<h1>How to Get Your AN/PRC-117G Field Radio Appraised</h1> <p>The AN/PRC-117G is a cornerstone of modern military communications, commanding significant value in specialized markets. Whether you're disposing of military surplus equipment, insuring legacy assets, or evaluating equipment for organizational purposes, understanding how to properly appraise this sophisticated tactical radio ensures you receive accurate, defensible valuations. With market prices ranging from <strong>$1,500 to $3,000</strong> for typical examples, professional appraisal becomes essential for financial and legal protection.</p> <h2>Understanding the AN/PRC-117G's Market Position</h2> <p>The AN/PRC-117G represents the pinnacle of military radio engineering, deployed by over <strong>40 countries</strong> worldwide since its introduction in 2003. This isn't simply a communication device—it's a sophisticated system that integrates encrypted voice, data transmission, and battlefield management capabilities into a ruggedized, portable platform. Understanding what drives its value helps you navigate the appraisal process with confidence.</p> <p>What does PRC stand for in radios? <strong>PRC stands for "Portable Radio Communications,"</strong> a designation that reflects the radio's fundamental design philosophy of mobility and reliability. The "117G" designation indicates this is the latest generation of a lineage stretching back decades, with each iteration improving upon proven architecture. This generational distinction matters significantly during appraisal, as earlier variants (like the PRC-117F) command different valuations based on capability differences and remaining service life.</p> <div class="callout tip"><p><strong>Valuation Insight</strong></p> <p>AN/PRC-117G units with full encryption modules, original accessories, and documented military specifications typically achieve the upper end of the $1,500-$3,000 price range.</p></div> <h2>Key Technical Specifications That Affect Appraisal Value</h2> <p>When appraisers evaluate your AN/PRC-117G, they examine specific features that directly impact market worth. The radio's ability to support up to <strong>4 channels</strong> with encrypted voice and data simultaneously positions it above basic tactical communications equipment. What is the range of the 117G radio? Most operational documentation indicates effective range exceeding several kilometers in open terrain, though actual performance depends on antenna configuration, terrain, and atmospheric conditions—factors professional appraisers must consider.</p> <p>The AN/PRC-117G meets <strong>MIL-STD-810G standards</strong>, meaning it withstands extreme temperatures, vibration, humidity, and shock specifications that demand robust component selection and manufacturing precision. This military-grade durability translates directly to residual value—unlike consumer electronics that depreciate rapidly, military communications equipment maintains utility and replacement cost considerations that support valuation floors.</p> <p>Several technical characteristics distinguish the AN/PRC-117G from comparable systems. Its interoperability with legacy radios ensures backward compatibility with existing force structures, while integration with battle management systems adds tactical value beyond standalone communications. The radio's waveform capabilities—including frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology—provide security advantages that affect perceived worth among defense professionals evaluating equipment procurement.</p> <h2>Condition Assessment and Its Impact on Value</h2> <p>Professional appraisals of equipment and machinery rely heavily on condition grading, and the AN/PRC-117G follows established assessment protocols. Your radio's physical condition, functional status, and completeness of original components directly determine whether your unit falls toward the $1,500 floor or approaches the $3,000 ceiling.</p> <p>Physical condition encompasses the housing, display, controls, and antenna system. Units showing military field wear but no significant damage typically appraise in the mid-range. Complete example units—including original batteries, charging systems, encryption modules, and technical documentation—command substantial premiums over bare radios lacking accessories. Missing components significantly reduce value, as replacement parts for military communications equipment prove costly and difficult to source.</p> <p>Functional assessment requires verification of power-up capabilities, channel programming functionality, and basic transmit/receive operation. Units requiring significant repairs or recalibration naturally appraise lower than those demonstrating full operational readiness. Professional appraisers understand that military communications equipment repair requires specialized technicians and documentation, making equipment condition critical to valuation. Our guide on <a href="/blog/understand-the-value-of-your-equipment-and-machinery-with-an-appraisal">understanding equipment and machinery appraisals</a> explores these assessment methodologies in detail.</p> <h2>Documentation and Provenance Considerations</h2> <p>What waveforms are used by the AN/PRC-117G? The radio supports multiple military waveforms including SINCGARS, HAVEQUICK, and ASIP protocols—technical capabilities that legitimate military organizations and authorized government agencies require. Documentation proving authorized possession and proper deregistration from active duty becomes essential during appraisal.</p> <p>Your appraisal documentation should include equipment serial numbers matching all major subassemblies, original manufacturing specifications and technical manuals, decommissioning or transfer documentation from military organizations, and service records indicating maintenance history and component replacements. Professional appraisers recognize that military communications equipment carries regulatory considerations beyond typical personal property appraisals. Proper documentation establishing legal civilian possession protects both buyer and seller while supporting insurance or estate valuation purposes.</p> <div class="callout note"><p><strong>Compliance Consideration</strong></p> <p>AN/PRC-117G appraisals often require verification of export control status and encryption module deactivation/declassification, particularly for units potentially destined for international markets.</p></div> <h2>Market Dynamics and Comparable Equipment Values</h2> <p>Understanding how AN/PRC-117G values position within the broader military equipment market provides context for appraisal results. The radio's <strong>$1,500-$3,000</strong> valuation reflects its 20-year service record, proven reliability, and continued military relevance despite newer systems entering service. Unlike obsolete equipment that depreciates to salvage value, the AN/PRC-117G maintains substantial residual worth due to its technical capabilities and durability.