The Gun Digest Book of Modern Gun Values

714 Pages·2011·60.82 MB·English

by  Phillip Peterson

MGunDiOgest DERN
® Book of
GUN VALUES
The Shooter’s Guide to Guns 1900 to Present
16
th
Edition
Edited By
Phillip Peterson
Copyright ©2011 F+W Media, Inc.
All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted
in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy,
recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in
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Published by
Gun Digest® Books, an imprint of F+W Media, Inc.
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ISBN-13: 978-1-4402-1831-6
ISBN-10: 1-4402-1831-5
Cover & Interior Design by Tom Nelsen
Edited by Phillip Peterson
Printed in the United States of America
MGunDiOgest®BDook ofERN
GUN VALUES
16th Edition
Table of Contents
Introduction ...................................................................................4
Inspection Guide to Used Guns ...................................................6
Guide to Evaluating Firearms Condition .....................................17
Illustrated Guide to Condition .....................................................25
Firearms Restoration ...................................................................27
Better Than Book: Factors that Increase A Gun’s Value ............30
Arms Pricing & Reference
GUNDEX ® ....................................................................................32
Directory of Handgun Manufacturers .........................................83
Handgun Listings ........................................................................84
Directory of Rifl e Manufacturers ...............................................267
Rifl e Listings ..............................................................................268
Gary Reeder Custom Guns Feature .........................................433
Directory of Shotgun Manufacturers ........................................480
Shotgun Listings .......................................................................481
Directory of Commemorative Years .........................................675
Introduction to Commemoratives & Limited Editions ..............676
Commemoratives Listings ........................................................664
Firearms Trade and Proprietary Names ....................................706
Introduction
T
his ing over 3000 photographs of 20th- and alphabetical manufacturers’ listings; by companies as Astra, Star, and Llama. These
and 21st-century handguns, rifl es, consulting the comprehensive “GUNDEX” index guns fi lled a mid range price niche 25 years ago.
shotguns and commemoratives – as it section; or by consulting the “Manufacturers’ They were not hot sellers and rarely received
is a guide to current used fi rearm values. Directory” that precedes each respective section favorable reviews. Recently published histories
As a basic reference work, it provides of the book. We have attempted to improve of these three fi rms have contributed to these
specifi cations for most of the world’s small the illustrations shown in this book wherever guns sliding into the "collectible" category.
arms manufactured in or imported into the possible and especially in those cases in which Often when a book is published that focuses on
United States since 1900. Over 7000 fi rearms illustrations help the reader to differentiate a specifi c arm or manufacturer, new collectors
are documented and valued in these pages. between similar models. will buy up existing models and make these
For some of the more widely collected We have established a three-tiered pricing formerly common guns quite scarce.
fi rearms – such as Colt Single Action Armies, approach for each fi rearm based on the six Some older fi rearms may be in scarce supply
High Standards, Lugers and Mausers – our NRA Modern Condition Pricing Standards: yet are not in demand by collectors. Without
coverage includes most if not all of the most New, Perfect, Excellent, Very Good, Good demand, regardless of availability, the dollar
commonly encountered variations as well as and Fair. Each fi rearm has been evaluated to value of the fi rearm will be low.
some rarely found in even advanced collections. determine which three NRA standards most Condition
We also include selected military fi rearms such accurately refl ect the condition in which the
Of the three factors used to establish value,
as Nambus and Tokarevs, but our focus is on particular fi rearm is most likely to be found
condition is perhaps the most important and
commercial fi rearms. on the used market; the fi rearm is priced
certainly the factor most frequently used by
Because of its historical base, Modern accordingly. For example, fi rearms currently shooters as well as collectors for determining
Gun Values does include some prototypes, on the retail market, or manufactured in the the price of a fi rearm. A “like new” example
experimental pieces and one-of-a-kind last four years, will most always be found in of a relatively common older Colt, Smith &
developmental or evolutionary models which are
New or Perfect condition on the used market, Wesson, Luger or other arm popular with
very rare and seldom, if ever, seen on the used
while most older fi rearms will rarely be found collectors can bring up to twice the price of
fi rearm market. These rarities are important and
in any condition exceeding Very Good. The another that easily ranks as “Excellent.” On
interesting to document but, as non-production
three pricing levels we provide refl ect current the other end of the scale, a scarce, popular
fi rearms, next to impossible to price since they
observations of prices seen at gun shows, in collectible in “Poor” or even “Fair” condition
have little history on the used gun market.
