If you’ve spent years building a gun collection or recently inherited one from a relative, you know these aren’t just objects – they’re investments, both emotionally and financially. When it’s time to sell, we’ve noticed many folks make the same mistake: they think they already have a good handle on what their guns are worth in today’s market.
We see this all the time at Accurate Gun Auctions – collectors walk in ready to part with family heirlooms for way less than they should.
Before you think about selling your collection, let us share why getting a proper gun appraisal isn’t just a good idea – it’s pretty much non-negotiable if you want fair value and to make sure everything’s done legally.
What’s Actually Involved in a Professional Gun Appraisal?
The Nuts and Bolts
A real gun appraisal goes way beyond what some guy at your local gun shop might tell you it’s worth. When experts do a proper evaluation, they’re looking at:
- How well the gun’s been maintained
- How rare it is based on production numbers
- Any historical significance or backstory
- What collectors are actually paying right now
You’ll get actual documentation from a certified appraisal, not just an opinion that won’t hold up if you need it for legal or insurance purposes.
Different Kinds of Appraisals
Depending on why you need the appraisal, there are different types:
- For insurance (so you’re covered properly)
- For settling estates (when someone passes)
- For selling (to know what to ask)
- For donations (if you’re giving to a museum or something)
6 Really Good Reasons to Get Your Guns Professionally Appraised
Finding Out What They’re Actually Worth
The gun market’s all over the place, values change based on politics, what collectors are into, and manufacturing stuff. Something worth a few hundred bucks a few years ago might be worth thousands now.
Avoiding Getting Ripped Off
Without a proper appraisal, stats show guns often sell for 20-35% below what they’re really worth. People mess up by:
- Using outdated price guides
- Not knowing when they have something special
- Undervaluing the history of the gun
- Misunderstanding how condition affects price
A proper appraisal makes sure you’re not leaving thousands on the table when you sell.
Staying on the Right Side of the Law
Selling guns involves a ton of regulations. Good appraisals create a paper trail that:
- Confirms serial numbers and who owns what
- Documents the history of transfers
- Creates records needed for certain restricted firearms
- Gives you the info you need for proper FFL transfers
This paperwork protects both sides from potential legal headaches down the road.
Making Estate Planning Easier
If you’re planning what happens to your collection after you’re gone, professional appraisals help:
- Set accurate values for tax purposes
- Prevent family arguments over who gets what
- Make sure things get divided fairly
- Give executors the info they need
Getting Proper Insurance
To really protect valuable guns, you need:
- Current appraisals from people who know what they’re talking about
- Detailed descriptions of condition and identifying features
- Accurate values that affect your premium costs
- Proof of value if something gets stolen or damaged
Most homeowner’s policies won’t cover valuable guns properly without specific riders based on professional appraisals.
Making Sure You’ve Got the Real Deal
Unfortunately, there are a lot of altered, refinished, and fake guns out there. Professional appraisals protect everyone by:
- Spotting non-original parts
- Checking if serial numbers match on all parts
- Verifying historical claims
- Noting what’s original versus what’s been changed
What Makes Your Guns Worth More or Less?
Condition Is King
How well a gun’s been maintained is usually the biggest factor in its value. Professional appraisers use standard scales and look at:
- How much of the original finish is left
- What shape the bore is in
- Whether all the parts are original
- How well wood and metal fit together
- If everything works properly
Rarity and Production History
Not all guns from the same manufacturer are worth the same. Values change based on:
- Limited production runs
- Prototype or experimental models
- Custom features or modifications
- Early or late serial numbers in a production run
Historical Connections
Guns with proven historical connections can be worth way more:
- Military service history with paperwork
- Connection to historical events
- Previous famous owners
- Original boxes, manuals, and accessories
What Collectors Want Right Now
Market trends have a huge impact, with demand changing based on:
- What collectors are into right now
- Regional differences in pricing
- Seasonal factors
- Media influence on what people want
How We Do Things at Accurate Gun Auctions
Our Appraisal Approach
What makes our appraisals different:
- We’ve got specialists with decades of experience
- We do detailed condition reports with lots of photos
- We research production history and compare market prices
- We explain in plain English why we value something the way we do
Why Our Clients Get More Money
Our clients typically get more than they would through gun shops or private sales because:
- We target specific collector groups nationwide
- We have a big pool of serious bidders
- We’re not limited by local market prices
- We highlight what makes each gun special
Getting Your Collection Ready for Appraisal
Paperwork to Round Up
Before appraisal, try to find:
- Original receipts and ownership papers
- Service records
- Any historical information
- Previous appraisals or insurance docs
Condition Considerations
For the most accurate appraisals:
- Don’t clean or restore guns before appraisal (seriously, don’t!)
- Don’t take them apart beyond basic field stripping
- Make note of any issues you know about
- Keep all the original boxes and paperwork together
Shipping and Transportation
When sending guns for appraisal:
- Follow all the legal requirements
- Get proper insurance for shipping
- Use our secure shipping protocols
How We Take You From Appraisal to Auction
We make the whole process pretty simple:
Step 1: First Conversation
We start with a free evaluation of what you’ve got, talk about what you want to accomplish, your timeline, and what you might expect to get.
Step 2: Consignment and Appraisal
Once you’re ready to move forward, we make shipping easy, provide detailed appraisals, and are totally upfront about our fees.
Step 3: Marketing and Getting Ready for Auction
We take professional photos, write detailed descriptions, and market your guns to the right collector communities.
Step 4: Auction and Payment
We handle both live and online bidding, keep you updated throughout.
Getting the Most From Your Collection
Knowing what your guns are really worth before selling isn’t just a good idea—it’s crucial if you want to get fair market value and make sure everything’s legal and aboveboard. Professional appraisals give you the documentation and insights you need to make smart decisions.
At Accurate Gun Auctions, we’ve helped hundreds of collectors get top dollar through our appraisal and auction services. We make sure you never leave money on the table when it’s time to sell.
Want to find out what your collection is actually worth? Give Accurate Gun Auctions a call at (727) 210-3504 for a private, no-obligation review. Our team of gun experts is ready to help you maximize your returns.
