Getting Old, Too Many Guns

[john lee]

I don't need any flip answers like, "you can never have too many guns," I just want to hear what others have done or planned. I woke up in the middle of the night thinking about the many guns I have bought and what would my wife do if I died suddenly (incidentally, she has MS and cannot walk and her mind isn't always in focus). I have multiple .22 pistols and revolvers as well as a number of long guns in .22 caliber. None are junk, mostly Rugers. I question why I bought a Mark IV and SP101 in the past year especially considering the price of the SP101. I no longer hunt but have three 20 gauge shotguns as well as a .410. Two of the shotguns have emotional value due to their age and history. One of the .22s is a Bruno that my father got after the war in Germany. My son died in May, 2016 and my closest family is in Oklahoma, otherwise I would tell my wife to just give them to my cousin.

Then there is the nine millimeter Glock and Beretta and .357 Ruger. I tried to figure out a few guns to keep such as a single-six, 10-22, KMK512, 20 gauge pump, Beretta nine and 30-30 to meet any future shooting opportunities. I know the local pawn shop would be all over my situation and I dislike walking around gun shows. What are you other old guys planning? Thanks from the dry side of the state.

 

[powder smoke]

I have a few slated for my grandson, other than that when I feel he time
is right I'll sell em. It will save my wife lots of head aches. It's a personal
thing you will have to figure out. ps

 

[Heliman]

I too am slowly divesting my inventory and getting down to a few basic "needs" guns. I still hunt big game and varmints but even that will stop on the horizon of my vision. I post ads here and on other forums, mostly local. I am not in a hurry to sell so there is no desperation. When they sell, they sell. I have some heirloom guns that will stay in the family and some I will give to my Sons.

You mention about not liking to walk around gunshows. Why not be a seller at your own area shows and sell them that way? Being a Washington resident you must go through an FFL even for private party sales. Lots of different ways including consignment at some of your area gunshops. Ask around. Good luck going forward.

Dave

 

[Pat-inCO]

I suggest a very detailed will. You can check with your lawyer to see if the
firearms should be a sub-section of the will, or simply included in the main
body of your will. - - - I mention the sub-section in case you want to change
details as you go. Once again, check with your lawyer.

In fact it is time for me to update mine. :wink:

 

[Gaffer]

I have inventoried all my guns and a guesstimate of their worth. I also have indicated to which son any gunshould go to. I only have two sons and both are gun nuts like me. I have told them both they can swap or sell when I am gone. In fact both have some of them already. I do think that the inventory and statement of my desire will take the major responsibility off of the wife, as will the guess as to worth of each.
I have started to make a list of those guns that I will try to move before my departure. I know that I have too many as 4 gun safes are full and so are the gun safes at each son. What the boys don't want they can sell. Many of the rifles have Leupold scopes on them and the estimated price includes the scope cost as well. I have no idea how I could make it any easier for the beneficiaries.

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

The only thing I could tell you is don't let it become a burden. It doesn't have to be done over night. The "rules" they have in Washington makes it a little more difficult. Especially if you don't know the person you are selling to. (read that however you want) Understand the value of guns have gone down and continue to go down. You will take a hit on the newer ones. You can also advertise here on the Ruger forum. You can advertise more than Rugers. If you think about it you might even know some people that would like a good deal on one of your guns. Couple of churches I've gone to had Sportsmans night where the feed was game meet and such and you might donate something to raise some money to help cover those expenses. Make announcements at church or any function where you know people what you are wanting to do. Might be some buyers there. Good luck. I've got the same issues to consider.

Maybe when you sell a gun, sell the ammo with it. What ever you get, is more than you have right now. Don't expect to recover your money. Market is soft.

 

[eveled]

Don't stress out over it. They can be brought to a shop and put on consignment any time. In the mean time look for opportunities to find them homes. Go shooting if somebody says "nice gun", say "thanks want to buy it?"

I figure it like this. If my hobby was drinking beer, I would have spent the same money and not have anything to put on consignment.

I wouldn't be stockpiling ammo though. It's harder to unload.

 

[wwb]

at 70 years of age, I have, over the last few years, have been divesting myself of the guns I don't shoot (with the exception of my grandfather's 1873 Winchester). Any that my son wanted that I didn't shoot, I gave to him rather than sell them. One left to go - a .44 Mag Super Redhawk with a Weaver 2X scope. Even sold a gun safe once the inventory was down.

When I go for a dirt nap, my son will take the remaining guns and the safe..... done!

 

[Fox Mike]

I have a letter that, at my demise, will tell the wife or whomever is handling my estate exactly who gets what. I also have a list of all the various guns and what they cost me to buy and their estimated worth at the time I wrote the letter.

 

[pete44ru]

.

Liking to do something, or not, I decided to do whatever it took to divest myself of my firearms investments before it was too late.

Starting around 2002, I sold most of the 250-odd firearms I had accumulated, several per month for 2 years, at various venues (online gun auctions, gun shows, internet forum sales, & face-to-face locally), and used the funds to pay off all my vehicle loans, mortgage loans & credit card debt, with an aim at retiring early at age 62.

