Here are some questions
that have been asked numerous times. You may find answers
to the question you were about to ask, or to questions you were afraid to
ask.
Is A Firearm
That I Saw Listed At OldGuns.net In Good Firing Condition?
All of the guns and ammunition at OldGuns.net are sold as collector
items only and must be checked by a competent gunsmith prior to use. Unless
otherwise stated in the description we are not aware of any problem with
the guns in our catalogs. However, we are not gunsmiths and due to liability
issues we do not claim to have the expertise to tell if any gun is safe
for anyone else to risk firing. Further, since we have no control over the
ammunition used, proper cleaning prior to use, and the like, we disclaim
any and all responsibility for any problems associated with firing any gun
purchased from us.
If you have concerns about the condition of anything you see
at OldGuns.net remember that all items are sold with a three day inspection
period which should allow enough time for you and your gunsmith to determine
if it is safe to shoot. If dissatisfied for any reason, return the item
in the same condition as received for full refund (less shipping).
All items are sold with three day inspection period. If you are dissatisfied
for any reason, return the item in same condition as received for full refund
(less shipping). Guns and ammunition are sold as collector items only and must
be checked by a competent gunsmith prior to use.
Most customers tell us that the items that they have ordered from OldGuns.net
are better than they expected from our descriptions. We get very
few returns and lots of repeat customers. We try to make our descriptions
as accurate and detailed as possible, and have photos on most items, so that
helps a lot. For what it is worth, we have sold items to some of the leading
authorities (and authors) in the US martial arms field over the years and
they were all quite happy (The late Bill Brophy and Robert M. Reilly; the
still active Scott Duff, Bruce Canfield, Nick Ferris, Scott Meadows, Billy
Pyle).
In general our prices are firm, when we think they need to be adjusted we
do so. At OldGuns.net we do not mark everything up so we can cut the
listed prices, like some dealers. If you would like to make offers,
that's OK, we will politely listen, and usually politely decline.
Do You Ship
Firearms Outside Of The United States?
Due to the complexity of rules and regulations governing this type
of transaction, we are not able to invest the time or money to thoroughly research
import export laws. We do not wish to risk our licenses by violating some obscure
regulation, so as a matter of policy we do not ship firearms outside of the
U.S.A.
We mark items in our catalogs "**HOLD**"
when we receive a commitment to purchase. Items are placed on hold to allow time
for the proper paperwork and payment to be arrive, for the order to be shipped, for funds to clear if payment is made by check
and for the purchaser to examine their order and confirm that are happy with
it (inspection period is usually 3 days). If you see an item marked **HOLD**
that you are interested in, let
us know and we will notify you if it becomes available again.
Because of the large amount of questions that we receive at OldGuns.net
we are unable to answer all of them. We usually try answer questions that
we think may be interesting or useful to to our visitors.
We often ignore questions that are:
Submitted with partial serial numbers (167XXX).
Submitted in all caps or lower case.
Questions that do not provide us with enough information to give a useful
answer.
Questions about sporting shotguns. We sometimes list sporting shotguns
for sale in our catalogs but we do not have a lot of interest in collecting
them and are by no means experts in this field. There are several dealers
listed on our links page that specialize in shotguns who would be able to
give you a better answer to your question.
Questions that we have already answered. Before you submit a question
try using the OldGuns.net questions
and answers search engine to see if there is a similar question that
we have already answered.
We do not have a lot of information on these a huge number were made in the
late 19th and early 20th centuries and sold through various retail outlets.
This type of firearm falls into the category of "old guns" that no one seems
to be interested in as shooters, but collectors do not want them either. Generally
these were basic inexpensive simple guns which sold at modest prices and still
have little interest or value on market today. On the retail market they usually
sell in the $25-125 range depending on condition and general appearance for
use as a "wall hanger" over a fireplace. Where there is any family history,
we encourage people to keep these old guns for sentimental value. Please be
warned that most of these are not considered safe to shoot.
A good place to find answers to firearms questions is a new site called ArmsCollectors.com
try posing your question on the Old Shotguns
forum there.
We sometimes list sporting shotguns for sale in our catalogs but we do not
have a lot of interest in collecting them and are by no means experts in this
field. There are several dealers listed on our links page that specialize
in shotguns who would be able to give you a better answer than we can.
A good place to find answers to firearms questions is a new site called ArmsCollectors.com
try posing your question on the Old Shotguns
forum there.
Please click here
to check your year of manufacture with our check our U.S.
Military Manufacture Dates information.
Top What Is The History Of
My Military Firearm And/Or Who Was It Issued To?
Documented history has been found on only a small percentage of U.S.
