Thinking of selling Ben Forkin 44Special Ruger.....not sure about price

[218bee]

I had Ben Forkin put together a Ruger Blackhawk in 44 Special for me back when Ruger did not produce a 44 Special.
Built on a 3 screw frame, he installed a new barrel and line bored cylinders. Tuned action, rough country rear sight, Ajax grips.
I'm thinking of letting it go. Don't remember how much it cost me to have it done, maybe $900-$1100 or so, can't remember.
Thinking its worth $1200 or so? Maybe more? Maybe less? Looking for advice on what to ask. I'm setting up at a gunshow next weekend.
I've put a few hundred rounds thru it (mostly cast), but other than cylinder face dirty cant hardly tell its been fired.
My arthritis and old eyes prevent me from shooting handguns for fun anymore.
Wondering what you guys think.311444311445311446

[georgerkahn]

A successful buddy never ceased professing, "You may go down in price -- but never up!!!". Hughie surely was correct. As a special, custom, in great shape RARE revolver built on an (almost ;)) unsurpassed in quality frame by one of the best-known best-quality manufacturers -- I'd print (using a large font for easy reading) page or two describing what was done to this revolver, and by whom, and put a price on it roughly double what you're suggesting.
A good friend and I went to a LGS where an untouched 6" barreled Colt Python was in case with a "sold" tag attached bearing a $2,220.00 price tag on it! My friend chuckled that he'd better sell his, as he gave about $650.00 for same firearm!
Again, as Hughie professed (rest his soul) -- you can always go down in price. Also -- from "talkers" at show, you may learn a "good, concrete" price offering, too, if someone does not snap it up on your listed price.
BEST wishes!
geo

[shooting on a shoestring]

What do I think???
I think that’s a GORGEOUS revolver! You made some very nice choices there….well except for getting rid of it.
Sorry you’re at that point in life. It’s coming for me too.

I remember my Grand Dad saying “You can get 80% fast. But if you hold out for 100% you’ll earn every penny”.

In my shopping and buying I notice custom guns don’t sell well to the public. I guess by definition they are a very small niche market. Else that configuration would have been mass produced. But for a reloader, serious shooter, caster of boolits, man oh man 44 Special is great cartridge. A good 3 screw action, good sights and a quality build is a wonderful thing.

I see good 3 screw 357 Rugers selling in Cabelas and retailers in Houston for $1k give or take a little. I think getting your $1200 number is reasonable. I think I paid $800 for my 4” flat top new model 44 spl about 5 years ago. So you’re definitely in the ball park in my opinion. Now that would be a bargain if you commissioned that same gun today.

So there’s my thoughts.

[dankathytc]

Man, what I would give for a Ben Forkin revolver.

[El Bibliotecario]

My observations lead me to believe getting a 100% return on a custom built item is often wishful thinking. If you need the money (a dismal reason for selling a weapon) that nice revolver will readily sell for a loss. For 100%, you may find yourself waiting a bit, so it depends on your priority. If you are setting up at a gunshow, you will be dealing with many people who have never heard of Ben Forkin, and will compare your price to regular production .44s

[rintinglen]

Given that the regular 44 Rugers are going for 900-1100, You ought to be able to belabor the custom trigger and hand fitted action and put the price at $1299. If you don't get a bite in the first few hours, then, if you like, you can take a red marker, line out the original 1299, and write $1099.

[rkrcpa]

What would it cost to have it built today including the price of the base gun? Plus a premium for available now vs. waiting for a custom build, I would start at no less than $2,000.

[218bee]

Thanks for all the comments. Not sure what I want to do. I've sold so many guns over the years that when I see what they go for now I cant believe it.
Remingtons have gone nuts lately. I used to buy 788's and 722's for a few hundred bucks cause they were inexpensive but accurate guns. Now all of a sudden guys are asking $700 or more for them.
I guess the one that really gets me is, I had a Colt Realtree Anaconda 44mag. So it was a stainless Anaconda that was painted in "Realtree" camo, with a painted in realtree camp scope on it (Redfield maybe?), and came in a Realtree carrying case. I had an FFL at the time and paid $600 for it. I hunted with it a few times and sold it a few years later for $850. Last one I saw guy was asking $3500!!!!!!!! wow don't know what it sold for.
Anyway, just a sign of being old I guess......"I remember when..."
Thanks again and keep your thoughts coming.

