Appraisals & buying
Inherited a collection and not sure what you're holding? We'll give you a fair, documented valuation — and make an offer if you'd rather not sell it piece by piece.
Usually because someone died
Most appraisal calls come from people who just lost a parent or grandparent and inherited a safe full of guns they didn't choose and don't know. It's a lousy time to be making decisions, and it's exactly when people get taken advantage of.
You need to know two things: what's actually there, and what it's worth. Both from someone with no incentive to tell you it's worth less than it is.
Not sure where to start? Read what actually determines what an old gun is worth — and send photos for a free range.
Written appraisals
A documented valuation you can hand to an insurer, an attorney, or a probate court. Each firearm identified, described, and valued, with the basis for the number. This is the document that settles arguments between heirs and satisfies people who need paperwork.
Estate collections
Whole safes, whole collections, whatever your father-in-law accumulated over forty years. We'll go through it, tell you what's valuable and what isn't, and flag anything that needs particular care — some old guns are worth far more than they look, and a few need handling you wouldn't guess.
Buying outright
If you'd rather not manage a piece-by-piece sale, we'll make an offer on the lot. You'll get less than selling each gun individually would bring — that's the trade for being done in one transaction — and we'll tell you plainly what that difference looks like so you can decide.
Discretion
What you have and what it's worth is nobody's business but yours. We don't discuss clients' collections, and for estates in particular that matters more than people expect.
Appraisals & buying
Appraisal pricing depends on how many firearms there are and what the document is for. Call and describe the situation and we'll quote it.
What to expect
Call and describe what you have
Even roughly. “About fifteen guns, mostly old shotguns and a couple of rifles” is enough to start. If you can send photos, better.
We look at them
Bring them in, or for larger estates we'll talk about the best way to handle it. Nothing gets moved or sold at this stage.
You get honest numbers
What each piece is, what it's worth, and why. Including the ones that aren't worth much — knowing what isn't valuable matters too.
You decide what happens next
Take the appraisal and do nothing. Sell some on consignment. Sell the lot outright. Keep it all. It's your collection and there's no pressure from us either way.
Appraisal questions
I don't know anything about guns. Is that a problem?
No, and it's the most common situation we see. You don't need to know what you have — that's the point of calling.
Am I obligated to sell to you?
No. An appraisal is an appraisal. Plenty of people get one and keep everything, and that's a perfectly good outcome.
Is it safe to transport them here?
Generally yes, but call first and we'll walk you through doing it legally and safely. Do not skip this step if you're crossing state lines.
What if some of them are in bad shape?
Very common with inherited guns. Condition affects value, but rust doesn't automatically mean worthless — some of the most valuable guns we've seen came out of a closet looking terrible.
Can you help settle an estate between heirs?
A written appraisal is usually what does it. When everyone has the same documented numbers in front of them, the arguments tend to stop.
Not sure what you're holding?
Call and describe it. There's no charge for a conversation, and you'll know a great deal more than you do now.