Selling off most of my collection

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chaim

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OK, for a year or two now I have been thinking of cutting my collection back by about half- I simply could use the money more than some of the guns. Now, 2 years of pay freezes, car issues (though, I'm too far upside down to replace the car), and simply the desire for a bit of a financial cushion has caused me to decide to finally do it. I'm not just selling 4 or 5 guns though. I currently own 21 guns, I've done the math, if I sell them all myself I can get somewhere around $7-9K for them (depending upon where in the value range they end up selling- i.e. how fast I want to sell them off). If I consign them, most dealers will ask near the top (I figured their value pretty conservatively), but then charge a 20% consignment fee so I'll end up netting probably around $6500-7000. I can really use that money right now, none of my guns are particularly rare or collectors items that will be hard to replace. One or two are guns that are expensive enough I may not replace them with the same thing but rather with something similar (like my S&W 625MG, in a few years I may rather go with a Taurus or something for my big bore revolver). I figure, I'll use about half to pay off my credit cards and keep half in the bank as a rainy day fund, though paying off one credit card and using the rest to let me get out of my car and replace it with something cheaper and more reliable is tempting.

I do want to keep a few (or take the proceeds from one or two and buy something else) to cover my basic needs. The rest, I can replace in a few years when the economy picks up and my personal finances are doing better. It is funny, when trying to substantially cut back on my guns it was hard to decide what to sell and what to keep, but now, when deciding to cut to the bare bones, it has been an easier process.

I guess I just want feedback on the categories, and the individual guns I've decided to keep (there are just a few things I am having trouble deciding when figuring out what bare bones means).

I want to be down to 4-6 guns from my current 21, if I can do 4 instead of 6, all the better.

I am probably not keeping any rifles. I haven't been to a rifle range in years and some of my most valuable guns are rifles. I've only shot my AR 2-4 times, and it has been several years. My Rem 700SPS Varmint is 2 or 3 years old and it hasn't been shot yet. As much as I love my Winchester 94 in 30-30, I just don't shoot any rifles much (it is about 10 years old so it is not a rare gun I'll have trouble replacing).

I am having trouble deciding if I want to keep a .22. They are cheap to shoot and all gun enthusiasts should have one, but with how much I shoot these days (only a few times a year) it probably isn't necessary. My Marlin 60 isn't worth very much money though so I probably should keep it and it was my first gun. The value of having a .22 is probably greater than what I'd get for it, and it isn't so much that I want a small number of guns, I want to maximize the money I can get out of my collection. On the other hand, I might shoot it once a year and it has become very temperamental (at its best it is very ammo sensitive).

I wouldn't mind a long-gun for home defense, but a .45ACP or .357mag would work for that. I don't like my Benelli shotgun at all and current used values are about what I paid for it new 6 or 7 years ago. I love my .45LC Win 94 (I just love lever rifles) but it is a little more temperamental than I'd like for a home defense gun and right now I don't see keeping any guns ONLY because I like them (they need some utility too). I could sell both and buy a used .357mag lever rifle that may be more reliable, and the price of that and what I'd get for my Winchester may be a wash if I buy used. I could go a little cheaper and get a Mossberg 500, but there is only one range I know of around here where I can shoot my defensive loads and it is about an hour and a half away.

(more to come)
 
At minimum I figure I should keep a full size service pistol for home defense duties and the range, and a smaller CCW pistol for when I'm visiting a state where I can carry. I absolutely love revolvers and 1911s so I want to keep at least one of each.

I absolutely do not want to sell my S&W 65LS (though it would be worth some decent money). I've had it a long time now, for a while it was one of two handguns so I have a ton of rounds through it (though you couldn't tell by looking at it), it will be pretty expensive to replace in a few years and it is just rare enough that it would be fairly hard to find (people just don't give up any 3" .357mag K-frames very often, let alone a LadySmith model).

I'm undecided about my CZ 75B. I like it a lot, I've had it for a long time now and I've put over 10K rounds through it. I've shot it enough that my CZ actually makes me look like a good shot. 9mm isn't overly expensive which can be nice at the range. But then, they are pretty easy to find these days and not overly expensive so replacing it would be pretty easy when I'm ready for a larger collection again (and I may replace it with a BHP instead of a CZ anyway).

The 1911 category is tough too. If I just want to have fewer guns, keeping my S&W 1911SC makes the most sense. As a 4" scandium 1911 it is both my 1911 (at nearly full-size it is fun at the range) and a good CCW pistol. However, I also want to maximize my cash flow, and the S&W should net more money than my Taurus PT140 M.Pro and my Charles Daly 1911 combined. If I keep those two guns I have my 1911 and my CCW pistol, and probably $100-200 more in the bank. However, another consideration is that I really like that 1911SC and prices have gone up enough that I don't know if I'd get another (though there are a lot of good options in similar guns from Kimber, SA and others if I felt it necessary to buy something else).

