Comparing Firearm Package Deals When Accessories Have Different Values

Many people believe that evaluating a bundle of firearms, accessories, and other products is simple. They look at the total cost of the products that will be delivered to them and compare that to the cost of purchasing the same products separately. They then decide which bundle contains the most items. However, Dana is preparing to go to a range under the supervision of a firearms dealer and she is trying to decide between two similar bundles of products. The real value of the bundles is not as obvious as it might first seem.

Start by separating the firearm from the bundle

First Dana would price the main fire-arm on its own in similar gun ads, or get a dealer to give her a detailed list of costs and items in a 'package deal'. She would then assign a value to each of the other items included in the bundle, such as cases, magazines, locks, cleaning gear, holsters, etc.

I would rather pay for extras later. Even if a bundle seems cheaper at first, later you will have to spend money to replace unsuitable extras (e.g. pouches, cleaning kits). Therefore, it is more sensible to buy what you need immediately rather than later.

Additional costs that are not listed in the bundle advertised by the dealer, such as sales tax, transfer fees, shipping, and safety equipment that the buyer will require need to be factored into the total cost of the gun. Additionally, the cost of later required equipment can impact the overall value of the "bundle". Requirements and fees for these items change frequently and should be confirmed with the dealer as well as with official state and local government websites.

Give each accessory a practical value, not a catalog value

These accessories will have varying degrees of value to Dana depending on her need for them in the near term and her expectation of use for them in the future. An included lock will have high value if the storage of her gun is important to her. A holster will have high value if it is comfortable to wear. In general, Dana will want to assign the highest value to items that she needs now and will use frequently.

It is also important to check for compatibility of items such as magazines, holsters, sights, slings, lights and cleaning rods. Just because an item looks similar to other items of the same make and model does not mean it will be as useful. It is also possible that an item may look ok but be of poor quality. Ensure that all items are described in detail by the seller, and ask for make and model numbers for all accessories.

While consumables and extras in a firearm bundle may seem like a good deal, be sure to get all the facts. Extra ammunition for example may require special storage, and even be against the rules of a particular shooting range. And be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions for storage and use of the ammunition.

Check condition before assigning value

In terms of whether Dana should consider new or used firearms in her comparison of a bundle of accessories to purchase with the firearm and a bundle not to, the key point to consider is that new items are easier to evaluate for condition than used items. While there are many pros and cons of new vs used guns, for Dana's purposes a new gun would generally be best, as she'll be able to more easily determine what accessories will or will not fit, and get a better sense of the gun's overall finish and wear prior to purchase.

You can ask the dealer what is included in the sale, if he has inspected the firearm for damage, and if the accessories are original, compatible, and in good working order. Examine the exterior of the firearm for any visible signs of damage. Test all of the basic controls to make sure they are functioning properly. It is best to have a qualified professional inspect a used firearm for you.

Remember that safely handing over a firearm to buy it is more important than getting a good price. Always keep the muzzle of the firearm pointing in a safe direction, keep the action open on firearms that have not been designed to fire more than one cartridge at a time, keep your finger outside of the trigger guard of firearms that are not to be test fired and always follow the range's handling procedures or the procedures as spelled out by the dealer from whom you are purchasing as appropriate.

Treat storage and transport as part of the price

Dana initially believed the lock wasn't worth any value, because she had a plan to store her firearm at home. But upon reviewing the firearm bundle package, she saw how the lock and case would affect her plans for transporting the firearm to the range. A hard case with a secure closure would be useful for her, while a soft cover would not protect her equipment.

Storage is not a product that you buy after you've purchased a firearm. It is a critical component of safe ownership of any firearm and should be considered prior to the purchase of the firearm. Storage of firearms must limit access by unauthorized individuals. It must also protect the firearm from damage. Dana's storage of firearms will likely reflect the storage of other household items and will need to be suitable for her household. Children, visitors, etc. that may come into contact with the area where firearms are stored must be specifically considered in Dana's plan for the storage of her firearms. Current official government guidance on the safe storage of firearms must take precedence over any consideration of locks, of methods of transport, of accessories, etc.

A low-value item such as a pouch could turn out to be an unnecessary cost for Dana when she finds an alternative that is better suited to her needs. Until she has thoroughly inspected all the items in the package, she has no way of knowing whether the case will be big enough, whether the holster will be comfortable or whether the cleaning tools will be of any use on her particular model of firearm.

Compare new and used offers on equal terms

Dana compares similar configurations with all the parts and accessories included in the sale. If some items are missing, she will not assign a value to them until she verifies their existence. In addition, Dana will ask the dealer if the used gun's original parts are included, or if some have been replaced by others. She will also find out if the replacements are of better quality than the originals, or if they are not.

In evaluating the value of used accessories as well, cracked optics mounts, broken gun strap clips, worn case zippers, and the absence of critical hardware such as scope rings, must all be given due consideration and not be solely relied upon to evaluate the usefulness of photographs of used gun accessories.

That the seller cannot explain the condition or major contents of a firearm and its accessories is sufficient to consider their cost in purchasing said firearm and its accessories. That this would result in Dana walking away from the deal is in her best interest, especially given she would likely be purchasing said extras had she purchased the firearm.

Confirm the transfer path before paying

The Dana's comparison of new guns for sale against used guns for sale needs to be compared on the same terms and variables i.e. same configurations. The comparison of 'what's included' in the bundle needs to be scrutinized carefully, especially for missing items of uncertain value that need to be verified before assigned value is given.

This also applies if the firearms are being shipped, are being transferred through a dealer, or are being purchased from a private party. Package deals sometimes are listed and/or paid for differently than the firearms in the package. A buyer must make sure he or she understands the complete transfer process for all items in the package before making any arrangements to complete the transaction.

Thus Dana's comparison of the various firearms for sale ends up not being between the size of the boxes but rather between the package of a particular gun and accessories and all of the costs and burdens to safely own that particular gun as opposed to the same for other firearms for sale.

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