If you had 30 handguns to sell...

[jmace57]

Sorry for a rambling post to follow.

I was doing an inventory of my handguns a couple of weeks ago, and like a lot of you, I tend to buy, but not sell much. I realized when I actually thought about it that I have a lot more than I need or (gasp) really want.

When I first got into collecting, I wasn't really collecting, I was acquiring. I would buy things because I thought they were a good deal, and sort of interesting. But, as time went by, I started getting more specialized into 1903 Colts and S&W revolvers from the teens and twenties.

It turns out that I have probably 30 items I would be willing to get rid of.

So, to my question. How would the best way to sell these be?

The majority of what I would be selling are decent to nice, but all over the place category-wise.

Some have little collector value - a couple of Baikal Makarovs, Ruger single-six, H&R and NEF .22s, a CZ-50 and CZ-70

Then I have duplicates of some things that DO have some collector value - a first year FN 1910, a couple of FN 1922 WWII bringbacks, an original Remington model 51, a Femaru model 37, etc.

Finally I have some S&W revolvers that are later than what I decided to collect - very nice model 10-5, 10-6, 10 no-dash, maybe a pre-model 14 and model 15-3.

I guess I see there as being a number of options:

Consign to an auction house (probably 20% commission)
Consign to a local gun shop (10% commission)
Try to sell them thru forums
Armslist them
Rent a table at a gunshow?

Of course the easiest would be to take them to a local gunshop - I wouldn't have to ship them anywhere. I could do it all at once. It is sort of daunting to think of trying to sell approx. 30 items one by one. But what kind of leeway do you give the gunshop? I don't want them to sell a S&W worth $300+ for $250.

I like the concept of having a table at a gunshow and selling them all in a day, but I have NO idea how to do that. Can I even GET a table, or all they all booked up for months or years in advance?

My FFL said they would cut me a "package deal" if I decided to ship to an auction house (approx. $200 fees) + shipping.

Anyway, has anyone had this situation before and have any suggestions?

Thanks all

 

[dprice3844444]

i'm a fatherless child if you want to adopt.

 

[BobWright]

Not that many to sell, but I've been going to GunBroker.

Bob Wright

 

[Captains1911]

I have no personal experience with them, but have heard good things about Dury's Guns.

Also as mentioned gunbroker will work, just as long as you have the time and patience, and know your shipping costs.

 

[Acera]

I seriously doubt you will get $250 for a $300 S&W from a gun store more than once. The stores around here would more than likely give you just over a hundred for that gun.

Best prices, sell them yourself. Gun boards are good to get rid of it, local community boards tend to get you better prices as they are not filled with gun guys that know the true value of what they are looking at. Gun show table is a good idea for the number you have, plus it opens the opportunity for a trade for something else. You should be able to beat the dealers on their prices.

 

[thefish]

I guess what you need to ask yourself what your motivation is and if you are looking for top dollar, or most convenient, and if you have the time or wherewithal to deal with the general public.

Personally, I would list them on gunbroker. You don't have to deal with anyone personally, arrange a "showing" and you would, I think, get top dollar. Additionally, the guns will be exposed to a larger audience.


If you want to pass them on to a appreciative person, (not that the guys buying off gunbroker wouldn't be appreciative) id use forums. Seems more personal that way.

Or you could make it fun and post on forums your collection and ask "convince me I should sell you this gun".

 

[witchhunter]

Advertise them on here in the classifieds. You said something about a S&W pre 14.....you have our rapt attention now anyway.

 

[marv]

Find a GOOD auctioneer that appreciates guns and knows how to sell. You might have to go two or three counties away but that could be better yet.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Internet trading post.

 

[hso]

Check with the promoters that put on the local gun shows to find out if there are any available tables. It can be a fun weekend and you'll have time to watch the crowds drift by and might see something you want. Be prepared for people to act like fools over your asking price. Secure them against light fingers and be sure to bring a buddy so you can both watch your guns and avoid having them stolen anyway.

 

[DammitBoy]

I sold a few more than that at three Gunshows and had a blast doing it.

And I only bought three!

 

[Field Tester]

If you're not in need for the money take your time and use methods where you'll get top dollar. You might get some interesting trade offers.
Also remember it's your job as the seller to get top dollar and it's the buyer's job to get the best deal possible. Don't feel insulted and find a good middle ground you feel comfortable with. If you don't, pass. Don't end up regretting a transaction.

 

[Comrade Mike]

I wouldn't mind a look at your model 10's....

