So...what is the big deal about a box?

[lawdog530]

Seems like everyone inquiring about a gun for sale and the potential buyer always asks if it comes with the box. Unless someone is an investment-grade collector, why do ordinary shooters care if there is a box? I get a new gun and I trash the included gun lock and cheap box it all came in.

My guns are stored in a humidity-controlled safe. I don't need the box for anything. Really! Keeping the box is kind of OCD. You'll never use it for anything.

 

[rusty37874]

That is a textbook description of a shooter vs. collector way of thinking

To the shooter, everything you say is true

Collectors cringe at the thought

 

[Muss Muggins]

This is only my opinion, but to me, having the box and the original accessories demonstrates that the previous owner(s) exercised a certain degree of care with the firearm. Not having those items reduces the price I will pay, to a degree. I am a shooter, and not a collector, but still . . .

 

[Mr.Gato]

As with every other item that is bought or sold, having the box and associated paperwork and accessories will always add value. This might be less true for more modern items but surely holds true for anything vintage.
The market demands it so that's how it is.

 

[Model52guy]

I'm sure, the guy back in 1931 who bought the k22 outdoorsman I now own, thought the same thing; "who needs this cheap pasteboard box". Last one I saw go on eBay sold for $800.

 

[arjay]

Depends on the original buyers personality.Im sure my ex saved every box and piece of paper that came with anything she bought.Her parents were the same way.Too bad they never bought anything worth collecting [emoji1]

 

[bob42]

great response arjay! It made me laugh. Thanks

 

[mlk18]

If I kept the box for every gun I have purchased I would need to rent a storage garage. I tend to keep the newer plastic cases, but even those are a pain in the butt to keep stacked up and out of the way. Sure, it would be no big deal if I only owned 3 guns. And yes, I might be tossing out a box that might be worth $800 some day (presuming enough other people throw them out to make them rare) but not living in a cluttered hole that looks like an episode of Hoarders is worth way more than $800 to me.

 

[tcon]

A "Potty Mouth" Po talking TeleTubbie with box sells for over $50 on eBay!

There's one box I wished I saved. I have more than my fair share of 5.56mm AR carbines. In the early 90's at a gun show, I bought a new Green Label R6520 with the AR15 A2 Gov't Carbine roll mark. $750 plus tax. The ones currently in the gun stores were "Sporters" and they had a sear block built into the receiver.

I shot about 20 rds thru the 6520 and was absolutely amazed at the perfectly round apple-sized group at 200m with small aperture peep. I cleaned it up and said I was going to "save it". It stays in a BoreStor in the back of my safe. I know... stupid. I do have the label that fell off the end of the box but it would be nice to have the packaging in case I wanted to sell it. Ehh... who am I kidding.... I'll never sell it.

 

[loeman]

I like to get the box etc. when I buy a used gun, but it sure isn't a deal breaker. I store my guns in their boxes (if I have them). It makes it easy for me to identify what's inside. When I don't have the box, I buy those cheap wooden boxes and put a coat of stain and poly on it. Somehow I feel a gun needs a box like a boy needs a puppy.

All that being said, I'm NOT paying a crazy price just to get the exact box for one of my guns that doesn't have one.

 

[DocB]

The boxes are rarer than the guns because everybody throws the box away. Nobody throws the gun away.

 

[opaul]

To each his own. If anyone has any useless older S&W boxes please send them my way. Even better if the papers and goodie are included.

 

[ladder13]

Anyone have a pre war RM box and paperwork want to unclutter their possessions?

 

[lowriderfxr]

Anyone have a pre war RM box and paperwork want to unclutter their possessions?

Would folks pay a lot for one of those?

 

[nocents]

I would never pay more for a gun just because it had the original box.....that said .....I would never throw one away because of how many people seek those guns out

 

[85V65Sabre]

I don't consider myself a "collector".
But if I find a gun I like for a good price and the numbered box and papers are included..... I consider it a bonus.

 

[gmiller0737]

I like to get the Box when possibile & I do save Them & All Papers,But I don't worry that much about not getting 1,There is a fairly big Market for Boxes if Fakes are out there especialy Colt Boxes.

 

[opaul]

I went to a lot of trouble to save this box just because it was original to the pistol. Is it worth anything - probably not but it is the box that came with the gun.

 

[timn8er]

This is only my opinion, but to me, having the box and the original accessories demonstrates that the previous owner(s) exercised a certain degree of care with the firearm. Not having those items reduces the price I will pay, to a degree. I am a shooter, and not a collector, but still . . .

I agree. It also makes for more of a complete package. Not having a box won't keep me from buying a pistol, but I consider it a plus when it does. I'm no collector; I shoot all of my guns.

 

[ladder13]

Would folks pay a lot for one of those?

never had either, or a RM, but would like to find out.