What's it worth?

[Lunker]

This is NOT a for sale post, I'm just wondering what you guys/gals think this gun is worth, and I am going to post it for sale shortly.

It's an older(but in good shape) 870 wingmaster 12 GA. Wood stock with a repaired crack, and a poly-choked barrel(the goofy lookin exterior choke adjuster popular a few decades ago.)

Otherwise in very good shape, no rust, no major dents/scratches in wood or metal.

Please do not request pics or offer. When I sell it will be in the for sale forum. Just hoping a more gun knowledgable fellow could shed some light.

[jlm]

Tough call, since new 870's are so cheap new. Given that there has been repairs and it is not in mint condition, I would say around $150. Could be wrong though, lets let some gun value experts chime in!

[New Yankee]

You're right in there jlm - that was the first number that came into my head. You might get another $25 or so, and if the wind is right and someone has to have it because their dad had one just like it or such, it might bring $200, but $150-$175 is probably right.

Unless you need the money, guns like these are usually worth more to you then someone else - nice versatile workhorse of a gun, I'd keep it!

[harvey lee]

I would want to know what the reciever looks like and the barrel as far as rust. How is the bluing? If the wood is pretty good and the crack in the stock cannot be seen, with next to no rust, I would guess your top buck is $175-$185.

[Lunker]

Alright guys, thanks for the input. I usually am a packrat, especially with outdoor equipment, but this particular weapon has little sentimental value for me and I personally don't like polychokes, or 12GA's for upland quarry. So for me it's more valuable to put whatever I get for it towards my new waterfowl gun.

[JDM]

If it is a 3 inch gun and there is no rust, I think you can get at least $200, maybe a little more. The new Expresses are cheap, but a new Wingmaster is not. There is a difference and anyone who says there isn't is kidding themselves. That gun would go at least $250 in a gun shop if it is clean. Maybe more. Take $20 to $40 off if it is a 2 3/4 inch gun.

[jlm]

You may be able to get even more if you get this into a good auction. Guns always seem to go for an inflated price at auctions....at least the one's that I go to !

[harvey lee]

You are correct on that jlm. Seems whenever I go to an auction the guns go way beyond the actual value. You might be able to get an auct. to list it in one of thier upcoming auctions for a small percentage.

[HateHumminbird]

The problem with auctions is that most times, there are several others taking a peice of the collective pie, thus driving prices higher than they would be otherwise. Typically, the auctioneer gets his percentage, and if it's held on private grounds (not estate sales), then the person hosting gets a cut as well. Some places have a gun-dealer or gun-shop at hand to help with the transactions, which means, you guessed it, another fee.

However, if you know the auctioneer, or call ahead, many times you can get a handle on these fees. Most of the auction bills I see have common or very average firearms with a little age being passed off as antique firearms. These can be old, and maybe even classified as "antique", but that doesn't mean they should get what they're asking for them.

Joel