Professional Firearms Appraisals
Certified Firearm Appraisers
California Gun Services provides professional firearm valuations for inherited collections, estate liquidation, probate in Orange County, Los Angeles, and 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.
IN-HOME OR ONLINE APPRAISALS
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
What’s Needed for an Online Gun Appraisal
For most online firearm appraisals, we’ll ask for clear photos and basic details for each firearm. You don’t need to know everything upfront—we’ll guide you through what’s needed.
Not sure what to photograph? Send what you have, and we’ll let you know if anything else is needed.
Clear Photos
Photos of both sides of each firearm.
Serial Numbers
Close-ups of serial numbers, markings, and identifying details.
Basic Details
Make, model, caliber, and barrel markings if known.
Condition
Photos showing wear, damage, modifications, or overall condition.
History or Paperwork
Any known history, receipts, boxes, paperwork, or provenance if available.
Meet Our Appraisers
Our Certified Firearm Appraisers
When a loved one leaves behind firearms, knowing what the collection is worth can help you decide what to do next. You may need an appraisal for probate, help preparing to sell the guns, or simply a better understanding of what you've inherited.
At California Gun Services, Jeff McCabe and Scott Candish help families and estate professionals identify and value firearms. Both are certified by the American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) and have experience appraising antique, historic, and collectible firearms.
AGI Certification
Certification No. 1150487
Jeff McCabe
Owner & AGI Certified Firearms Appraiser
Jeff founded California Gun Services in 2018 and focuses much of his appraisal work on estate firearm collections. He regularly helps Orange County families, executors, and trustees identify inherited guns and determine their value when settling an estate or preparing to sell a collection.
Some clients need an estimate to understand what their firearms may be worth. Others need a detailed written fair market value appraisal for probate or estate administration. Jeff helps clients understand which type of valuation best fits their needs.
As an Affiliate Member of the Professional Fiduciary Association of California (PFAC) , Jeff also works closely with fiduciaries, helping them address firearm safety concerns and the practical challenges of managing guns held in estates and trusts.
AGI Certification
Certification No. 1175869
Scott Candish
AGI Certified Firearms Appraiser
Scott helps inspect and value individual firearms and collections during on-site appraisals. He examines firearm markings, features, and condition, records key details, and researches market values.
His experience includes antique and historic firearms. In 2026, Scott and Jeff worked together to appraise more than 30 antique firearms at the William S. Hart Museum in Santa Clarita.
