Blue Book of Gun Values

[bigdawgbeav]

Does anyone have a Blue Book of Gun Values? I have a couple of items I'm looking to sell and need to know value.

Thank you.

[buxbandit]

I alway look at gunbroker to see what the current market us for a particular piece.

[JustinR]

Bluebook was OK 20 years ago, but local markets also drove prices. A $500 shotgun in PA might have sold for $50 in MO.

Today, the market is national and leveled due to the internet.

Look at online selling prices, then ask yourself what you'd pay based on those prices, and add 10% for negotiation fluff.

Or wait until a big gun channel reviews an old gun you want to sell, and watch the price double.

[eatmydust]

There is also gunwatcher.com, I've used it to get an approximation.

[Ecclectic Collector]

I beg to differ on using just on-line sources to value. Whenever I bring in something, I see the dealers I use check a print guide like Blue Book or Standard Catalogue of Firearms, THEN look up the market place sources to gauge any difference.

Personally I prefer Standard Catalogue of Firearms. Just make sure to get the most current edition.

No matter what, you need multiple data points to get a specific value. Ask yourself, is your collection worth the extra $20-$30 spent to get a print guide. When I do an appraisal, I use three separate sources to show my client a range.

[Gunsnwater]

Blue book prices never seem right.

[Smilez226]

I use gunbroker, I take the average price and run with that.

[gghbi]

My routine is to check completed auctions on Gunbroker. You need to be a registered user to do this. Sign on, go to 'advanced search' and pick 'completed auctions' and set the sort to 'highest number of bids first' which will bring actual sales to the top. Look over the results and compare to what you have as to condition and such.

If it is a common gun, you may have to go down the list as the 'premium' auctions are listed first then the regular ones so there may be two groupings with actual sales. Also check that auctions that have unmet reserves, but do have bids, are not misleading you. It used to be easy to pick these out, but not so much with the new format.

[bigdawgbeav]

The problem is I'm looking to unload pieces that you will not find on Gunbroker... Like a Ross Rifle chambered in .303 that is stamped with all sorts of Canadian Infantry markings, including the bayonet. Plus an older revolver and a 1918 Colt 1911 stamped "United States Property"

[gghbi]

The problem is I'm looking to unload pieces that you will not find on Gunbroker... Like a Ross Rifle chambered in .303 that is stamped with all sorts of Canadian Infantry markings, including the bayonet. Plus an older revolver and a 1918 Colt 1911 stamped "United States Property"

If you have a good bit of esoteric items, and you are not in a hurry, maybe check with some higher end auction houses. Finding the right buyer(s) might make it worthwhile.

Alderfer is not too far, and while not exactly top end, (I consider them middle grade), they do offer free appraisal days on occasion.