Hey all, I’ve been collecting firearms for the better part of 25 years now. Been thinking of downsizing by selling off about 15-20 pieces. What’s the best avenue to get the most money, without a lot of hassle? I don’t typically sell, just always buy lol.
Thinking about selling
- Thread starter algsey
- Start date
silicosys4
Member
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- Jun 29, 2012
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- 3,681
What quality firearms? Highly collectible, moderately desirable, or common and easily found?
AlexanderA
Member
I would find a well-regarded local FFL dealer who (a) is willing to take the guns on consignment, and (b) is willing to list them on Gun Broker.
earlthegoat2
Member
Consignment at a local FFL will be the most hassle free.
That is the route I would take. My time has become much more valuable to me these days than to waste a bunch of time responding to emails or other messages and then setting meetings in which folks may or may not show.
That is the route I would take. My time has become much more valuable to me these days than to waste a bunch of time responding to emails or other messages and then setting meetings in which folks may or may not show.
NIGHTLORD40K
Member
Post a few dozen more messages to qualify for the THR Trading Post and list them here. 
It depends on the gun. For common guns a local gun shop will either buy them straight out or put them on consignment. There is a local guy who has paid me cash up front several times. I know I could have gotten a LITTLE more selling myself, but it is a real PITA and I worry about selling to someone who isn't legally able to own one and having it come back to me. Not worth the extra money for me.
FWIW, I've sold a few at gun shows, FTF transactions through local advertising, but I just don't want to do that anymore.
The shooting club where I shoot has a bulletin board where you can post guns or hunting gear for sale. I might be more inclined to sell one FTF to one of the guys I know.
Less common guns that are worth more money are best put up for sale on Gunbroker or some other site. The same local gunshop did that for me. I typed up a description, set my minimum bid and they posted photos, did all the paperwork and shipped. In addition to the cost of the guns the buyer had to pay shipping and transfer fees. After they sold, they called me to come pick up a check after they took 10%.
On THOSE guns I got more money doing it that way. Locally there weren't many people that would have paid anywhere near what they sold for on Gunbroker.
FWIW, I've sold a few at gun shows, FTF transactions through local advertising, but I just don't want to do that anymore.
The shooting club where I shoot has a bulletin board where you can post guns or hunting gear for sale. I might be more inclined to sell one FTF to one of the guys I know.
Less common guns that are worth more money are best put up for sale on Gunbroker or some other site. The same local gunshop did that for me. I typed up a description, set my minimum bid and they posted photos, did all the paperwork and shipped. In addition to the cost of the guns the buyer had to pay shipping and transfer fees. After they sold, they called me to come pick up a check after they took 10%.
On THOSE guns I got more money doing it that way. Locally there weren't many people that would have paid anywhere near what they sold for on Gunbroker.
A couple sks’s, a no4 mk1 enfield, Winchester model 61 pump, Winchester model 70 featherweight, colt frontier scout, colt saa gen 1. Those are a few I would like to move. Possibly more
Ks5shooter
Contributing Member
Ive been doing exact same thing as Im getting older and dont want wife to get stuck dealing with it.Although she is a shooter hunter she has interest in certain areas.My local gun shop sells them on Gunbroker for 15% fee.The 15% while sounds like a lot Ive inherintly got a better return when sold at auction than private sales.With the issues of shipping,GB fees,colecting and reporting tax and dealing with bad pay ,no pay etc 15% is a bargain.I do list here first and if it pans out then great.My local gun range has a FS board,but here in NJ personal transfers are a no-no and most are reluctant as FFL fees negate most "good deals".
1948CJ2A
Member
I agree with this but also would recommend finding the right FFL to complete the transactions. I had a recent experience with an FFL on GB who also didn't like to respond to emails or communicate in general.
Ks5shooter
Contributing Member
Absolutely find the right ffl.I am fortunate my local guy is great. By my guy listing on Gunbroker you reach far more interested buyers.Have not been let down so far and have sold 20 or so through him..
Ks5shooter
Contributing Member
Yup I agree......drop off,pick up check.No shipping no hassles no problems.
Dave DeLaurant
Member
Check with these guys: https://lsbauctions.com/auctions/
They'll actually come out and pick up your guns, thus avoiding the numerous shipping hassles. If they're still around when I'm ready to unload, I plan to use them.
They'll actually come out and pick up your guns, thus avoiding the numerous shipping hassles. If they're still around when I'm ready to unload, I plan to use them.
doubleh
Member
Any one I want to sell goes to my LGS. He takes a 10% commission and no charge on paperwork. Easy peasy.
