The most common situations where an appraisal is needed include:
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Probate Estate Appraisals
We specialize in evaluating firearms and collections for estate planning or probate purposes. In California, Probate Code §8802 requires that every firearm in an estate be appraised, usually within 4 months, for its fair market value as of the decedent’s date of death. You will receive a signed appraisal with a fair market value for each firearm, determined by comparing recent sales of similar firearms. -
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Managing an Estate
When an estate includes firearms, an accurate appraisal is important for estate valuation, tax filings, and meeting legal requirements. We begin by taking a full inventory of each gun and documenting details like make, model, caliber, category, and barrel length. This record is especially helpful if you plan to transfer firearms to family members, since California requires all intra-familial firearm transfers to be recorded using the BOF 4544A form, which asks for these exact details. -
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Liquidating a collection
If you are liquidating an estate or selling a gun collection in Placer County, our appraisals give you a reliable baseline for fair pricing. Each firearm is inspected and valued against recent sales of similar models. We also verify California compliance so you avoid legal issues during liquidation. If any firearm is found to be non-compliant, we provide clear guidance on your options—or we can safely remove and legally destroy it, recording the destruction with the DOJ. We can also make a fair market offer to purchase single firearms or entire collections, and handle removal from your property at no cost. -
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Insurance Appraisals
For insurance coverage, firearms must be appraised at fair market value to determine accurate replacement costs. We document the specifics of each firearm and assess its condition so your insurance company has clear, defensible values. This protects you against underinsurance and ensures proper reimbursement in the event of theft, loss, or damage.
Selling Your Firearms or Collection
In some cases, an appraisal leads to the decision to sell. The benefit of selling to NorCal Gun Services is that we handle the entire process for you. We come to your location, so you don’t have to move or transport firearms that may be unknown, loaded, or unsafe to handle. This removes the legal responsibility of transporting firearms and keeps you protected. We can make a fair market offer on single guns or entire collections, and if you choose to sell, we’ll safely remove the firearms from your property at no cost.