Blackpowder Firearm Values?

[Egan]

I recently inherited some firearms, including a Ruger Old Army Blackpowder pistol and Hawken .50 Black Powder rifle. I have no interest in ever firing these weapons, nor do I want to keep them as part of my collection.

Does anyone have a good source for determining the value of these firearms before putting them up for sale?

What rules govern the sale of blackpowder firearms? Do these need to go through an FFL?

Thanks.

[Rob P.]

I believe (I could be wrong) that blackpowder firearms are not considered "weapons" and are therefore exempt from the firearm transfer requirements. No FFL, no DROS, not waiting period, yada yada yada...

The Ruger Old Army MAY not be exempt because of it's mfg. I would talk to a local FFL and/or gunshop which sells BP firearms to be positive but I'm 90% sure it's still exempt.

The Hawken has relatively little value because they are "a dime a dozen" and there are many many mfg's (some of which are cheaply made). Current values are under $475 for NEW ones so used is obviously less and dependent upon mfg and model. Average "kit" rifles are cheap (<$100 used.)

The Old Army is worth more because it's seling price can be tracked on the internet due to it's recent mfg AND the fact that it can be used for SASS and CAS. Value is about $500 in better than good cond or as-new.

[xenophobe]

Yeah, the Ruger is probably worth about $300-$400 depending on condition.

The Hawken is probably worth $75-$175, depending on which model, how fancy the wood is, condition of the bore, etc...

These can be sold without a FFL. Cash & carry.

[Rule .308]

I purchased an excellent condition stainless Ruger Old Army off of Gunsamerica last month for $340.00 shipped to my door and there were at least 3 others at that time going for the same price that were advertised as being in the same condition. As others have stated, they are a cash and carry deal with the exception of a couple of states, one of which California is not for a change.

[CSACANNONEER]

I recently bought a .45 cal TC Hawkens for $75.00. If your is a lefthanded flintlock, I'd be interested in hearing more about it.

[redneckshootist]

I would like to hear more about the hawkin caliber, lenth, condition of bore. I may buy that one. I love BP shooting. My avatar is me shooting a black powder hand gun

[Egan]

Thanks for the advice guys.

I'll post up some info on these particular guns. My grandfather bought them back in the 70's. I think he was going through a fad at our local gun club (the old Brisbane Rod & Gun Club for any of the older folks) and I know they weren't fired very much.

BTW, the Hawken is a Thompson/Center. It even has the original owner's manual in pristine condition and a mould tool.

[CSACANNONEER]

Thanks for the advice guys.

I'll post up some info on these particular guns. My grandfather bought them back in the 70's. I think he was going through a fad at our local gun club (the old Brisbane Rod & Gun Club for any of the older folks) and I know they weren't fired very much.

BTW, the Hawken is a Thompson/Center. It even has the original owner's manual in pristine condition and a mould tool.

Hey, I'm not that old and I remember it. I grew up in San Bruno.

[Egan]

Hey, I'm not that old and I remember it. I grew up in San Bruno.

My grandfather, my dad, and I were all members. I fired my first rifle at age 7 there back in 1977 and I used to run the trap machine on the weekends. I was really sad when the land owner shut them down so he could park his earth moving equipment there. I *think* that was right around 1988-1990.

Lots of good memories from that place.

[dixieD]

You should keep them. They can be quite fun and inexpensive to shoot. My 50cal Hawken inside 100yds is as accurate as any of my other rifles as long as the ball is well centered on the patch and well seated. It is a moa rifle with irons. They are also a nice change of pace.

D

[Egan]

Since I never plan to get into blackpowder, I put them up for sale:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?p=707877#post707877