So My Dad Left Me 20 Guns...Now What?

[dspavlik]

My dad passed away a few months back, and I got 20 guns he left behind.
Well, now I have 17 because my brother took three that he liked.

Lots of Rugers, old style revolvers of different calibers. A few rifles and a shot gun. I have never been a gun person, so at first I was overwhelmed.

But then I started digging in and researching, and I found the gun community very helpful and welcoming. I got a lot of information, and I even took a firearms training class with an ex police officer. Very cool.

Next thing you know, I'm now a proud owner of a Glock 17, and I've been to various ranges around the Bay Area. Lots of fun. A real change of heart about gun owners, and their passion for the sport and the craftsmanship.

But now I'm torn. Not about ownership, but which of the 17 guns to hold on to. I think I'd like to keep 5 for my kids. But what do I do with the rest of them? I don't want to sell them to dealers. Not sure how to proceed.

Any help is greatly appreciated.
Dan

[billped]

A lot of good folks here. I suggest you tell us where you are and a cup of coffee may be in your future.

[Canucky]

Sorry for your loss. Crew will be along to help you. Easiest thing you could do is research value of the firearms. And welcome to the forum.

[DentonandSasquatchShow]

I'd say your next step is to get a safe that holds 30 guns.

[SonofWWIIDI]

Originally Posted by DentonandSasquatchShow

I'd say your next step is to get a safe that holds 30 50 guns.

FIFY

[dspavlik]

thanks for the quick replies!
Ya, a safe for 50 guns and a good divorce lawyer.

I'll probably limit myself to 10. I'm keeping 5 revolvers and a nice Mossberg shot gun. Then I'd like to ad a Sig MK25 to my Glock 17 and call it a day.
But who knows??

[rkt88edmo]

Originally Posted by dspavlik

My dad passed away a few months back, and I got 20 guns he left behind.
Well, now I have 17 because my brother took three that he liked.

Lots of Rugers, old style revolvers of different calibers. A few rifles and a shot gun. I have never been a gun person, so at first I was overwhelmed.

But then I started digging in and researching, and I found the gun community very helpful and welcoming. I got a lot of information, and I even took a firearms training class with an ex police officer. Very cool.

Next thing you know, I'm now a proud owner of a Glock 17, and I've been to various ranges around the Bay Area. Lots of fun. A real change of heart about gun owners, and their passion for the sport and the craftsmanship.

But now I'm torn. Not about ownership, but which of the 17 guns to hold on to. I think I'd like to keep 5 for my kids. But what do I do with the rest of them? I don't want to sell them to dealers. Not sure how to proceed.

Any help is greatly appreciated.
Dan

Don't be too hasty to sell them. Find someone in your area who knows and likes those guns and they can help you appreciate them more by educating you about them. Most firearms if well cared for will last a lifetime. Unless you need to money for something pressing, they generally will continue to appreciate, so don't be in any rush.

Also, if you don't want to do it in person, do it online, Start posting a nice picture of each gun (diffuse/indirect lighting is your friend)

20 pistols will fit in a very compact box lol.

If you really are enjoying your new delve into this hobby, you will kick yourself in 10 years for selling them, and even moreso as time goes on. These are family heirlooms, American heritage items that can be part of the good memories you build with your kids, and your grandkids.

[hunterb]

Don’t sell you dads guns…. Keep them for your kids.

[dspavlik]

You all are probably right.

Perhaps I'll hold the pistols and sell the long guns.
You've given me a lot to think about.

Appreciate it very much.

Dan

[G-forceJunkie]

Don't let these old codgers make you keep guns you don't want. Pick a couple that represent your dad the best, maybe one for each kid to have "Grandpas gun" when they are old enough, and sell the rest to buy what you want. A dozen guns you don't want collecting dust in a closet is doing no good for anyone. Someone will probably truely enjoy and use those guns, let them have them.

As for selling, you are going to get the most money if you sell them yourself. That's going to take doing some research to find out their current market values, post up what you have here and let the collective wisdom help you. Then post them here in the classifieds. Its pretty simple to sell a gun, find a buyer on say calguns that meets you at a local gun store. They inspect the weapon, you haggle on price, if youmake a deal, they hand you cash and then you walk into the gun shop to do the transfer. All you need is a drivers license. fill out paperwork and your done. The gun shop does the paperwork, background check, and holds the gun for at least 240 hours then give it to the seller. So...whatcha got for sale?

[watevers1]

start listing them in the F/S section

[sigstroker]

Originally Posted by dspavlik

thanks for the quick replies!
Ya, a safe for 50 guns and a good divorce lawyer.

I'll probably limit myself to 10. I'm keeping 5 revolvers and a nice Mossberg shot gun. Then I'd like to ad a Sig MK25 to my Glock 17 and call it a day.
But who knows??

That's what we all said 10, 20, 30 years ago.

[71MUSTY]

When my father passed my brother forced the sale of some of his guns.

I still miss them 20 years later.

Keep them all for now.

