An aging shooter and Korean War vet recently passed on, and I would like to help his widow sell his firearms. He was into military match shooting, and has 3 pristine M1 Garands, a Springfield Armory bolt-action 22 trainer, and 3 Colt 1911 handguns, as well as 4 S&W Model 41 target rimfire semi-autos.

While I'm pretty "up" on values of modern stuff, I don't know much about military firearms. I know some are cobbled together by the armory for resale/reuse, while others may have increased value based on who proofed it or some other piece of esoteria.

If you're up on the values of military weaponry, shoot me a PM. I'd like to make sure I get her the proper value when selling her husbands treasures.

JB. If the firearms are nice it might be in the owner's best interest to get a real expert involved. Scott Duff would be my choice.

Biebs, you might check with the CMP on the Garands.

Jon - I'm certainly no expert, but if that Springfield 22 is a military trainer built on a 1903 action they are worth a grand or two depending upon condition.

Jon- You really haven't given us much to go on here. Do you know if the Garands have National Match trigger groups, or National Match sights or match grade barrels? Have they been bedded or altered in any other way? This would increase the value if these upgrades have been made. As for the 1911's have there been any upgrades to these? Barrel bushing, triggers, lock up links or frame tightening, etc. More info needed. What are the markings on the slides? This matters to a lot of military arms shooters.
On a different note in my area a Garand in good shape would go close to $900.00 to $1200.00 without these upgrades.
1911"s go for about $700.00 with US on the slide.

Garands that have been modified in any way tend to sell for less to collectors; only target shooters want a modified rifle. M1s with all matching parts and correct stock cartouches are most valuable. Example, a Harvester M1, all matching and original finish will sell for $2-3K and so will a Winchester, for more. Rack grades, meaning used with mixed parts, go for less than a grand. Need to know more about your rifles; each part number, the barrel dates, stock proofs; etc. Same with 1911s; once they are modified, they are worth less to collectors, which is were the market is.

Yes, assessing the military weaponry looks like a science unto itself. I have received names of knowledgeable collectors or dealers from several AR members, and thanks! :-)

Tom, the Springfield 22 Trainer appears to be near perfect, with receiver sight, steel front barrel band, grooved forend, leather military sling, and perfect "SA" cartouche on the stock.

Jon - Call "Doc" at Jackson Armory...

They have an unmatched brain-trust there for military weapons.

http://www.jacksonarmory.com/JA/

Chris, thanks...I forgot all about them!