So I am looking at definitely keeping my 65LS (1), probably keeping my Marlin 60 (2), possibly my CZ (3) and one or two for my CCW and 1911 category (S&W 1911SC or CD 1911 and Taurus PT140). So, I'm at 3-5 there. I'm not sure if I will keep a pocket gun, and if I do should I keep my S&W 442 or buy a Kahr PM9 (I love revolvers, but a lightweight snub isn't fun to shoot, and a Kahr would be far more pleasant to practice with, plus 9mm is a tad more effective than .38spl out of a short barrel).

I guess I could use a little feedback.
 
If you don't use rifles there's no use in having any at all. As nice as .22's handguns are, I'd say get rid of them. If any of them are revolvers, you might want to keep those if you ever see yourself buying a .22 again, because .22 revolvers are usually more expensive than .22 auto's. Keep the S&W 1911. You can use it as a range/SD/CCW gun and the prices on S&W 1911's are pretty steadily high. CZ prices are also going up at a good rate, so you might want to hold onto that one to. There's a chance that you won't even want to buy anything back in a few years. You might find that you have the guns that you use/like most and would rather just have the money than the guns.
 
OK here is the shorter version/bottom line (that was a lot to read):

I am virtually liquidating my collection. The only guns not 100% on the chopping block are:

-Revolver caliber lever rifle or shotgun for HD (leans to shotty) and fun (leans to lever rifle). Then again, a full-sized service pistol (which I definitely intend to keep) will work for HD and I want just a handful of guns for now since I need the money (and I can buy more guns again in a couple years).

-CZ 75B. A 9mm may be nice to have and I do have a lot of rounds through this gun, it is my most accurate for me. However, it will be quite easy to replace when I'm ready and I'm trying to get down to a minimum collection since I need the money.

-S&W 1911SC. It can serve as both my 1911 (I must have one 1911) and a CCW. However, it is worth a lot of money and I need the money more than keeping the guns to a minimum number.

-Charles Daly 1911 and Taurus PT140 M. Pro to serve the 1911 and CCW roles. The only issue is that my Daly has a ton of rounds through it (10K+) and I don't know how much more extensive shooting it will take (which it will get if it is one of my only guns, and my only .45ACP/1911). Of course, it is fine right now.

-S&W 65LS. It is not going anywhere!

-Marlin 60. Not very reliable anymore, but it isn't worth much, it is nice to have one .22, and it was my first gun. I'll probably keep it.

-Pocket gun. I don't live in a carry state, but I do like the capability (esp. when I am traveling in a state where I can carry). It isn't a necessity, though I will miss the capability if I don't have it. If I do decide to keep a pocket carry, I don't know if I should keep my S&W 442 (a lightweight snub isn't fun to shoot, and I won't have the steel framed snub to practice with anymore) or if I should get a Kahr PM9 (9mm is more capable than .38 in a small framed gun, and it would be far more fun to shoot at the range).


So, I could use some feedback and advice, especially on the areas I seem unsure of. Also, my goal is to get as much money as I can get freed up to jump start my financial situation while keeping some basics filled in my collection. Should I cut even more, say to one or two, and build back up when I'm ready?
 
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There's a chance that you won't even want to buy anything back in a few years. You might find that you have the guns that you use/like most and would rather just have the money than the guns.
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Well, I doubt I would want to stick to a bare bones collection, but I am trying to see this as an opportunity. How many of us would buy the exact same guns if we were to start over? Many of the guns I sell and later replace will probably be replaced by something a little different (for example, if I sell the CZ I may well go with a BHP later; my .32ACP NAA Guardian will definitely be replaced with something in a larger caliber). When I get back into rifles, the AR will definitely be replaced with an M1A or an M1 Garand (rifles are my favorite, it is just that most rifle ranges aren't very convenient for me).
 
Wyncollector, my main concern with selling them myself is the number of guns. I have 21, if I keep 3-5 I will be selling 16-18 guns. At what point does the government come after you for being an "unlicensed dealer"? What I'll probably do is sell the three or four highest dollar guns myself and put the rest on consignment. Another option is to sell the handguns on consignment and the long-guns myself. I may just put them all up for sale here, or maybe gunbroker (I've bought several guns there so I do have a rating score already), and once the 3-5 that sell the quickest are sold, put the rest on consignment. Another option is to try to spread them out enough so as not to attract attention, but then all that might do is make it look like I'm trying not to attract attention, and thus attract attention. :banghead:
 
3 guns, pistol, rifle, shotgun, are the usual minimum mix.

