|
I run several gun collector organization websites and forums what drives me crazy and I see it here as well is people don't know how to ask the question and evaluate the condition of a firearms which is of course key to determining value.
I don't know if there should be a read me first link or hints for getting the best answer or what. I put this in my profile but no-one will find it there.
***
Firearm values are determined by Condition, Condition, Condition, and Condition, please include that in your question as well as the Manufacture and model, if you don't know the model describe it as best as possible including if it's a pisol, rifle, shotgun, pump, auto, revolver (wheel gun), all details and writings found. Condition includes how much Bluing, nickel, or whatever finish as well as the condition of the wood, grips, as regards to varnish, dents, chips, scratches, or cracks. There is never TOO much information and the better the description the better the evaluation can be done.
For Date of Manufacture: With everything else as mention above also include ANY markings/letters and Serial no if it exists. Without this only a range of years manufactured is possible.
NEW - unused, same condition as factory production, 100%
UNISSUED / LIKE NEW - unused, but may not have box or factory accessories. May have been sold at retail before, but never used. Unissued surplus guns are unused, but are still often several decades old, and thus may sometimes show small handling marks. 99-100%
USED BUT IN LIKE NEW CONDITION - may have been used slightly, but shows no wear, perfect condition. Modern guns = 99-100%
EXCELLENT - may show slight use, no easily apparent marrs or defects, minimal bluing wear, mainly slight at edges and muzzle, little to no scratches. Shiny bore. Modern guns = 90-99%, Old guns = 80-99%
VERY GOOD PLUS - shows slight wear, only minor defects or dings / scratches. Nice looking bluing but worn at edges and muzzle.
Modern guns = 85-90%, Old guns = 70-80%
VERY GOOD - Everything works, some wear on finish and working surfaces, no corrosion, but maybe some light freckling. Could have minor dents and scratches. Bore may not be shiny but should not be dark.
Modern guns = 70-85%, Old guns = 60-70%
GOOD - Working condition, but finish may be quite worn from sustained use or carry. Wear on working surfaces. Could have some pitting or light corrosion / freckling, and dings or scratches, but they should not interfere with function. May have dark, worn bore. This is the usual condition that surplus guns are graded.
Modern guns = 50-70%, Old guns = 30-60%
FAIR - Still considered working usually, though minor adjustment may be needed Well-worn finish, perhaps no finish left. May have corrosion or pitting that does not render gun unusable. Bore may be shot smooth and be dark. Wood may have cracks but is usually still usable.
Modern guns = 20-50%, Old guns = 1-30%
POOR - Adjustment or replacements of parts need, may not be functioning. Worn out or rusty, sold for parts or for repair only, no returns
"GUNSMITH SPECIAL" - These guns are broken or missing parts, and need to be repaired and checked by a gunsmith before using, however they are not necessarily in worn condition, and though not-functioning, they may sometimes be in very nice condition. Typically no returns when sold.
|
more posts...