Military arms, we know of no source of information or documentation for arms
issued by countries other than the USA Even with U.S. firearms documentation
is likely only a mention of being issued, damaged, stolen, or transferred on
a specific date by a specific unit. Previous and subsequent events are
usually unknown, and only rarely do records link the serial number with a specific
person. It is pretty neat when you can find something. We once found
two .45-70 trapdoor rifles used in the Spanish American War by soldiers in the
same Company of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. The rifles were found about
five years apart, one in Utah and the other in Missouri, and were reunited nearly
100 years after last being used together. Another Span-Am era trapdoor
was documented to a Kansas Volunteer who served in the Philippines, and was
not a very good soldier and got court martialed, but also saw some action.
U.S. match rifles and service rifles sold prior to WW2 through the DCM program
(forerunner of the CMP program) have fairly complete records and they even identify
the purchaser and date of sale.
During the period from the 1890s through about 1920 "Boy's rifles"
were very popular items for youngsters. (Why could you give 10 year olds
guns then and they wouldn't shoot anyone, while now guns are banned from anyone
under 18 but kids are killing lots of folks?) Anyway, Belgium was a major
source of inexpensive guns, and many thousands were imported, often sold by
big mail order companies like Sears, Montgomery Wards, etc. The most common
action used was a "Flobert" design, this is similar to what Americans often
call a "rolling block" action. Most Floberts were .22 rimfire (sometimes short,
or long, or long rifle). Sometimes other caliber's are seen, .25 or .32
rimfire, or even 9mm rimfire, but ammo is basically not available for any of
these. Even in excellent condition there is little collector interest
in Flobert rifles. If your gun has some family history, it is probably
a nice souvenir, if not, it is good decoration, but not something that is very
valuable.
*Note - We would strongly advise that any old
firearm should be checked by a competent gunsmith both for safety and to verify
the caliber before an attempts is made to fire it.
There is not a lot of information available about individual models of firearms
that Harrington and Richardson manufactured. Harrington and Richardson manufactured
reliable utilitarian low cost firearms from 1874 when they were founded,
until 1986 when they ceased production, the H&R trademark was also utilized
by a new company (H&R 1871, Inc.). H&R firearms were solid and
durable, but plain and cheap. Even in nice condition, there is about
zero collector interest in old H&R firearms. Values are well under
$100, and usually under $50.00. If there is any sentimental value we
recommend that they be kept as a family heirloom from the days when people
owned and used guns safely and responsibly without the need for draconian
government supervision to make it "safe for our kids". The exceptions
to this rule are the H&R M1 Garands and H&R U.S. Model 1873 rifles.
H&R made the M1 in the 1950's and these are highly collectible.
They also made a replica Model 1873 rifle, which is collectible.
A good place to find answers to firearms questions is a new site called ArmsCollectors.com
try posing your question on the H&R
/ Iver Johnson forum there.
*Note - We would strongly advise that any old
firearm should be checked by a competent gunsmith both for safety and to verify
the caliber before an attempts is made to fire it.
Italian gunmakers are turning out some very good copies of Civil
War and other antique firearms. Bill Edwards excellent book "Civil War Guns"
describes some of their efforts, including a problem when an early batch of
copies all had bent trigger guards, just like the original they had copied!
Navy Arms was one of the first companies to import copies form Italy, now there
are many other importers including Centennial Arms, Dixie Gun Works, Lyman,
CVA, EMF, Armsport, Cimarron, Euroarms, Federal Ordnance, Mitchell, Richland
Arms, Stone Mountain, Taylor's, Traditions, and others. We have observed
that it is sometimes difficult for new collectors and individuals who are not
familiar with firearms to tell the difference between a real antique and some
of the Italian copies, especially if the copy is several years old and has some
ware on it. One way to tell an Italian copy form an original is that they
just about all have Italian proof markings like a star over PN or something
similar. Italian copies will also usually have the manufactures name like
Uberti, Pedersoli or ArmiSanMarco and "Italy" stamped on them. Value for
these firearms varies with the maker and condition. A carefully
used Uberti might be in the $150-$200 range. A "no-name" copy or
kit gun poorly assembled, poorly cared for and lacking a quality blue finish
is worth about whatever you can get for it, usually less than $100. These
are nice decorators, maybe fun shooters, but not a good investment for
a collection. We strongly recommend research into any firearm before purchase,
a $25 book (like Flayderman's) can provide the information needed to avoid making
costly mistakes.
There is not a lot of information available about individual models of firearms
that Iver Johnson manufactured. Iver Johnson started out in 1871 as Johnson
Bye & Co., in 1883 the name of the company was changed to Iver Johnson
& Co. and in 1891 the name was changed again to Iver Johnson's Arms &
Cycle Works. Iver Johnson produced firearms under various names and
owners form 1871 until 1993. In 1993 when operations ceased, Iver Johnson
was owned by American Military Arms Corp. (AMAC). Iver Johnson gained a reputation
over the years for producing low cost, sturdy, reliable firearms. Unfortunately
there is little or no collector interest in these firearms, values for most
are in the $75.00 or less range.