the gun shops or in the various periodicals, often will go begging at a fraction of its value in
Modern Gun Values is not 100 percent
dealer’s catalogs or at auction sales. more acceptable shape.
comprehensive – nor can it be, given that
Of course, neither condition nor pricing is ever
manufacturers have their own product
KEYS TO DETERMINING VALUE absolute. There is no such thing as a fi xed price.
development cycles that may or may not
It’s an axiom among gun enthusiasts that there
coincide with our production schedules. There are three primary factors that are key
are only two conditions any two collectors can
Also, many manufacturers provide private or to establishing a fi rearm’s value. These are
agree upon and those are “New” and “Junk”;
“boutique” models for large distributors that demand, availability and condition.
everything in between is highly subjective and
virtually defy categorization. Any attempt to
Demand and Availability subject to debate. For example, a shooter
include data on every fi rearm manufacturer looking at a potential acquisition might rate a
over the last century would result in a book One of the factors driving demand – and thus gun with little fi nish but mechanically tight and
twice the size of the collected US Tax Code, the value of a particular fi rearm – is availability. with a fi ne bore, “Excellent”; to the collector
When demand exceeds availability, the price
and twice as burdensome. However, we are that same fi rearm would rate only a “Good”
of the fi rearm increases. This pertains not only
quite confi dent that this edition of Modern or possibly “Very Good.” An old Luger with
to collectibles but to shooting guns as well.
Gun Values will prove of inestimable value in most of its original blue but with the bore badly
For example, it is not unusual for a current-
identifying and assigning realistic dollar values pitted from corrosive ammunition would rate
production fi rearm in limited supply to sell in
to 95 percent of the used fi rearms frequently an “Excellent” from most collectors but only a
the marketplace for prices considerably above
encountered. For those readers seeking more “Fair” from a shooter. Collectors and shooters
the manufacturer’s suggested list price. Even
comprehensive treatment, we recommend alike fi nd the line between “Good” and “Very
some Colt and Smith & Wesson models have
these other Gun Digest book titles: Standard Good” or “Very Good” and “Excellent” a fuzzy
enjoyed such run-ups. However, realize that in
Catalog of Firearms, Standard Catalog of one. When angels tire of dancing on the heads
this case when supply fi nally catches up with
Military Firearms and Flayderman’s Guide To of pins, they discuss fi rearms condition.
demand prices will dip.
Antique American Firearms and Their Values. One notable case is occurring as this edition
A note on "tactical" or military style fi rearms: goes to press. In 2010, Kel Tec released its WHAT? NO MSRP?
Existing listings for tactical fi rearms remain in PMR-30 semi automatic pistol in .22 Magnum, We have deleted MSRPs (manufacturer’s
this edition of MGV, but we have not added many featuring a 30 round magazine. MSRP of this suggested retail prices) from this edition
new models or entries for new manufacturers. gun supposed to be around $395. They are of Modern Gun Values because they are
With the expiration of the 1994 -2004 "assault currently bringing $500 to $600 on internet meaningless. In this internet age, guns sell for
weapon" ban, the production of this type of auctions and at retail storefronts. Time will tell whatever the market will bear, and discounting
fi rearm has exploded. There are hundreds of if they ever come down to the price range they is rampant. When a new model is introduced
small manufacturers now offering a variety of are "supposed" to be. on the market, it may sell for more than MSRP
fi rearms. These Include 30 or more makers of For collectibles, although the supply is fi xed, because of consumer demand. As the gun
AR-15 pattern rifl es as well as boutique builders demand plays a similar role in establishing value. in question is produced in greater numbers,
of semi automatic copies of belt fed machine In the used fi rearms markets, demand seems to discounters reduce the street price below
guns from WWII and builders of Cold War era come in instinctive waves, much as a school MSRP. The result? MSRP means nothing.