[Wheelguns 1961]

I am with rkrcpa. Ben Forkin revolvers are few and far between. You will probably do best on Gunbroker. If you don’t want to go that route, an ad on rugerforum.com will get some good attention. If you list it there, put a link on singleactions.com. Both of those forums are full of custom revolver guys.

[contender1]

Wheelguns 1961 has offered good advice.

I'd put it on GunBroker with a starting price of $1200.00 and you may well be surprised as to what it sells for. The trick on GB is to list DETAILS,, and several pictures. The more info the better.
Or, as noted, go over to the single actions forum (I think the link is singleactions.proboards.com) and the good folks there will offer good advice. But you can NOT post guns for sale on that site. It's a rule set by proboards.
BUT,, if you list it on GB, you CAN put a "link" to the GB ad over there.

[RJM52]

100% GunBroker...even with the sellers fee you are going to make a lot more than you have into it...

Bob

[El Bibliotecario]

Using the internet to reach a national market is a good suggestion. Even if a gunshow attracts several thousand (a small number compared to an online auction) only a minority will be interested in .44 SA revolvers, and only a minority of that minority will have the money to spend.

[Electrod47]

All those Skeeter Skelton inspired conversions are good for 3XRetail as a starting number. I think an auction would be your best bet.

[potatojudge]

That's a $2k+ gun all day long, but not at a gun show

Ruger forum or GB for sure. Were it mine I'd probably put $2500 on it and go from there. Might sell immediately, might have to drop the price a time or two, but you're unlikely to leave much money on the table that way.

If the price is $1200 PM me and we'd have a deal lol

That fit and finish work really stands out, even among custom revolversmiths.

[Bazoo]

Pretty revolver. Are those buffalo horn grips?

[218bee]

Thanks for all the tips.
Yes, I guess a "national" audience with guys that know what the revolver is, may be a better idea.
Never sold on GB but have bought a few from there.
Grips are AJAX pearlite I believe. It should have nicer grips on it, but I had it made to be used, couldn't afford much more at the time.

[Professor]

That's nice. Ben Forkin work maintains a premium price. Don't let anybody talk you down. I would sell something else.

[TurnipEaterDown]

All I can say is; Wish I had spare money. $2000+

[218bee]

I appreciate the advice guys. I don't think I will even take to gun show next weekend. Thats why I wanted some advice. I may have made a costly error.
Ideally I hope to find a buyer who appreciates it and wants to shoot and enjoy it. Not someone that hopes to flip it for a profit.

[Ed K]

Also, the market is not always logical. Lately I've seen a couple of Ruger Super Blackhawk 454s go for money that would buy you a Freedom Arms model 83. It probably doesn't help the value of your revolver that Ruger eventually made 44 specials. Still, Forkin's work doesn't compare directly with the factory. Eventually I wonder if the prices of single action revolvers might sag due to the typical age of the shooters interested? My LGS owner tells me this has already happening in a few other categories where interest historically has been among ageing baby boomers, etc.

Anyhow I concur that Gunbroker or secondly a specialized forum for sale listing is the way to go - not a gunshow.

[contender1]

Well, I'll add a little more.

The Ruger Forum just changed it's rules a little when it comes to posting a classified ad.

Due to scammers & spammers,, they added a rule that to post something for sale in the Classifieds,, you must be a "supporting member."

Go with GunBroker. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at the outcome.

[sixshot]

I wouldn't put it on Gunbroker & pay a fee if it were me, I'd go to 24 Hr Campfire or some of the gun forums that will allow you to sell it without the fee. And I sure wouldn't let it go for $2,000! It's worth more than that!

