Gun Collection Worth? 5 Ways to Determine How Much Your Cache Would Fetch

Any gun owner with a great gun collection probably wonders from time to time what exactly their stash is worth. From old handguns to modern rifles, the average gun owner’s collection can range drastically in value.

Most gun owners just want to see what their gun collection is worth for the enjoyment of it, but a few gun owners may like to know how much they can get for their collection in the event they need some quick cash.

However, bear in mind that gauging the value of a firearm is far from an exact science. Prices will fluctuate as demand for certain models rises and falls, and antique firearms may continue to rise in value. In the end, though, a gun is only worth what another collector is willing to pay for it. Those prices can be enormous, though; George Washington's pistols sold at auction for just shy of $2 million.

ALERT: Should Obama Have More Control Over Guns? Vote Now

So in order to see how much a gun collection is worth, here are six tips for doing just that.

1. Know your gun. While average values are available in books or online, it takes a knowledge of a gun and the history behind it to really add value. For example, an AK-47 used in Vietnam packs might be valued at $55,000, while an AK purchased by a private citizen in the 1950s would sell for far, far less.

2. Know values. If you’re looking to get a good ballpark figure of the worth of your gun collection, buying a book of gun values is a great place to start. While these books might not be 100 percent accurate, they’ll give a gun owner a great idea of what he could expect for his gun collection.

3. Get firearms appraised. The smith or manager at the local gun shop can probably help you determine what your collection is worth. While some gun owners may have collections too large to take into a gun shop all at once, taking some of the firearms you’re unsure about value-wise can be a great way to find out how much they’re worth.

4. Compare them with auction prices. Online auctions for guns are going on all the time, and while auctions can sometimes deal bargains, they often give a great idea of what a firearm is worth.

5. Go with your gut. This follows knowing your gun, but at the end of the day, only you really know what your gun collection is worth.

URGENT: Do You Support Obama’s Plans for Stricter Gun Control? Vote Now

Related Stories:

• Gun Collection Tips: 7 Places to Seek Out the Most Unique Firearms
  
• Gun Collection Displays: 8 Websites Where You Can Show Off Guns You've Got