Jul 06 2005
Gun math…an introduction.
Ok, here’s a conversation I’ve had more than a few times at the range and with other firearms enthusiasts.
$200 Rifle +
$200 Aftermarket accessories =
$400 Rifle
Right? Wrong!
Lets define a few terms before we get rolling on this one. There are “custom” upgrades which require technical proficiency or a gunsmith to install, there are “tweaks” which are upgrades made in an effort to wring more accuracy from the rifle, and there are “asthetic” upgrades which serve only to increase the LCF (“Look cool factor”) of the rifle.
Now I’m not bashing anyone who wants to “pimp out” their rifle, it’s theirs to do with as they please (and you don’t have to look far to find I’m guilty of this too), the concern is when they expect to recover the cost of all their “upgrades” in the resale price of the rifle.
This is the reason I stress to people making these sort of asthetic changes to keep the original furniture and fittings in case they decide to sell. They can list the rifle in its modded configuration and if it sells great, throw the original stuff in as part of the bargain. If it doesn’t they can always strip the aftermarket stuff off the rifle and part the upgrades out recovering their investment.
(My “Anti-zombie” SKS-D)
My Tactical SKS is a prime example of this. It’s a $200 rifle, wearing $200 in accessories and upgrades. It performs only marginally better than when it came out of the box. Is it now a $400 rifle? No, not unless I find exactly the right buyer.
Am I happy with the rifle? You’re damn skippy I am, all the modifications were made to suit me, but this really is not a true “custom” rifle (it’s a “custom” stock, but the rifle is exactly the same as the day I bought it).
Damn skippy looking anti-zombie deactivation device there Mon!
I’ll be picking up a Winchester 94 Trapper Carbine later this month. If not the Trapper, then just the regular 94 Classic in 30-30.
As you know, I’ve always wanted a lever gun. Must be all those misspent hours watching “Hop Sing” on the tube as a kid!
Hehe…
Ya know Patrick, for some reason I can picture you with a lever action…it just seems fitting.
I’m not sure why that is, it just seems to suit you.
-GRIN-
Robert J. Ringer called it (IIRC) the GOLD-PLATED BATHROOM FIXTURE syndrome. The seller wants to get paid back for all of the nonessential addons; the buyer will only be willing to pay for those he finds necessary and has no interest in coughing up bucks for stuff he doesn’t want or need.
Example: (I’m shopping for a motorcycle at present)”Nice saddlebags/custom pipes/chromed wheels/et cetera. I don’t want ‘em. How’s about you take them off, put the OEM parts back on, and knock the price down a bunch?”