Golden State Arms Corp Pasadena Calif

Question
QUESTION: Hi,

Back in 1973 I purchased (from a friend) his Centurion Model 123 CAL .30-06 (Manufacturer) Golden State Arms Corp of Pasadena Calif and still have and hunt with the gun today. What can you tell me about this gun (how old it is, was it considered a good gun to have, etc) the serial number to the gun is Z-32445?  Any information that you could give me on this gun would be welcome.

Thanks,

Steve

ANSWER: Hello Stephen.

The Blue Book of firearms lists the following data about Golden State Arms:

"Previous importer located in Pasadena, CA. Golden State Arms imported and subcontracted various firearms constructed by European and Japanese manufacturers - achieving private label status on some guns. Most firearms previously imported by Golden State Arms (including private labels) are not that collectible. In many cases, the shooting value will determine the price of a specimen. In some models or configurations which are currently desirable, however, premiums may exist."

So your gun is probably not valuable and was most likely an entry level gun sold by one of many common retailers back then.

To get an accurate value for your firearm I highly recommend that you refer to the Blue Book of Gun Values by S. P. Fjestad.  This book contains detailed history and pricing information for virtually every major firearm on the market including older models and obsolete brands.  It is well worth the price (especially if you own more than one firearm) and it is generally used as the sole source for appraisals by gunsmiths, collectors, and dealers.  This book is updated every year to ensure that the values are always current so beware of older printed copies which are often sold at a discount but usually contain outdated information.

You can access the book instantly online at https://store.bluebookinc.com/Home/default.aspx or purchase it from any major book store such as Amazon, Borders, Barnes & Noble, etc.  The price for either option is usually around $35 but I highly recommend the online subscription because you can get the information immediately plus check the site for updates at any time during the year.  If you don抰 want to pay the full price for an online subscription or printed book then you also have the option to download a single section of the book for a specific manufacturer.  The individual sections usually cost $5 or $10 but some of the sections are free.  Here is the link to purchase a section by manufacturer:  https://store.bluebookinc.com/InstantAccess/Manufacturer.aspx?product=5

You should also know there are many variables that significantly affect the value of any firearm and most of these details are impossible to discern without inspecting the gun in person.  The book mentioned above will educate you on all the details to look for and it includes many photos of real guns so you can learn how to distinguish between the finer points that can make a big difference in the value.  Once you have graded your gun according to the standard rating system then you simply look it up in the tables that are provided to see the current market value.  Any estimates that you get without a physical inspection are likely to be way off the mark in either direction so you need to do the research yourself or have an experienced professional appraise it in person to be sure you are getting an accurate estimate.

If you are certain of the exact manufacturer and model of your firearm and you have graded the condition accurately then you might be able to determine a fair street value by searching your local gun stores or the most popular auction sites to see what similar models are selling for.  Most auctions sites also allow you to search the closed auctions as well so you can see what similar items actually sold for.

http://www.auctionarms.com/
http://www.gunbroker.com/
http://www.gunsamerica.com/

There are also some gun dealers, pawn shops, and other retailers which post their inventory on the web but the sites above offer a pretty good chance of finding a similar gun since they are used by thousands of dealers across the US.

If you don't want to buy the blue book or check the value online then I suggest that you take the gun to a local gunsmith or gun shop which deals with similar guns, or to a local gun club or range where they shoot similar guns.  Chances are high that someone there will know enough to give you some good advice and many of them will gladly do this for free, although keep in mind that their opinions may be biased if they are interested in buying or trading for your gun.

Good luck with your research.

Bob


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I was more interested in the history of the gun and if the serial number I provided can tell me anything about the gun?  How old it is?  How many of that model was produced that sort of thing.  I like my gun and it shoots pretty well, I was not looking to sell it but merely curious about any facts about the manufacturer etc.

Thanks

Steve

Answer
Hello Steve.

Unfortunately the Blue Book doesn't contain much information about your rifle and they do not list it in the serial number index. The GSA company marketed rifles in the 60s and 70s but they are out of business now so you most likely won't be able to find any records about the exact manufacture date or history of your specific rifle.

There is an online book which contains a page about the Centurion model. It mentions that they were introduced in 1965. Here is the link:

http://books.google.com/books?id=tuVUMLRE47UC&pg=PA343&lpg=PA343&dq=Golden+State

And here is a search link which will provide a lot more info:

http://www.google.com/search?q=%22Golden+State+Arms%22+centurion

Hope this helps.

Bob