What will happen to gun values during the Trump years?

Now that we’re more than a month into the Trump era, I’m eager to see how the new administration, controversial legislation, and even heated Twitter exchanges about gun control affect firearm sales in the secondary market.

Logic would tell me that sales will slow down. After all, gun sales soared during President Obama’s eight years in office. A recent USA Today article I read stated that since Nov. 4, 2008, both Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. and Sturm, RugI’m er & Co. stock rose more than 1,000 percent. A similar trend was seen during the Clinton administration as well.

On the contrary, a recent Time article stated that gun ownership in the U.S. is the lowest it has been since 1978. Don’t believe it? Apparently, the gun sales rose during the past eight years among gun owners buying more guns.

So, how does this all shake out for the auction industry?

You have to remember that the secondary market is different than retail. I think bidders will continue to seek out sporting, collectible, recreational and defensive guns at auctions because they know they can find quality firearms at a good value.

There’s also the matter of trust. Auction houses are FFL holders, and they must adhere to all state and federal laws.

So far, it has been business as usual at our auction house, and prices for collectible guns continue to be strong.

As an example, recently we sold a Colt Python that realized $3,000 with buyer’s premium. They just continue to command top dollar.

also seeing more Western guns selling at auction. Recently, we sold a Colt Single Action Army that realized $3,120 with buyer’s premium. It had condition issues, but still performed well.

These examples are Colt. However, other brands are fairing just as well. Browning, Remington, local favorite Ruger and Beretta have all been performing admirably.

Even though gun owners and buyers may relax a lot under President Trump’s