Varminterror
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- Jul 17, 2016
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- 14,935
It's only 20 guns, and it sounds like you have some free time on your hands. Best value will likely be posting them online at an auction site or posting online for private sale - but it does take the most legwork. Consignment with a local shop is easy, but it can take FOREVER, depending on the product you have and the market you're in - it can draw decent prices, which you share with the shop, so your value decreases. Selling to a shop ensures their profit, not yours.
It's only 20 guns, personally, I'd figure up the costs on packaging and shipping, set my prices, list them online (considering auctions vs. sale listings for certain desirable models), and let nature take its course.
It's only 20 guns, personally, I'd figure up the costs on packaging and shipping, set my prices, list them online (considering auctions vs. sale listings for certain desirable models), and let nature take its course.
Jim Watson
Member
The store/range here charges 20% for consignment sales but they will post them on Gunbroker as well as displaying in store.
bassjam
Member
If you're near a major city list on Armslist. It'll cost you maybe $12 for 2 months and you'll get the highest value unless you want to go the gunbroker route and potentially deal with shipping. I still use AL regularly.
silicosys4
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- Jun 29, 2012
- Messages
- 3,681
High quality, collectible guns I'd consign to an ffl who has an established presence through online auctions, is well known and of high repute, who specializes in higher end firearms.
Worth the cost to ship if you go that route, imo. Could take several months though, depending on the ffl's backlog.
Your 1st gen SAA would probably qualify.
The rest I'd consign locally if you can find a seller you trust with good traffic and reasonable fee.
Worth the cost to ship if you go that route, imo. Could take several months though, depending on the ffl's backlog.
Your 1st gen SAA would probably qualify.
The rest I'd consign locally if you can find a seller you trust with good traffic and reasonable fee.
LiveLife
Member
I was going to suggest listing on "Buy, Sell, Trade ..." rifles, shotguns and handguns until I saw the 38 post count - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?forums/buy-sell-and-trade-rifles-and-shotguns.38/Post a few dozen more messages to qualify for the THR Trading Post and list them here.
Keep on posting/replying to be eligible to list your guns to "test the waters" without cost and may even find THR member buyers willing to arrive at selling prices both of you are happy with.
Whatever doesn't sell, you can always consign at your local gun store or have FFL list them for online auction.
I have sold quite a bit of guns over the decades but always waited til the peak of "shortage" cycles which have run every 8-9+ years or so. In doing so, even consigned at local gun stores, I "netted" almost what I have paid or more than what I paid after consignment fees. During last two shortages, AR15s were sold for more than double what I spent to build them.
Currently, we are coming out of post 2020 election/Covid shortage cycle (Last "Great Shortage" was in 2012-2013) with price of AR15s at decades lowest pricing ($359 for complete flat top/MLok handguard models) and ammunition/components starting to become more available with falling prices. While older/collectible firearms market/pricing is different, now could be not a good time to be selling unless you have buyers wanting particular/more popular models.
Will there be another "shortage" cycle in the future? You bet as I have seen several during the past 30 years often coinciding with who as in pro/anti-2A and which party gets into the white house.
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Buzznrose
Member
Tom Gresham on Gun Talk Radio recommends Dury’s Guns in San Antonio. They will buy the entire lot. I guess they offer a reasonable price and make it easy.
Sell Your Guns - Durys Guns
We Purchase Guns from Across the Nation - No Collection Too Big or Small! Selling your guns at Dury's is safe, and easy, and you can be sure you are getting a fair and honest deal. There are three methods you can choose from to sell your gun. Each provides various benefits, and you
durysguns.com
CoalTrain49
Member
I usually put up a for sale card at the range. That usually takes awhile but it works for me. I also had some 1911 pistols I wanted gone. I was picking up a pistol from my FFL and let him look at them. He said he didn't want them but two weeks later he called me and said he would buy them for the price I wanted. I had them priced right. I guess he ran out of pistols to sell at the gun show. Cashed me out with no transfer fee.
These days I just don't want to advertise anything online except maybe a vehicle. I find the transfer here, being a UBC state, more than annoying and too time consuming to bother with unless I know the buyer.
So dealer is the way to do it.
These days I just don't want to advertise anything online except maybe a vehicle. I find the transfer here, being a UBC state, more than annoying and too time consuming to bother with unless I know the buyer.
So dealer is the way to do it.
Local sale is the best method if you can get what you want for it - easiest and no fees. I have used GunsInternational (GI) with great success in selling some things for top dollar but you have the advertising and shipping fees. If you can't sell locally and you have time on your side, advertise on GI.
Cornhusker77
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- Dec 20, 2008
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- 634
I just sold 27 assorted firearms on a local Hibid online auction.
There are a few of those around. When the covid hit, the local auctioneers turned to online auctions.
Works great, the guns usually sell very well and the auctioneer takes 10%
There are a few of those around. When the covid hit, the local auctioneers turned to online auctions.
Works great, the guns usually sell very well and the auctioneer takes 10%
