How do I go about getting an estimate for my Ruger Mini-14 at a local gun show?

Question

I have never been to a gun show, and was curious what the protocol is to get an estimate for my Ruger Mini-14. Do vendors trade at shows? Do they purchase used weapons there on the spot? I just need some advice prior to going.

Answer 1

what I usually do is go here and see what they're going for first. http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/SearchResults.asp

or herehttp://www.gunsamerica.com/Search.aspx?T=mini%2014
I have bought and sold several firearms online and it's really easy. I would do that before I let some guy try to jerk me at a gun show. Good Luck.

Answer 2

Simply ask dealers at tables that sell similar firearms (ie., best not to inquire about a Mini 14 at a table displaying little but black powder arms, or classic shotguns) what they think it's worth, or see what similar firearms are selling for at those tables. Of course, if a dealer already has several of the same type firearm on the table, you probably won't get as nice an offer. Also, be advised that a dealer will offer you a significant discount from the 'blue book' value since he wants to make money on the transaction.

Or, to get a better 'price', you could put a sign on the rifle stating it was for sale and see what kind of offers you garnered just in walking around. That, however, could put you in danger of violating state laws on selling 'assault-style' weapons to 'non-qualified' individuals. Be very wary if you do so.

Some factors that will be considered when tendering an offer:

-Condition of the firearm
-Rarity of the specific model firearm you have
-Amount of 'original equipment' (box, magazines, etc.) you
...have accompanying the firearm
-Their perception of how 'desperate' you are to sell

Answer 3

You never get an estimate for a gun at a gun show. The people selling guns at the shows want to buy your gun at as low a price as possible and sell theirs for as high a price as possible. Nothing wrong with that, it's just business. the best way to get an estimate of the value of your gun is to go to the local library and see if they have a book called The Blue Book of Gun Values. Each gun listed has several prices depending on the condition of the gun and what it has on it. It is much like looking up the value of a used car in the used car Blue Book. Because you are almost guaranteed to evaluate the condition of your gun too high, you should get someone at a gun shop to tell you want the condition of your gun is. Then use this info to look up its value in the Blue Book. Keep in mind that the values listed in the Blue Book are retail prices that you would espect to pay for the gun if you bought it in a gun shop. The price that a gun shop will pay you for it will be lower because the guy at the gun shop has to make a buck in order to stay in business.

Answer 4

The advise to walk around with it is good, if someone has interest they will approach you and inquire about it.
Yes, guns can be purchased on the spot in some gun shows in some states.
As far as an estimate goes; I can recommend several things: watch some that are in auctions on auctionarms.com or gunbroker.com, however make sure they are about the same quality as yours. You definately want all you can get for it. See what your local gun stores and pawn shops charge for used ones, "act" like you may want to buy one and scope their prices. Lastly, if you get a newspaper, check the classifieds and see if any are listed, I see them in the wisconsin state journal every now and then.

Answer 5

I have done this in the past with a few of my firearms.

This is what you need to do, make SURE the magazine is empty, make SURE the chamber is EMPTY..NO CARTRIDGE. With the firearm clear place it in your case and take it to the "Gun Show", and at that time place it (still in the case & show respect) on the table for the Officer or Weapons inspector to take a look. He (or she) once inspected will place a Zip-tie through the action. This is to show the folks who may give you an estiment your GUN was INSPECTED upon entering the show.

DO NOT REMOVE THE ZIP-TIE !

You may after you get back home.

Enjoy the show and good luck.

Answer 6

Just carry it with you at the show and you'll certainly get offers. Talk to a few of the folks, look at what similar minis are selling for and you'll quickly get an idea of what the market will bear.

Or just send it to me for a quick $200.