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What To Do With AR’s After Death (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 4/26/2025 5:06:59 PM EDT
[Last Edit: NTXGlocker][Edited]
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I’m not getting younger. My daughter married a leftist. She does grad admissions and he’s in the classroom. They decided they don’t need my guns. So, I have reassigned my gun trust. The problem: She don’t know squat about guns. I have assembled a bunch of guns, so, do I sell them off? I don’t need near what I have now. I inherited guns but, pales to what I’ve done. WTF? I don’t want the heir to be wondering. Should I part with what I do not have interest in now? 3/4 of what’s on hand now. You guys, be involved who your Dtr marries. Sometimes…….. It makes and creates issues. I’m in f’ing Texas |
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If you want your heir(s) to receive something of value, then yes, I would sell them (especially the ones you’re uninterested in) but later, when the market is better for sellers. Panics happen roughly every 6 to 8 years and the prices go sky high. Not saying you need to wait for one of those, but now is a bad time because it’s definitely a buyer’s market at the moment. If you have any NFA registered stuff, each needs to be specifically willed to somebody (anybody) so that recipient doesn’t have to pay for another $200 transfer tax. Or you could sell them prior to your death, of course. |
If you aren't cynical, you aren't paying attention
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I figure when I'm done with firearms I driving to da' hood and leaving them in a big pile on the street. This way when a hood-rat tells the po-leece "I found it", he really did. Seriously, sell them on the EE and use the money for something you enjoy. |
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You ever notice that no one says "don't judge me" when they've done something positive? - gearjammer351
Do it. GD needs entertainment. Your misery will amuse us. - Cypselus
You ever notice that no one says "don't judge me" when they've done something positive? - gearjammer351
Do it. GD needs entertainment. Your misery will amuse us. - Cypselus
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Sell off some, do you have other extended family members who are NOT liberals? |
Liberals are a curious mix of communism and fascism, they want to destroy you but want to use your own money to do it.
I'm getting down to the last box, the others have all been destroyed...
I'm getting down to the last box, the others have all been destroyed...
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Yeah, I know all that. I have a gun trust already with suppressors and I’m about to field form 1 when the lowers are built and proved. That’s not the issue. I’m gonna plow fwd. I have a lot of stuff sitting there. I’ve never sold stuff, and it shows. I know that others have interest what I’ve done. Nothing was cheap. I shy from that. Wtf? Delima? |
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Hit up the TX Hometown forum and ask what others do for local sales. There may be a local __Trader board you can join. |
Disclaimer - OP is bad at knowing things, and might catch on fire.
Vet - Op MMAMA
Every other species kills off their stupid......we cater to them. -- spin-drift
Nobody ever called 911&said I just did something smart. -- TheFlynDutchman
Vet - Op MMAMA
Every other species kills off their stupid......we cater to them. -- spin-drift
Nobody ever called 911&said I just did something smart. -- TheFlynDutchman
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If you are wanting down size then contact the folks at Centurion Auctions. I was divorcing/downsizing and needed to purge a large number of arms/ammo. They flew in, rented a U-Haul, inventoried and hauled everything off. 3 or 4 months later they had the auction. Best part was aside from the wait there was no stress. Had a buddy try to unload things at local gun shows… would get a ton of lookers and maybe sell one or two a week. No good if you are unloading 100+! |
| Leave them to your local 4H Shooting Sports program in your will. Anything the kids can't use can be sold for money to fund the program. Don't let anti-gun relatives sell them for pennies on the dollar and then KEEP that penny, like my ex-sister-in-law did with my ex-wife's fathers' guns, after I spent hours cleaning them for sale. She sold a Darne sliding breech shotgun to a pawnshop for $200. I am certain her father was spinning in his grave. |
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Originally Posted By armoredman: Leave them to your local 4H Shooting Sports program in your will. Anything the kids can't use can be sold for money to fund the program. Don't let anti-gun relatives sell them for pennies on the dollar and then KEEP that penny, like my ex-sister-in-law did with my ex-wife's fathers' guns, after I spent hours cleaning them for sale. She sold a Darne sliding breech shotgun to a pawnshop for $200. I am certain her father was spinning in his grave. Everything is in my gun trust because of ATF regs, I placed it all into trust incl stored ammo. It’s easier to say who owns it. |
