Unused Firearms -- Keep or Sell?

[hoz53]

Don't grow old and leave your stuff for someone else to figure it out when you die. I've seen too many friends struggle to deal with their dead relative's gun collections. Ex: Grandpa died and left a closet with 30 guns, nothing is very special, just factory rifles and some have little/no value. A couple are not even legal (yikes). Can you help me figure out how to get rid of them or sell them?
1. Sell each one individually.
2. Sell them all as a bundle to a shop.
3. Turn them in to the local PD.

When I get old and stop shooting, I will thin them out and only keep a few sentimentals. Probably transfer them to kids or relatives, at least put them in someone else's name.

It's hard enough to get rid of your own stuff. Don't leave someone else with the burden of getting rid of your stuff after you're gone.

or you could auction them. prices are pretty decent around here on guns sold at auctions. please whatever you do dont turn them into a police department.

 

[hoz53]

Since my last thread asking for options/thoughts got deleted, I am going to make this as vague as possible to try to not break rules. I just want others opinions/thoughts that may vary from mine.

Say you have firearms in the safe that see little to no use, say firearms that have no sentimental value to you. Do you keep them for the sake of not getting rid of your collection, or do you occasionally downsize to either make room for something you have been eying or use the funds for other needs?

I’ve only ever sold two guns, one was a semiautomatic 22lr because I wanted a 6 shot 22lr revolver instead and the other was my F-Class rig that I quit using due to life events.

anyways, what do members do? Thoughts, opinions?

well CH the thread has reminded me and so Im going to the safe in a few minutes. mabie i can figure out something to part with.

 

[Lead Slanger]

Unless it's something I just really like or want, if it doesn't get used, I'll turn it into something I will use. I only get rid of guns to get more gun stuff though. I don't sell guns to get whatever else. Otherwise, it would be like @abishai said, you'll end up with no guns and no money.

 

[CH87]

well CH the thread has reminded me and so Im going to the safe in a few minutes. mabie i can figure out something to part with.

Didn’t mean to put you in this position! I have firearms I don’t use, and need limestone/dirt….i just wanted opinions and the thread blew up.

 

[hoz53]

Didn’t mean to put you in this position! I have firearms I don’t use, and need limestone/dirt….i just wanted opinions and the thread blew up.

dont feel you did anything bad to me- you helped me. its bin something i need to do more of but theres bin much to do like im sure you know about. a thread like this comes up every now and then and i enjoy everybodies responses. i say- dont worry about a collection - if you want to sell do it.
thanks

 

[FNSafari]

I would peddle them. Your family or friends would appreciate funds over a weapon.

Great advice!

 

[Charlie-NY]

IMO - your age is a big factor in the decision. My shooting buddy recently passed. He had a large collection of rifles-pistols-shotguns, some of which are still new in the box. He shot very little in the last year or so but wouldn't part with any of guns he treasured.

None of his kids ever had an interest in guns, shooting or hunting. Now that he's past, his wife is stuck with a load of firearms that she can't deal with. There is also a room full of reloading equipment and components.

It was an awakening for me. As I age, I hunt much less but I still shoot regularly. I have many hunting rifles and pistols that will never see the field again. I'd rather not leave my wife with the task of liquidating the firearms that I wasn't using anyway. So ........ I started thinning the herd. I sold a few and then a few more. I still have more firearms than I can realistically use and will move a few more down the road soon.

 

[CH87]

IMO - your age is a big factor in the decision. My shooting buddy recently passed. He had a large collection of rifles-pistols-shotguns, some of which are still new in the box. He shot very little in the last year or so but wouldn't part with any of guns he treasured.

None of his kids ever had an interest in guns, shooting or hunting. Now that he's past, his wife is stuck with a load of firearms that she can't deal with. There is also a room full of reloading equipment and components.

It was an awakening for me. As I age, I hunt much less but I still shoot regularly. I have many hunting rifles and pistols that will never see the field again. I'd rather not leave my wife with the task of liquidating the firearms that I wasn't using anyway. So ........ I started thinning the herd. I sold a few and then a few more. I still have more firearms than I can realistically use and will move a few more down the road soon.

