New Forum Idea - "Appraise My Gun"

[J.B. Books]

After reading the 12ga DHE value thread I thought the PGCA website might be a good place for people to get candid opinions on valuation of their Parker guns??? It could be a member only forum to encourage people to join for the benefit of getting an appraisal. The benefit to those who participate, you get to look at pictures of Parkers. Perhaps there could be a sticky that explains what we need to know, and sample pictures of what we want to see. I thought I would float the idea and see what happens. Maybe it could work, potential pitfalls???

[John D.]

Could work Mr. J.B...! Nice idea! I'll let the others pipe in with their thoughts as well...??

Best to you!

John

[Bill Murphy]

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[B. Dudley]

Not a bad idea, however something like that could be a slippery slope. ut I think there is enough knowledge here to be able to assign accurate numbers to guns if proper informaiton and photos are supplied.

Besides, it is people like us that are the ones buying these guns.

However, I would not be surprised if insurance companies started getting copies of forum threads sent to them in place of formal appraisals. lol.

[Double Lab]

I like it Pete!

[wayne goerres]

I like your idea. UNfortunatly there will be some feathers rubed the wrong way. You will have people that think there gun is worth way more than it was appraised for. I do think it would be of great value to most of the members of this forum but it may cause a few spats,and some people are pretty trickey with a camera.

[J.B. Books]

Brian, could you expand on the slippery slope thought? The first pitfall I can think of is someone who believes there gun is worth more than it's appraisal here on the forums, or worse, they paid more than the appraisal range and they are insulted. However how is that different than the value of real estate?

I don't think every gun presented would necessarily be for sale or will be insured, I think there is a curiosity factor many. I think even a few of us might be curious what others think of various guns, maybe even a few of our own. I am sure we would end up looking at both very nice guns and not so nice guns, but Parkers are Parkers. People can go to the Blue Book and get ideas of value, why not here too, I think we could do a better job than the book.? Seems like it could be a nice service that might help a few people.

[DoubleDown]

I think with a proper description of what the forum is and what it isn't, it could work. Start with a few words of warning as to what people can expect when they post their gun (in other words, expect an honest answer and be prepared not to agree with everyone) and it should be fine. As for the pictures, I wouldn't worry about people being "tricky", I'd worry about people knowing the front of the camera from the back. Good clear, bright pictures will be critical. Afterall, if they want to get tricky with the photos, they are only hurting themselves. I think to avoid a lot of unnecessary back and forth, there should be some minimum required shots of specific areas of the gun in order for everyone to make a good assessment.

Mike

[George M. Purtill Member #28]

If I was PGCA's lawyer, I would say that at a minimum it should be confined to members only.

[Autumn Daze]

A few things to consider here. We will be at the mercy of the quality of the posters picture taking ability. What we will be able to offer is an opinion based on these pictures. How many times have we looked at a gun the second time and noticed something we didn't see the first time? A small crack or bulge or whatever and these problems would have a huge effect on value. How many times have you had a conversation with a fellow PGCA member about the value of a particular gun and found that the both of you were miles apart?

What I think I am trying to say here is that I don't believe there is an accurate way to value a gun by pictures on the internet. The gun must be in hand. I like many of us have bought guns on the net only to send them back after a close inspection.

Not trying to be a spoil sport here just interjecting my concerns. Someone said "A slippery slope" I would have to agree. One of our primary purposes is to educate visitors about our beloved Parker Gun not dissapoint them.

Personally I will not value a gun posted here for numerous reasons.The main reason is I don't think I'm qualified.