Buyer/Seller Inspections

Many collectors elect to buy or sell and have handguns shipped for inspection. I strongly recommend a buyer to insist on at least a three (3)-business day (M-F) inspection period with a return privilege which allows the handgun to be returned, for any reason, via U.S. Registered Mail, insured for the full purchase price.

I have extensive experience examining handguns for the purpose of determining whether they appear to be original finish and correct as manufactured. I encourage those considering this Buyer/Seller Inspection Solution to register and subscribe to the site, in order to have access to the Gallery and see examples of well over 600 pistols in my own collection, and more than 700 I have inspected for more than 125 collectors, dealers and auction companies. Feel free to contact me for references.

1943 Colt M1911A1 anomaly lacking left-side finger clearance cutout.

Here is a Parkerized Colt M1911A1 many collectors might have rejected because of a rarely seen anomaly. Many would think there is something "wrong" with this pistol. It simply lacks the finger clearance cutout in the receiver one the left side...right under the G.H.D. final inspection mark, which signifies the pistol was accepted by the Ordnance Department. See this and many other rare and unique pistols in the Gallery.

The Buyer/Seller Inspections Solution is intended to provide a low cost, in-hand physical inspection and opinion by an experienced collector prior to making a final decision regarding the sale or purchase of an item. It requires the handgun to be shipped pre-paid with tracking information, to me on my 03 C&R, or to our 01 FFL dealer, who will then contact me to provide the in-hand inspection.

Upon completion of the inspection, I will phone you and report the results of the inspection. I will also email the results to you, if requested to do so.

With this service, I will field strip the handgun (if applicable) and provide an opinion in the form of a yes/no answer as to the originality of the finish and whether or not I believe all parts visible in the inspection are correct and original to the piece. Upon completion of the inspection and report, I will at the Subscriber’s discretion, arrange to have the handgun shipped on to the buyer, or back to the seller. Shipping costs are not included, and must be paid before shipment is made.

The pricing listed for this service includes the cost of the Buyer/Seller Inspection and offering the opinion by phone or via e-mail. It does NOT include the cost of shipping and insurance. Shipping and insurance costs vary, depending on the item shipped, value and shipping destination.

You must notify me for approval prior to having a handgun shipped to me or my 01 FFL for inspection.

Buyer/Seller In-Hand Inspection for a Parkerized Pistol-$150

Parkerized 1944 O.S.S. Ithaca M1911A1 Pistol This service is designed for buyers/sellers who need an in-hand inspection of a Parkerized pistol by an experienced collector.

It includes field-stripping the pistol, inspecting it and calling the Subcriber with the results for originalty of finish and whether parts visible appear correct and original. Upon request, I will also email a brief summary of the results. The total cost for shipping the handgun to the buyer or back to the seller is not included.

This service does not provide a detailed signed inspection report, data sheet or photos.

You must pre-pay for the Buyer/Seller Inspection and shipping & insurance charges.

Please contact me directly for payment details.

Please read and understand the complete terms of service prior to ordering.

You must be logged in and have a paid subscription to order.

Get Started and Register Today

Buyer/Seller In-Hand Inspection for a Blued Pistol- $200

This service is designed for buyers/sellers who need an in-hand inspection of most blued Colt M1911 pistols by an experienced collector. Pistols not included in this inspection are early Colt M1911 pistols (s/n 1-2400), blued finish U.S.N., U.S.M.C., Springfield Armory, Remington Arms-UMC M1911 pistols and all blued finish Colt and Singer M1911A1 pistols.

This Buyer/Seller Inspection includes field-stripping the pistol, inspecting it and calling the Subscriber with the results for originalty of finish and whether parts visible appear correct and original. Upon request I will also provide an email with a brief summary of the results. The total cost for shipping the handgun to the buyer or back to the seller is not included.

This service does not provide a signed detailed inspection report, a data sheet or photos.

You must pre-pay for the Buyer/Seller Inspection and shipping/insurance charges.

Please contact me directly for payment details.

Please read and understand the complete terms of service prior to ordering.

You must be logged in and have a paid subscription to order.

Get Started and Register Today

Buyer/Seller In-Hand Inspection for a Premium Blued Pistol- $250

Blue finish 1915 Springfield Armory M1911 Pistol This service is designed for buyers/sellers who need an in-hand inspection of an early Colt M1911 (s/n 1-2400), blued Navy, USMC, Springfield Armory, Remington Arms-UMC M1911 pistols and all blued Colt M1911A1 pistols by an experienced collector.

This Buyer/Seller Inspection includes field-stripping the pistol, inspecting it and calling the Subscriber with the results for originalty of finish and whether parts visible appear correct and original. Upon request, I will also email a brief summary of the findings. The total cost of shipping the handgun to the buyer or back to the seller is not included.

This report does not include a signed, detailed inspection report, data sheet or photos.

You must pre-pay for the Buyer/Seller Inspection and shipping/insurance charges.

Please contact me for payment details.

Please read and understand the complete terms of service prior to ordering.

You must be logged in and have a paid subscription to order.

Get Started and Register Today

Buyer/Seller In-Hand Inspection for a Singer M1911A1 Pistol- $500

This service is designed for buyers/sellers who need an in-hand inspection of a Singer M1911A1 pistol.

This Buyer/Seller Inspection includes field-stripping the pistol, inspecting it and phoning the Subscriber with the results for originalty of finish and whether parts visible appear correct and original. Upon request, I will also email a brief summary of the results. The total cost for shipping the handgun to the buyer or back to the seller is not included.

This service does not provide a signed detailed report, data sheet or photos.

You must pre-pay for the Buyer/Seller Inspection and shipping/insurance charges.

Please contact me directly for payment details.

Please read and understand the complete terms of service prior to ordering.

You must be logged in and have a paid subscription to order, or simply see me at the show.

Get Started and Register Today