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Inheriting firearms from loved ones is a common means of acquiring pistols, rifles, and shotguns that would otherwise be prohibitively expensive or impossible to find in today's market. Here are seven heirloom guns you should never sell or get rid of.
We often ascribe sentimental value to possessions passed down from those who came before us. However, some heirloom firearms can also have considerable monetary value if they are rare, unique, or in pristine condition. The following models are those we deemed most likely to continue appreciating as the used / surplus market fluctuates and will make an excellent addition to any shooter's private collection.
The Luger pistol was a highly sought-after sidearm by American GIs in WWII and is still an incredibly collectible piece of firearms history to this day. Not only are Lugers increasingly rare (making them more valuable), but they are renowned for their precision and quality craftsmanship. Many examples are still in excellent condition and can safely be fired.
As the first battle rifle officially adopted by the U.S. military, the 1903 Springfield remained in service through multiple wars and was a favorite of snipers even after it was replaced by the M1 Garand as the standard-issue long gun for infantry troops. Professionally refurbished rifles like the one below afford the opportunity to own a functioning piece of military memorabilia.
The M1 Garand is famous for the distinctive Ping! it makes after the last round of .30-06 is fired. Along with the Thompson M1 and the B.A.R., the Garand saw extensive service in WWII and has lived on in pop culture as one of the most famous battle rifles ever created. It's truly a piece of history and one of the most prized heirloom guns one can acquire.
Although the Colt Python is still manufactured today, some revolver aficionados prefer vintage models because the fit and finish are superior to those of modern production guns. The older the gun, the more desirable for collectors - with some rare variants even fetching thousands of dollars or more as demand increases.
Few shotguns are as iconic as the Browning A5, with its unique "humpback" receiver and long track record of military service. After more than a century, it is still one of the most reliable 12GA semi-auto scatter guns ever developed, making it a standout piece for any enthusiast or serious collector.
Unsurprisingly, WWII-era 1911 pistols have consistently increased in value over the years as they become more and more scarce. Guns with all original parts are the most desirable, but even repaired or refurbished models can secure staggering price tags at auction. Moreover, all 1911s (including some rare models from the 70s and 80s) have intrinsic value because the design is so popular.
The H&K P7 is the Holy Grail of semi-auto pistols, and for good reason. Utilizing a novel squeeze-cocking mechanism and a unique gas delayed blowback recoil system, this handgun is exceedingly lightweight and capable of extreme accuracy. The P7's intriguing design and sterling reputation make it one of the most sought-after (and expensive) firearms on the market.
Another reason to keep heirloom firearms instead of selling or giving them away is that they are simply a blast to shoot. Take the M1 Garand for example; a classic battle rifle that functions equally well as a historic wall hanger or a fun range piece. To see this incredibly collectible firearm in action, check out our video with Alex Zedra.
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