Have a unique (to me) opportunity to purchase some firearm(s) in Excellent to NIB condition. Seller is not looking for Gunbroker prices (Great for me), however they won't set a price. How would you go about coming up with a starting price that is fair but not taking advantage? I'm not looking to turn these over for a profit, they'll be keepers and a couple will be shooters.

Is the "Bluebook of Gun Values" a good reference? Are there other avenues I should pursue in obtaining a market value?

Trying to ensure I don't end the deal before we start, yet pay a fair price not pandemic pricing. Example: Marlin 39A, Pre-Safety, no box or papers but looks like it came straight off the factory line.

Any and all suggestions are appreciated.

I’d make a list of what it’s worth to you and start there. You probably know what a great deal is as opposed to a terrible deal. Sounds like they don’t know what they are worth so kinda fishing for a price or hoping you offer way more than it’s worth.

PM submitted

jhenderson - think its more they are not sure what they are worth, they are knowledgeable on the older military style firearms and know about Gunbroker, not wanting to mess with that or ask those type of prices. Want to be fair and reasonable, i'm just not sure if the Bluebook of Gun Values is accurate or low-ball on values.

Plinkin' - responded to your PM.

If you’re not knowledgeable about prices, the Blue Book is a good reference and good place to start, but it’s just a guideline. Much better than nothing though. It’s not lowball in most cases.

Something is only worth what you’re willing to pay for it. Be fair with what you are offering/ or be honest and tell them you might get more from someone else, but I’m willing to pay $$$$ for this.

Even something specific like this could be $500 or $1200 depending on the details. GunBroker is wacky right now because the prices are up but not across the board. $225 10/22's are selling for $300 but $165 Marlin 60's are selling for $400.

I checked KBB for values of the 2 revolvers I posted, KBB was accurate on both.

Like all sales, you pad your price for a while, then lower till you sell it or put it back in the sake. It depends on how bad you want to sell it. I also look at the attitude of the buyer.

Like any forum, there are members who just don't like you and love to see you fail.

KBB does firearms?

Wanted to stay away from using the auction sites, don't consider them realistic for pricing during this time of upheaval, and for this particular situation where the seller has no interest in these particular firearms but wants them to go to a good home. Just wanted to see what other references there were for fair evaluation and pricing.

I've never had the books be anywhere close to correct on gun values.

Check gunbroker and subtract 15% to cover any place you may find a listing that's high for a specific reason that you don't know about. That's going to be a much better indicator of the current market than a book.

Make them an offer on all of it you can live with and stick to it. It’s a PITA to seller to show a bunch of individual items, to many people. IMHO

Determine what you'll pay and make them an offer. If not enough ask them to counter. The worst either of you can do is say "no". If neither are comfortable, shake hands and walk away.

Go to gunbroker and create an account so you can see at what prices a given model actually sold for in a given condition. Then it's up to you as to how close to that price you want to pay. IMO, prices paid on gunbroker will be higher than what can be expected when selling in a local market.

OP, did you ever get any of these guns?

Why yes I did, Buzz. Thanks for asking. Picked up a Marlin 1894 .44 Mag, with the user manual still attached to the lever, no box. Marlin Camp 9, barely used, Marlin 1894M .22 Mag, picking up the last one in a few days, a Marlin 39A. The last 3 were shot only a few times and look new.

The gentleman has a number of shotguns, Skeet and Trap, believe all are over/under.