A few steps can help you learn a firearm’s worth
Gun enthusiasts have a passion for their firearms. Yet, many gun owners, and their families who inherit them or receive them as gifts, have no clue as to their value.
Firearms may have a high historic value beyond their hefty monetary value. Knowing how much a gun is worth, involves more than just purchasing the gun and knowing it is an antique or collectible.
Know the gun
It is important to research everything possible about the firearm and its history. If there is paperwork available documenting the gun’s history, including ownership and where it has been, it will be easier to prove the historic value, thus increasing the monetary value, too.
Gun owners should also take some time researching the gun’s history and values of other guns of the same make and model.
Those unsure of where to start their research could speak with a historian, gunsmith or local gun dealer for guidance and assistance.
Websites and books are also available to help determine the value of many guns.
Appraisal
Those wanting a specific answer as to how much their gun is worth should take the gun in for an authenticity check and an appraisal.
After the appraisal, the gun owner will be issued a certificate with the gun’s appraised value.
Just make sure to find a reputable appraisal company before sending the gun off to be appraised.
Condition
The gun may look dirty, but it is important to leave it in its current condition before getting appraised.
The patina which forms on many older guns may add to the overall value.
Also, a gun that is in working condition and will fire safely is worth more money.
There are so many guns available through auctions, private sales and passed down from generation to generation in a family.
Knowing the true value of the gun, both historically and monetarily, will help the gun owner have better understanding of the gun’s history and know, if sold at auction, how much he or she will get.
Knowing the gun’s value will also help when getting insurance coverage for the firearm.
