what to do with surplus gun boxes?

I try to keep my boxs and all paperwork locks. Incase I want to resale later. Maybe contact the NRA or boyscouts they might want the locks. Not sure. Please let is know what you find out.

Actually, I just went through and junked most of the handgun boxes I was holding on to. I tore the info off the endcap, to grind up later, but I was tired of looking at them. Although I will admit... I'm down to the point where I don't expect to sell any of the handguns, for example, that I have... so the boxes have no value to me. Same with rifle boxes... I even junked the Browning boxes, because I know I'm not ever going to sell them.

As far as the hardware and extras, as almost every firearm comes with a lock, now, I don't see need to try to pass them on... but Meeks is correct, maybe check with someone local to see, first.

Actual parts... like grips and such... are another story. Waste not, whatnot.

Actually those gun box's are worth something. When it come's time to part with
one of your toy's, it will be worth more if you have all the paperwork in the original box!

I actually use my gunlocks for stuff, boxes I save for shipping stuff, paperwork goes in a filing accordion, random parts in the random part box.

I should also point out that none of my guns will ever have any collector value as I immediately modify them, so having all the accoutrement isn't a huge deal to me. If I did collect stuff or end up with something of the sort I'd keep all then packaging etc.

Over time you will never know what becomes collectable. I do have the box from my Ruger No.3
and that gun has become very collectable.

All the colt guys who threw away their boxes are kicking themselves.

So are some of the Smith guy's!

Yep, I have seen older S&W boxes going for a few hundred - just for the box!

Depends on the gun. My 100 year old Colt woodsman box is rough, but it is still a box and adds value and character to the gun. But a 20ga rem870 express box is a different story.

Though I suppose in 100 years it might not be different...

Heir Kommt Die Sonne said:

Oh no no it's not a surplus of Colt boxes i'm talking here but Glock, Steoger, etc. etc.

Click to expand...

Glock boxes make a stylish lunchbox, if you like a small lunch.

I keep some boxes but for my guns that are used hard or carried a lot, I don't bother.

As a buyer of used firearms, some with collectible value, I see an original box and a manual as a plus, and any useful accessories such as backstraps that came with it, as a double plus.

A lot of handgun boxes will fit in a 10 buck storage tote. Put them in one and stick it up in the attic.

I hang on to all of my old boxes and paperwork. Part of it is the collector in me but let's face it I'm not in the selling mode and haven't been for some time. I guess I just think that it's nice to have everything that goes with the gun and since they don't take up a lot of space, it's no big deal to hang on to them.

And one good thing; at least I don't keep any boxes around for guns I don't have any more!

I hang on to the cases and paperwork just because it's all right there and that way I have a way to transport my firearms in the event of a move. I know that a few years ago my parents were going through some old stuff and my dad came across the packaging that a Colt Commander had come in. He was able to get over $100 on ebay for it.

Yeah, I really don’t care if my guns gain value or not. I’m not taking them with me where I’m going and none of my heirs care about my hobbies.

The space they take up is not worth it to me in the end. Mainly for long guns.

That said, I do still have most of the boxes for my handguns. If the are a practical case type box like the more recent Glock and S&Ws, among others, then I will almost always keep it. As well as any from guns that are established collectors items.

I just bought a Ruger American Ranch rifle. It’s a cheap I rifle that will be common garbage years from now. The kind of crap people try to trade you for a Colt Combat Commander. That thing is never gaining significant value over inflation. Maybe I’ll be wrong but I won’t regret it if I am.

Compulsively Holding onto boxes for guns definitely lives in the same vein as the greater generalized gun accumulation/never sell a gun disorder that pervades this hobby.