Soviet AK-47s. A thorough listing of just this of minnows will wheel and change direction in Federal courts have found that manufacturers
type of fi rearm could fi ll another book. perfect synchronicity, as though by telepathy. cannot dictate street pricing to their distributors
Actually, It has. Consult Gun Digest Buyers' Believe it or not, there was a day when Webley and retailers. (They can control their own
Guide to Tactical Rifl es by Phillip Peterson for a commercial revolvers in excellent condition channels of distribution, but that’s another
caoutmopmraethice nfi sreivaer mlissti.ng of these fascinating semi cfooru lidn flb aet ihoand. fTohr ewne llo unned edr a$y1 0W0,e ebvleeyns a dcjauusgtehdt mana tMteSr.)R PH otwo etvheer,ir mpraonduufacctstu troer sb ec auns eads s“ifgonr
on for some reason and values doubled and
comparison purposes only.” The difference
HOW TO USE THIS EDITION tripled, seemingly overnight. The same process
between MSRP and street pricing is well-
MODERN GUN VALUES is divided into four is occurring now, although at a slower rate, known to anyone who has ever bought a new
major sections – Handguns, Rifl es, Shotguns with many commercial fi rearms made in the car. All prices in this book are street prices.
and Commemoratives. Within each of these 1970 - 2000 era. As this editor reviewed current
sections the individual fi rearms entries are listed market trends it is noted that values for S&W, THE INTERNET – AND WHY WE
Colt, Ruger and other American made revolvers
in numerical model, then alphabetical, order. (A of the era are increasing as prices of current SHOULD LOVE IT
valuable reference section is also included in
production examples creeps upward. In the past, fi rearms street pricing was
the back pages of this book.)
Another area of recent interest is semi established at retail gunshops and gun shows.
Readers can locate a particular gun in
three ways: by browsing through the sections automatic pistols made in Spain by such Today, the internet has made everyone with an
4 INTRODUCTION
FFL an internet retailer, or e-tailer. if properly done is often diffi cult to tell from location would detract from originality.
In assigning values to new fi rearms for this original factory work. Fortunately, many knowledgeable collectors
book, I found an enormous range of prices But how does the value of a restored fi rearm and dealers are able to distinguish even the
offered by internet retailers operating through compare with that of an original in like condition? best restoration work from “factory original.”
one of the web’s fi rearms auction sites. A truly fi rst-class job can bring close to the price In addition, in the current marketplace it is not
On this particular day, I can go to an internet of an original-condition example; however, very at all unusual for an owner or seller to not only
fi rearms auction site and search for a Remington few restorations are that good. Generally, a admit restoration, but to state with pride that
Model 673 Guide Rifl e (alas, lately discontinued very good restoration is usually worth at best a certain arm was restored by a specifi c well-
by Remington). Now, MSRP on the Model 673 half as much as a nice original. Two warnings: known restorer.
was around $929. Yet I fi nd new in-the-box First, beware of restorations passed off as Ethically, of course, the fact that restoration
Model 673s being offered for as much as $725 original. Second, be extra aware of a common work has been done and to what extent
and for as little as $524.99. So what is the value model that’s “restored” into a rare variation by should always be disclosed to a prospective
of a new Model 673? One thing’s for certain: it modifying markings, barrel length or the like. purchaser. Not to do so has, in the case of
sure isn’t MSRP! When in doubt, ask an expert and refer to the some very valuable collectibles, resulted in
The internet makes everyone a seller and NRA’s Code of Ethics. Misrepresentation can expensive and embarrassing legal actions.
