it definitely has some impact on my decision a gun with very little to no after market support or a gun with high costing mags definitely is not as attractive to me.
Amenities
Over the past year my household has purchased several new handguns, and one thing that’s really struck me in the shopping process is the difference in amenities offered by each company. Now I know that the quality and price of the gun is first and foremost in the purchasing decision, but with so many fine firearms on the market I am finding that the amenities offered do in fact have some impact on my buying decision.
By amenities I am not talking about spare magazines (which are of direct significant value), but rather by the misc small/cheap niceties that some companies offer. For example, my wifes Sig P226 came in a VERY nice plastic case, which with some modification to the foam could make a nice 2 gun and 10 mag case. My sisters CZ75 came with a small fairly well built plastic case and a loading tool. By contrast my Jericho 941 came with a very flimsy plastic case and of course my PT92 came in a throw away cardboard box. By far the nicest set of amenities I think come with the Springfield line where they include a holster, mag pouch and loading tool.
Now I know that Taurus has made their rep by offering quality firearms at affordable prices, and part of the way they do that is by skipping extraneous costs. But the inclusion of amenities like a nice case and even the Springfield set, once production ramps up to the 10K plus mark, should be pennies per unit. And though none of the items are all that fancy, they still do their function and can at least delay if not eliminate the need for the buyer to go out and spend more money on these items themselves.
So my question is, how much does the inclusion of little niceties like these affect your purchase decision and do you think Taurus should start to include some of them?
In other words, if you were looking at say a Springfield 1911 and a PT1911 side by side for comparable prices, and their reps and comfort seemed to be equal, would the inclusion of the amenities sway you to the Springfield?
By amenities I am not talking about spare magazines (which are of direct significant value), but rather by the misc small/cheap niceties that some companies offer. For example, my wifes Sig P226 came in a VERY nice plastic case, which with some modification to the foam could make a nice 2 gun and 10 mag case. My sisters CZ75 came with a small fairly well built plastic case and a loading tool. By contrast my Jericho 941 came with a very flimsy plastic case and of course my PT92 came in a throw away cardboard box. By far the nicest set of amenities I think come with the Springfield line where they include a holster, mag pouch and loading tool.
Now I know that Taurus has made their rep by offering quality firearms at affordable prices, and part of the way they do that is by skipping extraneous costs. But the inclusion of amenities like a nice case and even the Springfield set, once production ramps up to the 10K plus mark, should be pennies per unit. And though none of the items are all that fancy, they still do their function and can at least delay if not eliminate the need for the buyer to go out and spend more money on these items themselves.
So my question is, how much does the inclusion of little niceties like these affect your purchase decision and do you think Taurus should start to include some of them?
In other words, if you were looking at say a Springfield 1911 and a PT1911 side by side for comparable prices, and their reps and comfort seemed to be equal, would the inclusion of the amenities sway you to the Springfield?
1 - 16 of 16 Posts
Good point. First and formost I look at the weapon first. If it is what I want, I can overlook the packaging. My range bag is HUGE but I can't fit more than 4 or 5 guns inside unless they are in rugs. With cases, that number goes down to 2 or 3. While the cases are a nice plus, they don't swing me either way on a purchase. I just purchased an EAA Witness Elite Match 45ACP a week or so ago and it came in a very nice lined pistol case with built in security locks, cleaning kit and only ONE magazine!! They could have kept the case and sent me two more mags and I would have been happier.
Doesn't affect my decision whatsoever. I'm buying the gun for the gun---that's it.
I have two XD pistols and both came with the XD gear. Let me say this:
1. The XD Gear holster is useless.
2. I don't use the magazine carrier.
3. I don't use the mag loader since my UPLULA loads all my magazines.
Maybe if they start throwing in 2 extra mags and night sights at no extra charge, then I'll get a little excited.
I have two XD pistols and both came with the XD gear. Let me say this:
1. The XD Gear holster is useless.
2. I don't use the magazine carrier.
3. I don't use the mag loader since my UPLULA loads all my magazines.
Maybe if they start throwing in 2 extra mags and night sights at no extra charge, then I'll get a little excited.
Agree with NYPD. Bought the Springfield XD in 9mm. and have the same experience.
Since it's the gun that's more important that's what I look at. If the amenities work,great. But as NYPD points out that's not always the case.
Better equipment other than factory supplied can be had as he points out.
For instance just in holsters, site sponsors and others beat what the gun company provided.
I ordered a leather holster for the XD and the recent Taurus aquisitions. Taurus revolvers that is.
Kydex is nice, but there are a few draw backs, If one needs to discreetly draw a weapon the sound of the gun coming out of the holster will tip the criminals off. Want to take the chance they will not hear that? Not me.
Kydex does not give or conform to the body as well as leather or other more plaint man made materials. Not for me anyway. Not much if any "give" in the kydex. Makes for some uncomfortable situations. Not all the time, but enough of the time. Having to adjust one's position constantly or have something dig into my side is not something I want to tolerate.
These are just examples.
Just to muddy the waters it seems that a few of the S&W supplied holsters work out. Not all. Just some.
Ruger supplies a mag loader that I am personally fine with and works well. However, the Uplula mag loader works better. Might get one in the future. Just comfortable with the mag loaders for the Taurus,Ruger, and XD pistols that I have for now.
Since it's the gun that's more important that's what I look at. If the amenities work,great. But as NYPD points out that's not always the case.
Better equipment other than factory supplied can be had as he points out.
For instance just in holsters, site sponsors and others beat what the gun company provided.
I ordered a leather holster for the XD and the recent Taurus aquisitions. Taurus revolvers that is.
Kydex is nice, but there are a few draw backs, If one needs to discreetly draw a weapon the sound of the gun coming out of the holster will tip the criminals off. Want to take the chance they will not hear that? Not me.
