Richard Allen Mann - Gun Digest Book of Modern Gun Values: The Shooters Guide to Guns 1900 to Present

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Welcome to the 17th Edition of the Gun Digest Book of Modern Gun Values. In this book you will find historical data, photographs, detailed descriptions, technical information, and estimated values of virtually every handgun, rifle, and shotgun of the modern smokeless-powder era, generally defined as those manufactured or imported into the United States since 1900. More than 8,500 firearms are profiled in these pages, including many newer models that the gun companies have introduced since the last edition was published in 2011. Estimated values have been revised for more than 1,500 models or variations, most on the upside and a few downward, as the popularity and demand for certain models have changed. Economic conditions seem to have improved somewhat since the last edition went to press, which has pushed up values, especially for higher-priced collectable models.

Modern Gun Values profiles the products of all major U.S. gun manufacturers and importers and, in most cases, every model variation that appeared in the companys catalogs. Not every prototype or projected new introduction is included, such as the occasional model that was shown at trade shows, but, for whatever reason, never went into production. Still, for their historical value, some prototypes or models with very limited runs are listed.

This book is primarily designed for the gun owner or potential buyer who wants a handy source for the estimated values and descriptions of the models likely to be seen in gun stores, at gun shows, or auction sites. Some military-issue weapons are included but, for the most part, Modern Gun Values focuses on firearms produced for the general civilian market. We also limit listings for made-to-order custom firearms, especially those produced by one- or two-man shops that turn out only a handful of guns each year. For those interested in a wider range of firearms or a more in-depth look at specific categories, we call the readers attention to these other Krause publications: Standard Catalog of Firearms, Flaydermans Guide to Antique American Firearms, Standard Catalog of Military Firearms, and Gun Digest Buyers Guide to Tactical Rifles. The company also publishes books that focus exclusively on the firearms of a specific manufacturer, such as Standard Catalog of Colt Firearms, Standard Catalog of Browning Firearms, and similar titles covering the guns of Winchester, Smith & Wesson, and others.

Since the previous edition of this book went to press, the subject of firearms has been almost continuously in the news, and much of the media attention has had an effect on both supply and demand. During a contentious general election campaign in 2012 that lasted way too long, there were fears among many gun owners that a continuation of the Obama administration would bring about new gun legislation. Well before the election was over, many were very worried about what the future held and rushed to gun stores and shows in response to the get em while you can warnings from sellers. The results were no surprise: shortages in certain models, mostly high-capacity semi-auto rifles and pistols. Notable mass shootings in 2011 and 2012 kept guns in the headlines and brought even more calls for stronger gun controls, which again pushed up the demand for AR-15 type models. Prices at the retail level began to exceed MSRP, and manufacturers increased their production to keep up with the demand. When President Obama was re-elected, that demand increased exponentially.

In December 2012, the massacre at an elementary school in New Town, Connecticut, shocked the nation, and restrictive legislation on military-style firearms was quickly passed in several states. Gun control advocates renewed their efforts for more federal gun laws through Congress. All this occurred in spite of the fact that most expertsincluding those on the anti-gun sideadmitted that the laws being passed would not have prevented the New Town shootings.

For several months, prices for military-style rifles went even higher, and ammunition for all types of guns began to disappear from gun store shelves. Hoarding, whether for fear of continuing shortages, or greed from speculators looking for reselling opportunities, continued into the spring of 2013. Then, by mid-summer, the tactical gun price bubble began to deflate. Production had caught up with demand, as the now more than 100 AR-type manufacturers, large and small, began to catch up with their orders. One could again buy a new AR-style rifle for the manufacturers suggested retail price and, in some instances, below MSRP. Ammo shortages began to end for the same reasons, though there are still limits on purchases in many areas, especially for .22 rimfire.

The initial plans for this book included expectations for higher values for new or used tactical-style rifles, especially AR-15 types, but that turned out not to be the case. Some models are more popular (and pricier) than others, but, as we go to press, the shelves of gun stores across the country have, for the most part, returned to normal. Of course, no one can predict what the future holds for the values of firearms, gold, art, or any other investment or collectible. Or stocks or real estate. But, for those of us who just happened to love the look and feel of a fine firearm, we like the fact that such a purchase might turn out to be a good investment, and, if it doesnt, well, you just cant have too many guns.

Modern Gun Values is divided into four major sections Handguns, Rifles, Shotguns and Commemoratives. Within each of these sections the individual firearms entries are listed in numerical model, then alphabetical, order. (A valuable reference section is also included in the back pages of this book.)

Readers can locate a particular gun in three ways: by browsing through the sections and alphabetical manufacturers listings; by consulting the comprehensive GUNDEX index section; or by consulting the Manufacturers Directory that precedes each respective section of the book. We have attempted to improve the illustrations shown in this book wherever possible and especially in those cases in which illustrations help the reader to differentiate between similar models.

We have established a three-tiered pricing approach for each firearm based on the six NRA Modern Condition Pricing Standards: New, Perfect, Excellent, Very Good, Good and Fair. Each firearm has been evaluated to determine which three NRA standards most accurately reflect the condition in which the particular firearm is most likely to be found on the used market; the firearm is priced accordingly. For example, firearms currently on the retail market, or manufactured in the last four years, will most always be found in New or Perfect condition on the used market, while most older firearms will rarely be found in any condition exceeding Very Good. The three pricing levels we provide reflect current observations of prices seen at gun shows, in the gun shops or in the various periodicals, dealers catalogs or at auction sales.