too bad.

I have had dealers curse at me when we discuss the condition of some of their items.

Such is life,

Kevin

 

[John Fugate]

So with the ongoing activity of constant price increases in quality condition firearms. You have to ask yourself why does one firearm of the same model sell for more than another of equal condition.

I'll pay more for the same advertised gun when I have confidence in the seller. Good pictures, no bs descriptions, good feedback and solid return policy plays a part for me.
John