 

[dogtown tom]

jmace57 ....So, to my question. How would the best way to sell these be?

"Best" mean getting the most $$$$ out of your collection..........sell them yourself on Gunbroker, at a gun show or on a gun forum like this one.

I like the concept of having a table at a gunshow and selling them all in a day, but I have NO idea how to do that. Can I even GET a table, or all they all booked up for months or years in advance?

Call the show promoter and buy a table. Most gun shows in Texas will charge $60-75 for an 8ft table for that weekend. While tables may have been reserved for repeat vendors, there are often single tables available on Saturday morning.

 

[smkummer]

Gun show first

You will probably enjoy it. 30 handguns is just about perfect for one 4X8 table. You can sell other odds and ends in a box also. Like others stated, someone will walk around with something to trade and you may like it. You can make a gun show a pleasurable experience buy NOT allowing what anyone says personal! When someone balks at your price, thank them for their opinion and smile! Its all suppose to be fun. And no matter what price you have on a gun, be able to come down $25. Negotiation is a time honored skill.

 

[Onward Allusion]

Sell 'em on Gunbroker.
- have a starting bid that represents the minimum that you will accept
- I've found 5 and 7 day auctions get the most dollars
- Don't end your auction on a holiday weekend
- Don't end your auction on a Fri/Sat night, holiday weekend, in the middle of the workday, or on a Sat/Sun afternoon
- Don't list more than one of the SAME or similar gun
- Have clear pictures

 

[maxxhavoc]

I have done a couple LGS consignments. I don't mind the 10% off the top to let the Gunstore do the work, and handle the customers.

I just take it to them, pick a price I am comfortable getting for it, add 10%, and put that as the minimum selling price. If it doesn't sell inside 30 days, I can leave it there, have him list it on Internet sites (consignment goes to 15% on Internet sales) or just take it home and put it back in the safe. They do not charge anything for putting out guns that are not sold in 30 days.

So far, I have only sold less expensive guns that I don't mind people handling/dry firing. On one of the guns, I got extra money because the store put it out at a higher price, expecting negotiating...a customer bought it and I ended up with more than I hoped to get for it, and the store got a little extra for the effort.

 

[zdc1775]

If it was me I would first see if any of my friends or colleagues wanted any of them, then use the classified section on the forums I belong to, if that didn't work then I would try Gunbroker with a reserve about $50 less than what I really wanted to get out of the gun.

BTW If you do decide to sell I'm looking for a nice model 15.

 

[DrBozack]

If you're not in a rush, just put them on Armslist. With 30 guns to sell, you're looking at losing a considerable amount of money to a gun shop or consignment shop. Gunbroker fees won't be as bad, but you might have to eat the cost of your FFL fee for each one.

 

[waburn]

I have taken a few guns to a local gunstore and sold on consignment. After a few weeks at your price, he list them on gunbroker. Longest it took for one to sell was about a month. He charges 7% commission. Listing on gunbroker with the variety of firearms you have would probably be wise.

 

[Hurryin' Hoosier]

If I found myself with 30 guns to get rid of I'd know that I was in somebody else's house.

 

[medalguy]

I'd start by listing, with pics, what you have for sale right here. You already have an audience just drooling......

 

[WestKentucky]

Depends heavily on your location and regional prices. In Ky we have an abundance of guns at very reasonable prices. In other areas guns bring more money so for me it makes more sense to sell online. If you are in a higher priced area then you want to sell semi-locally. Gun boards are great for that.

Consignment isn't a bad option either if you set your price where you don't mind selling. Just don't let the dealer push you too low.

For special guns like the collectors items by far use gunbroker or armslist and post a bunch of pics. Any flaw needs highlighted not because it lowers your guns price but because it tells bidders that you are accurately representing the condition and that gives them confidence to put real money on the table.

 

[jmace57]

I think this weekend I will dust off my very rusty HTML/web design skills and create a website with all the pictures, etc.

Thanks all for your suggestions. I haven't decided what I'll do yet, but probably some combination of the things suggested.

 

[CNobbe]

It's a tough call, if the gun show doesn't require a ton of money for a table I'd say that's an easy way to move stuff as you can always negotiate with the guy/gal face to face.

That said, I'm kind of the opposite, I tend to buy something, get a few months of fun out of it, and decide I want something else so to gunbroker it goes.

I feel their fees are reasonable and they don't make you require paypal..that's a joke. I just ask for certified funds for guns, and my FFL will ship them for me for a reasonable price.