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My son married a "I hate guns" woman so he isn't going to be getting anything except my Marlin 39D. My daughter doesn't care one way or another but her youngest daughter who just turned 21 apparently is now getting into guns and has said she'd be happy to take any and all of my guns. My stepdaughter may get a couple handguns and an AR if she can keep her head on straight. She's recently had issues with Adderall Psychosis and I will not let her have any guns if it recurs. |
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Originally Posted By KitBuilder: If you want your heir(s) to receive something of value, then yes, I would sell them (especially the ones you’re uninterested in) but later, when the market is better for sellers. Panics happen roughly every 6 to 8 years and the prices go sky high. Not saying you need to wait for one of those, but now is a bad time because it’s definitely a buyer’s market at the moment. If you have any NFA registered stuff, each needs to be specifically willed to somebody (anybody) so that recipient doesn’t have to pay for another $200 transfer tax. Or you could sell them prior to your death, of course. I only have one Dtr. She has a son and Dtr. But, their parents says no go. No firearms Add: when a guy has a bunch, you’d think all is well with a grandson, FT. No guns |
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Originally Posted By NTXGlocker: I only have one Dtr. She has a son and Dtr. But, their parents says no go. No firearms Add: when a guy has a bunch, you’d think all is well with a grandson, FT. No guns That’s what I meant… something that would be “of value” to your daughter. But of course that’s totally up to you. Either you, or someone you hire, will probably be the best person to sell them. Usually other people won’t be able to get top dollar. (Again, not right now though.  Bad market.)
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I have two daughters and am contemplating clearing out a lot. They shoot but don’t have much interest. I have a few matching guns for each of them. I tell them they are to teach their children to shoot with them even if they marry a skinny jean wearing pansy. I have some NFA items that are a dilemma. In your case, sell off a bunch and go on a nice vacation. We all want someone to love and care for them but envisioning them on plastic tables at my estate auction makes me ill. |
| They decided they don’t need your guns. Get together with other guys on AR15 Hometown. In Texas face to face and sell them for a dollar each because if the heirs don’t need your guns they don’t need the money from them either. Let someone who values them share your joy. |
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I'm not sure exactly how trusts or wills, regarding firearms in specific, are allowed to be handled, but generally speaking, plenty of them have legal provisions based on a beneficiary reaching the age of majority (18 in the US, for most things). If you have a person(s) or firm that could act as your executor, it may be possible to leave some firearms to be held until your grandchildren reach the appropriate age (just in case gun ownership age changes in law) to decide for themselves if they want to own some of those guns, and have the executor in charge of selling them off and dividing funds, if not. You'd want to talk to a lawyer. If you have any sentimental, or special guns you choose to leave in such a way, I'd include letters explaining their meaning, in sentimental terms or in historical (antique) terms. An example of a gun for me like this is one of my Remigton 870s. It was bought by my grandfather's brother, given to my grandfather. The first time I hunted, he carried that gun. The last time he carried a gun hunting, he carried that gun. Then his eyesight went, and he gave that 870 to me. The last time he accompanied us hunting -- he like to walk even after his eyes prohibited shooting -- I carried that 870. Another is a 1870s needle fire rifle that's been in my family since purchase. Or the Japenese Arisaka rifle my grandfather brought home from the Pacific. That's a piece of history. For the most part, guns of non-firearm-specific value have the best chance of being kept by non-gun lovers. And sentimental value works. Gotta give them a reason that makes sense to them, not one that makes sense to us. |
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Originally Posted By digitalebola: If you are wanting down size then contact the folks at Centurion Auctions. I was divorcing/downsizing and needed to purge a large number of arms/ammo. They flew in, rented a U-Haul, inventoried and hauled everything off. 3 or 4 months later they had the auction. Best part was aside from the wait there was no stress. Had a buddy try to unload things at local gun shows… would get a ton of lookers and maybe sell one or two a week. No good if you are unloading 100+! That seems like a solid plan. Stress free, someone else does the work. Get a check. Go have fun with that check. |