Do not get rid of the handgun you are best with over a gun that you "like" more. If you're getting down to minimum selection stick with what your good with. Especially so if you're thinking about a pistol for defensive purposes. A gun that you can make hits with quickly and consistently trumps a purty pistol Keep the CZ and sell the other semis.

You've already said that you're keeping the 65LS so you're covered for revolvers.

If your Winchester 94 is was made in the US Winchester plant you should hang onto it because odds are you won't be able to replace it with a US version.

Other than that everything else you have could go and be replaced at a later date.
 
Oh, two of my guns have never been shot (my Remington 700SPS Varmint and a Rossi 461 .357mag snub). I kind of want to get out and shoot them before I sell them. Unshot or shot but mint condition, either way they are now used guns. Neither is a collector so the buyer will simply go out and shoot them. Is there any reason I shouldn't shoot them? Would you be more likely to buy a used gun if the owner could claim it was never shot? I doubt a box or two of rounds through the barrel will change the guns' values, and they probably won't sell any faster if they are unshot v. a box or two. The disadvantage is that I might absolutely love one or both and then have trouble parting with them.
 
Well here's my .02 cents.

If you were going to sell them, Nov 2008 through about August 2009 would have been the best time. Hindsight is 20-20 of course. Now the market has come down dramatically for gun prices, especially used guns.

That being said, the key to financial freedom is getting out from under consumer debt.

While it is a tough decision, I would keep the ones that I absolutely could not part with, and try to sell the rest on my own. You'll likely get a fair value for most of them if they are in good condition, and they'll sell faster than you'd expect.

Keep in mind that selling FTF is a big time commitment though (posting adds, meeting people, etc.). And, I would get a bill of sale for any handgun or modern rifle to CYA.

Good luck to you. Hope it works out.
 
Keep in mind that selling FTF is a big time commitment
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Yup. One of the reasons I'm thinking of selling the handguns on consignment is that in MD you need to get a background check through the State Police and enforce the waiting period for all handgun sales. It is kind of a pain to have to meet the buyer at the closest MD State Police barracks to get the paperwork done, and then I have to hold on to the gun for the next week or two waiting for the paperwork to come back "not disapproved". Gunbroker, dealing with an out of state FFL, and shipping it may be less of a hassle.
 
Keep the .22 rifle. It was your first one.....not some other gun like it.

If it used to be reliable and now it's not, then it's fixable. Maybe it just needs cleaning.
 
I have the same problem - too many guns. I don't need the money; but, I'm thinking about doing the same thing. I don't want my wife to have the problem of selling all my guns when I die. I've had two heart attacks and a pulmonary embolism that nearly killed me. I had lots more than now, but gave some to my sons who live near by.

One thing I will not do is sell all of my 22s. I’ll always keep a couple of rifles and a couple of pistols. I’ll never sell my S&W 317 or my Ruger Single Six. I will also never sell my Marlin 981T or my Ruger Stainless 10/22. This year I already gave away my Savage 22 and my Henry 22 lever gun (I still have several more 22s though).

I’ve also got lots of great knives that I’ll never use. Benchmades, several RATs (not Ontarios either), SOGs, Cold Steel, Spydercos, Bucks, etc., etc. I gifted one of my tactical shotguns to my new SIL for his 22 birthday which makes the fourth gun he's received from me since the wedding last November (two last year and two this year). He loves guns so much and came from a big family with a father that didn't hunt much or have too many guns. He's been shooting lots and between me and one of his friends, he's getting to be a crack shot - the kid's a natural.

Keep at least one 22 rifle and handgun. In a down and out survival situation, a 22 is hard to beat. and with the way things are going, you may need it sooner than you think.
 
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I have sold a few guns on consignment at a local gunshop, but I tell the owner what dollar amount I will take home and let him add a few bucks to cover his end. Since I wasn't in any hurry for a quick sale, I still get the full amount I want, only I have to wait a little while.

The only down side it that everybody and their brother gets to fondle and repeatedly work the action until it sells. The longest I actually had to wait for a gun to sell was about 45 days, that was for an HK 91 that was kinda expensive.
 
I agree with hso. Cut it down to three - pistol, rifle, shotgun. I'm betting that you won't end up missing all of the guns, but you will miss one or two in particular. Those are the one's to replace at a later date.
 