Dick

[218bee]

Once again, I really appreciate all the info. I need to figure out if I really want to sell it and then where.
I guess I tend to under value my stuff. I'm so happy for y'all settin me straight!

[jaydub in wi]

I wouldn't put it on Gunbroker & pay a fee if it were me, I'd go to 24 Hr Campfire or some of the gun forums that will allow you to sell it without the fee. And I sure wouldn't let it go for $2,000! It's worth more than that!

Dick+1. 24 hour campfire classifieds see alot of traffic

Sent from my SM-G960U1 using Tapatalk

[Noah Zark]

218Bee - IF you go with Gunbroker, some suggestions:

1) List the auction as long as possible; IIRC 13 or 14 days is the limit. The longest listing time gives bidders the most time to notice the auction and the item and start lusting. Be patient, schedule long and it will yield you max returns.

2) You have the option to pick the auction end date and time - it should end on a Sunday evening, ~ 9 PM. That way, everyone is usually home and available to bid, because the last couple-few hours is when all the significant activity takes place, and what you want is two or more guys (gals) entering into a bidding slugfest. The most greenhorn thing to do is end an auction at 10:30 AM when everyone's at work and may not be able to counter-bid. Sellers lose money doing this.

3) Be sure to charge enough for shipping; you will likely need to have a local FFL ship it for you, and you should check to see what they charge for shipping a handgun. It's best to list the "Buyer to pay actual shipping charges" in case the buyer is all the way across country.

4) Take LOTS of photos, even if you don't use them all in the listing. You'll have a thorough record of the revolver and it's condition. Be sure to include photos of every defect in the listing. Take them outdoors on a cloudy day for best results. Don't use flash; that causes glare and reflections which can be construed as defects that aren't.
Extra photos saved me once from having to make a refund to an unscrupulous buyer of an M1 Carbine who received the gun, exchanged parts, and complained that the gun wasn't as advertised. He sent me photos of the carbine that showed a couple of his parts instead of mine installed, and I sent him back photos of all the parts that were manufacturer-marked that were on the carbine when I shipped it. Never heard back from him. At one time it was not uncommon for bent M1 Rifle and M1 Carbine collectors to buy one from GB or GA, take off what parts they wanted and install more common parts and gripe about the gun not being as advertised. Digital cameras and especially ultra-cheap digital camera film has combatted this deceptive practice, providing the seller is diligent in using said camera and film.

5) I'd suggest starting your listing at $1200, and let the bidding take it up because after almost two weeks of list time, people who know what it is will recognize its true value and bid it up. Sort of like starting it at $0.01, but without the anxiety.

6) Do go on in the listing about the build, the parts, the gunsmith, build quality, finish, the workmanship, the accuracy, etc. The sizzle helps the sell.

7) Do fuggedaboudt taking it to that gun show. People go to gun shows for bargains and have bargain-sized budgets. That revolver is a thoroughbred, not a nag; there won't be anyone interested in giving you what it's worth, unless that show is a big one in a well-moneyed area. Your best return will be a GB listing.

8) If you go the forum/message board route, then you may likely have to list a price, with or without "OBO." Might I suggest $1975 plus actual shipping FFL to FFL? If you go over $2000, that will psychologically limit some buyers.

Best of luck. If I didn't already have a number of 44 Spl revolvers including a couple custom Rugers, I'd already have PM'd you.

Noah

[MT Gianni]

If you take it to a gun show, put a sandwich type sign front and back as to what you're selling and a $2500 price tag minimum. Keep it in a case away from grubby hands of non serious buyers. You might strike gold if you're willing to give your phone number out to someone who knows someone.

[218bee]

Noah, thanks for the detail about using gubroker. I appreciate the insight.

[ddixie884]

A lot of good advice here. That is at least a 2K gun and could bring 3K in today's market. The guys on the Single Action Forum will be interested in It. This is just my opinion but I'll back it up in a PM...........