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I sold a fellow arfcommer's collection here when he passed, for his widow. It felt like a full-time job for a while. Countless trips to pack, ship things, trips to my gun dealer to transfer/ship out of state, constantly meeting people around my city after work for $100 here, $200 there. Keeping meticulous records to maintain transparency. If not for the generosity of one of our members here who bought a LARGE amount of ammo (think half a pickup bed full) I'd still be selling that damned ammo. Were I retired, I'd have fun with the process. But dealing with a career, raising two kids, and that on top.... I have to admit it was not fun, and took over 8 months to move it all at "reasonable" prices. |
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I feel You Not getting any younger myself & trying to imagine the freak out of my heirs if they wind up with all my "gun stuff". If Daughter & Son In Law don't value your firearms, then do something nice for your grand daughter / grandkids. Sell off the surplus (what you yourself don't immediately use) and fund a trust for your grand daughter / grand kids for her / their college education or to help with a home purchase. The financial compounding over time would work well for you. Sell off the collection - turn "stuff" no one else wants & is a huge hassle to deal with into something useful (Cash invested to grow over time). You could sell off "unwanted stuff" via consignment with a local gun store or class III dealer. Maybe put unrestricted items up for sale on the ARFCOM equipment exchange. Been dealing with a similar situation with a deceased parent who left furniture & jewelry to heirs who had no need, no desire & no idea what to do with most of it. It was meant well, but a PITA. Good luck O.P. take action NOW for the benefit of your loved ones LATER. Edited - sign insurance policy to go to Daughter when you pass to cover funeral & expenses + something for her. Don't stiff her just because she doesn't share your passion or views on guns - she is your daughter whom you love after all. Bigger_Hammer 
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LIFE'S JOURNEY IS NOT TO ARRIVE AT THE GRAVE SAFELY IN A WELL PRESERVED BODY,
BUT RATHER TO SKID IN SIDEWAYS, TOTALLY WORN OUT SHOUTING "HOLY $H!T...WHAT A RIDE"!!
BUT RATHER TO SKID IN SIDEWAYS, TOTALLY WORN OUT SHOUTING "HOLY $H!T...WHAT A RIDE"!!
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Originally Posted By KitBuilder: Why? If their FFL won’t accept shipments from a non-FFL, tell them they’ll need to use another one. (Put that in your WTS ad also.) Originally Posted By KitBuilder: Originally Posted By FALARAK: ...trips to my gun dealer to transfer/ship out of state, If their FFL won’t accept shipments from a non-FFL, tell them they’ll need to use another one. (Put that in your WTS ad also.) My choice. Since I was acting on behalf of a 3rd party, I mandated all firearm shipments come from my FFL. I wanted a clear paper trail so nothing could come back to me as being a "gun dealer" since I was selling a LARGE number of firearms, and my dealer can ship handguns cheaper than I as an individual can (he can ship ground) so it didn't have any extra cost to me other than time. There were many incidents of the ATF investigating people selling multiple guns privately during that time under Biden, and I didn't need any of that nonsense in additional to everything else I was handling. |
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Originally Posted By FALARAK: My choice. Since I was acting on behalf of a 3rd party, I mandated all firearm shipments come from my FFL. I wanted a clear paper trail so nothing could come back to me as being a "gun dealer" since I was selling a LARGE number of firearms, and my dealer can ship handguns cheaper than I as an individual can (he can ship ground) so it didn't have any extra cost to me other than time. Yeah the shipping cost thing for handguns makes total sense. ATF doesn’t really go after anyone just selling old collections privately. It’s the people buying guns and then immediately selling guns (especially at gun shows) that can get in trouble. Everything else you hear about this is just paranoia, internet rumors, and tall tales designed to help build opposition to ATF’s overbearing restrictions (which should be desired without needing any additional “stories” thrown into the mix. lol) |
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Leave your collection to the NRA and enjoy the tax break. Luckily I have kids who love guns and don’t have to deal with a situation like yours. If money isn’t needed then I would give most away to friends and/or organizations that can auction them off and benefit from the sale. The NFA stuff is a different beast obviously and have no experience with that. |
