In this month's article I would like to talk about why we, as gun collectors and I mean true collectors, realize the necessity of knowing current firearm values. For most of us, our collections started early with just one or two useable guns. At that time, owning a useable firearm was more important than owning a valuable one. This is what I learned from my older brothers. They all hunted with not necessarily expensive firearms, but they all knew what quality and value meant.

We were raised on a farm in western Pennsylvania and hunting was normal for us. Our family always gathered for Thanksgiving and we would hunt small game such as rabbits and ring-necked pheasants. After the holiday we would go north to deer hunt, usually Potter County. It was soon evident that the people who had the better jobs seemed to have and could afford the better firearms. Most of the time the local hunters carried the lesser value and the hunters that came from the neighboring states seemed to have the better quality guns and usually had better scopes. It took years to realize the fact that value and quality are usually associated with price. Not always, but about 99% of the time.

The firearms that cost the most forty or fifty years ago are the ones that are the most valuable now. Once and a while rarity will win out on price in certain areas such as Parkers and Winchesters. Some of these models were only introduced and offered for a short time. This increases value, as the number of available pieces is limited. Price, value, rarity, condition and originality are all factors that drive the firearms market.

Becoming a seasoned firearms collector takes many years to gain the required knowledge. If you are just beginning, it is to your advantage to associate yourself with a collector or another qualified individual. Accurate value assessment is necessary in order to build any collection. So, take that firearm that you inherited or the one that your uncle gave you and have it appraised by a professional.

Good luck buying,
Charley