Since then, I have gifted my Son, a Daughter, and my 3 Grandsons with whatever, & as many of, the firearms I had left (about 75, at the time) - and am elated that I have the chance to see them enjoy their bequests before I die.

I then sold most of the remaining firearms online, keeping only a baker's dozen or so, for my use until I go for my Dirt Nap.

I'm sorry to hear of your wife's condition - there, but for the Grace of God, goeth my wife........ or, myself.

Fortunately, she & I are in fairly good shape, with full mental facilities; I provide both she & my Son with a printed inventory of my current firearms, updated monthly with current values (which fluctuate) - so they will not be at a loss should I pass away suddenly.

Vaya 'con Dios !

.

 

[Bob Wright]

Sorry, but I just keep on buying and shooting. Maybe when i get old I won't get so much enjoyment, but until then...........


Bob Wright

 

[Jeepnik]

Well, can't say I have too many, but the distribution is all taken care of. The boys get everything except the wife's guns. Heck those two scamps encourage me to buy more. Go figure.

 

[contender]

First,,, as you can see,, nobody has given you a hard time about proper planning of your firearms.

There is a lot of excellent advice above. Wills, estates etc NEED planning. My Miss Penny is fully aware of my collection, the inventory, the values etc. PLUS,, she works for an attorney. In NC,,, anything can be placed in a "trust" which removes it from an inventory (for value & tax purposes.) It's a LOT cheaper than paying taxes on income received from the sale of an estate full of firearms.
But, I'd consult with a lawyer,, draw up a will, create a trust, & that way,,, YOU can relax knowing YOUR desires are being met.

 

[ned]

In the same spot, used to get tables at gun shows but don’t want to now. Went to good guys who are Ffl. Sold a few, consigned a few and am happy they are making a profit...they keep the shows going...yes, I lost some money but less than my wife or daughter would have and I have peace of mind. Going to get down to 6 or so

 

[buckeyeshooter]

I had around 300 guns in 2010. Some inherited from relatives that had died and many bought by myself starting in the 70's. The hardest thing was deciding what to sell and keep. For example: smith and wesson 27's.. I had 2 in nickel 6.5 inch, 1 unfired, a pair of 5 inch guns (blue and nickel) unfired, a blue 3.5 inch and the 50th anniversary model unfired.
I ended up keeping the 3.5 inch and the 6.5 inch I bought new and shot alot. I sold the rest, uncomfortably. I know they could never be replaced in unfired condition with all documentation. I did this across the board and am now down to about 75.
As I am living overseas, I am struggling with selling the rest. I cant possess them here. I dont see myself returning to the USA. I would like to keep some as they have sentimental value. Like a remington 22 pump that is early 1900's manufacture and my father, my self and grandfather all learned to shoot on.

On the other side of the ledger, I used the money gained from the sale to buy a house and pay cash. So, the upside was significant.
I cant tell others what to do, but I would like to pare down to a dozen so my family who know nothing about them will not have to deal with this on a large level. I do have a close friend who should outlive me who will help my family move them.

 

[#1rugerman]

I’m 66, 3 years ago my kidneys failed, I knew that my hunting days were over and that my wife would have a hard time dealing with all my guns so I sold half of them, I still have a bunch, but right now the market is down so I will hold on to them, I have inventoried what I have with a I hope a reasonable price for them so as to give my wife some guidance as to how much to try and sell them for. I’m on dialysis now haven’t been shooting for a while (arthritis is holding me back) still have several handguns and riflesand a bunch bunch of ammo, have to work on moving the rest.

 

[RSIno1]

I started to divest a few years ago - then discovered the No1. I also like machining ARs so I've added a few of those. My problem is I sold a lot of handguns and replaced them with rifles so I also had to buy an additional safe. The grandson has machined his own AR (at age 9) so that one and his mom's are still here along with their 22 rifles and his OM Bearcat. Once mom/dad says it's ok one of the safes and several guns will be going to their house. I've got a list of all the guns with what I paid for each along with a current value so the wife doesn't get screwed if I should drop dead.

 

[Mobuck]

Sounds like my friend in Illinois. He didn't really have many firearms but with no children of his own, he's been gifting guns to his Nieces and Nephews.
Sell some guns and put the $$ in a burial or other paid coverage plan.

 

[john lee]

I’m 66, 3 years ago my kidneys failed, I knew that my hunting days were over and that my wife would have a hard time dealing with all my guns so I sold half of them, I still have a bunch, but right now the market is down so I will hold on to them, I have inventoried what I have with a I hope a reasonable price for them so as to give my wife some guidance as to how much to try and sell them for. I’m on dialysis now haven’t been shooting for a while (arthritis is holding me back) still have several handguns and riflesand a bunch bunch of ammo, have to work on moving the rest.

Hate to hear about anyone with such a medical condition. A good friend of mine was on dialysis and had complications. Hope you can avoid the same. Thanks for your response to my original question. Good luck to you. John Lee

 

[Conservative]

Man oh man, this is difficult.

