Gun Value 101

Gun owners are a diverse group. We can be collectors, enthusiasts, veterans, active service members, law enforcement personnel, hunters, or gun merchants. These individuals often possess a familiarity with guns that allows them to assess a gun’s condition and value with accuracy. Not every gun owner, though, possesses the same knowledge. CaliberSwap knows that some gun owners acquire their firearms unexpectedly, via gift, or via inheritance and may often wonder, what is my gun worth?

The experts at CaliberSwap know that many factors go into a gun’s value, and we want to share our knowledge and expertise with you. Our professional gun appraisers will closely examine your gun offering a quick and accurate assessment of its condition and value completely free of charge and with no obligation.

Click Here to Get a Free Appraisal Today and Find Out How Much Your Gun is Worth!

What Factors Determine a Gun’s Value?

There are several factors we consider in the appraisal of a firearm.

• Make: Pistols, also known as semi-automatic handguns, remain the most manufactured and sought-after firearms in the United States. Shotguns rely on slug ammunition and are typically less desired and generally retain their value poorly. Rifles, bolt-action and semi-automatic, can be very valuable and collectible depending on the specific model and manufactured date.

• Model: Within a particular gun brand, some models will hold greater value than others. For example, the Winchester Model 94 lever action rifle is generally regarded as a high value firearm. The Winchester Model 1911, however, has a poor reputation due to design flaws that makes it dangerous to shoot.

• Caliber: Caliber refers to the diameter of the gun barrel and consequently the size of bullet required. Certain calibers are more attractive to gun buyers than others. You might hear “stopping power” used to refer to a gun’s caliber. Higher caliber guns will require fewer shots to stop the advancement of a threat. The .22 caliber long-rifle is the most common caliber of gun when referencing units sold. This mass-produced gun-type has great utility, but not necessarily high value.

• Condition:

– A modern gun’s condition is broken down into the following grades: new, excellent, very good, good, and fair. An antique gun falls into these condition standards: factory new, excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor. The materials used to make the gun (metal vs. wood vs. composite), the bore (interior barrel quality), and the functionality of the firearm all impact its condition.

– The Blue Book of Gun Values assesses the percentage of original finish remaining on the metal surfaces of the gun. If your gun has developed a patina (natural worn finish) over the years, do not remove it! A gun’s natural patina helps retain value. A “blued” patina is when the steel on a gun has been treated to prevent rust creating a blueish hue. Antique guns with an original “blueing” are highly valued.

– The material used to make the stock of your gun also impacts its value. Plastic stocks are generally of lesser value than walnut stocks that are known for their durability, rigidity, and longevity. Besides a natural material like walnut, laminated hardwood stocks are a great alternative. Composite stocks (fiberglass, graphite, etc.) can be valuable due to the strength of the material, but the aesthetic quality when compared to hardwood may be less. 95% or better wood and blue is desirable for modern guns.

– A beat-up gun that does not function will be much less valuable than a gun with impeccable functionality. If you are unsure of how your gun fits into the above criteria, CaliberSwap will eliminate that uncertainty with our expert team and process.

Gun Appraisal Resources

Although reference guides can quickly become outdated as technology evolves, the following materials can provide you with some entry-level knowledge.

• 39th Edition Blue Book of Gun Values • 2018 Standard Catalog of Firearms: The Collector’s Price & Reference Guide • Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms and Their Values

The most important thing to remember is that a gun is worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it, and finding a buyer is sometimes the hardest part. With CaliberSwap as your buyer we can help you identify and appraise your firearm. Why spend your own precious time searching the web to guess at what an appraisal of your gun could be when CaliberSwap can quickly and accurately appraise your gun, eliminating your need to continuously research gun value factors. Our process is safe, legal, and hassle-free. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. We’ll buy your old, used, and broken guns for cash. Start the discreet and easy process today!