Needing an honest dealer to sell a collection

[Jamichele]

I was left a substantial collection of long guns. Does anyone know of an honest reliable dealer to sell them for me?

 

[1775usmarine]

If you have the time and patience you could pay the $20 to access the classifieds here and post them here.

 

[OutdoorDad]

I was left a substantial collection of long guns. Does anyone know of an honest reliable dealer to sell them for me?

I will suggest that what you need isn't a reliable dealer.

You need a reliable assessment/valuation of the collection individually and as a collection.

 

[Mij]

 

[Cameramonkey]

If you have the time and patience you could pay the $20 to access the classifieds here and post them here.

She needs an expert to help her price them appropriately.

Sorry about your loss. Eventually somebody will come along and have a suggestion in your area (Muncie)

 

[Creedmoor]

I was left a substantial collection of long guns. Does anyone know of an honest reliable dealer to sell them for me?

Over in Muncie, pickings are slim but I would stop in and talk to the owner of Prairie Creek Pawn at
701 S Burlington Dr, Muncie, IN 47302
Phone: (765) 288-2844

Over in the industrial area at 5 points I think they call it.
Nice guy the owner. Maybe take a few pictures to give him an idea what you have.

I would get a value and sell them here if possible, you will do better as others have said.

 

[Jamichele]

She needs an expert to help her price them appropriately.

Sorry about your loss. Eventually somebody will come along and have a suggestion in your area (Muncie)

Thank you. I’m not in Muncie,I am in Columbus. My dad was an avid hunter who never could pass up a gun lol. He told me to find someone to help me but I only collect handguns. I’m not a hunter so I know nothing about long guns like he did. He did leave me a list with all the names and serial numbers. (Thanks dad)

 

[Bassat]

I agree with the idea of getting an honest appraisal. That is honest work, so expect to pay a bit for that appraisal. It would be way more work for you, but doing the research yourself may get you better results. That is time consuming, obviously more so with a larger collection. Pick your poison. After the appraising is complete, you will do best (financially) to sell them here, individually. Again, that will require work on your part. But at least it is paid work. Sell here, get fair resale value. Sell to a re-seller, get 40-60% of fair resale value. Good luck. Oh, and don't forget to keep the one or two that will bring a smile to your face, and a happy memory to your mind, every time you touch them.

 

[Cavman]

If your in Columbus ya could make your way to Madison to gold and guns. They do alot of estate gun auctions so they have good idea of what a collection would go for. Theres also a private individual down this way who buys alot of estate gun collections as well.

 

[KellyinAvon]

I started the confusion over Muncie vice Columbus. The ZIPs are 1 number off (473 is Muncie and area, 472 is Columbus and area. What can I say, I look at a lot of USPS tracking between the hours of 0700 and 1530.

@Jamichele I'm very sorry for your loss. There are a lot of options for liquidating a collection. All have pros and cons.

You started down a very logical path: What do I know about this subject? Do I need to bring in a subject matter expert? I figure it's the latter since you are here conversing with a bunch of randos here at INGO (which is the most awesome-est gun owners site on the Interwebz.)

Finding a "trusted agent" (family member, a friend of your Dad, not someone who will walk in and make an offer) to help determine the value would be a good start. Example: Winchester Model 94 in .30-30 caliber. Is it a nothing fancy gun that's been in the woods many times, or a new in box John Wayne Commemorative model? There is a difference, about $5K in this case.

Quantity would be a big factor as well. Are we talking "Can haul the collection in a pickup" or "It will take 4-6 hours to auction this many."

 

[NHT3]

I would suggest talking with Chad at Defense solutions in Greenwood. I know he's handled a number of estates in the past. I've know him for years and he's, as the say, honest as the day is long. He can assist you with valuation as well as moving them to a new home. I think Defense Solutions also has a franchise location in Columbus and a store opening soon in Seymour.

 

[BIGE7.62]

Sorry for your loss.
I can help you out with appraisal and sales . I'm in the Nashville area .
07ffl

 

[armalitesheepdog]

Premier arms in Brownsburg Ind.
Call them and ask about the prosses.
They specialize in estate guns and jewelry

Premier Arms™ - Home of the Buy Room™

The Midwest’s largest state & federally licensed firearms dealer, with over 1,700 new & used firearms in stock.

www.premierarms.com

 

[Squirt239]

Send me the list and pictures.

I'll give you an idea of the values.

 

[DoggyDaddy]

Send me the list and pictures.

I'll give you an idea of the values.

I don't think she's got enough posts to do that.

 

[MrSmitty]

If your in Columbus ya could make your way to Madison to gold and guns. They do alot of estate gun auctions so they have good idea of what a collection would go for. Theres also a private individual down this way who buys alot of estate gun collections as well.

Yes call Elijah, he deals with estates all the time, good guy, and has all the cool toys.

 

[patience0830]

Thank you. I’m not in Muncie,I am in Columbus. My dad was an avid hunter who never could pass up a gun lol. He told me to find someone to help me but I only collect handguns. I’m not a hunter so I know nothing about long guns like he did. He did leave me a list with all the names and serial numbers. (Thanks dad)

Dad was smart. Good for you.

 

[COOPADUP]

There's a website called truegunvalue.com that has been a great resource for pinning down approximate values for private sales. All you need is make,model,and type of firearm.

I lost my father 8 years ago and although he didn't have a "collection", I did keep a s/s shotgun as a memento and will pass that along when I go.

As echoed, so sorry for your loss.

 

[Hkindiana]

An individual can list firearms on gun broker, and you can mail long guns by US mail. It would take a little work, but thst would probably get you the most money. Disposing of a collection is not being a gun dealer

 

[1nderbeard]

All good suggestions above. The most important thing I would add is don't be in a hurry. Look at all the options before you decide.
If you are of any sentiment I'd suggest keeping one as a memory of your Dad. Maybe the one he used the most, or something of that effect. Keep in mind your children (if you have any) or nieces/nephews might be interested in some. I hear often the lament of the one they never should have sold.