How accurate is Blue Book of Gun Values?

[TripleDigitRide]

I was thinking about picking up the book and/or online version, but I'm wondering how accurate it is. That's a lot of money, so I want to make sure they are reliable.

[DaveS]

I look at it this way...a gun is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. Books only offer ideas in my opinion, and my opinion only. Me personally? I don't buy blue books of no kind! The internet is somewhat cheaper than a book and probably more up to date

 

Dave

[Garufa]

While the book is a good "guide" it's way off on some stuff, like mil-surps, I've never seen a dealer that didn't have one.

Edited March 1, 2014 by Garufa

[TrickyNicky]

Blue books are a useful tool, but they only tell part of the potential value which can vary at any reason at any time and even regionally. I've found that for guitars anyway most dealers are happy to look up a value or let you do it in store. Especially if your buying something already.

[Raoul]

Garufa is right. Whether they're right or not, gunshops put a lot of stock in their values.

I did the online version myself. It's a better buy.

[Westwindmike]

The Blue Book always seems to work for the dealer when he's buying your 90% Smith and Wesson, but when he turns around to sell it, it is an extremely rare model worth twice what the book says.

[Metalhead]

I depends really. Some things the book is pretty accurate on, and others it's not. It's a guide, but not the end all of pricing. I actually use gunbroker + the blue book when doing trades, Moreso on less common items.

[Metalhead]

Btw if there is one thing the book is wrong on across the board its S&W. Edited March 2, 2014 by Metalhead

[gregintenn]

I'd like to buy Colts, Smith and Wessons, and 99 Savages at blue book prices. There are several other brands that I'd like to sell at blue book prices. All in all, however, it is as good a general guide as anything else in print. I buy several copies every few years. Some as gifts, and one for myself.

[runco]

I view books as directional guides only.  Classifieds here, Armslist, Gunbroker, is the real market.  I mean the items that actually sell, not the asking prices.  I am sure most folks run across that occasional gun that they have no idea what its worth.  The book will get you in ballpark, but the market is actually what a buyer is willing to pay. 

 

I have always read the classifieds of guns, and just about anything else for years.  Not always to be looking for something, but to understand and try to have a memory of certain things.  So when I come across something at a yard sale, a gun show, a flea market, or just a buddy, I can spot a deal if I see one.  My problem is I do find deals, and I do buy.  I really don't need it, and I usually don't sell it.   :screwy: