Selling hand guns

The Naked Whiz · March 2011

I have a couple of hand guns that I am thinking of selling. Where is a good place online to find out their value? I understand it depends on age, condition, serial number, type, phase of the moon, etc., but where would be a good place to start looking into the value of these guns?

Thanks!

Fidel · March 2011

Look for the same models on gunbroker.com

Or tell me what you have (online or offline, up to you) and I can give you a pretty fair estimate. I visit more than a handful of gun shows each year and own roughly 20 different pieces.

The Naked Whiz · March 2011

Thanks! I have them in a storage unit, so I still have to get them out and get the serial numbers, but they are Colt Police Positive Special pistols. I don't know the barrel length, either, but I'll get all that. They were purchased, my guess, in the late 1920's but the serial number will reveal their age.

When my grandfather and great grandfather lived a few blocks away from each other in south St. Louis back in the 20's, one of their houses was broken into, so they each bought one of these pistols. My guess is they were fired a few times when they purchased them, and have been stored for the 90 years or so.

I'll let you know what I have when I get to the storage unit. Thanks again!

Fidel · March 2011

Depending on the condition grading, this is a pretty good guideline:

100% - $800
98% - $650
95% - $450
90% - $325
80% - $300
70% - $275
60% - $250
50% - $225
40% - $200
30% - $185
20% - $170
10% - $155

Caliber and barrel length really don't seem to matter in the few pricing guides I checked.

Or maybe I should just say, "they're worth $50 each". I'll give you a nice, crisp $100 bill.

The Naked Whiz · March 2011

I think I saw that "chart" on the web, but I didn't notice any definition/explanation for each percentage. I did see a list of "conditions" that included something like "mint unused" "excellent", etc. But I'll hit the storage unit tonight if I can.

nuynai · March 2011

Better make sure you do it legally, as if not, anything that happens after the sale makes you responsible. Handguns usually require a Federal Firearms License.
Good luck but do your homework.
Probably type in the make, model, serial number on Google and see what comes up. It won't cost anything and you'll get a good idea of their value.

Fidel · March 2011

A private handgun sale does not require an FFL. You only need to involve an FFL if you are going to ship the weapons across state lines. In that instance the FFL at each end of the shipment records the weapon leaving/entering the state. Most FFL will do this for a nominal charge of $5-10 on top of the packaging and shipping costs.

Likewise the seller is not required to file any paperwork, it is the duty of the purchaser to register the weapon in the appropriate jurisdiction. I would keep records of the person to whom they are sold, and probably even get a signed bill of sale with serial number, etc., but you have no responsibilities or licensing requirements.

The Naked Whiz · March 2011

I found that in NC, the purchaser must obtain a permit to buy the gun from his county, but otherwise, the seller doesn't have to do anything. I saw a recommendation that you do a bill of sale, verify the buyer's identity and make a copy of their permit. So, nothing too difficult.

Selling hand guns

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