[rintinglen]

Your problem will be that You are trying to sell a Ruger 44 Spl. for about 1 1/2 times what a 44 Special Ruger will cost anyone who wants one on Gunbroker. Now if these fellows who are alleging it's worth to be on the long side of two grand want to pony up, well by all means let them. But 44 lovers grow fewer with each passing year, and right now a lot of people are sitting scared on their money. But I think Noah's advice is the most practical.

[contender1]

rintinglen,,, MANY folks who appreciate a custom gun will pony up the $2000+ for a Ben Forkin gun.

The single action forum has a policy of not allowing the LISTING of a firearm for sale. However,, this thread has been listed there in the "links" for many to see. I'm SURE they are watching it to see where this gun goes for sale.
It is well worth more than a stock Ruger.

[TurnipEaterDown]

Somewhat like a Sedgley sporter is going to go for more than a no name gunsmith sporterized Springfield.

[Tokarev]

I am with rkrcpa. Ben Forkin revolvers are few and far between. You will probably do best on Gunbroker. If you don’t want to go that route, an ad on rugerforum.com will get some good attention. If you list it there, put a link on singleactions.com. Both of those forums are full of custom revolver guys.

+1 for Gunbroker. Noah Zark's every word is gold. I used to buy/sell on GB until I realized that it is good for US sellers but not for Canadian buyers. Otherwise, it is a GREAT place to sell. To add to Noah's point re shipping cost: add a caveat that "the buyer pays actual shipping and handling cost", to avoid surprises such as "I did not realize FFL costs money". Also, spell out your check/money order policy in terms of how long you hold the item for the funds to clear. Check with your bank if you are not sure. Best of luck getting a top buck for this nice piece!

Is rugerforum.com still alive? Last I checked they did not accept new members, and there was not much traffic. It's been at least 7 years since. I used to be an active member on it but haven't been back for a long time.

[contender1]

"Is rugerforum.com still alive? Last I checked they did not accept new members, and there was not much traffic. It's been at least 7 years since. I used to be an active member on it but haven't been back for a long time. "

Yes. The Forum is not only still alive, it's been redone & is accepting new members etc.

[RJM52]

Have bought and sold on GunBroker since I believe 2002... Once one has the process down and a good local ffl dealer to ship/receive your items it usually goes pretty smoothly.

As prices go, it just depends on the day. Saw two rare identical rifles sell a week apart... First one sold for $3400, the next one a week later only brought $2300. Sometimes I'll put a gun out for a penny start, sometimes the minimum I want to get for it. Never put something rare or hard to get with a BuyNow because you never know where it will go.

God luck whatever you decide on doing with the gun...Bob

[218bee]

Thanks again guys. I need to process all the information. I'm thinking shipping thru a FFL as I tried looking up regs on UPS and FEDEX and being quite a distance from any "customer center" seems like a hassle.
Thanks guys, if I do put it up somewhere I'll put a notice here also.
Nick

[ddixie884]

Have bought and sold on GunBroker since I believe 2002... Once one has the process down and a good local ffl dealer to ship/receive your items it usually goes pretty smoothly.

As prices go, it just depends on the day. Saw two rare identical rifles sell a week apart... First one sold for $3400, the next one a week later only brought $2300. Sometimes I'll put a gun out for a penny start, sometimes the minimum I want to get for it. Never put something rare or hard to get with a BuyNow because you never know where it will go.

God luck whatever you decide on doing with the gun...Bob

Good friendly advice Bob. Aman needs to look into the market before he sells a custom gun by a known maker. Money could be left on the table.

