Here’s something that surprises newcomers to firearms collecting every single time: an ugly, worn original firearm will almost always be worth more than a beautifully refinished one. Collectors obsess over originality, that patina, those handling marks, the slight wear on the bluing tell a story and serve as proof of authenticity.
Documentation transforms a collectible firearm from just another gun into a piece with established value and verified authenticity. A factory letter, dated photographs, and verifiable provenance papers are the difference between guessing what you have and knowing exactly what it’s worth based on documented evidence.
SHOT Show 2026 delivered a genuine parade of innovation for firearms enthusiasts, with manufacturers pushing boundaries in ways that left even seasoned collectors reaching for their wallets. From Henry’s precision lever-action that shoots sub-MOA to ZEV’s folding pistol straight out of a spy movie, the show floor proved that the high-end firearms market isn’t just alive, it’s thriving with groundbreaking designs that challenge everything we thought possible.
