What is Your Old Gun Worth? The Secret to Determining Your Gun’s Real Market Value Eps. 489

In this episode of Ron Spomer Outdoors, host Ron Spomer welcomes firearms expert Dwight Van Brunt to discuss the often-overlooked but critical topic of estate planning for firearm collections. Van Brunt, a lifelong hunter and former marketing professional at Kimber and Burris, shares his deep knowledge of firearms valuation, history, and the emotional weight these items carry for families. He emphasizes that without a written, updated inventory—including make, model, serial number, provenance, and current market value—firearms can be lost to theft, mismanagement, or disputes among heirs. He warns of the risks posed by well-meaning but unscrupulous friends and highlights real-life cases where original rare prints were replaced with copies in vaults. Van Brunt advocates for using resources like the Blue Book of Gun Values and his own article on Sportsman's Legacy to create a living document that guides the transfer or sale of firearms. He also touches on the broader ethical and conservation role of hunting, urging hunters to engage respectfully with the public and educate others about sustainable practices, while cautioning against alienating those who are undecided. The conversation underscores that proper planning preserves both financial value and family legacy.