Selling Antique/Old Rifles

[logola512c]

Hi folks, looking for some advice.  My father, who is in his 80s is going to be giving me a few rifles that were his dad's and his grandfather's.  Any advice on how to go about selling them and figuring out what the value is?  Haven't seen them yet, but I know that they have been well maintained.  One's a 45-70, and not sure about the others.  I suspect there might be somebody out there that would actually like to use them or keep them more than me.  Thanks

[Special T]

I know the Antique firearms designation firearms are worth a lot more in California than here. I know a couple of folks that have made purchases of this kind. I would focus in on the Cowboy action shooting theme because there are some unique items that are desirable.

https://www.atf.gov/firearms/firearms-guides-importation-verification-firearms-national-firearms-act-definitions-antique

[Igor]

Hi folks, looking for some advice.  My father, who is in his 80s is going to be giving me a few rifles that were his dad's and his grandfather's.  Any advice on how to go about selling them and figuring out what the value is?  Haven't seen them yet, but I know that they have been well maintained.  One's a 45-70, and not sure about the others.  I suspect there might be somebody out there that would actually like to use them or keep them more than me.  Thanks

If you are a member of the WAC (Washington Arms Collectors) I would take them to one of their shows in Puyallup.  There is a show this weekend, in fact.  Earlier this year I took an 1873 Springfield Trapdoor rifle to a show.  I just had to carry it around, and people recognized it and made me quite a few offers.  I know quite a few of the guys there that deal in old firearms, and they are all quite willing to give you an honest appraisal on the spot.

[logola512c]

Thanks for the feedback.  I won't have them for a week or two.  Appreciate the responses.

[wadu1]

What ever you do don't sell them to Cabela's, unless you just want to dump them. 

[mudflat mike]

  Also be careful at the WAC show, get several opinions.    I always figure if someone gives you an estimate, then offers to buy the gun for that amount------LOOK OUT

[Igor]

  Also be careful at the WAC show, get several opinions.    I always figure if someone gives you an estimate, then offers to buy the gun for that amount------LOOK OUT

That is excellent advice.  There will be plenty of "lowballers" there for sure.  If someone makes you an offer, just ask for some contact information, and tell them you will get back to them after you've done more research.  I have sold probably half a dozen firearms at WAC shows over the years.  I've never felt that I got snookered, but I have run into people that I was not comfortable doing business with. 

If you have the time to mess with it, you can go to GunBroker and look up past auctions to see what a particular firearm sold for.  Most prices you will find on Gunbroker are on the high side, but you can glean some good information there.

[geobru]

I have been watching old gun sales for the last 12+ years. As you would expect, the closer the gun is to original condition, the higher it will be valued. Some of the common things that reduce the value of antique guns are extra holes in the receiver or barrel, stocks that have been sanded to make them look better. Reblued guns aren't as valuable if they are truly collectables. Some old guns are just shooters. They still have value, but not the premium that a pristine gun will have. I have seen 1886 Winchesters that were shooter grade go for $1200 while the same gun with original configuration, bluing, case colors and wood finish go for $15,000. Condition condition condition!

[Boss .300 winmag]

🤔

[logola512c]

Thanks for all the responses.  Just laid eyes on them and they are pretty cool.  One's an all original Springfield Armory model 1873, circa 1880.  Best part was hearing my dad tell stories about all the deer and coyotes it's dropped over the years in Texas.  Oh, and about 10 or 15 turkeys, apparently, to varying degrees of successful meat harvest.

[boneaddict]

Good for you for being able to sell them.   There is no way I'd be able to.  I'd treasure them like gold.

[Lumpy Taters]

 

Me too family heirlooms would be hard to part with.   

[MLBowhunting]

 

[Macs B]

Do you have an inventory yet?