Kydex does not give or conform to the body as well as leather or other more plaint man made materials. Not for me anyway. Not much if any "give" in the kydex. Makes for some uncomfortable situations. Not all the time, but enough of the time. Having to adjust one's position constantly or have something dig into my side is not something I want to tolerate.
These are just examples.
Just to muddy the waters it seems that a few of the S&W supplied holsters work out. Not all. Just some.
Ruger supplies a mag loader that I am personally fine with and works well. However, the Uplula mag loader works better. Might get one in the future. Just comfortable with the mag loaders for the Taurus,Ruger, and XD pistols that I have for now.
I also agree with NYPD.
My XD pre-dates the XD Gear so I haven't used it but I don't see the point to acquire it. I'd rather have additional OEM magazines than the extra stuff that I probably won't use.
My first pistol was a Ruger KP89DC and it came with a sheet metal mag loader. The loader got bent while I was trying to fully load some full capacity magazines I bought. I didn't have much use for mag loaders after that for a while.
Steelheart
My XD pre-dates the XD Gear so I haven't used it but I don't see the point to acquire it. I'd rather have additional OEM magazines than the extra stuff that I probably won't use.
My first pistol was a Ruger KP89DC and it came with a sheet metal mag loader. The loader got bent while I was trying to fully load some full capacity magazines I bought. I didn't have much use for mag loaders after that for a while.
Steelheart
I agree that the weapon is first and foremost in the selection process, that's why I picked my PT 145 over several others in the category I was looking at. As far as amenities, they're nice to have, but not necessary for me basically because I like to purchase those items individually, according to my preference. When I received my PT 145 Pro SS it came with a nice durable plastic foam rubber case that can be locked, a bore brush on a rod, a magazine loader that works, and keys to lock my pistol's built in lock, plus the extra magazine, I don't have to replace any of these items, because they all work. Are all of these "extras" common with all Taurus pistols, or did I just hit the jackpot?
The case is nice, but you can not shot it. I picked my PT1911 after firing it. Rented it a Springfield mil-spec and the Kimber. I liked all three, but liked the way the PT1911 handled, fired and the feel. It had nothing to do with amenities. I am happy with the extra mag and the bore brush. No mag loader, bummer.
Xd has been offering a amenities package that includes a v shaped mag holder with sharp equipment rails . How many lights and lasers do they think we are going to carry. tried it on it works but have seen better plus 3 16 round mags it says $100 value. They had them at the gun show with the $100 thing covered for $119 nice guys, and the local gun shop for $69 OK getting close found one last one at a gun store $40, sold just for the 16 round mags alone I thought it was a good deal and the mag holder in a pinch would work.
Not all Taurus models come with a cardboard box. My 24/7 came in a nice plastic case with foam padding, the two magazines (10 and 15 round), and a bore brush. As for the Springfield kit, it looks great, but I couldn't buy the gun because I despise the trigger. A magazine pouch would be nice though.
Ahhh, the little extras. What the marketing and manufacturing folks call "lean manufacturing." If they can make the same product with fewer frills, they can hold down production costs. On the other hand, some folks like the extras and that could affect sales.
My considerations when making a gun purchase are, in order;
1. Manufacturer & warranty.
2. Revolver, or semi-auto.
3. Performance reviews & reputation of that model.
4. Caliber.
5. Carryability, not necessarily concealability.
27. What kind of box it comes in.
In most cases (no pun intended) the carrying case, or box, is not a consideration and I don't even know what it looks like until after I've decided to buy the gun. By-the-way, I have a very nice collection of empty plastic & padded, simple plastic and a couple of cardboard boxes collecting dust at home.
My considerations when making a gun purchase are, in order;
1. Manufacturer & warranty.
2. Revolver, or semi-auto.
3. Performance reviews & reputation of that model.
4. Caliber.
5. Carryability, not necessarily concealability.
27. What kind of box it comes in.
In most cases (no pun intended) the carrying case, or box, is not a consideration and I don't even know what it looks like until after I've decided to buy the gun. By-the-way, I have a very nice collection of empty plastic & padded, simple plastic and a couple of cardboard boxes collecting dust at home.
If you go to the Antiques Road Show the personnel there tell you to have the box which raises hugely the value of the object being considered. LOL
My PT140 came in a decent padded case. I took the gun out, cleaned it and it hasn't seen the inside of the case since. I really don't care about amenities; extra mags I'll take!
I've never been one for the amenities. Just give a real good gun at a great price! I'd rather have an extra mag than a case or other amenities.
Just my $.02!
Just my $.02!
Chunky Monkey said:I've never been one for the amenities. Just give a real good gun at a great price! I'd rather have an extra mag than a case or other amenities.
Just my $.02!
Well said gents! I choose the gun for the features on the GUN. Extra mags, and upgraded sights are a real plus. GOOD SHOOTIN! :shooter:NYPD said:Doesn't affect my decision whatsoever. I'm buying the gun for the gun---that's it.
I have two XD pistols and both came with the XD gear. Let me say this:
1. The XD Gear holster is useless.
2. I don't use the magazine carrier.
3. I don't use the mag loader since my UPLULA loads all my magazines.
Maybe if they start throwing in 2 extra mags and night sights at no extra charge, then I'll get a little excited.
Don't really care what it comes in I have a closet full. If I go to the range I have two hard plastic lockable containers ( not Pelican I wish) but the rifle shotgun container can hold several long guns and 4 or 5 handguns. Plus I have a handgun case that can hold about 8 handguns all foam lined and lockable. Then I have dry lockable ammo boxes. Plus small, med., and large range bags depending on my stay. Why would I want to take every handgun in its own little box.
1 - 16 of 16 Posts
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