[Lloyd Smale]

your not getting two grand for it. you might findsomeone that says that that has no intention of buying it. ive had custom rugers fom clements, bowen gallagher and john and dustin linebaugh. i made money off 2 a 475 and a 500 john built. i just sold my last two 3 screws a 41 mag about identical to yours and a 44spec that was a bit fancier then yours . it was a 4 in round butted case hardened gun with exhibition grade walnut grips. sold them to my best friend so he got a deal on them at 2k for the pair. i figured top dollar for the 41 was a grand and 1300 for the 44. the problem you run into is a custom is a personal thing. guy wants one he wants it his way and isnt going to pay top dollar for your way. i seriously doubt your going to get an offer over a grand but id like to see you prove me wrong

[contender1]

"i seriously doubt your going to get an offer over a grand but id like to see you prove me wrong "


I'd offer over a grand & not think twice. And if I weren't already into a couple of other deals,, I would have already PMed the OP with a very fair offer. And it would be well over a grand.

[Lloyd Smale]

key word? IF my guess is youve never tried to sell a custom gun and ive sold many. they were all worth more in my mind then the buyers. lots of things id buy that i would be willing to pay over market for IF I was rich. prove me wrong. buy it for what you consider a fair bargain. If you really know the custom gun market and what bens guns will bring and get hurting for money you should be able to flip it fast and even make money. Good luck with that. this is the part of my post that applies not what you quoted.


you might find someone that says that that has no intention of buying it

[Tokarev]

IF my guess is youve never tried to sell a custom gun and ive sold many. they were all worth more in my mind then the buyers.

Same with custom cars. This is why tuners remove custom add-ons before the sale and restore their cars to stock.

[Longfellow]

Lloyd is right. Custom guns are always viewed through the owner’s rose-colored glasses. Bottom line is that nothing is worth a particular dollar value until it is sold. That’s what it ended up being worth- only what someone is willing to pay. Keep your expectations low and if that doesn’t sit well, keep it and enjoy it.

[Lloyd Smale]

yup when i bought my challenger there was a mint 392 just like mine. dealer had been sitting on it for over a year because someone put a supercharger on it. he ended up having to pull it off and said he sold it in days for the same price he was asking with the 8k supercharger. now you can argue that a custom gun isnt just parts bolted on. but to me its like if i decide today i want a custom 3 screw pick one up and then ask my neighbor to decide how what and who builds it.

[Good Cheer]

The price on Ruger .44 Specials really is a wow.
Plumb amazin'!

[RJM52]

From what I have seen it depends on who did the work. If your local smith modified something it may decrease the value, but put the documentation that Bowen, Clements, Huntington, etc. did the work and a gun can bring big money. Especially today when it may take 2-3 years to get a gun done by one of the big name shops...

[squawberryman]

Anyone who doesn't think it will fetch 2,500 on GB doesn't know Forkin

[rintinglen]

Anyone who doesn't think it will fetch 2,500 on GB doesn't know Forkin

Most people don't. Despite the minute rabid fan base, his is not a name like Hamilton Bowen, or Gary Reeder. And I'll bet if you ask ten average shooters at the gun range if they know them, 6 or more will go "who." Custom single actions sell to a very small market. If you are expecting big money for one, expect to wait a good while before it sells.

[squawberryman]

As a fellow member of the minute rabid fan base, I know a handful of individuals who they or their kids DAILY search every selling site known to gun nuts for certain words, Forkin being one of them. If it goes to auction, it'll go high.

[gc45]

Personally, I have never heard of Mr. Forkin but it's obvious many have and in the custom handgun world, I trust their word here as to this guns value and desirability. Someone will want this Ruger and be willing to pay whatever price for it, simple as that. GB gets us the biggest "for sale" advertisement and to the most folks who may look for such a gun; at least GB is a good place to begin. Price or starting bid is up to the seller but opinions here seem to think $1200. is a good beginning so why not?
Custom anything is, IMO not easy to sell for what we have invested. Not all sales mind you but most perhaps. When I was hunting very big and dangerous game I had built two custom Bolt rifles and one double. When I sold them the bolt guns had increased their value but the double sold at a minor loss. That often is the nature of these guns and I knew it going in.
This Forkin gun might bring a handsome profit for the OP and I hope that happens, many responders seem to agree; so why tell him your experience of selling at a loss will also be his, humm?
On another note; I built up a Chevy Malibu many years back, lost my Ars on that one!