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Originally Posted By armoredman: Leave them to your local 4H Shooting Sports program in your will. Anything the kids can't use can be sold for money to fund the program. Don't let anti-gun relatives sell them for pennies on the dollar and then KEEP that penny, like my ex-sister-in-law did with my ex-wife's fathers' guns, after I spent hours cleaning them for sale. She sold a Darne sliding breech shotgun to a pawnshop for $200. I am certain her father was spinning in his grave. I concur. Donate them to a youth shooting program to further the next generation of gun autists. |
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Originally Posted By fxntime: Sell off some, do you have other extended family members who are NOT liberals? Yes. My girl cousin. My bro, but, he has what he wants already (he’s widower, I’m divorced). My cuz will now be receiving the entire estate (hopefully not for a long time lots of laughs) I will ask she take a piece to give to grand kids for college or first home. Done. Add: so much for “generational wealth”. My Dtr has a grad degree and a home, Works for University since she graduated. I am NOT worried bout her hubby. |
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Originally Posted By Moondog: I concur. Donate them to a youth shooting program to further the next generation of gun autists. This. Texas State Rifle & Pistol Assn has a great team of Jrs. that go to Camp Perry and compete with ARs each year. They are a pretty organized crew, gotta lot of respect for them and their organization. If you are retired, you should come up in July and see them for yourself, it will do your heart good, and know that your donation is going to a fantastic group of young competitive shooters. |
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Originally Posted By bpm990d: This. Texas State Rifle & Pistol Assn has a great team of Jrs. that go to Camp Perry and compete with ARs each year. They are a pretty organized crew, gotta lot of respect for them and their organization. If you are retired, you should come up in July and see them for yourself, it will do your heart good, and know that your donation is going to a fantastic group of young competitive shooters. That sounds good. No. Not retired. |
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Originally Posted By badredfish: OP - do you have an M-1 Carbine or an old SP-1 - two of the guns I let go that I wish that I never have.... We spend a life collecting stuff....and no one wants it when we are gone... Red No SP, I had a M-1 paratrooper I had got through CMP but gifted it to my bro some years ago. Add: yeah, I remember when my mom passed and settling her estate. Her furniture was nice stuff. It was hard to donate because Salvation Army or goodwill didn’t have the staff to take it. I gave it to non-profit hospice that had a resale facility. I need to make effort to part with un-needed stuff so that the ones coming to cleanup after me will less less headache. |
| Do you have any Conservative nephews that would appreciate an uncles gun. I know my uncle is giving me a few of his guns and his suppressors when he dies, because his kids have no interest in them. His kids both hunt, but have no interest in things that aren't Fudd guns. |
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My uncle is a lifetime collector with a lot of awesome stuff. When he goes, his kids are just going to sell it all off no matter what it is. It might be greedy of me, but he has a few I wish I could get as an heirloom but won’t. Point being, I’d never ask him because even thinking it makes me feel like shit. Is there anyone in your extended family that might actually appreciate them? If not, might try auctioning them off. |
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Originally Posted By RogueSpear2023: Do you have any Conservative nephews that would appreciate an uncles gun. I know my uncle is giving me a few of his guns and his suppressors when he dies, because his kids have no interest in them. His kids both hunt, but have no interest in things that aren't Fudd guns. Just to be clear, what is a Fudd gun? |
| I think I'll buy some life jackets and a leaky boat and let them figure it out. Just another one of the things you deal with handling an estate. Not going to start sleeping on the floor because of worrying about the furniture they don't need either. I don't recommend saving glass vases flowers came in. Alway had to throw those away even after the yard sales. |
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Originally Posted By CatBacker: Just to be clear, what is a Fudd gun? usually it's referring to guns that old boomers deemed "acceptable" and wasn't one of them there newfangled assault rifles cuz what you need a 30 round clipazine for sonny? you think the deer's shooting back? shoguns, bolt action rifles, 1911s, revolvers usually get put under the monicker of "fudd" guns |
