handgun markings

Question
my husband has been given a handgun by a friend. it's a 45 and the only markings it has is on the handle: R.M.T. So El Monte CA. can you identify this or tel us where and how to look for gun markings?

Answer
Hi Noney.

Hi.

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the values are always current so beware of older printed copies which are often sold at a discount but usually contain outdated information.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 may also be able to find similar guns on one of these sites, and if so then the ads will contain more detail which may help you:

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

Good luck with your research.

Bob