I would keep the ones you mentioned because they are well thought out choices. As for the 2 unfired, if you are gonna sell them leave them that way they will draw more $. Keep what you shoot, for me its the exact opposite. I would rather shoot long guns than pistols, but I have a place to go do that sort of thing out here in Colorado.
Keep all your revolvers that you like cause they have more than doubled in price over the last 3 yrs, and not very many are being made that I would buy. :banghead: :cuss::fire: That said you already own several great platforms keep it if you think you would shoot it. Especially the 30-30 if its American Made!
 
If you can sell to a friend, you can buy back when luck changes?

I hope your financial situation changes OP. Best of luck to you.
 
Nobody knows what causes ATF go go after people for dealing without a licence.I wouldn't want the state police to know I was selling all those gunz.Who knows what they would do with the info?Move to Virginia and sell them without a background chek.
 
Truth be told all I absolutely need is a handgun that I can do home defense and concealed carry duty with. So if I were to cut back on my collection for financial reasons that's all I would keep. It would be good to keep a rifle too, but that is somewhat unnecessary for most people, especially if living in an urban environment. Happy selling, and I hope your situation improves. I have faith the economy will pick up once this regime changes.
 
I did a really drastic downsize of my collection some years ago. It was the best, most liberating thing I ever did. I kept a few guns for target shooting, one revolver for home defense, and the rest went. I gave up hunting many many years ago, so I didn't need those center fire rifles. I'm not out playing dirty harry, so I didn't need all those center fire handguns.

The money paid for a new kitchen remodel, and a great trip around the country with my better half. Nothing like sitting on the 2d story verranda of the Yellowstone lodge with a cocktail in hand watching Old Faithful do it's thing.

The up shot of the whole thing is; with far, far fewer guns now, the old lady and myself are shooting better.

Carl.
 
I do want to keep a few (or take the proceeds from one or two and buy something else) to cover my basic needs. The rest, I can replace in a few years when the economy picks up and my personal finances are doing better. It is funny, when trying to substantially cut back on my guns it was hard to decide what to sell and what to keep, but now, when deciding to cut to the bare bones, it has been an easier process
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chaim...the economy is not going to improve and the end is upon us.

Keep only what you can carry and buy supplies with the rest of the funds.

;)
 
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"chaim...the economy is not going to improve and the end is apon us.

Keep only what you can carry and buy supplies with the rest of the funds."


Sage advise.

I always wondered what the guys with a truckload of guns and ammo are going to transport the stuff in an emergency.
 
I always wondered what the guys with a truckload of guns and ammo are going to transport the stuff in an emergency.
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Good Question. If my guns don't go, neither do I.
 
Re: buying a shotgun for HD and having to drive 90 minutes to fire defensive ammo:

You can sell off your rifles for a lot more than it'd cost to buy a Maverick 88 or a used 500/870. Birdshot will do you just fine for practice; it's nice to be able to pattern your defensive ammo, but as long as you get the speed and smoothness of handling the thing down, you don't strictly need to be putting a steady flow of 00 buck through it. Sport loads will keep you in practice.

As to everything else: if you don't use it, sell it. Take some of the money and buy a gun or three that you will use, but what good is keeping stuff "just to have one"?
 
Of the guns you list I would keep the CZ75. You have ammo and shoot it well. That defines it as best meeting your requirements.
If the 65LS is a must have, then keep it as well.

As you have not been to a rifle range in years there is no point in keeping a rifle, or in buying another. offload them all. IIRC you can't/don't hunt due to your religious convictions, so it's only purpose is for fun or self defence. If you are that tight financially getting into cowboy shooting, or even regular plinking with a centerfire rifle may be outside your means at this time and the two handguns will do the self defence job.

On the subject of .22s, I would trade for either a CZ Kadet unit or S&W .22 revolver. This will give you a cheap training substitute for your primary handguns, which will probably pay for itself in a year or so if you shoot on a regular basis. If you are really tight, then just budget your current stocks of 9mm ammo to last you for a minimum of 18 months and if needed cut back on your range trips.

On the 642, shall issue carry licences may be coming to a state near you as a result of Heller II in the next 18-24 months. If you think things will remain tight for you past that point, then I would keep the 642 and sell the 65.

On shotguns; if you shoot your handgun regularly then you can probably hit a human target within the effective range of a shotgun. It's also easier to clear a house with a handgun than a shottie. As you don't particularly like it, then get rid of it.

If you must keep a 1911 then the Charles Daly will do the job. .45 ACP is a low pressure round, I would not expect it to break after only 10,000 rounds.


I personally have been thinning the herd as well. I will probably end up with the following:
Glock 17 - gun I shoot best.
Beretta 92fs - gun I like best.
S&W Model 18 - gun I shoot the most.
CZ452 .22 Magnum - small game.
Marlin 1894c -small medium game.
 
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