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I've been slowly selling down for years. it does not help that I buy a new one every once in a while. Texas Gun Talk has been very helpful in selling, much older crowd that does not play games and is pretty much scammer free. All the stamped stuff is assigned to someone in my will and is in a trust. The ammo just gets assigned to a matching gun. |
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Originally Posted By wormraper: usually it's referring to guns that old boomers deemed "acceptable" and wasn't one of them there newfangled assault rifles cuz what you need a 30 round clipazine for sonny? you think the deer's shooting back? shotguns, bolt action rifles, 1911s, revolvers usually get put under the moniker of "fudd" guns Originally Posted By wormraper: Originally Posted By CatBacker: Just to be clear, what is a Fudd gun? usually it's referring to guns that old boomers deemed "acceptable" and wasn't one of them there newfangled assault rifles cuz what you need a 30 round clipazine for sonny? you think the deer's shooting back? shotguns, bolt action rifles, 1911s, revolvers usually get put under the moniker of "fudd" guns Thank you! |
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Examples which are not "Fudd guns": Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File |
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To be honest… it’s loot. Even if they went to the buy backs and sold it for $100 bucks each they’d have a loot of money. After my dad passed away in 2016 I realized something. I used to think videos where they drill out safes and show off the cool gun collection. The person is handling and using it in ways the owner would probably go crazy. I now view those videos as sad in a way that someone collected so much, and didn’t get to enjoy it or maybe they kept it stashed. My dad had a huge watch collection. Out of all of them I only remember about 3 of them that I have a direct memory with and I kept those. But everything else was up for sale. I then looked at my own gun collection and at the time I had maybe over 40. I decided to sell off maybe 99% of the collection and currently only own 1 rifle, 1 lower, 1 shotgun, and 2 pistols. I still sell and trade them around but so far kept a baseline. I think I’m at the point where I’m very happy with my collection and enjoy them. My thought is should I die anyone around would remember me with those. Can’t say about you. Just remember that it’s loot at the end of the day. If you value one or the other, it’s best to let them know. Hate to say it even if you had a kid who loved guns I very much doubt they’d keep ALL of your guns and would probably sell them and keep a few they think are good. They’ll likely keep the ones they have memories of with you. |
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Talk to your trust attorney. An attorney who deals with trusts that involve firearms (not just NFA items) should have some good advice for managing such contingencies as “my beneficiary hates guns”. When we revised our 35+ year-old wills, we also asked our attorney to review our trust. We got some great advice, including ways to manage what might happen if the trust’s beneficiary can’t assume responsibility for the trust. It was a very helpful consultation. |
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Originally Posted By NTXGlocker: I’m not getting younger. My daughter married a leftist. She does grad admissions and he’s in the classroom. They decided they don’t need my guns. So, I have reassigned my gun trust. The problem: She don’t know squat about guns. I have assembled a bunch of guns, so, do I sell them off? I don’t need near what I have now. I inherited guns but, pales to what I’ve done. WTF? I don’t want the heir to be wondering. Should I part with what I do not have interest in now? 3/4 of what’s on hand now. You guys, be involved who your Dtr marries. Sometimes…….. It makes and creates issues. I’m in f’ing Texas Do you have any nephews that would appreciate them I know my uncle has me in his will for his M1 Garand and his suppressors |
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Family doesn't always have to be blood Sir. Find your Thao:  Walt Kowalski's will | Gran Torino |
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My advise? Sell what you don’t use or will never use again and spend the money on something frivolous that you’ll enjoy. As for the rest… get creative and put something in your will for directions. For me, I have a lot of competition oriented gear so the directions in my will is for someone (presumably my wife if she outlives me) to get with the local shooting association I’m involved with and give them away to young competitive shooters. |
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What To Do With AR’s After Death (Page 1 of 2)
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