How to determine Used Firearm Value?

[SteveO666]

Hey all,
I am looking to add to my collection and considering a user Pistol(not sure which Yet) but I was wondering what you all use to determine value.
Is there a book somewhere that list Suggested prices like Kelly Blue book for Autos?
Do you just search online to see what the going rate is?

Thanks
Steve

[raxar]

easiest would be to see what they are actually bringing on gunbroker. There are price guides for guns but they aren't very realistic

[McSull]

Start by finding out what a new one costs, if available. You don't want to pay almost as much for a used one as a new one will cost, unless the older ones are better, which is sometimes the case. Then try gunbroker. See if you can find one or more that have been bid on and follow it to the end. There is a Blue Book of gun values. That will get you close most of the time. I think its $50. Or you can just go to Barnes and Nobles and look up the gun then put it back on the shelf.

[Delkal]

Search Gunbroker for closed auctions THAT ACTUALLY SOLD. If its a common firearm, average them and subtract 10-20% for real world prices FTF (dealers will be higher but see what you can do).

If its a rare or one of a kind item look at the auction history. If most people bid UP TO $1000 then two "competitive" bidders (or shit for brains) bid it up to $4000.....then its most likely worth $1200.

Remember Gunbroker auctions are sold nationally and it only takes two people to skew the results. Local prices should be lower. Yes, there are a few bargains but for the most part its true.

[Hodgie]

It depends on what type of firearm you are lookig for and from what catagory. Used new production, older out of production guns, collectables, Military collectbles. There are more but you get my drift.

Completed auctions on GB is one of the best way too see what people are actually selling them for a VS what they are asking or dreaming about getting for it. Dedicated fourms for a specific firearm or catagory of firearm are very helpful.

[knight0334]

bluebookofgunvalues.com

[Ecclectic Collector]

So far fairly sound advice has been given. The biggie is determining if what you want is common or rare, or desirable from a collector's standpoint. Also, quality always has a value of its own.

Knowledge is everything, or in the words of one of the gurus on a Walther forum I read frequently, buy books before you buy (or sell) guns.

On-line sources are great for the reasons stated, however they are not good to help you identify if what you have to sell is worth what a specific example sold for. Don't trust seller's descriptions from on-line sales sources. Fraud, deception, and just plain wistful thinking are more common than truth there.

Blue book of gun values, Standard Catalog of Firearms, Standard Catalog of Military firearms, specialist guides on Colt or Smith and Wesson firearms, etc... all can be your friend and guide. They have the best authority on such things and can provide information on little details, serial numbers, features, or markings that make the difference between commonplace or worth lots more.

[SteveO666]

Thanks for the info..i figured GB would be a good place to start but you all gave some good tips.

Thanks,

[Remington788]

Also take the sellers reputation into account.
Will they stand behind it if it's a lemon?

[ianb1116]

What about the Blue Book of Gun Values? Gives gun worth for carrying conditions.

Problem with a book however is that market prices change pretty quickly given circumstances.

However, might be a good starting point. My local shop uses it to quote prices for trade-ins.