Inherited Some Guns Need Value Please

[dadsguns]

Hi there..my folks have left me with some nice guns...and I want to sell some of them. I thought I would try this forum to get advice from non dealers as to where I could get the best price and how to determine value. Since this is the hangun section...I have a 357 Magnum handgun made by Colt. Can anybody steer me in the right direction to sell this and a Browning Shotgun? These have terrific sentimental value to me and am sure were priceless to my dad....however, I do not want to keep them...is there perhaps an auction on line? that complies with California State Law?...Additionally my folks left no paper work on these....however, I believe they are registered legally but not sure how to proceed...Any help would be greatley appreciated
Marlene

[GTKrockeTT]

Hi there..my folks have left me with some nice guns...and I want to sell some of them. I thought I would try this forum to get advice from non dealers as to where I could get the best price and how to determine value. Since this is the hangun section...I have a 357 Magnum handgun made by Colt. Can anybody steer me in the right direction to sell this and a Browning Shotgun? These have terrific sentimental value to me and am sure were priceless to my dad....however, I do not want to keep them...is there perhaps an auction on line? that complies with California State Law?...Additionally my folks left no paper work on these....however, I believe they are registered legally but not sure how to proceed...Any help would be greatley appreciated
Marlene

we won't be able to assist unless we get more specifics about each firearm. but, as you said, they are sentimental. care to explain why you do not want to keep them?

[PJA]

Pictures would be a big help.
Pete

[GTKrockeTT]

no matter what happens, do not sell it to anyone, especially a dealer, until you know its value.

[luvtolean]

If they are sentimental, unless you must sell them, you should keep them. If you have kids, or will in the future, it could be a big deal to get grandpa's gun.

http://www.gunsonthenet.com/

Is an online site. If you look around at similar guns, and what they actually sell for, you'll get an idea of the value.

I personally am very interested in the Colt if you decide to sell. (Just so you know, if it is a Python, it is pretty valuable)

[rkt88edmo]

These have terrific sentimental value to me and am sure were priceless to my dad....however, I do not want to keep them...

Once you sell them, they won't some back. Given your statement above, I would wait and not sell unless you are in dire financial straits.


Post pictures and serial numbers (you don't have to include the last 2-3 numbers if you are worried about serial numbers) here. Include a close up picture or description of any model information and writing. Posting at a bigger forum like thehighroad.org will get more response, and probably some offers as well.

Also, if you include your county or city you might find a buyer from here more quickly.

[luvtolean]

On other thing for you, to keep you out of trouble if you make a rash decision.

You MUST sell them through a gun dealer, otherwise known as an FFL. If it's a "Face to Face" transfer, you basically show up with the guns at a dealer and the buyer meets you. The dealer does the paperwork.

If you sell them directly to a person "cash and carry" without using an FFL, you have committed a felony. Don't do that.

[Richie Rich]

Unless you are seriously anti gun, or not legally allowed to, please keep them...... Lock them up and store them away...

You may not like/want them but your kids might someday..

Wish I had my grandfathers guns, esp his 1911....

[tankerman]

This post was rude and pointless.
If you do not agree with someone's decision to sell that is fine but sarcastic remarks are unnecessary and unwelcome.

[ohsmily]

See above regarding this offshoot of the conversation.

[mike100]

The Colt revolver sounds intriguing. In my opinion, consignment sales at the less greedy gun shops are the best way to get money fast without having to meet strangers in a parking lot or deal with transfer and auction fees via the net via ffl's.

I think I have sold $400 handguns for maybe $50 shop fee and those usually sold that same week with the ffl doing all the work. Turners in SoCal locations offer a pretty fair consignment right now. If the gun is priced well, it will move in a day or two. Guns that aren't made anymore make certain peoples ears perk up when they find one. If it is a run of the mill cheap gun, then sell it at a give away price (.22's and cheap dept. store shotguns for instance).

what part of the state are you in? BTW, guns passed from grandparents or parents to immediate offspring/grandchildren do not need transfer paperwork, but you need to for a sale to anybody else (except your children who would get the same parent to kid exception).

[NeoWeird]

You need to register the handgun. Even when it is from (grand)parent to child you still need to send in a form with your information and a $19 registration fee. The shotgun is fine as it is and needs no paperwork.

[Wulf]

My inherited guns are the most valuable one's in my collection. I wouldent sell them. You shouldent sell yours. If its a security issue, go buy a simple locking cabinet at walmart and lock them up in a desicant storage bag and forget about them. They'll happily wait for a child or other relative that will appreciate them.

[FatKatMatt]

Whenever my Dad passes on (he's 63 now and I hope he lives as long as humanly possible) I assume I will get some of his guns since I'm one of the few family gun nuts. I would NEVER sell my Dad's guns, if they were important to him it would be a dishonor to sell them. If I were you I would give them to a relative who would appreciate them.

[ivanimal]

My prized possesion is my dads 30-06. He might not be here anymore but I see him when I hunt that rifle. Keep the guns or regret it forever.