Gun Owners Have Thousands Sitting in Safes They Don't Know About
GunsAmerica released data on May 26, 2026, showing most gun owners undervalue firearms in their safes. Inherited guns, backup carry pieces, and old collections appreciate faster than owners realize. Some stored firearms are worth 40 to 60 percent more than original purchase price. This matters because older quality guns—particularly pre-2000 Smith & Wesson revolvers and certain Colt models—command real money today. Gun owners typically don't track resale values. They keep guns "just in case" and forget about them. GunsAmerica is positioning itself as the marketplace to help owners liquidate these assets quickly.
Background and Context
The firearms market shifted significantly after 2020. Demand spiked and stayed elevated. Prices climbed across all categories—especially used guns. Manufacturers couldn't keep up with demand. Dealers sold inventory faster than they could restock. This created a secondary market where older, well-maintained firearms became valuable assets. Gun ownership demographics also changed. Younger buyers entered the market. Estate sales increased as older gun owners passed collections to heirs unfamiliar with value. The used gun market grew but remained fragmented. Most owners sold privately or through local shops. No national platform dominated the space until now.
What This Means for Gun Owners
If you own firearms you haven't shot in years, they likely appreciate. A quality used 1911 that cost $800 in 2015 now sells for $950 to $1,200. Pre-ban AR lowers hold value well. Good revolvers—especially K-frame Smith & Wessons—sell fast. Inherited collections from parents or grandparents are often goldmines. Estate executors especially need to know this. You can't assume retail prices. Condition matters enormously. A 9mm Glock with 200 rounds through it sells. One with 50,000 rounds doesn't. Geographic location affects price. Rural areas have different demand than coastal cities. If you inherited guns, get them professionally appraised before listing.
Industry Impact
GunsAmerica's push into the used gun market directly challenges local dealers. Dealers have controlled secondary sales for decades. Online sales threaten that model. Manufacturers benefit indirectly—used gun sales don't cannibalize new gun sales. A shooter who finds $2,000 in a safe might buy ammunition or a new optic. Pawn shops and small dealers face real competition. GunsAmerica operates in states where online sales are legal. FFL transfers still matter. The company must coordinate with licensed dealers in each state to handle transfers. This is expensive but necessary.
What to Watch Next
Monitor whether GunsAmerica expands beyond their current platform. They may add insurance, storage, or grading services. State legislatures could restrict online firearm sales. Currently, about 35 states allow some form of remote FFL transfer. That number could shrink. Watch for dealer associations pushing back against online competition. Some states may require in-person sales only. The 2026 midterms could shift this landscape. If anti-gun politicians gain ground, some states may ban online resale entirely. Watch GunsAmerica's quarterly reports for transaction volume and average sale prices.
DownRange Bottom Line: Clean out your safe. If you own guns you haven't shot in five years, sell them. The market rewards quality used firearms right now. That won't last forever. Use this window to liquidate what you don't use and fund what you actually carry or shoot.
