FAQ
Here's some common questions our customers ask most frequently. Remember these are not meant to be all inclusive answers to everything. Remember above all else, SAFETY FIRST.
A: The value of a gun depends on several factors, manufacturer, specific model, year of manufacture, and condition. As with anything of value, the price depends also on the book values as well as the current market values. An example are .410 sxs double barrel shotguns. Book values generally show approximately $250 range but most often these guns sell around $400 in our area because of the demand. Also remember that replacement value and trade-in value applies.
Q: What does it take to buy a firearm?
A: All state and federal laws apply to buying a firearm. In Indiana, you only need a government issued photo ID to purchase a firearm. A federal "NICS" check application must be filled out at the time of purchase. There is no waiting period unless the NICS check shows a delay. This applies to long guns and handguns. Indiana law only allows sales of long guns to residents of Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Illinois and Kentucky. Federal law only allows handguns to be sold to residents of Indiana. Residents of other states can still purchase a firearm in Indiana but it must be transferred to an FFL dealer in your home state where you have to comply with state and local laws to recieve your gun.
A: The ammo used in most guns can be determined by the make and model of the gun. That is until someone changes a barrel and doesn't mark the caliber. You can use a trial and error methond of using different rounds until you find one that fits, but that can be risky because some ammo will go into chambers that aren't correct, this can cause serious and dangerous conditions that can even lead to destroying the gun and injuring the shooter. The safest way is to take the gun to a competent gunsmith. A mold of the chamber can be made and those measurements used to find the correct ammo. REMEMBER ONE OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF GUN SAFETY IS TO USE THE CORRECT AMMO IN YOU FIREARM!!!
A: My wife once asked if we should have the dog fixed, I said why he isn't broken. Ok bad jokes aside, with enough replacement parts most guns can be repaired. Keep in mind, do the repair costs exceed the value of the gun, this is fine for a family heirloom but not worth it in an old .22 that you picked up in a rummage sale. I have a variety of resources for old or obsolete gun parts, including the ability to make smaller parts and springs. Alas there do come those guns that parts are not available for, or the repairs exceed the value.
A: You can mount a scope on anything. If you want it too look good, and be accurate, well that's different. Many of the newer guns come drilled and tapped for scopes. The correct mount and the correct rings and voila your done. There are scope mounting solutions for most guns. The most common is drilling and tapping the gun for a scope mount. This should only be done by a competent gunsmith with proper jigs and setups for this procedure. Improperly drilling a barrel can ruin a gun. Incorrect alignment will cause the scope never to be properly adjusted. The proper eye relief must also be considered.
A: If you have any question whether a gun is safe to shoot, take it to a competent gunsmith to be checked out. Then, and this is very important, LISTEN TO WHAT HE TELLS YOU !!! The cost of his advice will be much less than the medical or funeral costs if you don't. If a gun is unsafe and can't be repaired, ask your gunsmith to remove the firing pin or otherwise disable the gun. Then proudly make a wall hanger or other display from it. You can often sell it for parts as well. Please never attempt to shoot an unsafe firearm.