A good place to find answers to firearms questions is a new site called ArmsCollectors.com
try posing your question on the H&R
/ Iver Johnson forum there.
*Note - We would strongly advise that any old
firearm should be checked by a competent gunsmith both for safety and to verify
the caliber before an attempts is made to fire it.
There is not a lot of information available about the Spanish
S&W copies. It is reported that the logos for these revolvers
were designed to be very close in appearance to the S&W logo in order
to fool unobservant potential buyers. We have read in a major gunsmithing
text book that the metals used in most of these revolvers is of very low
quality making them dangerous to fire. Values for the Spanish S&W
copies is very low, probably in the $50 range if you can find anyone willing
to buy one.
*Note - We would strongly advise that any
old firearm should be checked by a competent gunsmith both for safety and
to verify the caliber before an attempts is made to fire it.
A "suicide special" or "Saturday night special" is a cheap, usually
poorly made inexpensive firearm that is considered to be so inaccurate that
the only good use for it is to commit suicide. We get a lot questions
about this type of firearm. Beginning in the late 19th century, a huge
number of these were sold through various retail outlets. This type of firearm
usually falls into the category of "old guns" that no one seems to be interested
in as shooters, but collectors do not want them either. Generally these were
basic inexpensive simple guns which sold at modest prices and still have little
interest or value on market today. On the retail market they usually sell
in the $25-125 range depending on condition and general appearance for use
as a "wall hanger" over a fireplace. Where there is any family history, we
encourage people to keep these old guns for sentimental value.
A good place to find answers to firearms questions is a new site called ArmsCollectors.com
try posing your question on the Suicide / Saturday Night
Specials forum there.
*Note - We would strongly advise that any
old firearm should be checked by a competent gunsmith both for safety and
to verify the caliber before an attempts is made to fire it.
THESE REVOLVERS WERE NOT U.S. MILITARY ISSUE. Arms made under the
U.S. Revolver Co. name were cheaper versions of the Iver Johnson line.
U.S. Revolver Co. paralleled the solid frame Iver Johnson Model 1900 and the
Hinged Frame Safety Automatic models, but did not have the safety hammer feature,
they also had some consequent minor changes in the lockwork and a lesser
quality of finish. U.S. Revolvers were offered in .22, .32 and .38 calibres,
and were sold at the same time as the main Iver Johnson line until the 1940s.
The pistols were marked 'U.S. Revolver Co.' on the barrel, and had 'US' molded
into the grips. U.S. Revolver Co. values fall in the $50.00 dollar
range.
A good place to find answers to firearms questions is a new site called ArmsCollectors.com
try posing your question on the H&R
/ Iver Johnson forum there.
*Note - We would strongly advise that any
old firearm should be checked by a competent gunsmith both for safety and
to verify the caliber before an attempts is made to fire it.
Top Cheap West German Import Firearms
Including: RG, Arimus Frontier Six-shooters, Burgo, Regent, Sontheim Brenz, PIC:
These firearms are usually of questionable quality, the smaller handguns
were sold in the USA prior to the passage of the 1968 Gun Control Act.
The passage of the 1968 gun Control act, with its restrictions on pistol dimensions,
severely curtailed the importation of the smaller handguns. Values for most
of these firearms (including the lager western style revolvers) fall in the
$25.00 to $50.00 dollar range.
*Note - We would strongly advise that any
old firearm should be checked by a competent gunsmith both for safety and
to verify the caliber before an attempts is made to fire it.
Top Machine Guns and Shotguns/Rifles with
Short Barrels:
We are not lawyers and the following summarizes our understanding
of the basic Federal laws on this subject. We believe this information
to be accurate and correct, but strongly suggest you check with the Treasury
Department's Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF) office listed in
you phone book blue pages under U.S. government. They are the ones who
will decide if it is okay for you to have these items, or come after you if
it is not okay. If the BATF says it is okay to keep the item, make sure
you write down the date, time, name, title, and phone number of the BATF person
who tells you that. If at all possible, get them to put it in writing,
in case some other BATF person later claims it is NOT okay for you to have the
item.
Instead of relying on our information, it would be a better idea to consult
an attorney who specializes in federal firearms laws. Not your local
divorce and accident specialist- this is a highly complex field and you cannot
afford to pay for the time they will need to become smart enough in this area
to protect your butt!
Note that additional state or local restrictions may apply,
especially in states run by idiots, like California.
DEFINITIONS:
MACHINE GUN- Anything that will keep shooting if you
hold the trigger back, including guns that have both semi-automatic and full
automatic selectors. This includes just the receivers from such a gun,
and guns that were welded shut ("Dewats") and did not require registration
until 1968. SAWED OFF ("short barreled") SHOTGUN- any shotgun with a barrel
less than 18 inches long (measured from the face of the closed breech to the
muzzle), or with overall length of less than 26 inches. This includes
"hunting shotguns" which have been cut down and also smoothbore guns like
the Marble's Game-Getter and H&R Handy Gun, which were originally made
with short barrels. SAWED OFF ("short barreled") RIFLE- Any rifle with a barrel length
of less than 16 inches, with an overall length of less than 26 inches..
