Certified Firearms Appraisals When Accuracy Matters
Virginia Innovations, Inc. provides certified firearms appraisal services conducted by a Certified Firearms Appraiser through the American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI).
Our appraisal services are designed for collectors, estates, insurers, attorneys, and fiduciaries who require accurate, defensible, and professionally documented firearm valuations prepared by a qualified appraiser.
Professional Certification & Qualifications
Firearms appraisal requires specialized training, experience, and adherence to recognized professional practices.
All firearms appraisals performed by Virginia Innovations are prepared by:
Dennis A. Gayness
President, Virginia Innovations, Inc.
Certified Firearms Appraiser – American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI)
This certification reflects formal training in:
- Firearms identification and evaluation
- Condition assessment using accepted grading standards
- Market research and comparable sales analysis
- Documentation suitable for insurance, estate, and legal purposes
Professional certification supports both valuation accuracy and fee reasonableness.
What Sets Our Certified Appraisals Apart
A certified firearms appraisal is more than a price opinion. When prepared for insurance, estate, or legal purposes, it must clearly document methodology, scope, and conclusions.
Virginia Innovations certified appraisals emphasize:
- Written appraisal narratives suitable for third-party reliance
- Objective, non-contingent valuation
- Market-supported comparable sales
- Condition analysis using accepted grading systems
- Clear documentation of scope and intended use
Appraisal Services Offered
Single Firearms Appraisals
Certified written appraisals are available for individual firearms requiring professional documentation for:
- Insurance scheduling
- Estate planning and probate
- Charitable donation and IRS Fair Market Value
- Historical documentation and collection records
Formal written certified appraisals typically start at $150 per firearm, depending on scope, complexity, and intended use.written appraisal report that can be used for insurance, legal, or estate purposes.
Firearms Collection Appraisals
For estates, collections, and institutional holdings involving multiple firearms, appraisal services are commonly billed on an hourly basis.
Collection appraisal services may include:
- Inventory documentation
- Consistent valuation methodology across the collection
- Market segmentation analysis
- Written summaries and supporting documentation
Hourly billing ensures accuracy, consistency, and defensibility when evaluating larger or mixed collections.
Intended Use & Scope of Work
The intended use of an appraisal directly affects its scope, documentation requirements, and research depth.
Virginia Innovations reviews intended use prior to engagement to ensure the appraisal scope is appropriate for:
- Insurance coverage
- Estate administration
- Charitable donation
- Legal or fiduciary reliance
Travel & On-Site Inspections
When on-site inspection or inventory is required, travel time and reimbursable expenses may apply.
- Local travel is typically included
- Extended travel is disclosed and approved in advance
Travel is billed separately from appraisal services to ensure transparency and accurate accounting of professional time.
Professional Independence & Ethics
All appraisal fees are:
- Based on documented scope and professional time
- Non-contingent upon firearm value or outcome
- Structured to preserve independence and objectivity
This approach supports defensible conclusions and protects all parties relying on the appraisal.
Request a Certified Appraisal Scope Review
Every appraisal engagement begins with a review of your needs to determine the appropriate scope of work.
📌 Request a Scope Review
📌 Discuss a Certified Estate or Collection Appraisal
Other Services
Firearms Business Consulting → /firearms-business-consulting/
Firearms Estate Planning Services → /firearms-estate-services/
Provenance Research → /provenance-research/
About Us → /about-us/