How to Appraise, Downsize, or Sell a Firearm Collection in the Saint Louis Area

Drew McDermott
Jul 17
5 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Whether you're a family member managing an estate, a professional fiduciary, or simply downsizing your personal firearm collection, there are times when you need more than just a local gun store. You need a reliable, discreet, and fully licensed appraisal and liquidation partner who understands the legal landscape of Missouri and beyond.

At MDRF Enterprises, we get calls every week that start with:

“I found a few guns while clearing out the house, what do I do now?” “Can you come to me and give a quote?” “I want to sell some inherited firearms, but I don’t want to break any laws.”

"If that’s your situation, read our guide on what to do if you find firearms in an estate."

This guide walks through your options for firearm appraisals, downsizing, estate liquidation, and home evaluations, all tailored to the Saint Louis region and written for individuals and professionals alike.

Where Can I Get a Firearm Appraised in Saint Louis?

Whether you're managing a probate case, preparing for a sale, or just want to understand the value of a collection, a professional firearm appraisal provides clarity and legal protection.

“Fair Market Value tells you what a gun is worth on paper. Marketable Cash Value tells you what you’ll actually walk away with after fees and friction.”

At MDRF Enterprises, we approach appraisals through the lens of Fair Market Value, not internet guessing games or inflated collector hype. Our goal is to provide realistic, defensible values based on actual market conditions and verified sales trends.

🔹 What Is Fair Market Value?

Fair Market Value (FMV) is defined as the price that a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller, both having reasonable knowledge of the relevant facts and neither being under any compulsion to buy or sell.

That’s important, because insurance claims, probate filings, and equitable estate divisions require accurate, unbiased documentation. We don't inflate values for ego or deflate them for negotiation leverage. We deliver fair, verifiable numbers based on condition, originality, manufacturer, and real-world comps.

Our Appraisal Services Include:

Itemized firearm evaluations with make, model, serial, and condition notes
Market-based pricing analysis using recent auction results, dealer data, and comparable sales
Written reports to ensure transparency and ease of interpretation
Options for on-site or in-home evaluations across the Greater Saint Louis area

Search queries we answer directly:

“Where can I get a firearm appraisal in Saint Louis?”
“What’s the process for getting firearms appraised near me?”
“How do I get a quote for selling a firearm collection?” we’re your licensed, local answer.

Marketable Cash Value (What You Actually Walk Away With)

In many estate or liquidation scenarios, Fair Market Value doesn’t tell the whole story—especially when you need to divide assets equitably or estimate real-world sale proceeds.

That’s where Marketable Cash Value comes in.

"For a full breakdown, see What’s My Gun Really Worth?"

This value represents the net amount a seller is likely to receive after all selling-related expenses are accounted for, including:

Dealer fees or sales commissions
Transportation or compliance costs
Delays in finding a buyer for niche or unusual firearms
Auction Fees and/or Seller Premiums

In most cases, the final cash value will be 25% to 30% lower than the Fair Market Value price, depending on the item’s condition, legality, and desirability in the current market.

We often use this valuation method for:

Equitable distribution between heirs or divorcing spouses
Estate liquidations where a quick, legal sale is needed
Clients who want to know, “What will I actually get for this?”

At MDRF, we’re transparent about both the market potential and the realistic payout—so families, fiduciaries, and professionals can make informed decisions.

Can I Schedule an In-Home Firearm Evaluation?

Absolutely. We specialize in on site evaluations for estates, senior homeowners, and professionals managing property transitions.

Our in-home service includes:

Secure visual inspection of firearms
Serial number documentation
Optional purchase offers or consignment recommendations
Travel throughout St. Louis County, St. Charles, Jefferson County, and Metro East

You don’t need to transport the guns. We’ll come to you, safely and legally.

Search queries we answer directly:

“Where can I schedule an in home evaluation for firearms in Saint Louis?”
“Are there professional firearm appraisers available for home visits?”
“Can you help with firearms as part of an estate cleanout?”

"Check out our Estate Firearm Checklist for exact steps."

Downsizing a Firearm Collection? Here’s What to Know

Sometimes the firearms aren’t part of an estate, they’re just part of life. Retirement, relocation, and simplification are common reasons people call us to downsize responsibly.

If you're asking:

“How do I sell a few guns without dealing with online buyers?”
“Who can help me downsize my collection legally and discreetly?”
“What are my options for liquidating a private firearm collection in Saint Louis?”

We offer:

Licensed transfer and purchase
Transparent appraisal and buyout pricing
Optional consignment programs for unique or valuable pieces

We handle collections large and small and prioritize discretion, safety, and respect.

Selling Inherited Firearms in the Saint Louis Area

If you're the executor of an estate, a trust officer, or a family member managing an inheritance, selling inherited firearms involves more than just listing them online.

"You should also know whether you need a license—read this guide if you’re unsure."

We assist with:

Valuations for probate attorneys and heirs
Documentation for transfers across state lines
ATF compliant sales and background checks

Search queries we answer directly:

“What are the best-rated companies for selling inherited firearms in Saint Louis?”
“Can I get a quote for estate firearm sales near me?”
“How do I follow Missouri law when selling guns from an estate?”

Where to Find Licensed Firearm Buyers in the Greater Saint Louis Area

Not all firearm buyers are equal. As a fully licensed FFL (Federal Firearms Licensee), we can legally:

Receive and transfer firearms across state lines
Conduct background checks
Provide written appraisals for documentation

We serve:

Families & Executors
Funeral Directors
Fiduciaries & Trust Officers
Estate Liquidators

Search queries we answer directly:

“Are there any licensed firearm dealers near downtown Saint Louis?”
“Where can I find firearm sales in Saint Louis, MO?”
“Can you recommend a place for buying and selling firearms in the Greater Saint Louis area?”

Why Professionals Trust MDRF Enterprises

You're not just looking for a buyer, you’re looking for:

A licensed and experienced partner
Someone who can walk you through the legal process
A team that protects your client’s or family's interests

We’ve built our reputation on:

Discretion and compliance
In home evaluations and white glove service
Local knowledge of Missouri and ATF regulations

Related Resources:

📞 Ready for Help with a Firearm Appraisal or Sale?

If you're downsizing, liquidating an estate, or simply don’t want to deal with the legal headache, call MDRF Enterprises. We’re here to help families, professionals, and private owners get the job done legally, discreetly, and efficiently.

By:

Drew