everyone a buyer. It has infused an enormous be fraud.
volume of fresh blood into the hobby. In the NRA MODERN CONDITION
past, a shooter or collector had to comb the NRA CODE OF ETHICS STANDARDS
classifi eds, drive to every retail shop in the A listing of practices considered unethical To give a fi rm foundation for the pricing
county, and attend gun shows to fi nd a rare and injurious to the best interests of the structure of this edition, it is essential to
or scarce model. Nowadays virtually any gun collecting fraternity. establish a set of condition standards by which
can be found after a few minutes’ searching 1. The manufacture or sale of a spurious a fi rearm can be judged. We have adopted
online. The result? For newer guns, it’s a copy of a valuable fi rearm. This shall include the well-respected and popular National Rifl e
buyer’s market. For scarce vintage or antique the production of full-scale replicas of historic Association’s Modern Condition Standards as
models, it’s a seller’s market, at least as far as models and accessories, regardless of easily a guideline to the various grades of condition
the internet is concerned. effaced modern markings, and it also shall but have made slight modifi cations (italics)
At any rate, the effect of the internet on include the rebuilding of any authentic weapon to further help readers determine condition
fi rearms pricing can neither be ignored nor into a rarer and more valuable model. It shall not degrees.
overestimated. The worldwide web is the single include the manufacture or sale of fi rearms or New: In same condition as current factory
greatest infl uence on modern gun values, and accessories which cannot be easily confused production, with original box and accessories.
we can all use it to our advantage, either as with the rare models of famous makers. Perfect: In new condition in every respect,
buyers or sellers. Such items are: plastic or pottery products, but may be lacking box and/or accessories.
miniatures, fi rearms of original design, or other Excellent: Near new condition, used but little,
A REMINDER examples of individual skill, plainly stamped no noticeable marring of wood or metal, bluing
with the maker’s name and date, made up as perfect (except at muzzle or sharp edges).
Remember that the values shown here should examples of utility and craftsmanship, and not Very Good: In perfect working condition, no
be taken as guidelines, not absolutes. When a representative of the designs or models of any appreciable wear on working surfaces, visible
rarely seen gun that you’ve been wanting for a old-time arms maker. fi nish wear but no corrosion or pitting, only
long time shows up at a price somewhat higher 2. The alteration of any marking or serial minor surface dents or scratches.
than we indicate, it still may be worth buying number, or the assembling and artifi cially Good: In safe working condition, minor wear
because the pleasure of ownership is often well aging of unrelated parts for the purpose of on working surfaces, no corrosion or pitting
worth the higher price. Many collectors freely creating a more valuable or unique fi rearm that will interfere with proper functioning.
admit they rarely regret the fi rearms they buy, with or without immediate intent to defraud. Fair: In safe working condition, but well
but all too often regret the ones they didn’t buy. This shall not include the legitimate restoration worn, perhaps requiring replacement of minor
On the other hand, don’t be too quick to buy a or completion of missing parts with those of parts or adjustments, no rust, but may have
common gun that you’d like to have when you original type, provided that such completions corrosion pits which do not render article
see it at market price, since one will likely show or restorations are indicated to a prospective unsafe or inoperable.
up sooner or later at a lower price. buyer.
