value of used guns question

[DEAGLER]

can I expect to pay much a difference between buying a used handgun with all factory accessories and box vs. handgun with generic box no accessories. (ie. no factory holster, mag loader, lock)

guess i'm basically asking does the handgun overall hold most of the value itself and accessories are a bonus?

[islandermyk]

guess i'm basically asking does the handgun overall hold most of the value itself and accessories are a bonus?

yes... this^


... but I'm also guessing [Coffee]

It would make sense though... having more mags than what you'd expect from getting a pistol brand new would/should actually help out, but i would say the pistol alone should hold it's value if not gain value (of course depending on the type and model)... and the extras you spent for are bonuses.

... but I could be wrong [Beer]

[spyder]

That's a pretty broad question... Depends on how used I would say. Remember, you can always go buy a nice holster, and the box... Who cares as long as it keeps your gun safe when you're lugging it around. Just my opinion.

[GilpinGuy]

guess i'm basically asking does the handgun overall hold most of the value itself and accessories are a bonus?

The last (and absolute last) time I went to Gunsmoke, I asked for a valuation of a few guns. Before even looking at the guns, the first question asked was "Do you have the original box?" Not "How many rounds through it", "You the original owner?" etc. So, some folks may care about these things.

And a big old "FU" to Gunsmoke for their disrespectful valuations and the assholish attitude I received there. I was totally insulted and I will not go back - ever.

[Great-Kazoo]

Having the box it came in to me, is worth a tad more than one that did not. It's like buying a used car, one with documentation i would be inclined to buy vs one that didn't.
Outside of magazines and or ammo not much more. Who cares it the seller has a Left hand X mfg holster when you're not left handed.
Same for finish, i have seen more mediocre paint schemes on an AR 4 sale than i ever want to. Sure it's priced $200 below all other AR's. Removing the paint job, UNLESS you're going to redo it is not worth my time, labor and headache.

[ray1970]

Having the box it came in to me, is worth a tad more than one that did not. It's like buying a used car, one with documentation i would be inclined to buy vs one that didn't.
Outside of magazines and or ammo not much more. Who cares it the seller has a Left hand X mfg holster when you're not left handed.
Same for finish, i have seen more mediocre paint schemes on an AR 4 sale than i ever want to. Sure it's priced $200 below all other AR's. Removing the paint job, UNLESS you're going to redo it is not worth my time, labor and headache.

I'm going to agree with most of what Jim said. Having the original box and all of the crap that came with the gun says to me that the owner either bought it new or that it has changed hands through several owners who were all maybe just a little more particular about keeping up with and taking care of their stuff. I typically won't pay extra for a bunch of holsters and crap I don't want. A couple of extra mags is a nice bonus if the total price is right but I won't buy a Glock for $700 just because the seller has 10 extra magazines with it.

I will have to disagree with Jim about the spray painted guns. If I can get one for hundreds less than a similar one and I have to spend half a day stripping paint, I will.

[Scanker19]

I find it very annoying when people throw away the orginal box. Having the box adds only to the "buy if factor" value and not the monetary value. I.e. two identical glocks one has the box, one does not, and both are the same price. I'd be more inclined to buy the one with the box.

Accessories add to value, but I usually apply %50 of the value to the item, and that's if I want the accessory. Mags I think can add value but again at about 50% value since its now a package.

[DEAGLER]

Ok thanks for everyones input!

[DEAGLER]

I find it very annoying when people throw away the orginal box. Having the box adds only to the "buy if factor" value and not the monetary value. I.e. two identical glocks one has the box, one does not, and both are the same price. I'd be more inclined to buy the one with the box.

Accessories add to value, but I usually apply %50 of the value to the item, and that's if I want the accessory. Mags I think can add value but again at about 50% value since its now a package.

I agree with you. I seen many people sell guns using generic boxes or no box at all. I don't know how one can misplace or lose one. I personally like it cause the serial number is on the box plus the box is distinctly made for the hand gun (cut out foam etc)

[kidicarus13]

IMO... refinishing a gun is like repainting a car, you'll never get out of it what you would a comparable gun with the original finish. Original boxes/instructions help, it tells me the owner(s) went out of their way to keep the gun as it was when it was new. I've never purchased a heavily modded gun or a gun beat to crap that had the original box (not Glock Tupperware). It's like the original owner of a car still having the window sticker in their possession after 100K miles, it tells me the owner cares about details that probably carried over to the maintenance and upkeep of the car. Extra factory mags and accessories are worth extra but not what you paid for them. If it's a holster I'll use I'll give you some money for it- Uncle Mike's... NO. Gun locks and NRA membership forms... toss that crap!

[eadgbe194]

Some magazines can be expensive and that should be included in the price of the package as well as ammo but boxes and holsters and stuff don't affect the price too much for me.

[BPTactical]

Original paperwork and packaging is critical if the firearm has any collector value. As far as a refinish, as a general rule it is detrimental to value as well. Ask yourself why it was refinished. If it was done because of holster wear that is one thing but if it bounced around under the seat of the truck for 10 years that is another.
Aftermarket stuff, figure 50 cents on the dollar for mags, holsters etc. Quality optics, lights etc are dependent on condition.
Purchasing a used firearm is like car buying, condition is everything.

[hobowh]

As far as packaging goes if it is a hard case I will keep it. If it came in a cardboard box and I plan to keep the gun and enjoy shooting it I cut off the serial num and pitch the box. If after some range time I do not like the feel I will keep the box for the next owner to decide. I have no use for piles of cardboard. If that cost me a little down the road so be it. I keep everything on padded shelves in a safe, and have multi gun cases for trips to the range. All the original cases go in keepers in the crawl space. When I buy a used gun it is all about condition I am not going to pay more to get the case nut if they are the same price and same condition I would take the one with the box.

[Sharpienads]

Gun locks and NRA membership forms... toss that crap!

Those are the only things I keep. I toss the box, manual, and safety information (safety is waaaaayyyyy overrated).

But I have a nice collection of locks. You know, in case I need to lock something. [Coffee]

[ChadAmberg]

Any time I get something that has a resale market like cars, guns, ham radios, etc., I do try to keep manuals, boxes, etc., as a courtesy for the potential buyer in the future. I've gotten used guns with and without manuals and accessories which doesn't bother me much. I do know some folks really like having it all. I figure a small box tucked away in the basement with other small boxes won't hurt anything.

[Wulf202]

Personally I won't pay any more for boxes or paperwork. I won't throw them away but they just take up space while I own the thing, i never transport them in their factory case which is usually clunky and awkward to use. Then again I'm not a collector.

accessories other than mags are usually worth about %50 of what you paid for them, sometimes less. Refinishing isn't worth anything and often detracts from the value as Jim said.

[SouthPaw]

I don't care for refinishes. I like to have the box but have bought and sold things for the same price with or without them. I personally keep everything (manuals, box, papers, cleaning rods, etc).