Post-LGR antique rifle value projection

762mm

762mm

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Ok... I guess I'm gonna be the first to say what we're all thinking after May 2nd's election results: "I should've bought less/sold more of my antique rifles" :p


Since our recent collective victory (CPC majority), I guess it will be reasonable to assume that antique rifle values will be taking a BIG hit in general - with only a few exceptions. Let's not kid ourselves, a lot of the value imposed on these guns up in Canada was the fact that "the man" wouldn't be able to confiscate them when gun owners were finally lined up at the chopping block (a socialist's wet dream).

So... I guess it is reasonable to assume that the prices of our antique long guns will be pretty much on par with what we're seeing on American auction sites: in the low couple of hundred dollar ranges (and usually even less). Obviously, there is the collectible and rarity aspect to some them (and those guns will preserve their value with nearly no ill effect), but in all fairness, the paper-less aspect and ease of reloading also played a big role in determining an antique long gun's value - I for one got myself some "sporterized" (Bubba'd) antiques with their only value being their shootable condition and registry-less status, nothing more.

All in all, I seriously believe that the value of my antique long rifle collection has been slashed in half on May 2nd... and I'm just being realistic. Not that I'm complaining though! As long as we're safe from arbitrary confiscation, I'm a happy camper (as I have some registered long stuff as well that I'd like to keep without gun grabbers' interference). Money comes and money goes, but freedoms stay (until some left-wing assh*le tries to take them away again!)

For now, all I can think of is: "Go Conservatives!"

:dancingbanana: :dancingbanana: :dancingbanana:



(As a side note, I just want to add that this CPC majority victory was worth every penny of my $500+ donations to the party and to operation TMH!).

:cool:
 
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And to those who say that it is still some time away and not a sure thing: the CPC has already made an announcement about a registry bill being tabled. Some say the machine could be set in motion as early as June. On that note, many GunNutz are currently writing their conservative MPs and asking for Gary B.'s Bill C-301 to be resurrected and passed!

It's happening, people... finally!

:D
 
I completely agree with you and it's the reason I put up my two Winchester in the EE. Unregistered is my main draw to antiques guns, though they are very cool. I'm already looking at new bolt actions and lever guns to replace my 120 year old single shots.
 
Most of my antique long guns are collector grade, I don't see their value adversely affected. Plus they are just plain cool with nothing that I would consider equivalent in modern calibers regardless of the registry's existence.
 
I never really looked at antique rifles that way...plenty of modern paperless irons floating around if a fella wanted...

I will be tickled however when those value priced trapdoor and falling block shooter grade irons start showing up... :D
 
Come on guys, you know exactly what I mean... I'm not talking about what a particular antique rifle might be worth to you (subjective value), but rather about what others might be willing to pay for it (objective value). Unfortunately, unless your rifle is some sort of a scarce hardcore collectible (original Sharps, Spencer, etc), you might see its' value drop like a rock soon.

I accept this fact and still like the antique long guns I have for the fun factor... but at the same time I realize that I won't be making my money back on them in this lifetime - strangely enough, I am very happy about that, given the circumstances! I only have one that is all original and might be worth something to a collector, but not much I reckon (because it's a Martini-Henry MkIV). The rest is shooter-grade sporterized/refinished Bubba's specials. Oh well...

:cheers:
 
I currently don't own any antique long guns, I'll admit now I'm happy that I didn't purchase one. I have no idea whats going to happen to them value wise but the majority of them will likely take a hit.

I'll be going on a modern gun buying frenzy soon. I'll be keeping my antique revolvers though.
 
From what I can see, prices for antique rifles on the EE are significantly higher than prices on US sites.

The asking price of some stuff I have looked at is nearly double the US values:eek:, which is why I buy from the US and will continue to do so.

Of course, the EE may not be a good barometer - I laugh when I see used rifles selling for 50% over the new price ( a recent ad).

If someone knows of a Canadian source where the stuff is priced on par with the US, please PM me! :D
 
If the definition of deemed antique for handguns were ever changed to include all pre-1898 pistols, instead of the peculiar caliber list, there would be weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth. Folks have been making a nice little business out of importing shooting grade antiques with little collector value and selling them as unregulated shooters; their customers have become used to paying a substantial premium for these. If the rules change, the business is gone, and folks will be stuck with guns worth much less than they paid.
 
tiriaq said:
If the definition of deemed antique for handguns were ever changed to include all pre-1898 pistols, instead of the peculiar caliber list, there would be weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth. Folks have been making a nice little business out of importing shooting grade antiques with little collector value and selling them as unregulated shooters; their customers have become used to paying a substantial premium for these. If the rules change, the business is gone, and folks will be stuck with guns worth much less than they paid.
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But they'd still be fun to shoot!:D
 
762mm said:
Come on guys, you know exactly what I mean... I'm not talking about what a particular antique rifle might be worth to you (subjective value), but rather about what others might be willing to pay for it (objective value). Unfortunately, unless your rifle is some sort of a scarce hardcore collectible (original Sharps, Spencer, etc), you might see its' value drop like a rock soon.
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Will it shrink the general Canadian market values for antique long arms? maybe. But compared to the US market which we still have relatively free access to I think our values(objective or subjective) are irrelevant. I don't see quality examples of original fine rifles like remington rollers, springfields, martinis or mausers being affected. I agree shooter grade or bubba specials are very much at risk for devaluation especially if their only value can be backed as a parts donator or a non registerable shooter.

Certainly if you paid too much to begin with the market will remind you quite brutally for any error in your ways. In the end there are no more new antiques being made yet the demand(thanks USA) keeps increasing for them. I think if your a new collector the best advice is still - buy the best of what you can afford, not the more common phenomenon of settling on whatever garbage you can get you hands on because it's cheap and an "antique".

I appreciate any long gun registration reforms that occur won't really affect antique handguns but new collectors of antique handguns should also try to keep these value fundamentals(condition, uniqueness, rarity, condition, provenance and condition) in mind.
 
tiriaq said:
If the definition of deemed antique for handguns were ever changed to include all pre-1898 pistols, instead of the peculiar caliber list, there would be weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth. Folks have been making a nice little business out of importing shooting grade antiques with little collector value and selling them as unregulated shooters; their customers have become used to paying a substantial premium for these. If the rules change, the business is gone, and folks will be stuck with guns worth much less than they paid.
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Personally thats a Price I'm willing to pay for that outcome.
 
oldstarfire said:
Sounds (to me) like the "dealers" are weeping already.......
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If they are, they seem to be keeping the their sorrow to the minimum.

I recently offered $6500 cash in hand or $500 less of asking price on a fine rare firearm from a dealer and he ultimately told me to pound sand. It would seem times are not so tuff for this particular gentleman.
 
The end of the registry will have minimal impact on my buying habits. My principle interest is in antique single shot rifles and muzzle loaders

cheers mooncoon
 
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