********************
From the buyer’s standpoint, pricing at 3. The refi nishing (bluing, browning,
the extreme ends of the condition scale or plating) or engraving of any collector’s A fi nal word: May your fi rearms collecting
(New to Poor) generally refl ects the most you weapons, unless the weapons may be clearly experience be rewarding and enjoyable, and
might consider paying for a particular fi rearm marked under the stocks or elsewhere to may you be the lucky soul who fi nds that one-
in a particular condition. From the seller’s indicate the date and nature of the work, in-a-thousand “diamond in the rough” that was
standpoint, these values refl ect ballpark fi gures and provided the seller unequivocally shall passed over by less fortunate bargain-hunters
where you might start your pricing, leaving describe such non-original treatment to a who did not have this book!
yourself ample room for negotiation. In a buyer.* Cordially,
bidding or other competitive situation, however, 4. The direct or indirect efforts of a seller Dan Shideler, Editor
all bets are off. Whoever wants the item the to attach a spurious historical association to a And the past editors of Modern Gun Values
most, and can reinforce his sentiments with his fi rearm in an effort to infl ate its fair value; efforts ********************
to “plant” a fi rearm under circumstances which
checkbook, will ultimately obtain it. The sky’s Appeal to Our Readers
are designed to infl ate the fair value.
the limit. 5. The employment of unfair or shady Because Modern Gun Values is an ongoing
With any luck, however, the buyer’s and the practices in buying, selling, or trading at research project, we welcome input from our
seller’s comfort zones will overlap at a certain the expense of young and inexperienced readers. No one can hope to know everything
point, and that will be the fi gure for which the collectors or anyone else; the devious use about the more than 7000 fi rearms found
fi rearm is sold. of false appraisals, collusion and other sharp here. Thus, we ask any collector or enthusiast
practices for personal gain. who wishes to contribute information on
RESTORATION 6. The use of inaccurate, misleading, or the fi rearms found here or other fi rearms
For collectors in particular, there’s another falsifi ed representations in direct sales or not found in these pages, but known to be
important aspect of condition that needs in selling by sales list, catalog, periodical manufactured or imported into the U.S. in the
to be addressed and that is restoration. As advertisement and other media; the failure to last 100 years, to please contact DBI Books
the demand for many collectible arms has make prompt refunds, adjustments or other in writing. This includes historical insights to
exceeded the supply of those in “acceptable” proper restitution on all just claims which may fi rearms that played a role in U.S. and world
condition, many rare, and even not so rare, arise from arms sales, direct or by mail. events. Submissions made on “all rights, non-
fi rearms have been restored. Pitted areas built *When the NRA formulated this Code of returnable” basis, subject to our evaluation.
up by welding, missing or damaged parts Ethics many years ago restoration was rarer Unusable submissions returned if accompanied
remade, obliterated markings re-rolled, grips than it is today and some restoration was by SASE.
and stocks with re-cut checkering, or the metal indeed marked. However, such marking is Write to:
polished and refi nished using the techniques rarely if ever done today and restoration is not Modern Gun Values
of the original maker are some examples of only considered ethical but desirable when Krause Publications
the restoration work possible. A fi rst-class appropriate. Furthermore, for many, a restorer’s 700 East State Street
restoration is an expensive proposition, but mark in even the most inconspicuous internal Iola WI 54990
MODERN GUN VALUES, 16TH EDITION 5
Inspection Guide
To Used Guns
by Patrick Sweeney
W
HILE THE SATISFACTION of buying a new fire- better do well under an inch with its provided ammo,
arm, from the standpoint of warranty and or you may have cause to return it (assuming you can
features, appeals to many shooters and shoot that well). If the dealer doesn't have a written
collectors, sometimes "used" is the only route. After warranty, ask what the return policy is.
all, how many new-in-the-box Winchester pre-64s still If you are not buying from a dealer, you have the
exist? Sometimes the only way to acquire the firearm standard business-school Latin to guide you – Caveat
model, or the firearm with the features you desire, is Emptor: "Let the buyer beware." One approach that
by buying it used. We all have budgets, and purchas- some of my customers took – and more should have
ing a used gun is much easier on them! Read on and – was to have their purchase inspected by a pro. If you
learn how to buy "used" – safely. have any doubts about an attractive purchase, take
If at all possible buy from an established dealer, it to a gunsmith and explain things. Don't just drop
with a track record and reputation. Even better, a it off for a "strip and clean" and count on him (or her)
dealer who has an in-house gunsmith who inspects uncovering hidden problems.
