Certified Firearms Appraisal Services
Orange County, CA
Firearm valuations for inherited collections, estate documentation, insurance records & liquidation support across Southern California.
We help you understand what your collection is worth with clear, documented firearms appraisal services and professional guidance throughout the process.
Certified Firearms Appraiser
CGS owner Jeff McCabe is a certified firearms appraiser, certified by American Gunsmithing Institute. Appraiser Certification #1150487
Online & In-Home Appraisals
If you're unfamiliar with firearms, do not attempt to unload or transport them yourself. We offer online and in-home appraisal options for a safe and professional valuation process.
Estate & Inherited Gun Collections
We help families identify, document, and value inherited firearms with clear guidance, written appraisal support, and professional documentation.
Antique & Historic Firearms
Many collections we appraise include historic and antique firearms that require additional research, careful examination, and specialized valuation expertise.Guidance for Inherited & Estate Gun Collections
Gun Collection Appraisals for Estates, Insurance & Liquidation
CGS provides certified, documented firearm appraisals to help families, individuals, fiduciaries, and estate professionals understand the fair market value of their firearm collections.
Most of our clients are not “gun people.” They may have inherited firearms, be managing an estate, or need clear guidance on what they have and what steps to take next. We make the process straightforward, respectful, and professional.
Based in Orange County, we regularly work with clients in Irvine, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Mission Viejo, Laguna Hills, and nearby Southern California communities. Many clients prefer working with us because we can often handle much of the process remotely or come directly to you, helping avoid unnecessary transportation or handling of firearms you may not feel comfortable managing.
CGS owner Jeff McCabe and team member Scott reviewing a historic firearm collection during a museum appraisal project for Hart Park Museum in Santa Clarita, California.
Appraisal Experience
Evaluating Historic & Collector Firearms
Because firearms are often passed down through generations, many collections include antique, historic, or collector firearms that require more detailed evaluation. Factors such as condition, originality, manufacturer markings, production variations, historical significance, and current collector demand can all influence value.
CGS has evaluated collections containing antique revolvers, military surplus rifles, collectible shotguns, discontinued models, and historically significant firearms where proper identification and documentation were especially important.
This experience helps clients better understand not just what a firearm may be worth, but why certain pieces may carry additional collector, historical, or market value.
Clear. Professional. Safe.
Our Gun Appraisal Process
We make the firearm appraisal process clear and straightforward, guiding you through each step from initial review to final documentation.
Reach Out
Contact us to discuss your firearms and why you’re seeking an appraisal. Once we understand your situation, we’ll recommend either an online or on-site appraisal and coordinate the next steps.
Inspection
We inspect and document key details of each firearm. This includes serial numbers, manufacturer markings, make/model, and overall condition.
Research
We research each piece to verify when and where it was manufactured, along with any historical relevance or documented provenance. This helps establish authenticity and overall market value.
Valuation
We determine fair market value by researching recent sales of comparable firearms through national auction sites and other trusted market sources. This allows us to provide an accurate, data-backed valuation for each firearm.
Report
You’ll receive an official appraisal report documenting the details, research, and valuation of each firearm in the collection.
Trusted by Families, Executors, Attorneys & Estate Professionals
Our appraisals provide clear documentation and accurate valuations for estate administration, probate, trusts, liquidation, and insurance.
Online or In-Home
Choosing the Right Appraisal Method
Many firearm appraisals can be completed remotely using photos and details. For larger or antique collections—or for clients who prefer not to handle firearms themselves—we may recommend an in-home appraisal depending on the collection, location, and availability.
Online Appraisals
- Completed using photos and firearm details
- Convenient for most situations
- Faster turnaround
In-Home Appraisals
- May be recommended for larger or antique collections
- On-site evaluation at your home or property
- Available throughout Southern California based on location and scheduling
About the Owner
Jeff McCabe
Owner & Certified Firearms Appraiser
California Gun Services owner Jeff McCabe is a Certified Firearms Appraiser through the American Gunsmithing Institute . Jeff works with families, fiduciaries, attorneys, and individuals throughout Southern California who need help evaluating inherited firearms, estate gun collections, and other firearm-related matters.
Many clients are not firearm owners themselves. Jeff helps them understand what they have, what it may be worth, and what steps may need to come next.
Frequently Asked Questions