My sister at 66 discovered she had lung cancer.

Decided she'd die without intervention.

She allowed her doctors to convince her of chemo-therapy/surgery/radiation.

Which resulted in the destruction of her kidneys - so from then on she had to be dialyzed.

Suffice it to say she suffered more from the treatment than the disease.

From surgery, chemo and being dialized.

Her last wishes was the stoppage of being dialized.

Her wishes were granted and she died the next day.

If cancer comes to call for me (and to some extant it already has) I'll let nature take it's course.

No chemo - No radiation - No surgery - Let me die in peace at home if possible...

I'm not willing to be guina pig or who ever it's spelled...to advance science, selfish yeah. I ain't your science huckleberry...

Face it...we all die, but I want to go quietly into that "good night" I suffered enough as a mere mortal beyond what many experience../

 

[Ray Newman]

First, I wish you luck with whatever you decide to do. Next, be honest with yourself about their actual value. Some people selling firearms have an inflated view of value and condition. Speaking for myself and probably most others, I will not pay an over-valued price because of the seller's sentimental attachment. Original boxes with paperwork, etc., are often plus points when selling.

Based on what you posted and not having any immediate family near, I would attempt to sell the Rugers and others on this site. But, first check around as to what the local FFL(s) will charge to do the transfer and cost of shipping. Do you have a digital camera? Potential buyers(s) might desire digital photographs to judge condition.

Inquire at the local pawn shop(s) and FFL(s) about what they charge for consignment fees. You might loose some money, but you will not have the headaches.

Or, as you have a relative in OK, ask him if he would want any with him paying the shipping and transfer fees.

I would be leery of posting ads at shooting ranges, etc., and having a buyer come to my residence and examine the firearms. You don't know if he/she is really a potential buyer or someone getting an idea as to what you have of value for a home burglary. Same with someone who does not want to do the required paperwork. Once knew a guy who wanted me to sell him a revolver. He was a bit too keen for a face-to-face sale. Just did not seem right. He later had a "slip of the tongue" and told me he wanted to buy a revolver for his son who is a felon.

 

[SR1911SHOOTER]

My guns are in my will. They will go to a friend of mine who is on the job in Houston, Tx.
My wife's guns will go to her son in Indiana. I have already given guns to my grandsons
after insuring that they already had a gun safe. (They have little kids)!
Nobody needs to know how many guns I have, or as the MSM says, my "Arsenal".
Blackie

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

There is a company that I can advertise various things including firearms here and I assume that's true in most major areas. But I NEVER meet someone at my house. I typically offer to meet them somewhere between where I live and where they live as a convenience to them, but it's also for my privacy. I do always ask to see their DL to confirm they are residents, and old enough to purchase a firearm, and I ask if they are a felon. Face it that's what the 4473 does. Never heard any one being arrested at a gun shop for lieing.

 

[Colonel Daddy]

At 71 years of age and declining health my mind has been on letting go of some of my firearms. There are no set rules for all of us and need to work things out depending on our desire to leave some to special people and selling others to provide funds for the one we may leave behind. My sons will be getting several of my guns as the oldest has a fondness for Old Model Blackhawks and our youngest is the hunter in the family and he will receive several rifles and my 7X30 Waters Contender plus a couple of handguns he has developed a fondness of over the years. My grandchildren will be getting Old Model Bearcats that they have already drooled over!

 

[kmoore]

What I would do is what I did do. Find a gun dealer that you have done business with that you like. 1 sell them to that shop or 2 consign them to that shop. A few at a time or the whole bunch. If you want top dollar then you need to spend a lot of your time and effort. A gun shop I was dealing with gave me 80% of what they listed them at. But, what's your time and peace of mind worth. This is bugging you or you could have made a decision on your own. Good Luck with whatever you decide.

 

[#1rugerman]

John Lee thank you for the well wishes. A bit of history, I have arthritis (both OA and RA) for years I took maximum doses of ibuprofen to help control the pain and inflammation with no side effects, then for some reason my blood pressure spiked and the increased pressure damaged my kidneys (doctors think it was a side effect of my ibuprofen use) I ended up in the hospital with 20 % kidney function. For a couple of years I did ok but soon my kidney function steadily went down hill. I was not going to do dialysis, and I did not and do not want a transplant (I would rather some kid or young person get a kidney and me-my arthritis will eventually rob my of the ability to do for myself and I would rather not be a invalid and a drain on my family) but my wife and I lost a son in 2009 which almost killed us, then my wife lost her father who she was very close to and shortly after that my kidney function went to 2% and I was having trouble with nausea and could not eat much with out getting sick. Now I love my wife and I could see that she was losing it and was terrified of being left alone, so I did what I said I would never do I went to the hospital and started dialysis ( my nephrologist told my that I was very close to dying, maybe a week or so left). So far I have tolerated dialysis well, it’s sort of like having a part time job( 4 hours 3 times a week) except when you have 3 or 4 kilograms of fluid pulled off in 4 hours you are really drained, muscle cramps, nausea.