Top tips for buying guns at auction

Let’s make no bones about it, buying a brand new gun can be expensive, especially if you want something that’s got a bit of character. One option to avoid this is to see what’s available in your local gunshop’s second-hand section, or, as we shall discuss here, to buy at auction. 

Whether you’re after a bargain side-by-side or a London Best gun at a fraction of the price of a new one, auctions are a great option. However, buying at auction does take some care, both to avoid a duff or unsuitable gun and to make sure you don’t pay more than you want. I spoke to William Threlfall, Sporting Gun specialist at Bonhams, to get some top tips for anyone thinking of giving the auctioneer a nod.

NOTE - the guns pictured in this article are up for auction in the next Bonhams Sporting Guns sale on 27th May.

Bonhams Specialist William Threlfall with a pair of Ken Hunt decorated guns by J. Purdey & Sons, sold on 3 December 2020 for £ 47,750 inc. premium.

Know what you want and don’t get distracted

Auctions can have several hundred lots, and it can be easy to get overwhelmed or over-excited by the choice. It can really help to approach an auction with a good idea of the sort of thing you’re after. “Our sale catalogues are published well in advance of the actual auction, both in print and online, so if you’re after a pair of Purdeys, just focus on those lots that are relevant. It will make the decision making process so much easier,” says William.

Know you budget and stick to it!

While there is usually a reserve price on auction lots, bidding wars are fairly common, William told me. It can be easy to get carried away in the heat of the moment and pay not only more than you wanted for something, but more than the item is actually worth,” William offered this sage advice: “Set yourself a firm upper limit, taking into account any fees and commissions that you’ll have to pay should you win the auction. Above all, stick to that limit. There’s nothing worse than feeling the dreaded “buyer’s remorse” once the excitement of bidding has worn off.”

A pair of 20-bore 'The Sporting Model' single trigger over-and-under ejector guns by Holland and Holland
Guide Price: £45,000-65,000

Don’t buy without viewing it in person first

When buying a shotgun at auction, the phrase caveat emptor (that’s “buyer beware”, for those of you who have forgotten your Latin) is important to keep in mind at all times. More so than when buying a second-hand gun from a gunshop, it is vital to be sure of the condition of the gun you’re bidding on. 

William said: “All guns must be in proof to be sold, but it is important to be aware of any flaws, be they cosmetic or more significant. We usually have five days of viewing before the auction, so there’s ample opportunity to give a gun the once-over. If you’re not too confident when it comes to these things,  it can be a good idea to take a knowledgeable friend along with you.”

While you may be able to live with a few cosmetic blemishes - they may even add a bit of character - these can often be a sign that a gun has led a tough life, so check everything very carefully. 

“Most important,” according to William, “is to check for mechanical and structural defects. Check all the woodwork for cracks and oil staining as well as the barrels for dents, bulges, and pitting. You’ll also want to check the ejectors, and that the gun is not ‘off the face’ (loose).” He adds that some hairline cracks may be almost impossible to detect with the naked eye, so extra care should be taken when looking at the stock and fore-end. 

"Along with this" says William, "it is very important to check that the ribs remain tight. This can usually be checked very simply by hanging the barrels from the lump and tapping them - if they ring like a bell they're in good order. If they don't remove the ejectors and try again. If that still doesn't produce a clear tone, you can tap your fingernail all the way down the length of both the upper and lower rib and you'll be able to locate where the problem lies." Checking the ribs is important, he says because it can be quite an expensive fix to put right.

A fine 12-bore assisited-opening sidelock ejector gun by Boss & Co.
Guide price: £10,000-15,000

Finally, you’ll want to be sure that the gun is right for you - does it feel right when you mount it, and does the balance feel good for your style of shooting? Most importantly, does it fit, or can it be adjusted to fit? William explained: “Most guns can be adjusted, but those with a lot of cast, or that have previously been adjusted, may present some problems. If a gun is way off what you need in terms of fit, you may be best off to consider a different lot.”

When I asked about how viewing a gun has worked in the last few months of lockdowns and social distancing, William told me that at Bonhams they produce detailed condition reports upon request, and can provide additional photos of the entire gun. “Plenty of people are happy to bid on guns on the basis of our condition report and a conversation with me over the phone, and we have done numerous video calls for clients living aboad, so if you’re unable to attend the viewing, you can still bid with confidence.” he explained.

A fine pair of Kelly-engraved 12-bore round-bodied single-trigger sidelock over-and-under ejector guns by J. Purdey & Sons
Guide Price: £70,000-90,000

After the auction

If all goes according to plan, the auctioneer’s hammer will come down and you’ll find yourself the proud new owner of a pre-loved shotgun. William advises that the final stage in the process ought to be with a trusted gunsmith. “As I mentioned before,” he says, ”all guns sold have been checked that they are in proof, and have been checked over for major mechanical faults, but before your firing your new gun, it is wise to get it looked over by your gunsmith for internal wear and tear, and, of course, have any fit alterations made.” He adds that depending on how much of your budget you spent at the auction and the condition of the gun, you may decide to have some ‘touching up’ and minor repairs done at this time too. “It is always best to do this sooner rather than later, as defects can often get worse with usage,” he says.

A fine and rare Coggan-engraved 10-bore triple-barrelled single-trigger ejector gun by MacFarlaine
Guide Price: £7,000-10,000

Hopefully these tips should give you some confidence in buying a gun at auction. If you’re keen to put your new knowledge to the test, you can do so at the next Sporting Guns, Rifles and Vintage Rifles sale at Bonhams, which takes place on 27th May 2021 in Knightsbridge. “If anyone has any queries or would like further advice, I’m always available to discuss items in the sale,” concludes William.

You can contact the Sporting Guns department on +44 20 7393 3815 or via email. You can also follow Bonhams on Instagram.

An unusual pair of 12-bore self-opening sidelock ejector guns by J. Purdey and Sons
 Guide price: £6,000-£8,000