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Hi Jarhead - sorry for your loss.
A few thought — Looks like you're doing a good job of taking this slow and collecting information! There is a new edition of the gun prices you'd be wise to buy (41st edition - bluebook of gun values, $45 on Amazon). It'll give you pretty current range of gun values based on condition. Im retired Coast Guard and bought and sold a few dozen handguns this past decade, now that I had a little time for a hobby. I've wasted money learning some lessons the hard way.
That said, judging "condition" is the challenging part of what you're up against though not really very hard in your situation because most of your guns are shooters, versus super rare.
I would only use a gun shop as a last resort due to their high commissions. In Oregon they range from 15 - 20+%...outrageously expensive in my opinion. If you're thinking of selling to a gun shop expect no more then 50-60% of book value...they are all willing and able to take advantage, every time!
Even though the firearm market has been crazy lately thanks to the pandemic this used or collector market you are about to be selling in actually warms up in the early fall through the holidays! Be patient...
I recommend listing & selling on the forum first once you finish your pricing research...no middleman...no commissions. Only meet at an FFL with buyers...never at your home, for obvious reasons. I prefer face to face sales only, at an FFL of course where there are lots of people around, and the FFL can give you a transfer receipt for your records.
One final thought, some of these handguns will continue to appreciate over time like the revolvers, the 1911 and the little 1903. I had a 1924 version of the 1903...very nice piece of history! You might want to wait to sell a few of your high-value pieces...guns and butter. Best of luck!
Kevin
A few thought — Looks like you're doing a good job of taking this slow and collecting information! There is a new edition of the gun prices you'd be wise to buy (41st edition - bluebook of gun values, $45 on Amazon). It'll give you pretty current range of gun values based on condition. Im retired Coast Guard and bought and sold a few dozen handguns this past decade, now that I had a little time for a hobby. I've wasted money learning some lessons the hard way.
That said, judging "condition" is the challenging part of what you're up against though not really very hard in your situation because most of your guns are shooters, versus super rare.
I would only use a gun shop as a last resort due to their high commissions. In Oregon they range from 15 - 20+%...outrageously expensive in my opinion. If you're thinking of selling to a gun shop expect no more then 50-60% of book value...they are all willing and able to take advantage, every time!
Even though the firearm market has been crazy lately thanks to the pandemic this used or collector market you are about to be selling in actually warms up in the early fall through the holidays! Be patient...
I recommend listing & selling on the forum first once you finish your pricing research...no middleman...no commissions. Only meet at an FFL with buyers...never at your home, for obvious reasons. I prefer face to face sales only, at an FFL of course where there are lots of people around, and the FFL can give you a transfer receipt for your records.
One final thought, some of these handguns will continue to appreciate over time like the revolvers, the 1911 and the little 1903. I had a 1924 version of the 1903...very nice piece of history! You might want to wait to sell a few of your high-value pieces...guns and butter. Best of luck!
Kevin