doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Networking your way to better guns?

Are you missing-out on the wonderful guns that are backroom, under the table brought, sold and traded. You know, the ones that never make it to auction, or guncounters.
The All-American vintage classics have great collector interest, and associations.
Have any of you, taken advantage of these circles?

all of the best guns I own were bought from individuals and were never offered for sale to the public. Who you kno seems to go very far in the gun collecting game. My next purchase will most likely also come from a private collection. My personal tastes dont include american classics (I just sold my last american scattergun), but I think your question applies to no matter what you collect.
Steve

The circles of vintage Americans' run a little deeper, than say the "Boss Collectors Association of North America."
When my semi-grown children stop asking me for loans, I'll go full-bore into searching these collectors out.
In my golden years eh!

To each his own brother Lowell. For me, I have scaled my collection back to just a few real nice ones. Then again, I'm a single guy with no kids. My only dependants are my springers. But back to your original question, lots of good guns never see the market. Most in my humble opinion. The guns I have bought from individual collectors have been very fairly priced, and of much better quality than what you find on the net. Just one mans take.
Steve

SKB, I say American made, because the collectors' seem so fanatical, and the feeding frenzy so contagious.
Hard not to get caught-up in.
The Boss o/u 20b buyer might have more quiet dealings in the oaken and brass gunrooms world wide.

I think there's some validity to the nicer guns being sold privately rather than through the open market. As an example, most of us care very much about our guns and what happens to them. When we get to the point in life that we can no longer shoot due to advanced years, most would likely want their guns to go to good homes where they'll be taken care of properly.

Lowell, My 4 kids range in age from almost 21 to almost 32. Please advise when they might stop asking for loans.

Thorny,
Good guns, like grouse, are where you find them. American classics, are overrated for sustained use, and the common mans ammunition hasn't helped this one bit. Show me the single trigger Parker or LC Smith, and I will show you a nuisance. And, a cracked stock, usually. Hence, the good stuff is selling for a bundle. That is not the same as worth a bundle. That Boss was a gentleman's gun, and received good care, and proper ammunition over the coarse of it's life. Usually. More usually than anything from over here, anyway. A well cared for Boss is NOT a rarity. A well cared for Yank, really is.
Best,
Ted

h d hawg'r
Kids will stop calling when you change your phone number. Until then you are the Bank of Dad. Still, if they repay the money no harm. If they think that they do not have to repay... ouch.

It is very easy to sell a fairly decent high grade gun these days. More money chasing than guns being offered. Many owners have had more than one offer to buy a gun and just need to make a few calls to see if interest still exist. Extremely rare or super high grade guns with big prices may be a little harder to sell. After all, how many people want to buy a $20,000.00 plus gun?

I sold my pre-64 Model 70 collection in less than two months to other collectors. No dealer was needed, no sellers fee paid. Those who know me will tell you that top dollar was acheived but fair deals were made. I never try to skin a fellow buyer as some try to do so often. Liquidated a collection of fairly large value with little effort and no need for a dealers help. I had enjoyed the collection but it was time to move on and many collectors were very happy to get new guns for thier collection.

I would rather buy from the owner than a dealer. Dealers often try to ignore defects and the impact they have on the price. Collectors or owners understand defects decrease value and tend to have a more realistic price. They are not always looking for a buyer that is willing to over look or not see a defect so they can get the full price. After you get into the collecting of anything you get to know what is what and who has what you want.

I have been very fortunate in knowing older men that wished to see their guns placed in loving hands. Some are still in my vault and some have been placed , with thought, in other's care.
As I reach my late Autumn years and recognize (selfishly) that I want my garden, as well as the things I love, to be be cared for after my stuardship is finished.
Here is a thought for my fellow "Old Farts". Let's start seeing that young'uns have the thrill of owning a fine gun and take the pleasure of paternity in another generation of fine gun owners, collectors and shooters.
Best,
John