Hint hint. I’ll be looking for a bolt action 30-06, may even settle for a 270…if funds ever get right! Whitetail, pigs, maybe get an opportunity to hunt bigger game down the road so thus the 30-06. Want a hunting rifle with no fancy bells and whistles.

 

[ArtinNC]

You never sell a GUN , because latter you will want another just like it and it will cost you twice as much .

 

[K22]

This, of course, is a highly personal decision. I can only share my thoughts on the issue.

I think a lot depends on one's age and situation in the sport. For me, I am winding down and the need to consolidate calibers for financial reasons makes sense since my shooting needs have change significantly in the last few years.

For example, I no longer hunt deer due to physical limitations, my varmint hunting is dwindling due lack of available farms and fields, and due to health reasons, my predator hunting in the winter has been significantly curtailed.

I still enjoying going to the range and shooting. Therefore, for rifle, I have consolidated to 223 Rem bolt rifles but have kept one 243 Win. My pistol shooting has been consists of 22 LR and 38 / 357 revolver recreational target shooting.

I will say, almost every firearm I sold I later regretted but that was when I was younger. I am not satisfied with my declining physical condition but facing reality, I am satisfied with my decision to consolidate and simplify my shooting.

 

[K22]

Hint hint. I’ll be looking for a bolt action 30-06, may even settle for a 270…if funds ever get right! Whitetail, pigs, maybe get an opportunity to hunt bigger game down the road so thus the 30-06. Want a hunting rifle with no fancy bells and whistles.

I my humble and experienced opinion, you cannot go wrong with either a 30 06 or 270 for a big game hunting caliber so long as you can tolerate the recoil. Also, you do not need a tack driver for big game hunting. You need a reliable rifle with sensible and adequate accuracy that has a consistent POI.

 

[ArtinNC]

You never sell a GUN , because latter you will want another just like it and it will cost you twice as much .

I'm 84 and will never sell a gun . And when I'm gone my boys can have them . Every firearm I sold I later regretted and that will never happen a gain even with declining physical condition . Been there and did that .

 

[GoWyo!]

I have been giving guns to my son as bday/ Christmas presents from my collection for several years…He has also ‘adopted’ a few of mine as well! Luckily I am still able to hunt with him. I have several bachelor friends whose collections far surpass my own, I shudder to think of what will happen upon their deaths. Keep a log of your guns. Include date and price purchased , and a picture will help if your surviving next of kin arent gunfolk. I agree that starting to move them now will reap benefits.

 

[ISS]

In my "Salad Days..." (green and mixed up) I had the money for two or three firearms. I'd buy one, enjoy doing load work and shooting, then trade for something else I had wanted. Then, the curse of a really good job came up. I started "acquiring" instead of trading. 3-4 years later, I needed a safe. 16 rifles and shotguns down the road I built a gun room with a steel frame and door for storage. Then one of those 22 long gun revolving racks. Then, I filled it.
I'm 75, and still acquiring all sorts of firearms. But, I bought really neat rifles, and selling specialty guns ($6000+ value) is more difficult. Then my older brother died, and I got his stuff. So, yeah, too much good stuff.

Wish me luck,

ISS

 

[FNSafari]

ISS,
Can there ever be too much of a good thing when it comes to good firearms? Me thinks not

 

[BarnDweller]

I worked on cleaning out the safe a little over a year ago. They passed a law that paperwork had to be done even to sell a rifle. Before that went into effect I gave away a few long guns to Family and a friend. I needed room in my safe for things I wanted to buy. I agree with why wait until you die to give something away that you are not using. This way you get to go shooting with them and see the person enjoy it. I gave my M1A completion barrel and trigger to my Grand Son a few months ago (yes had to do all the paperwork and it was even harder because it had to me shipped. He is working on jet engines and ended up moving a few states away from his home and his parents. He is in his 20`s and a great kid (not really a kid, a young man). Its so cool to talk with him, he calls me after he has spent some time at the range tells me how cool it was. The first range he went to was only 25 yards. A 308 on a 25 yard range..... I suggested he join a club and he is doing that. He said its like 200$ a year. I said ya things cost money, the club has to pay insurance and pay taxes on their land. NOTHING is free except a 2000$ rifle from their grandpa It has a 800$ scope on it should be able to shoot to at least 600 yards but you have to start somewhere.

