Gun Valuations

[kilo_bravo]

Sorry if this is being posted in the wrong place, but my question is regarding how to get fair estimates for gun values. There are so many variations and reiterations, as well as upgrades. Particular, I find it most difficult to find accurate values for "older" weapons (around 5-10 years old) when there is a newer model out. It seems that region can also play a large role in the value as well, which we see in CA with "off roster" guns.

Here is my example - I have a Sig Sauer 1911 Fastback Carry, .45 ACP (1911CA-45-BSS) that was manufactured in 2011. It has nitron coating, rosewood grips, and night sights. The gun was gifted to me from my Mother in Wisconsin, as a graduation gift, and I reside in California. The original MSRP was around around $1,250. The gun is in mint condition with no visible wear or scratches and it practically had no use with the exception of cleaning and inspections.

Is there a reliable source to find what the gun is worth? Does having a "off roster" gun help or hurt the value?

[ar15barrels]

Use the bluebook of gun values.
Also look for similar guns that sold on gunbroker in similar condition by actual bidding, not just just the buy-it-now prices and certainly not the unsold ones because anything that went unsold was definitely priced too high.

[SonofWWIIDI]

A cursory glance and the 38th BB lists
Sig1911-fastback
100%——$1025.
98%——$875



Good luck.

[norcalAF]

Just a heads up, it's usually the guns with some familiar lineage that are regretted the most once they are gone. Other than that, good luck with your sale, like most things start a little high and work your way to the sweet spot with a buyer, right now is a seller's market.

[kilo_bravo]

A cursory glance and the 38th BB lists
Sig1911-fastback
100%——$1025.
98%——$875



Good luck.

Thanks! Are those values based on national averages? I have seen the book, but not familiar with it.

Do you know if "off list" handguns draw more value in California? I could see them increasing a little do to the difficulty bringing them in to the state, but I am sure the demand is lower since a lot of gun owners do not want "off list" guns.

[kilo_bravo]

Just a heads up, it's usually the guns with some familiar lineage that are regretted the most once they are gone. Other than that, good luck with your sale, like most things start a little high and work your way to the sweet spot with a buyer, right now is a seller's market.

Yeah, I hear you. Not ready to sell it at this point, but more or less just trying to figure out how the values may be affected once they come into California. The gun was listed for less than $800 in Wisconsin (used, but never fired by the owner and is in mint condition).

Thanks!

[kilo_bravo]

Use the bluebook of gun values.
Also look for similar guns that sold on gunbroker in similar condition by actual bidding, not just just the buy-it-now prices and certainly not the unsold ones because anything that went unsold was definitely priced too high.

Thanks! I have tried to do that, but since the gun is from 2012 and is an "off list" gun there are not many sales to reference within California. I am curious to see if there was any valuation difference due to the "off list" label, considering the gun purchase originated in Wisconsin.

[sigstroker]

Maybe, but 1911's are everywhere. It's not like a SIG P365.

[SkyHawk]

Thanks! I have tried to do that, but since the gun is from 2012 and is an "off list" gun there are not many sales to reference within California. I am curious to see if there was any valuation difference due to the "off list" label, considering the gun purchase originated in Wisconsin.

There is not much off roster premium to be had for a Sig 1911. Most 1911 purists don't want it. Not a real 1911 with the extenal extractor. Series 80 firing pin safety system. And the Sig fastback uses proprietary bobtail grip cuts. And the on-roster Sig 1911s are the same as free state, they do not have nanny state features. Unlike comparing say a free state P226 to a CA P226.

That said, there are no Sig commander size 1911s on roster, so you might find a Sig 1911 fanboi who would pay extra. But the Dan Wesson bobtail classic looms large for an on-roster bobtail commander 1911.

And IMO a blue book for a cookie cutter gun that is 8 years old, is just wasted ink. The best source for real info especially on a gun like this, is *sold* listings on Gunbroker.

That is my .02

[Old Flash]

Here is my example - I have a Sig Sauer 1911 Fastback Carry, .45 ACP (1911CA-45-BSS) that was manufactured in 2011. It has nitron coating, rosewood grips, and night sights. The gun was gifted to me from my Mother in Wisconsin, as a graduation gift, and I reside in California. The original MSRP was around around $1,250. The gun is in mint condition with no visible wear or scratches and it practically had no use with the exception of cleaning and inspections.

Hopefully, selling your mother's gift is something you will not regret later.
Sorry for the off-topic and not being negative.
Carry on.

[BigPimping]

I would not sell your mother's gift. You will regret it later.

[The War Wagon]

Use the bluebook of gun values.
Also look for similar guns that sold on gunbroker in similar condition by actual bidding, not just just the buy-it-now prices and certainly not the unsold ones because anything that went unsold was definitely priced too high.

G-B is where I would go, for late model, NON-collectible firearms.

https://www.gunsamerica.com/ is another good site.

[SonofWWIIDI]

Thanks! Are those values based on national averages? I have seen the book, but not familiar with it.

Do you know if "off list" handguns draw more value in California? I could see them increasing a little do to the difficulty bringing them in to the state, but I am sure the demand is lower since a lot of gun owners do not want "off list" guns.

[heidad01]

Thanks! Are those values based on national averages? I have seen the book, but not familiar with it.

Do you know if "off list" handguns draw more value in California? I could see them increasing a little do to the difficulty bringing them in to the state, but I am sure the demand is lower since a lot of gun owners do not want "off list" guns.

If you go by national average, the value will be even less than what you want.

Guns go on sale in free states and big chains/stores have specials and promos frequently. You get the idea.

[MyOdessa]

I would only consider selling a gift from a parent if I was desperate and destitute.
But, generally speaking Gunbroker's sold listing is a good indicator of price point.