Certified Firearm Appraisals in Missouri

Drew McDermott
Aug 11
3 min read

Updated: Oct 29

What Sets MDRF Apart

When firearms appear in an estate, most people think of two questions right away: Are they safe? and What are they worth? The first is about safety and compliance. The second is about accuracy and fairness, and that is where a certified firearm appraisal becomes more than just a formality.

At MDRF Enterprises, our appraisal process is built for courtrooms, probate filings, insurance claims, and professional due diligence. It is not a quick guess based on internet listings or an informal “off the cuff” valuation. Our appraisals meet professional standards and provide documentation that stands up to legal and financial scrutiny.

Why Certification Matters

In Missouri, anyone can say they do appraisals, but without formal training, you run the risk of getting an opinion that will not hold up under pressure. MDRF is certified through the American Gunsmithing Institute and follows USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice) for personal property.

This means:

Defensible valuations that meet the same standards used for jewelry, fine art, and antiques.
A consistent grading system, we use the Photo Percentage Grading System (PPGS) from the Blue Book of Gun Values for clear, visual condition ratings.
An appraisal methodology recognized by courts, insurance companies, and the IRS.

How Our Process Protects You

Most of our clients are estate attorneys, fiduciaries, and executors who are accountable to courts, heirs, and sometimes tax authorities. In these situations, accuracy is not just about price, it is about risk management.

Our process includes:

On site or secure in shop evaluation to keep the chain of custody clear.
Detailed firearm inventory with make, model, caliber, serial number, and visible condition notes.
Market research from real sales data, not inflated asking prices, to establish Fair Market Value.
Optional Marketable Cash Value estimates to reflect what the estate could net in a real world sale.
Written, signed appraisal reports for legal and financial recordkeeping.

This approach ensures you can demonstrate due diligence, protect the estate from disputes, and avoid undervaluing or overvaluing assets.

Beyond the Price Tag

The true value of a certified appraisal is not just a number on paper. It can:

Reveal historical provenance or matching serial number sets that significantly affect value.
Identify firearms subject to additional legal requirements, including those that may be regulated under the NFA.
Support negotiations with heirs when multiple parties want the same item.
Provide evidence in insurance claims if a firearm is lost, stolen, or damaged.

We regularly uncover details that would have been missed in a casual inspection, from limited production runs to custom engraving by known artisans.

Who Benefits from a Certified Appraisal

Estate Attorneys — Build a defensible probate inventory with accurate firearms valuations.
Fiduciaries and Trust Officers — Ensure asset values are correct for reporting and client protection.
Executors and Family Members — Prevent disputes by having an impartial, documented valuation.
Insurance Agents and Adjusters — Confirm replacement costs for high-value firearms.

Final Word

An accurate firearm appraisal is not just about what something could sell for, it is about protecting everyone involved. By working with MDRF Enterprises, you get a certified, USPAP compliant appraisal backed by experience, documentation, and legal awareness. Whether you are handling a single collectible or an entire estate, we make sure the valuation is clear, accurate, and defensible.

Learn more about our certified firearm appraisal services and how we can help you meet professional standards while protecting your clients and their families.