Estate Gun Appraisals in St. Louis: What You Need to Know

Drew McDermott
Jul 24
3 min read

Updated: Oct 29

Firearms are unlike most other estate assets. Their value can swing wildly depending on condition, history, and market demand, and mistakes in valuation can lead to legal headaches, underpaid taxes, or unhappy heirs.

As a licensed dealer who specializes in estate firearms, I’ve appraised everything from mint condition Colt Pythons to well worn duck guns passed down for generations. Here’s what you need to know if you’re handling an estate in the St. Louis area.

Why Appraisals Matter

Whether you’re an executor, estate attorney, or family member, an appraisal helps you:

File accurate probate paperwork
Ensure equitable distribution among heirs
Determine fair market value for potential sale
Satisfy fiduciary duty and reduce liability

"Need to understand your legal role? Our FAQ for unlicensed persons explains what executors and heirs can do without a license."

Firearms are assets; and like jewelry or artwork, they require professional assessment.

What an Appraisal Includes

At MDRF Enterprises, our written firearm appraisals typically include:

Make, model, caliber/gauge
Serial number
Condition rating
Any unique provenance or accessories
Estimated fair market value (FMV)

We offer informal overviews or formal, court-ready reports depending on your needs. Learn more about our certified firearm appraisal process and how we meet professional standards on our Appraisals page.

When to Get an Appraisal

✔️ Before distributing to heirs — Ensures fairness and prevents disputes. Learn more about executor responsibilities."

✔️ Before selling the guns — Helps avoid underpricing valuable firearms

✔️ If NFA items are involved — Identifies restricted weapons like suppressors or SBRs

✔️ During divorce or estate litigation — Adds legal documentation to support asset division

Appraisal vs. Actual Sale Price

Keep in mind: FMV is not always what you’ll receive if you sell. Appraisals assume time and market exposure. Actual liquidation value, especially under time pressure, may be 20–30% lower depending on method (direct sale vs. consignment vs. auction). We explain this in every report.

"We explain this in every report. You can also read our breakdown on What’s My Gun Really Worth? to understand how FMV and cash value differ."

Who Performs Estate Gun Appraisals in St. Louis?

The safest way to get firearms from an estate appraised is to work with a licensed, experienced firearms dealer, especially one familiar with both market trends and probate requirements.

At MDRF Enterprises, we offer:

On-site evaluations throughout the greater Saint Louis area
Formal, written appraisals for probate, estate planning, divorce, or insurance
Detailed documentation including make, model, serial number, condition, and fair market value
Optional purchase or consignment if liquidation is needed

Whether you’re dealing with a single handgun or a full collection, we make the process clear, legal, and efficient, so you can move forward with confidence.

"If you're starting from the discovery stage, check out our estate cleanout checklist to see what to do first."