</p> <p>What is the difference between PRC 158 and PRC 117G? The PRC-158 represents a newer, smaller form factor radio with enhanced features and higher power consumption, commanding premium pricing in markets prioritizing portability over legacy compatibility. The AN/PRC-117G, by contrast, occupies a middle ground—established technology with proven field performance at substantially lower cost than cutting-edge alternatives. This positioning supports steady demand from military organizations worldwide operating legacy communications networks.</p> <p>Professional appraisers evaluating communication and technical equipment utilize market data from military surplus channels, defense contractor procurement records, and international defense equipment markets. Comparable sales of similar-condition units provide baseline valuations that appraisers adjust for your specific unit's condition, completeness, and documentation quality.</p> <h2>When Professional Appraisal Becomes Essential</h2> <p>You should seek professional AN/PRC-117G appraisal when navigating insurance claims, estate disposition, organizational asset liquidation, or acquisition decisions. Insurance coverage for military communications equipment requires certified valuations acceptable to underwriters and auditors. Our guide on <a href="/blog/the-advantages-of-professional-equipment-and-machinery-appraisal">advantages of professional equipment appraisals</a> details how certification protects your interests.</p> <p>Estate planning involving military collections or organizational decommissioning initiatives benefit substantially from professional appraisals. Family members inheriting military communications equipment often lack technical expertise to assess value accurately, making certified appraisals essential for fair distribution and tax purposes. Organizations downsizing communications infrastructure need defensible valuations for surplus equipment sales and financial reporting.</p> <p>Acquisition decisions—whether purchasing individual units or entire communications systems—rely on accurate market valuations. The difference between paying $1,500 and $3,000 for comparable units represents significant capital expenditure justification that professional appraisals help clarify. Understanding factors driving individual unit valuations within the established range enables informed purchasing decisions.</p> <div class="callout tip"><p><strong>Military Equipment Insight</strong></p> <p>AN/PRC-117G units configured for specific military branches or operations sometimes command premium valuations due to specialized modifications or documented service history, making professional expertise invaluable for maximizing realized value.</p></div> <h2>The Appraisal Process for Tactical Communications Equipment</h2> <p>Obtaining a professional AN/PRC-117G appraisal follows established protocols for equipment and machinery valuation. You submit photographs, technical specifications, condition descriptions, and documentation through the AppraiseItNow secure platform. Credentialed appraisers experienced in military communications systems review your submission and may request additional images or information clarifying specific condition factors.</p> <p>The appraisal process includes physical or photographic inspection evaluating housing condition, display functionality, antenna integrity, and accessory completeness. Technical assessment verifies basic operational characteristics and identifies missing components affecting value. Documentation review establishes legal ownership status, decommissioning records, and any service modifications that impact valuation. For detailed insights on <a href="/blog/the-steps-of-a-proper-equipment-and-machinery-appraisal">steps of proper equipment appraisal</a>, our resources provide comprehensive methodology guidance.</p> <p>Our certified appraisers hold credentials including AAA, ISA, ASA, CAGA, and AMEA certifications, ensuring your appraisal reflects expert knowledge and industry best practices. The resulting USPAP-compliant report provides detailed valuation, condition assessment, and methodology documentation acceptable for insurance, legal, and financial purposes.</p> <h2>Maximizing Your AN/PRC-117G's Appraisal Value</h2> <p>Several practical steps enhance your radio's appraised value. Ensuring complete original accessories—batteries, charging systems, antennas, and technical manuals—substantially increases worth compared to bare units. Clean, well-organized documentation establishing service history and decommissioning procedures supports premium valuations.</p> <p>Proper storage conditions preserve equipment condition and functionality. Military communications equipment stored in climate-controlled environments with appropriate humidity control maintains component integrity and operational capability better than equipment exposed to temperature extremes or moisture. Maintaining your equipment's physical appearance and functional status directly translates to higher appraised values.</p> <p>Gather any available documentation establishing your unit's specific service history, manufacturing specifications, and technical capabilities. Military organizations occasionally provide decommissioning paperwork, service records, or configuration documentation that appraisers use to establish authenticity and verify component completeness. This documentation proves particularly valuable for units with documented military deployment history or unusual configuration variations.</p> <h2>Summary and Confidence in Professional Valuation</h2> <p>Your AN/PRC-117G represents a valuable piece of military communications technology worthy of professional appraisal expertise. The <strong>$1,500-$3,000</strong> market value reflects the radio's technical sophistication, global military adoption, and proven reliability across diverse operational environments. Professional appraisal ensures you understand your equipment's true worth whether selling, insuring, or distributing through estate planning.</p> <div class="callout note"><p><strong>Key Takeaway</strong></p> <p>A certified AN/PRC-117G appraisal from credentialed experts provides defensible valuation, comprehensive documentation, and confidence that you're making informed decisions about this valuable military communications asset. AppraiseItNow connects you with specialized appraisers experienced in tactical communications equipment valuation, ensuring accurate assessment and professional-grade reporting suitable for insurance, legal, and financial purposes.</p></div>