all their used firearms and makes sure no lemons slip Come right out and explain: You just bought it, and
through. In the event one does, a reputable dealer will you want it inspected for safety, durability, function
take it back or make it right. and headspace. If there is a limited return time, the
What should the dealer warranty? The normal and gunsmith needs to know in order to inspect it within
expected performance and durability of that model the allotted time. Many gunsmiths are booked solid
firearm, and that he presented it correctly as to its fea- for months and may not get it back to you in time if
tures and performance. If you buy a plain old used 30- you leave your purchase for what the ‘smith under-
30 and find it shoots three- to four-inch groups at 100 stands is just a "regular cleaning." By explaining your
yards, don't expect to be able to return it. If, however, inspection period time constraint you can get your
it shoots those groups four feet to the left or right, you new purchase back in time to meet the refund terms
have every right to return it. An as-new benchrest rifle of the sale, should you need to return the gun.
General Inspection of a Used Firearm
To start, give the firearm in question a quick length? Is the muzzle uniform? Does the chambering
visual inspection. I call it the "tire tracks and ham- marked on, the barrel match what the seller tells you
mer marks" look, and it is the same regardless of the it shoots? Try to get a “feel" for the history and typi-
type you are thinking of buying. The inspection of a cal condition of the gun you are looking at. Does it
firearm to determine the percentage of finish remain- match the description of the one the seller is trying to
ing is covered elsewhere. The purpose of this initial sell you? A firearm that doesn't match what the seller
inspection is to uncover damage, repairs or abuse. Is describes is probably best left on the table.
the stock straight and clean? Is the barrel straight? Just because you are looking at a worn, used-to-gray
Are the sights centered? Are there dents, scratches, rifle the seller describes as "the best he's seen" doesn't
cracks or repairs to be seen? Does the bluing have the mean he's fibbing. If you are holding a Remington 700
right color? Are the barrel markings clean and crisp, or in 308 Winchester – yes, he is. On the other hand, if you
are they blurry or smeared? Is the barrel, the correct are holding a pre-'64 M-70 in 300 Savage – no, he isn't.
RIFLES
Open the action. With a light or While many rifles will shoot rough. Ask if you can dry fire it to
reflector – and with the action open accurately with a slightly pitted check the safety.
and bolt removed if appropriate bore, some won't – and all will Some people do not like to have
– look down the bore. Clean, shiny require more frequent cleaning. any gun in their possession dry-
and clear of obstructions, right? If Work the action and see if there are fired; others don't care. If you
not, let the bargaining begin! any binding spots or if the action is cannot, you may have to pass on
6 INSPECTION GUIDE
the deal. Or, you can assure the
owner that you will restrain the
cocking piece to keep the striker
from falling.
Close the action and dry-fire
it. How much is the trigger pull?
Close the action, push the safety to
ON, and pull the trigger. It should
stay cocked. Let go of the trigger
and push the safety OFF. It should
stay cocked. Now, dry-fire it. Is the
trigger pull different than it was
before? If the pull is now lighter,
the safety is not fully engaging the
cocking piece, and you'll have to
have someone work on it to make
it safe. If the rifle fires at any time
while manipulating the safety
(even without your having touched
the trigger) it is unsafe until a
A rifle fired with a poorly-fitted stock, or one dried out from decades of storage, will
gunsmith repairs it.
often crack light behind the tang. Look closely for cracks or repairs.
While you were checking the
safety, just what was the trigger
pull? A very light trigger pull is
not always bad, but may need
adjustment. As an example, if you
are handling a Remington 700 or
Winchester 70, and the trigger
pull is one pound, someone
may have adjusted the trigger
mechanism. If you are handling
a Winchester '94 and the trigger
pull is a pound, someone has been
stoning the hammer or sear. On
the first two, you or your gunsmith
can adjust the weight back to
normal ranges. On the '94 you may
have to buy a new hammer or sear
– or both – to get the pull back into
the normal range.
