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Gun Value Blue Book Worth Reading???
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Member Posts: 168,427 ✭
Is this publication of any value? How many 100% older weapons actually exist so why list values?
How is it possible for anyone or group to average out the selling price {value) of thousands of different models and then have the nerve to sell an UPDATEWD book.
Does anyone know how and when this information is compiled and do you agree with the values listed?
Sage 1
How is it possible for anyone or group to average out the selling price {value) of thousands of different models and then have the nerve to sell an UPDATEWD book.
Does anyone know how and when this information is compiled and do you agree with the values listed?
Sage 1
Comments
The book is a good source for identifying a gun, but not necessarily for pricing one. I would starve to death if I tried to buy and sell according to the Blue Book values.
Is this publication of any value? How many 100% older weapons actually exist so why list values?
How is it possible for anyone or group to average out the selling price {value) of thousands of different models and then have the nerve to sell an UPDATEWD book.
Does anyone know how and when this information is compiled and do you agree with the values listed?
Sage 1
Basically the Blue Book is for semi-informational purposes, and intertainment. It does contain some good referrences, but most of them do not concern pricing or serialization DOM for extreme accuracy.
There were 25 rifles, 25 handguns, and 25 shotguns.
The price change was 8% compounded. But there were large anomalies as each 25-group had 2 or 3 guns with exactly no change or update over the period. I dismissed these which rendered my work a judgement sample rather than random. Then I made sure the included guns were models which were popular enough to be found. My belief is that on these oddball non-collectors, the Bluebook company sort of ignores them or doesn't have a system to force a reprice each year. In that sense all they are doing is listing them for reference.
( I frequently check and recheck my guns to see if what I have is that I thought. It is easy to get it wrong the first time you look up a new find. )
I spoke with Steve Fjestad, the publisher, and he said that right now the top quality finds are coming off the internet and high-end non-gunshow estate dealers and being sold to foreign owners. That is why you see few 100% or 98% guns....the best don't get seen by the general public. I can verify some of this as I am friends with a Colorado-based man in the business supplying these arms to World Buyers. There is little demand for run-of-the-mill typical gunshow quality....most which would be 60-70-80% in the book.
One thing I have seen is the exporting of Winchester 1897's for Cowboy Shooting now gearing up in Europe.
One real nice feature about the Bluebooks is the color pictures on gun grading...... a must read from time to time.
But, say I am driving and pick up a local shopper, see an ad, call and go see the rifles, etc.
All I have to do is excuse myself, go to the car, open the guide, and POW... I know what I am looking at. More $$$$$ in the collection pocket because I buy below the market if possible.
You have too much time on your hands...[:D]
Interesting though,
Thanks for the info.