[GreggieBoy]

Sorry to hear about losing your dad. If they are secured safely, maybe just give it a little time before you sell them off. One thing I learned a long time ago was something you might not have any interest in shooting and keeping changes. I have a semi-auto pistol that my dad carried for several years. Always thought "this is something I probably won't take to the range". It has became something I enjoy shooting.

[Garand Hunter]

My dad didn't care whatsoever about guns, shooting, hunting etc. I do care about mine going to the kids & grandkids subject to my 4th daughter being my executor chooses which and what to who. I as others have said, don't get in a hurry to sell them off. When they are gone, they never come back.

Psalm 1

[DaveInOroValley]

Originally Posted by hunterb

Don’t sell you dads guns…. Keep them for your kids.

I second this. I sold a couple that my Dad had given me and regret it to this day.

[gwanghoops]

When my father-in-law passed, I tried to get as many of guns from the mother-in-law as she didn't know his intent or value of the guns. Years later, I gave them back to the brother-in-law who finally got some storage but not a shooter. Hopefully he'll value what his dad had owned, but it takes time.

Save them all unless you are desperate for money. You never know when you'll appreciate them.

[DAZE752]

Gift the other 7 to your Spouse.

[Oceanbob]

On this Form.
1. You are the owner
2. Acquired From: gift…..write FATHER

$19 will cover all 14 guns.
Do two per form. 7 pages. Enclose that $19 check.

Don’t do it if you’re not qualified to own guns in Californistan

https://oag.ca.gov/sites/all/files/a...orms/oplaw.pdf

Mail it all in at once. It’ll take up to a year to get mail from CDOJ. No worries.
If someone calls you say “dad gave them to me long ago”

Bob

I did they same thing when my dad passed. 9 guns. No issues.
Please notice they don’t even ask for a NAME…

[the_tunaman]

Originally Posted by hunterb

Don’t sell you dads guns…. Keep them for your kids.

Never, EVER sell guns, especially those which belonged to your father. If you’re going to have room for 10, you’ll have room for 20. Do t be too hasty to get rid of them.

And I’m sorry for your loss… I still miss my dad badly.

[dspavlik]

thanks Bob!
Incredible information.

To be clear, I can put two firearms per form, and use multiple forms, and still only send $19?
Just want to be sure.

I really appreciate the help. Very nice of you.
Dan

Originally Posted by Oceanbob

On this Form.
1. You are the owner
2. Acquired From: gift…..write FATHER

$19 will cover all 14 guns.
Do two per form. 7 pages. Enclose that $19 check.

Don’t do it if you’re not qualified to own guns in Californistan

https://oag.ca.gov/sites/all/files/a...orms/oplaw.pdf

Mail it all in at once. It’ll take up to a year to get mail from CDOJ. No worries.
If someone calls you say “dad gave them to me long ago”

Bob

I did they same thing when my dad passed. 9 guns. No issues.
Please notice they don’t even ask for a NAME…

[SkyHawk]

Originally Posted by dspavlik

thanks Bob!
Incredible information.

To be clear, I can put two firearms per form, and use multiple forms, and still only send $19?
Just want to be sure.

I really appreciate the help. Very nice of you.
Dan

Yes, but IMO it is easier to do it all online
https://cfars.doj.ca.gov/login.do

[Rob454]

Sorry for your loss


Were there any guns that were dads favorites?

Any guns that are collectible or rare(ish) that are gonna go up in value?

Any guns that are run of the mill mass market easily available?

keep the dad favorite to pass on.
Keep collectible guns that may go up in value
Sell the easily mass produced basic guns

personally..I have sold a lot of my guns over the years. There are a few that to this day i regret selling. One of them was a Yugo 59 SKS. Nothing particularly special about it but a Guinea i used a lot for deer hunting and all around. No tacticool stuff just basic just the way uncle Yuri made them in the factory. To this day I regret selling it. I snapped up a Chinese SKS when they were on sale and even those seem to jump up to 5-600 almost immediately

if you need the money sell everythign ecept the favorites. otherwise sell only the mass market basic stuff. There are a lot of Ruger fans. if youre in so cal and you have a Blackhawk in 30 cal i woudl be interested as i have a good amount of 30 carbine but no carbine

[JoyfulJoker]

Rob454 has sound advise^^^^^


There are a lot of different kinds of people in the "gun world" and some can't be defined or fit into every camp. You don't know what you want to do yet. Some shooters have 1 or 2 pistols, but put 60,000 rounds through each and are Grand Masters, amazing. Others have 40 guns and can't hit the side of a barn. Some people don't shoot them, they just hoard them and worship them. Others are obsessive history buffs who need everything PERFECT for their collection. Some just have fun standing flat footed at a public range and shoot 50 rounds and go home. Some are tacticool LARPers. Others are running and gunning 3 gun courses. There is nothing wrong with any of those!

You have yet to find how deep down this rabbit hole you will go. If you have the ammo and can afford it, try them all before you sell. If you want to get good at shooting, pick one and shoot it for a year and take some classes. Glock 17's are great guns.