Inspect the action and barrel
channel. Is the gap between the
barrel and the channel uniform?
Ordoes the forearm bend right or Are the screw slots clean, or are they chewed up? This screw is just tolerable. Any
left? Changes in humidity can warp worse and it would indicate abuse instead of 59 years of indifferent attention.
aforearm and, if the wood touches
the barrel, alter accuracy. The
owner may be selling it because
the accuracy has "gone south," and
not know that some simple bedding
work can cure it.
Look at the action where it meets
the stock. Is the wood/metal edge
clean and uniform? Or do you see
traces of epoxy bedding compound?
Epoxy could mean a bedding
job,and it could mean a repair of a
cracked stock. Closely inspect the
wrist of the stock, right behind the
tang. Look for cracks and repairs.
Turn the rifle over and look at
the action screws. Are the slots
clean, or are they chewed up?
Mangled slots indicates a rifle that
has been taken apart many times Check the edges of the stock where the action rests for signs of glass bedding.
– and at least a few of those times Bedding is not bad; in fact, it can be good. But don’t pay collectors’ prices for a
with a poorly-fitting screwdriver. working tool that has been modified.
MODERN GUN VALUES, 16TH EDITION 7
Remove the barrel to inspect the
bore. Is the bore clean of plastic?
Is the choke clean? If not, swab
them clean. If there are screw-in
chokes, do they unscrew easily
and smoothly? While you have the
forearm off an autoloader, look at
the gas system. Is it clean? Or is it
crusty from powder residue? Powder
residue can be wiped off, but rust
requires more a vigorous remedy,
and may leave the shotgun as a
non-cycling autoloader.
Be sure of the chambering, and be sure it is clearly marked. This Marlin was not a 38-
55 when it left the factory; but is now and is clearly so marked. Double-Barrel Shotguns
Doubles require a different
inspection. While looking over the
barrels, look to see that the side or
bottom ribs are smoothly attached
along their length. A lifted rib
that has been repaired will have a
different appearance at the repair.
Open and close the action. Does
the lever move smoothly into place,
or do you have to push it the last
fraction to fully close it? How far
does the lever move? Levers are
initially positioned to not go fully to
the centerline. As the action wears,
the lever moves further and further,
Consider rarity when assessing condition. A 30-06 with signs of honest use and taking up the wear. A shotgun with
hunting wear is a tool. This same rifle, were the barrel marked “300 Savage” or “35 a lever too far past the centerline
Remington,” would be a collector’s dream. may have been shot a great deal,
or been taken apart and put back
Remove the bolt if you can. If not, inspect the rib (if there is one) to together with the lever mis-timed.
use a reflector or light to illuminate see if it has been dented. While Next, check to see the barrels
the bore. Is the bore clean and a dented barrel or rib can be are tight. Often, the forearm will
bright? Look at the bore near the repaired so the damage is almost put enough pressure on the action
muzzle. Do you see jacket fouling or unnoticeable, you can still see to make it seem tight. Remove the
lead deposits? Many an "inaccurate" evidence of the repair. forearm and then check barrel
rifle can be made accurate again
simply by cleaning the jacket fouling
out of the bore. While looking down
the bore, hold the barrel so a vertical
or horizontal bar in a window
reflects down the bore. If the
reflection of the bar has a ‘break’ in
it, the barrel is bent. Sight down the
outside of the barrel and see if you
can spot it. A slightly bent barrel
can still be accurate, but will walk
its shots when it heats up. A severely
bent barrel must be replaced.
SHOTGUNS
Pump-Action &
Autoloading Shotguns
Pumps and autoloaders require
the same safety check as rifles do,
with a few additions. Safety on,
pull the trigger, let go, safety off.
