So...what is the big deal about a box?
- Thread starter lawdog530
- Start date
Whether you personally find the original box to be useless is fine, but irrelevant. The fact is that having it has been shown to enhance demand and therefore value in older guns, and for whatever reason, it seems to be a real positive when selling/trading newer ones. People generally seem to prefer a used weapon coming with all the factory stuff, if possible.
I wheel-n-deal on the local used market via Armslist and another site, and I tend to be put at ease getting into a used gun when it comes with the original box, papers, all mags, and even the receipt.
Just yesterday I got in a small pizzing contest on a classified site with some guy selling a new-production pistol, but didn't have the plastic hard case, or the expensive 2nd magazine. This always rings alarm bells with me, since these are items that virtually NOBODY would throw away.
If we're talking about a WWII-era Walther P38, then sure, no box and only one mag isn't suspicious, but when we're talking about a PPS, that's only been out a few years, not having the nice factory hard-case, papers, and especially the expensive extra mag, is a big red flag, for me anyway.
Since tossing the boxes from my first several weapons purchases back in the 80's, I've gotten in the habit of just tossing the cardbaord boxes up in the attic, and generally keep pistols in the factory,plastic case. It's no trouble, and I feel it's been a helpful selling point when selling or trading, so there really isn't any downside here.
I wheel-n-deal on the local used market via Armslist and another site, and I tend to be put at ease getting into a used gun when it comes with the original box, papers, all mags, and even the receipt.
Just yesterday I got in a small pizzing contest on a classified site with some guy selling a new-production pistol, but didn't have the plastic hard case, or the expensive 2nd magazine. This always rings alarm bells with me, since these are items that virtually NOBODY would throw away.
If we're talking about a WWII-era Walther P38, then sure, no box and only one mag isn't suspicious, but when we're talking about a PPS, that's only been out a few years, not having the nice factory hard-case, papers, and especially the expensive extra mag, is a big red flag, for me anyway.
Since tossing the boxes from my first several weapons purchases back in the 80's, I've gotten in the habit of just tossing the cardbaord boxes up in the attic, and generally keep pistols in the factory,plastic case. It's no trouble, and I feel it's been a helpful selling point when selling or trading, so there really isn't any downside here.
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Hoov
Member
I agree that it shows someone might have taken care of it. Would it help the value of a Smegma? No. Would it help the value of a Registered Magnum? There ya' go.
Well, after reading all the responses, I guess I really shouldn't have trashed the boxes on my two Bren Ten's.
Like I said earlier, not having a box won't keep me from buying a pistol I want, but it is a plus for me.I still have the box that my 686-2 came in some twenty odd years ago. I didn't know anything about the OEM box adding value back then, it just made sense to me to keep it. Whenever I get a new or new to me gun, It gets placed in a Boyt pistol rug. The box goes into my storage unit, in a bag full of boxes. They are wrapped in a thick garbage bag to keep them from mildewing. That's the way I've always done it & I will continue to do it that way.
I can tell you that it is nice to have the factory box for your FBI 1076!
All of my weapons are tools and I have the box for each and everyone. I don't expect much resale value of any of my guns as they all have scratches and dents. They are well maintained internally and function flawlessly. Some day I guess the box may be worth more than the gun. : )
BruceM
Member
Yep, you 86'd $300 to $400 minimum worth of corrugated paper with that move. Those boxes are a proprietary size and along with the rubber stamped address in the corner, cannot be replaced.
Bruce
03Fatboy
Member
Well, after reading all the responses, I guess I really shouldn't have trashed the boxes on my two Bren Ten's.
Such as life. Your not alone. Many have tossed a box or two, without regard of the cost impacts. We make decisions everyday and I make mine without regard to what others think here! Live and learn
Well, after reading all the responses, I guess I really shouldn't have trashed the boxes on my two Bren Ten's.
Along with your extra magazines?
NH Old School
Member
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I will join those who think that, while the original box and papers have little practical value, the fact that the owner(s) saw fit to keep them, especially if they kept them in good condition, tends to indicate a certain attitude toward their possessions which would bode well for the care they took of the firearm as well.
Of course if the gun is decades old, then there may have been multiple owners, and it becomes less likely that box and papers would survive.
Of course if the gun is decades old, then there may have been multiple owners, and it becomes less likely that box and papers would survive.
Yeah, but they DON'T have "little practical value", that fact has been attested to here several times. The tangible, cash value of many older guns is often significantly increased by having the factory box, and I know for a fact, from many private sales,trades and purchases, that a good many people consider it a major plus to have the original box and extras.
If you can have these benefits, for merely the effort of tossing them in a big box up in the attic and forgetting about them, there's no rational reason not to.
I think a quick search of the bay store will show that boxes sell and people are willing to pay for them; so there is a market.
I am a shooter, not a collector. I save all the boxes (shipping, exterior, interior, etc.), papers, manuals, etc. for any gun or other expensive items (watches, knives) I buy. Rational or not, these things add value upon resale. Even if I don't plan to sell any particular gun, someday my heirs will receive these items and why would I want to devalue my possessions to them? Plus, the boxes are easily thrown in the attic, so they are super easy to save. Original boxes are basically free money so why chuck them in the trash?
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I can't even throw away the box for my weedeater.
Ross3914
Member
What I find interesting is the amount of value a "non-original" box seems to have to some people.
Sure, I get the idea that an original box adds value to many. I don't understand how a box that had nothing to do with that gun, in any respect, adds some magical power to the gun's value.
It would seem to me that an original box that actually belonged to the gun would be worth something, especially with some collector guns. I just don't get the value some people place on the wrong box.
Sure, I get the idea that an original box adds value to many. I don't understand how a box that had nothing to do with that gun, in any respect, adds some magical power to the gun's value.
It would seem to me that an original box that actually belonged to the gun would be worth something, especially with some collector guns. I just don't get the value some people place on the wrong box.
Very good point. To me it's not the value of the box; it's a part of the package or sum of parts. It's always interesting that somehow a box not original to the gun is taboo while stocks not original to the gun get a pass.
Of course a lot of the preceding thread logic could apply to a number of items.
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Rick_A
Member
They make it easier for the wife to keep track of how many I have.
None of my older guns came with a box. More gun for less money to me.
Most of the newer ones come in cases that take up a lot of precious closet space. I've only used those for long distance moves or for airline check ins.
None of my older guns came with a box. More gun for less money to me.
Most of the newer ones come in cases that take up a lot of precious closet space. I've only used those for long distance moves or for airline check ins.
N4KVE
Member
Many people don't care about a box, & I base that on the fact that many guns that are traded into our store have no box. A plastic case is one thing, but we bring hundreds of guns to each show, & the ones in cardboard boxes look like trash after a few shows. Especially the Ruger Mini 14 boxes, & Taurus boxes look like junk after 5 gun shows. No wonder people throw them out. Sure, an original box from a 70 series Gold Cup can add value to the gun, but a S&W Shield is worth the same with or without a box. GARY
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