In this episode of SmythBusters, Steve and Caleb explore whether upgrading your firearm, specifically an AR-15, increases its resale value. While personalizing a firearm may enhance its performance and feel, the hosts discuss how such upgrades often don’t boost the gun’s market value, and in many cases, can actually decrease it. They offer advice on returning firearms to factory condition for resale and the benefits of selling upgrades and accessories separately.
What You Will Learn
Viewers will learn about the impact of firearm upgrades on resale value and the importance of considering buyer preferences when making modifications. They’ll also discover practical tips on how to maximize the value of their firearms and accessories, whether selling or trading.
Benefit
By watching, viewers can avoid common mistakes when selling or trading firearms and accessories, ensuring they get the best possible return on their investment. Whether you’re upgrading your gun for personal use or considering selling it down the line, this episode provides valuable insights into firearm resale strategies.
Does Upgrading Your Firearm Increase Its Value?
In this episode of SmythBusters, Steve and Caleb from Brownells dive deep into a topic that's on the minds of many gun enthusiasts: does upgrading your firearm, specifically an AR-15, actually increase its value? While the focus is on the AR-15, the insights shared apply to any firearm, whether you're working with a rifle, shotgun, or handgun.
The Premise: Personalization or Value Boost?
Upgrading your firearm is often a personal choice, driven by a desire to make the gun feel and perform better for your specific needs. However, the question arises: does all that customization and personalization actually increase the value of your firearm? According to Steve and Caleb, in most cases, the answer is no. The upgrades you make are often tailored to your preferences, and unless you find a buyer with similar tastes, they may not add any real value to your gun.
A classic example is the addition of scopes or optics. As Steve points out, there's an old rule in the gun world: if you're selling a gun with a scope, take the scope off and sell it separately. The buyer may not have the same preference for the optic, and they may prefer to buy the firearm at a lower price and purchase their preferred optic on their own.
The Importance of Restoration to Factory Condition
Steve and Caleb discuss how upgrading various components of your firearm, like grips or stocks, can actually decrease its resale value if the buyer doesn’t like the modifications. For example, Caleb’s custom AR-15 build features a Diee Company grip and a Magpul SLS buttstock, both of which have a distinct design that appeals to some but may not be to everyone’s taste. If you're trying to sell your firearm, the best approach is often to return it to as close to factory condition as possible.
This same logic applies to handguns, where custom grips, though appealing to the owner, may not be as attractive to potential buyers. If someone finds the custom grips unattractive, it could make it harder to sell the gun for what you had originally invested in it.
Selling Accessories Separately
If you’re looking to sell accessories or upgrades you’ve added to your firearm, it’s often best to list them separately. Platforms like ARFCOM (which Caleb and Steve both recommend) are great places to buy and sell gun parts and accessories, allowing you to get the most value for individual components.
Conclusion
When it comes to selling a firearm, less is often more. Returning your firearm to its original configuration and selling any added accessories separately is the best strategy to get the most value. While upgrading a gun is a great way to personalize it, it's important to remember that what works for you may not appeal to the next buyer.
If you agree with Caleb and Steve's approach, or if you have a different perspective, let them know in the comments. And be sure to tune in for the next episode of SmythBusters to learn more firearm tips and insights!