He took it home to Virginia a couple months ago and he and his Dad went to the range. His Dad has a M1A Tanker I gave him a few years ago. It makes me feel so good knowing how much they enjoy shooting together. His Dad is a fantastic guy, great husband for my Daughter but he would never spend that much for something he did not "Need". I had not shot them in a few years. I seem to have moved into only shooting suppressed rifles. I just could not put a suppressor in sech beautiful rifles.

Much better than having them sit in my gun safe until I die and someone sells them for half of what I paid for them or even if they ended up getting them this way I can enjoy how happy they are with them while I am still here, and I had room in the safe for the Ruger precision rifles I purchased.......

 

[Steve Donlon]

I do the same thing. I don't think I have ever sold a gun. I give them to family members and friends who can't afford a good rifle and scope or pistol.

 

[hoz53]

People squabbling over the things or money of someone who passed reminds me of vultures and coyotes squabbling over a carcass.

this is exactly how i feel - i see it alot- people arguing over money and/or things a few days after someone dies. makes me wanna heave—. i have no children and dont wanna give anything i have to “other” relatives so lets hope i can spend er all by the time i go. if selling some things i have accomplishes that —- well— more power to me
i realize everyone has their unique situation

 

[hoz53]

I worked on cleaning out the safe a little over a year ago. They passed a law that paperwork had to be done even to sell a rifle. Before that went into effect I gave away a few long guns to Family and a friend. I needed room in my safe for things I wanted to buy. I agree with why wait until you die to give something away that you are not using. This way you get to go shooting with them and see the person enjoy it. I gave my M1A completion barrel and trigger to my Grand Son a few months ago (yes had to do all the paperwork and it was even harder because it had to me shipped. He is working on jet engines and ended up moving a few states away from his home and his parents. He is in his 20`s and a great kid (not really a kid, a young man). Its so cool to talk with him, he calls me after he has spent some time at the range tells me how cool it was. The first range he went to was only 25 yards. A 308 on a 25 yard range..... I suggested he join a club and he is doing that. He said its like 200$ a year. I said ya things cost money, the club has to pay insurance and pay taxes on their land. NOTHING is free except a 2000$ rifle from their grandpa It has a 800$ scope on it should be able to shoot to at least 600 yards but you have to start somewhere.

He took it home to Virginia a couple months ago and he and his Dad went to the range. His Dad has a M1A Tanker I gave him a few years ago. It makes me feel so good knowing how much they enjoy shooting together. His Dad is a fantastic guy, great husband for my Daughter but he would never spend that much for something he did not "Need". I had not shot them in a few years. I seem to have moved into only shooting suppressed rifles. I just could not put a suppressor in sech beautiful rifles.

Much better than having them sit in my gun safe until I die and someone sells them for half of what I paid for them or even if they ended up getting them this way I can enjoy how happy they are with them while I am still here, and I had room in the safe for the Ruger precision rifles I purchased.......

in a situation like that id do the same thing. ive got a few with some sentimentall value id like to pass down but i guess ill have to get over it.

 

[hoz53]

I get reactions from other shooters that I’m crazy for this but I keep ten guns. Total. Air, rimfire, or centerfire. If I want something g new something has to leave.

Cons: no real collecting.
Pros: no real collecting - every gun is a shooter. Every gun gets good treatment - fully tuned loads, repaired quickly if an issue develops, kept clean and lubricated. And it’s plenty of mental load on me to fully keep up with ten rifles. My reloading bench and consumables is manageable. And I mostly buy really nice guns now. They’re not necessarily high end but each one is an excellent example of its kind.

butt how can i sell my 86 Python i dont shoot much?.