[Djantlive]

Your dad was obviously a collector. Now he is passing it onto you. Glad you are picking up the sport and interest. That alone is a great gift.

As for the guns, learn more about each. Newer guns are great but may not be your favorites. I will never sell my first few guns even if they are worn and not as cool. To me, the older ones have more characters

[dspavlik]

Thank you all for the advice and kind words. I really appreciate it.
After careful consideration, I've decided that out of the 17 firearms, I will be parting with 7 of them. I'll keep 10 - not just 5 that I started this thread with.
Those I will be selling are newish pieces and/or duplicates, and a few long guns that I know I'll never use.
I figure this is a good compromise with my wife, and it funds the purchase of a new handgun.
Once again, thanks to everyone for the advice.
-Dan

[krypto99]

Buy a big safe and keep them all. Then add to the collection.

[baffomet]

Your gun collection should always be "X+1".

[calidefector]

Originally Posted by hunterb

Don’t sell you dads guns…. Keep them for your kids.

That right there.

[SilveradoColt21]

Originally Posted by hunterb

Don’t sell you dads guns…. Keep them for your kids.

I agree with this statement, they should be cherished and kept within the family, often times its the only things that tie you to that person after they're gone

[Go Packers!]

No rash decisions

[dspavlik]

So how does it work if I sell a gun and ship it to an FFL?
How does the buyer do the transfer in a city when I am not there to show my ID?

Originally Posted by G-forceJunkie

Don't let these old codgers make you keep guns you don't want. Pick a couple that represent your dad the best, maybe one for each kid to have "Grandpas gun" when they are old enough, and sell the rest to buy what you want. A dozen guns you don't want collecting dust in a closet is doing no good for anyone. Someone will probably truely enjoy and use those guns, let them have them.

As for selling, you are going to get the most money if you sell them yourself. That's going to take doing some research to find out their current market values, post up what you have here and let the collective wisdom help you. Then post them here in the classifieds. Its pretty simple to sell a gun, find a buyer on say calguns that meets you at a local gun store. They inspect the weapon, you haggle on price, if youmake a deal, they hand you cash and then you walk into the gun shop to do the transfer. All you need is a drivers license. fill out paperwork and your done. The gun shop does the paperwork, background check, and holds the gun for at least 240 hours then give it to the seller. So...whatcha got for sale?

[FatCity67]

Go to the "How Kommiefornia gun laws apply to me" subforum. Read thru the threads that apply.

Another in the camp of don't get rid of your Dad's guns hastily. Sit on them a few years first.

Sorry bought your Pops. Lost mine in 2020. Nice collection of guns. Lucky me though I've got kids and grandkids that are shooters and hunters to pass them on when it's my time.

Originally Posted by dspavlik

So how does it work if I sell a gun and ship it to an FFL?
How does the buyer do the transfer in a city when I am not there to show my ID?

[dspavlik]

Thanks FatCity.

Ya, I've changed my mind quite a bit since this thread was posted. I'm now only selling a few, and I have purchased a safe for the others.
You all are pretty convincing.
But I do need to part with a few - mostly long guns - so I can purchase a few new ones.
Appreciate your kind words!

[G-forceJunkie]

Shipping a gun to an FFL is just not common unless its some rare model someone really wants it as the expenses are usually several hundred dollars vs $46 for a PPT. Try and find local buyers, its so much simpler. That said, if you do sell a gun, and get the funds, and the buyer finds a FFL local to him willing to accept the gun by mail, they all you have to do is ship it there with a copy of your drivers license. He enters the gun into his books, then transfers it to the buyer. The FFL can charge ANY amount of $$$ for this service, usually it is $100-150. It is not capped like a PPT is.

Originally Posted by dspavlik

So how does it work if I sell a gun and ship it to an FFL?
How does the buyer do the transfer in a city when I am not there to show my ID?

[heyjerr]

Definitely sit on them a little while before making any decisions so you can figure out which would be best to keep for family.

Meanwhile, start doing some research on each of the firearms. Many manufacturers have a way to tell you the manufacturing date based on the s/n. This can really help you determine value. Also, there are specialized forums for certain firearms where you can learn a lot about specific brands/models. You may find that you have something unusual to hold on to. At the very least, you can look on auction sites to see what others are trying to sell for, and even look at past sales.

I lost my dad two years ago but am glad that the family wanted to keep everything he had. I ended up with two that I treasure because they were his.

[Kyle1886]

You never know what the future holds.

You mentioned selling the long guns; there may be a time in the not to distant future when you may need to reach and touch something that a Glock 17 or revolver cannot.

Just another part in the preparedness realm. If possible, stock cartridges for the pieces you do retain, even if it is a box at a time.

Best wishes to you and yours.

Sorry for your loss.

Respectfully
Kyle

[BigPimping]

Get the biggest safe you can afford. Keep all of them. Hoarde more guns

[RikersBeard]

Sorry to bump an older thread...

OP, did you send in the Oplaw form? If so, have you heard back from the CA DOJ?

[Garand Hunter]

All of them. Why For ? Because, just because.

Psalm 1