Gun boxes
- Thread starter Axis II
- Start date
Frulk
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- Nov 26, 2018
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- 1,588
You’re gonna get a broad range of opinions on this topic. I try to shoot all of the guns I have so they are no longer NIB. That precludes getting the high-end serious collectors dollars for any of them. I just recently cleared out the loft above the reloading room and tossed out a bunch of cardboard boxes for the rifles and shotguns. I kept all the boxes for the handguns because they didn’t use up as much space. I did keep two or three boxes for long guns because those models have a demonstrated interest by collectors, regardless if they’re new or not.
A box for any gun will sweeten the deal when selling/trading but may not add to the value.
I keep them all, just me though.
Our house has 9ft ceilings and 9ft ceilings in the closets too.
I put a shelf bracket on every stud, up high above the closet shelf.
No shelf, just brackets, and stack rifle boxes/cases up there.
Another good place is among the roof trusses in the attic.
Find a place and keep them all.
jmo,
.
I keep them all, just me though.
Our house has 9ft ceilings and 9ft ceilings in the closets too.
I put a shelf bracket on every stud, up high above the closet shelf.
No shelf, just brackets, and stack rifle boxes/cases up there.
Another good place is among the roof trusses in the attic.
Find a place and keep them all.
jmo,
.
Armed 24/7
Member
I dont keep the cardboard ones on rifles or shotguns, but I keep the plastic boxes that pistols come in.
buddyd157
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- Joined
- Mar 3, 2020
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- 452
i keep plastic and cardboard boxes, and any safety/owners manual, as well as the empty chamber indicator, and plastic "baggie" the gun sometimes comes in, and any trigger tags.. when i sell a gun, the box (and contents) goes with the new owner, to do with it as he/she pleases.
to me, it sorta is like a more complete sale of the gun.
i got the room for all those boxes, so no issue for me to keep'em.
to me, it sorta is like a more complete sale of the gun.
i got the room for all those boxes, so no issue for me to keep'em.
bannockburn
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- Apr 24, 2007
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- 26,299
Generally speaking I save the plastic cases and cardboard boxes mainly because they're easier to stack in the safe that way.
After I read through the manual I put it back in the box so that way I don't have to go looking for where I put them last.
After I read through the manual I put it back in the box so that way I don't have to go looking for where I put them last.
Cardboard boxes go to LGS, who can always use them for shipping other guns. Plastic ones are up in the rafters.
JTHunter
Member
Axis II - several years ago, I asked 2 vendors at a local gun show about a gun I inherited. It wasn't NIB and I have fired it but the caliber is unusual (.32-20), expensive, relatively low powered, and hard to find. Both vendors checked their assorted books and, for the age and condition of the gun, classed it at 95-98%. Both asked if I had the original box (I didn't) as that would have boosted the value to 98-100% as only a tiny bit of the bluing was gone from the tip of the barrel. They said that this was from being put in a leather holster a number of times.
It's a S&W “Mod. of 1905 – 4th change” with a 6" barrel. Manufactured from 1915-1940 with a serial number ranging from 65,701 to 144,684. We figure this one was made in the mid 1930s as the number is 111xxx.
I tend to keep the boxes of the handguns I buy now (didn't use to) as you never know. Long gun boxes don't get saved unless very special.
It's a S&W “Mod. of 1905 – 4th change” with a 6" barrel. Manufactured from 1915-1940 with a serial number ranging from 65,701 to 144,684. We figure this one was made in the mid 1930s as the number is 111xxx.
I tend to keep the boxes of the handguns I buy now (didn't use to) as you never know. Long gun boxes don't get saved unless very special.
Attachments
If it is a rare gun, unfired or fired very little, along with all original paperwork it can add significantly to future value. Back in 2005 I bought a 1 of 500 made Marlin 336 chambered in 35 Rem, but in a SS Guide gun configuration. I paid $500 for the rifle. Fired 3 rounds through it and sold it a couple of years ago for $2500. Who knows what it would have brought without the box and paperwork, but I'm guessing it made at least $100 difference.
On common guns, even those that cost well into 4 figures I doubt if it makes much difference. Not enough for me to keep a bunch of boxes around. I can't say about guns in the 5 figure range, never owned a gun that cost me over $1200. But they are certainly less common so it probably does help.
On common guns, even those that cost well into 4 figures I doubt if it makes much difference. Not enough for me to keep a bunch of boxes around. I can't say about guns in the 5 figure range, never owned a gun that cost me over $1200. But they are certainly less common so it probably does help.
earlthegoat2
Member
Even though there is a mountain of evidence that keeping the box can enhance value down the road, Residual or resale value of my firearms is a pretty far off thought for me so I generally pitch them.
You never know what garbage may become someone’s treasure in the future though so if I think I might have something special, I may keep it.
You never know what garbage may become someone’s treasure in the future though so if I think I might have something special, I may keep it.
can alter any conversation
No.
Cardboard collects moisture and eventually starts to smell musty/mildewy.
Dave DeLaurant
Member
I've been stacking mine in my attic for the possible benefit of my heirs, thinking ahead to the day when I'm gone and my collection/accumulation will be quickly liquidated. I figure the original rifle boxes will be handy for shipping, if they leave here that way.