Dry fire and see if the weight of the
trigger pull changes. Are screw-in chokes easy to remove? Or do you have to wrestle with them? A bulged
When inspecting the barrel, choke may mean a ruined barrel. Always unscrew the chokes to make sure they work
look for dents or creases. Also, as intended.
8 INSPECTION GUIDE
and each has sub-types with In Colts and old Rugers, open
their own peculiarities. The four the loading gate, cock the hammer
types we'll cover are the single- back to the (half-cock) notch that
action revolver and double- frees the cylinder, and rotate the
action revolver, single-action cylinder. Look to see that it isn't
autoloading pistol and double- loaded. On new Rugers, opening
action autoloading pistol. the loading gate frees the cylinder
to rotate. To close up both action
Single-Action Revolvers "systems," close the loading gate,
The single-action revolver is cock the hammer and, with your
known by many as the cowboy thumb on the hammer spur, pull
revolver. Your quick visual the trigger and ease the hammer
The screw-in chokes in this barrel, while inspection of the exterior should forward while holding the trigger
functional, doom the barrel for resale. start with the sights, to make sure back. Check the cylinder for play.
The wall was cut too thin on one side they are straight, and the grips For those who may not know,
and chipped out. The owner will never be to make sure they are without spinning the cylinder at high speed,
able to sell the barrel, for who would buy cracks or dents. Also look at the or fanning the hammer are both
it? You might, if you neglected to check. exterior edge of the muzzle, and the considered abusive handling, and
corners of the frame, for signs of will likely end the sale before it
tightness. Does the barrel assembly
dropping. Bent sights and cracked starts. Don't do either!
move or wobble when closed? Can
grips indicate a dropped handgun. Does the cylinder move back and
you see the joint at the action
Dropping can bend the barrel, warp forth? Called endshake, it can be
changing size when you try to
the frame or throw off the timing. easily fixed, but if there is too much
move the barrel? A loose barrel is
Hold the revolver up to the light, it indicates a revolver that has seen a
an expensive repair, so be sure to
sideways, and look at the cylinder lot of use. On a Colt-pattern revolver
check. Pull or twist the barrel in
gap. There should be daylight, but it could mean that the cylinder has
all three axes; attempt to move the
not too much of it. The SA comes in been replaced and not properly
rear side to side, lift as if you were
the Colt pattern, old Ruger, and the fitted, or the bushing is worn – or
opening the action (but not pushing
new Ruger. peened – from heavy loads.
the lever), and pull the barrels
forward. The action should be as
tight as a bank vault.
Next, the triggers. You'll
need snap caps and the owner’s
permission. Insert the snap caps
and close the action. Put the safety
on. If the double is a twin trigger,
check to make sure the safety
blocks both triggers. If it is a single
trigger, make sure the safety blocks
the trigger when the barrel selector
is set to each barrel in turn.
Push the safety to OFF and
snap one of the barrels. Open the
action (keep your hand over the
action to stop the snap cap from The wood on this shotgun can be repaired, but what
being launched across the room) caused it? If a previous owner used magnum shells in
then close it and select the other a non-magnum-capable gun, the action may be loose.
barrel. Snap that barrel and open Check the tightness of the barrels to the receiver.
the action again, stopping the
snap cap from being ejected. Both
barrels work? Good. Close the
action, snap one of the barrels, and
then slap the butt of the shotgun
with your hand. If the shotgun has
a non-inertial trigger – like the
Ruger Red Label – you can forego
the slapping. Does the second
barrel now fire when you pull the
trigger? If so, the inertial trigger
is working. If not, you may have to
slap it harder, or the inertia weight
needs adjusting.
HANDGUNS
Handguns come in two types:
revolvers and autoloading pistols, On doubles, check to see if the top lever is easy to move and the action easy to open.
MODERN GUN VALUES, 16TH EDITION 9