As the holiday season approaches, the gun resale market continues to show steady demand and healthy activity. October 2025 offered a strong mix of new inventory, consistent conversions, and a few key operational takeaways. At Cash My Guns, we’re keeping a pulse on what sellers are sending in, how quickly it’s moving, and what that means for the month ahead.
Here’s what the October data tells us about where the market is heading.
What Types of Guns Sold the Most in October?
During October, a wide variety of firearms passed through Cash My Guns, but several categories saw clear momentum:
Bolt-Action Rifles
Bolt-actions continue to dominate in both quantity and average auction sale price. We saw a steady stream of Remington 700s, military surplus rifles, and a notable uptick in vintage hunting rifles, particularly those chambered in .30-06, .308, and .270 Win.
Why it matters: These rifles are favored by both hunters and collectors. With deer season in full swing in many states, demand is expected to stay high into November.
Modern Semi-Automatic Pistols
Popular polymer-framed pistols, including Glock, Sig Sauer, Smith & Wesson M&P, and Springfield Armory models, made up a significant portion of sales. These were often accompanied by multiple magazines and aftermarket accessories, making them more attractive on the secondary market.
What to expect: November will likely continue this trend, especially as buyers seek reliable sidearms ahead of holiday travel or winter range time.
Collector and Vintage Firearms
October saw strong engagement with WWII-era firearms, lever-action rifles, and curios & relics with matching serial numbers. Brands like Winchester, Mauser, and Colt performed well at auction when paired with documentation or originality.
Forward look: Expect continued demand for collector-grade firearms, particularly from estate collections. Firearms with factory finishes, historical provenance, or limited production will continue commanding premium prices.
Tactical and Home Defense Shotguns
We observed a rise in pump-action and tactical shotguns, particularly models from Mossberg, Remington, and Benelli. Many sellers included side saddles, light attachments, or upgraded stocks, helping them stand out in listings.
Why this trend matters: As colder weather approaches and daylight hours shorten, many buyers prioritize home defense options, meaning November could be another strong month for this category.
Clean, Like-New Firearms Moved Quickly
Firearms in like-new or excellent condition sold the fastest, especially when accompanied by original boxes, manuals, and accessories. Cleanliness and presentation played a significant role in auction success.
Tip for sellers: If you’re planning to list in November, take the time to clean your firearm, include detailed photos, and highlight any original documentation, it can make a big difference in final sale price.
What Inventory Trends Suggest a Strong November?
Continued Volume in Mid-Grade Guns
We continue to receive a high volume of mid-tier firearms (typically priced between $300–$900), and these are performing well at auction. These include entry-level AR-15s, semi-auto .22LR rifles, basic hunting shotguns, and budget-friendly pistols.
Insight: There’s consistent demand from recreational shooters and first-time gun owners. This segment is likely to remain active through the end of the year, especially as Black Friday and Cyber Monday approach.
Shift Toward Higher-End Listings
October reports noted an increase in premium consignments, especially through the GunBroker Ventures channel. These include:
- Custom 1911s
- Tactical bolt-action rifles with optics
- High-grade over/under shotguns
- What it tells us: As we enter gifting season and discretionary purchases pick up, expect premium firearms to perform even better in November, particularly if listed before mid-month.
Is Now a Good Time to Sell My Gun?
Yes, and here’s why:
- Buyers are active heading into the holiday season.
- Collector interest is rising for documented, vintage, or matching-number firearms.
- Everyday carry and home defense guns are still moving fast.
- We’re seeing higher conversion rates on clean, well-documented firearms.
Final Thoughts: What’s Next for November?
As we turn the corner into November, we expect:
- High demand for bolt-actions and hunting rifles
- Continued movement of tactical handguns and shotguns
- Uptick in collector gun activity before year-end
- Fast-moving inventory under $1,000
If you’ve been holding onto a firearm you no longer use, or managing an estate with a gun collection, now is a strategic time to list, while buyers are active and auction engagement is strong. See what yours is worth now!
