Quote:
Originally Posted by augsburg
I am new to the forum. Do you have any ideas on how to price hand guns or similiar sized pieces? Thanks!  ) Norman Z
How do you know what the market will bear? Any personal examples? Your input will be greatly appreciated. |
First off, if you are doing this to earn money refinishing firearms or even just doing it for "friends" I STRONGLY advise you to make an appointment with a BATF agent so the 2 of you can sit down and discuss the law regarding your activities. You may very well need a Federal Firearms License of some sort and they can explain the different licenses and the record-keeping requirements to you. You can look the laws up online but I still advise you to sit down with an agent and make sure you understand what will be required of you. The license fees are affordable (and are MUCH cheaper than attorney fees).
Guns without the original finish are not worth anywhere near what an original specimen would be. This will make a big difference in what you get from a gun collector. It probably won't matter to someone who is not a collector, and they may even be willing to pay a little bit more for a quality refinishing job.
Just be honest and clearly identify the piece as being refinished and what process you used. That way you won't have unhappy customers. Reputation means a lot in the gun industry. Your reputation (good or bad) will precede you.
Remember, talk to the BATF folks
BEFORE you start doing this.