REGISTRATION:
The National Firearms Act passed in 1934 basically outlawed machine
guns and sawed off shotguns/rifles.
People who had them were required to register them with the Treasury Department.
The Gun Control Act of 1968 had a whole bunch of requirements concerning
gun sales, and also included an “Amnesty Period” for people who had not
previously registered their machine gun or sawed off shotgun/rifle to do
so without any penalty. That Amnesty Period expired in 1968, and there
has never been another, and it is highly unlikely that there will ever be
another.
When machine guns (or short barreled rifles or shotguns) were registered
in 1934 or 1968 the owners were given papers to prove that the guns were
registered, and copies were kept on file with the BATF in Washington.
Theoretically, if you lost your papers, they could provide a replacement
copy. However, people familiar with the situation report that the
BATF files are a disaster and they are very often unable to tell if your
gun is registered or not. (Therefore you should assume that if you
do not have papers, the odds of having BATF find copies for you are
not very good. Thus, the BATF will decide it is NOT registered, (unless
you can prove that it is.)
IF IT IS NOT REGISTERED:
Possession of an unregistered machine gun or sawed off rifle/shotgun
is a federal felony with big hard time sentences and hefty fines (something
like 10 years and/or $10,000 fine). BATF prosecutes a lot of these cases,
even if the owner is not using the gun in holdups or anything..
Anyone who has an unregistered machine gun or sawed off shotgun/rifle has
several options, none very appealing. We recommend option (a).
a. Contact your closest BATF office (blue pages, US Govt., Treasury
Dept., BATF) and tell them that you found/inherited or were given this item,
or whatever the case is, and want to (1) know if it is legal to keep and
(2) if not, turn it in for destruction. If they confirm it is illegal
then you can make arrangements for it to be turned over. You will
not be compensated, but you won’t be prosecuted.
b. The most stupid action in the world would be to attempt
to sell an illegal machine gun or sawed off shotgun/rifle. It just
would not be worth it. Reportedly BATF actively looks for people
doing this, and get lots of convictions. Your legal fees would be
horrendous, and chances of escaping jail are not good. People (other
than BATF agents) wanting to buy illegal guns are probably nasty violent
criminals anyway. You must be crazy to even think of doing business
with them.
c. The next most stupid action in the world would be to keep an
illegal machine gun and hope no one finds out about it. The plumber,
baby sitter, ex-spouse, kid's friends, etc. might notice your contraband
and tell someone else about it. Eventually your friendly BATF agents
would contact you. The Branch Davidians at Waco and Randy Weaver's
family at Ruby Ridge ended up dead as a result of reports of illegal firearms
possession and subsequent BATF attacks.
d. Check with a military museum. You might be able to donate it
to the museum and preserve some important history.
e. The part of a machine gun that is taxed is the receiver. Depending
on the gun, the rest of the parts (stock, trigger group, barrel, bolt,
gas piston assembly) may be of value to someone with legal owned similar
weapon. Strip them off, and turn in the receiver.
IF IT IS REGISTERED:
Properly registered machine guns are very desirable collector items and values
usually start at several thousand dollars. All sales of registered machine
guns require prior approval by BATF and payment of a $200 transfer tax.
There are a number of dealers who specialize in machine guns and they can
help with transfer paperwork, and find a buyer for you. They will charge
a fee for their services, but it is worth it to avoid making any mistakes
in this complicated area. The same dealers also know how to sell legally
registered shots barreled gun with the proper paperwork. These apparently
have a smaller transfer tax, but values are a lot less than a machine gun.
For a detailed explanation of machine gun regulations and National FIrearms
Act (NFA) issues, please click here to see the excellent
and thoroughly researched paper by James O. Bardwell.
We hope this information is helpful. This
is intended as a very basic general introduction, based on our limited understanding
of the subject. The information above is not a substitute for competent
legal advice or official interpretations by government authorities who enforce
the applicable laws.
Top Did I Get A Good Deal For
An Item That I Purchased?
Fair market value is what a willing buyer will pay a willing seller
with neither being under pressure to buy or sell. Value depends on the exact
model, markings, variation, condition, and how badly the buyer wants that
particular item.
If you want to know if you are getting a good deal, we suggest you invest
in one of the numerous gun price guides on the market BEFORE making your purchase
or, shop around and see what other people are selling comparable items for.
You might try checking our catalogs for similar items we think our prices
are pretty fair, so it you pay more, you may have been snookered. If you get
it for less you got a good deal.