Original Colt and S&W handgun boxes are kind of nice on their own, but these days I rarely get them with the used guns I've bought. Not a deal-breaker for me -- the box can't shoot.
Original Colt and S&W handgun boxes are kind of nice on their own, but these days I rarely get them with the used guns I've bought. Not a deal-breaker for me -- the box can't shoot.
RKRCPA
Member
I keep mine in case I need to move or ship the items. Trying to find an appropriate box is a PITA.
Speedo66
Member
If you have the space, and a dry storage area, I don’t see any downside to keeping the boxes.
Even if it doesn’t add value, I know I get a kick out of having everything that a gun came with when new.
On the other hand, when my anti-gun brother bought a house and called to tell me he’d found a colorful Benelli shotgun box in the basement with a gun in it and wanted me to remove it, I was so disappointed after I‘d hurried there to find a $35 Crosman BB rifle in it.
Even if it doesn’t add value, I know I get a kick out of having everything that a gun came with when new.
On the other hand, when my anti-gun brother bought a house and called to tell me he’d found a colorful Benelli shotgun box in the basement with a gun in it and wanted me to remove it, I was so disappointed after I‘d hurried there to find a $35 Crosman BB rifle in it.
silicosys4
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- Jun 29, 2012
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- 3,667
Depends on the box. I had one original shipping box that was worth estimated $1k just for the box itself and doubled the value of the gun by being authentic to the gun and included with it.
It is so valuable because its a govt. shipping box from WW2 and grunts don't keep the box their gun came in. I keep as many boxes as I have room for because I have the space and if I sell a gun I don't like, having the original box helps it move better.
Decades ago people used to throw away old S&W boxes and Colt boxes, look how much having the factory box increase the value of a python or an old M29 today.
It is so valuable because its a govt. shipping box from WW2 and grunts don't keep the box their gun came in. I keep as many boxes as I have room for because I have the space and if I sell a gun I don't like, having the original box helps it move better.
Decades ago people used to throw away old S&W boxes and Colt boxes, look how much having the factory box increase the value of a python or an old M29 today.
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Speedo66
Member
I may have gotten carried away with this. I still have the original box my S&W handcuffs came in from when I started on the job in 1969.
Still have the cuffs, too. Stayed with me over 7 moves.
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bangswitch
Member
I don't know about other brands, but having the original box for a vintage (1982 or earlier) S&W revolver adds collector value. The blue or silver boxes with the stapled corners bring as much as $150, and a presentation case can go for $250-$450 depending on condition and whether it is mahogany or not. S&W walnut magna stocks (grips) are worth $150-$200 and Goncalo Alves Target stocks can be worth $400.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
I used to keep all that crap, no more! I have never had the box add any value to a sell or trade. They ask for them but never offer to pay more for them. So I no longer keep them. A few years ago I threw away probably 80% of my accumulated boxes. A ton of gray plastic Ruger boxes. It was like a colon cleanse. Nowadays, I'll often not even wait until I get home to ditch the box. If I can't leave it at the LGS, I'll stop by the local dump site to offload it.
I do keep the cardboard boxes from stuff like USFA's, older S&W's, Colt's, Rugers and Winchesters. Virtually none of the run-of-the-mill modern stuff.
I do keep the cardboard boxes from stuff like USFA's, older S&W's, Colt's, Rugers and Winchesters. Virtually none of the run-of-the-mill modern stuff.
It's kinda funny to see people clamoring for those. We used to toss them in the parts box as soon as we could, in favor of something more comfortable. I don't use a single set of factory S&W grips. Guess I need to offload them to Ebay.
lightman
Member
I save all boxes, expensive guns or less expensive. Its fairly easy for me as I have a large floored attic with not much stuff in it.
1KPerDay
Member
I have enough worthless crap in my house. Paper/styrofoam/cardboard boxes from the garbage-tier guns I usually buy go in the recycle bin. I save the manuals. I saved my Colt SAA 3rd Gen box… I’ll never sell it but maybe it’ll give my kids an extra $20 at the pawn shop after I die 
.
If I were collecting old S&W revolvers or Colts, yeah, the boxes matter for hardcore collectors. Boxes are being faked now and sometimes sell for hundreds of dollars FOR THE BOX.
Just because this happens with nice old Smiths that doesn’t mean I have to clutter up my shelves with 200 Pietta/Uberti/Stoeger/Ruger boxes. I won’t live long enough to see them gain or retain any value at all.
. If I were collecting old S&W revolvers or Colts, yeah, the boxes matter for hardcore collectors. Boxes are being faked now and sometimes sell for hundreds of dollars FOR THE BOX.
Just because this happens with nice old Smiths that doesn’t mean I have to clutter up my shelves with 200 Pietta/Uberti/Stoeger/Ruger boxes. I won’t live long enough to see them gain or retain any value at all.
Armybrat
Member
Boxes full of handgun boxes and a few AR component boxes here & there.
Only rifle box I have is for my Winchester 9422. (Not in photo)
Only rifle box I have is for my Winchester 9422. (Not in photo)
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Armybrat
Member
Used to have a little collection of about 35-40 boxed die cast metal cars. Gave most away to grandkids, so these are all I have left.
Might give those to my brother who has a couple of vintage Mercedes in his garage.
Might give those to my brother who has a couple of vintage Mercedes in his garage.
