I need your opinion on a bug out kit idea

[mrvmax]

I am an FFL and am considering selling a bug out kit that includes: AR15 carbine (quality carbine with a lifetime warranty, possibly a S&W), ammo, Pelican case, multi-tool, first aid kit, fire starter, a couple mre's and as an option an EOTech or some other optic. It would basically be a kit of some things needed to survive a couple days within a hard Pelican case. I have seen these somewhere on the net before but I cannot find any for sale right now and I an trying to see what the populous here thinks about it. The problem is that this "kit" would be in the $1400-$2500 price range (depending on optics and AR) and I am not sure how many people would be willing to shell that kind of money out. I am trying to keep a quality AR but one that is not too pricey so I can stay closer to $1400 out the door. So, what does everyone here think? Would you have an interest in a kit like this?

[A-R]

For a true "bug out" kit I'd skip the bulky Pelican case (GREAT cases, don't get me wrong, just not what I want to be lugging with me when stuff hits the fan. Perhaps a backpack that can store the two separated pieces of the AR along with the rest of the gear.

[AEA]

I would not have an interest because I already have the AR/Optic and everything I need for the area that I live in.

"the area that I live in"

I am indicating to you that different contents of a Bug Out Kit would be needed for different areas of the Country. Sure, many things are the same, but weather protection differs in various parts of the Country, just to name one category.

Anytime I see a kit assembled, about half of it I would throw in the trash and replace with my own options. Kinda like first aid kits.......hard to find one that is actually usable with all the different contents.

I think you would be better off just selling the rifle/optic at a good price instead of getting into something that probably would not work with the competition of Outdoors Outfitters that can assemble a suitable kit for any area/needs.

JMHO

[Dad24GreatKids]

Personally no. I all ready have an AR and likely wouldn't want my choice confined to the AR in your kit. Also I think that a Pelican case is to big, bulky and heavy for this purpose. What might be a good option is a shotgun or revolver. Seems like this would be easier for a new shooter. Also keeps the price down.

[gfmun]

Stag Arms, Executive Survivors Kit --$2012.00.

I don't think they have sold many. As was said above, too bulky to handle easily and it's a lot of $$ to put up all at once. A lot of people build their kits one piece at a time depending on where they are and what they think they need.

George

[Thomas]

I believe bug-out kits should be tailor made to the individual, family if applicable, location, skill set, destination, mode of transportation, etc.

I have yet to see a pre-made kit of any type (first aid, bug-out, car entry, lock pick, emergency response, etc) that has fit my needs. I make my own kits which end up being cheaper than the pre-made ones because I don't need a lot of the unnecessary items.

[AEA]

Here is a review of that Stag Arms kit:
http://www.gunsandammo.com/reviews/stag ... it-review/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The only thing lacking is $1,000 in gold coins, which would drive up the weight—not to mention the MSRP.

The author obviously has no idea of the price of gold!

[Dave2]

I am an FFL and am considering selling a bug out kit that includes: AR15 carbine (quality carbine with a lifetime warranty, possibly a S&W), ammo, Pelican case, multi-tool, first aid kit, fire starter, a couple mre's and as an option an EOTech or some other optic. It would basically be a kit of some things needed to survive a couple days within a hard Pelican case. I have seen these somewhere on the net before but I cannot find any for sale right now and I an trying to see what the populous here thinks about it. The problem is that this "kit" would be in the $1400-$2500 price range (depending on optics and AR) and I am not sure how many people would be willing to shell that kind of money out. I am trying to keep a quality AR but one that is not too pricey so I can stay closer to $1400 out the door. So, what does everyone here think? Would you have an interest in a kit like this?

Like this, but with food instead of a whatever-that-is?


How much would it cost without the gun? I already have an AR, but I don't have a good case for it. I think it might be an easier sell if you offered them as everything-but-the-gun kits, had two versions (rifle-length barrel/non-collapsable stock, and carbine-length barrel/collapsable stock), and gave a discount if they were purchased at the same time as the gun (or within 30 days or something).

Oh, and I think I'd have it all arranged so a sling could be left on the gun and it'd all still fit nice & neat.

[The Annoyed Man]

What both A-R and AEA said, but I would add the following:

How about offering a "build your own kit," consisting of a basic rifle with iron sights, a list of 3 or 4 optic options that you can sell at the same price, a list of 3 or 4 types of soft cases/packs you can offer at the same price, an option of bulk quantity M193 or M855 ball....say a 420 round box of either, a week's worth of MRE's or Mountain House, a compass, a fire starter, and a water filtration device?

Ordering would look something like this:

• One rifle, included
• Optic, choose one:
  • EOTech
  • Aimpoint with mount
  • 3-9x42mm Variable Power Scope with rings
• Case, choose one:
  • Sports bag large enough to carry carbine with collapsed stock
  • Cordura "Briefcase" large enough to carry separated upper and lower receivers
  • Tactical rifle case with extra magazine pockets
• Ammo, choose one:
  • 420 round box XM193 55 grain FMJ
  • 420 round box M844 62 grain "green tip" penetrator
• Food, choose one:
  • Week's worth of Mountain House freeze dried meals
  • Equivalent value in assorted MREs
• Compass
• Fire starter
• Water filtration device

[bnc]

I agree with those who have basically said that most people willing to spend that kind of money on this gear would prefer to piece it together themselves using exactly what they want/already have.

Something cheaper, like an AK, or shorty pump, or revolver kit might go over better since those could be priced much lower.

Instead of selling a standardized kit, you could consider selling a custom kit service. You help a customer pick out and price what they want and then gather all the gear for them so that it is one stop shopping. Just had that idea and can't say if anyone would be interested.


edit: looks like TAM and I were thinking the same thing

[mrvmax]

Thanks for the feedback.

[WildBill]

Here is a review of that Stag Arms kit:
http://www.gunsandammo.com/reviews/stag ... it-review/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The only thing lacking is $1,000 in gold coins, which would drive up the weight—not to mention the MSRP.

The author obviously has no idea of the price of gold!

I have a cache of one dollar Sacagawea coins.

[OldCannon]

I am an FFL and am considering selling a bug out kit that includes: AR15 carbine (quality carbine with a lifetime warranty, possibly a S&W), ammo, Pelican case, multi-tool, first aid kit, fire starter, a couple mre's and as an option an EOTech or some other optic. It would basically be a kit of some things needed to survive a couple days within a hard Pelican case. I have seen these somewhere on the net before but I cannot find any for sale right now and I an trying to see what the populous here thinks about it. The problem is that this "kit" would be in the $1400-$2500 price range (depending on optics and AR) and I am not sure how many people would be willing to shell that kind of money out. I am trying to keep a quality AR but one that is not too pricey so I can stay closer to $1400 out the door. So, what does everyone here think? Would you have an interest in a kit like this?

I sell these Essential Survival Kits (http://oldcannon.com/2012/07/essential-survival-kit/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;). If you're interested, PM me and I'll point you to my wholesaler. They will definitely do the job, esp if you throw in a Camelbak bladder.

I think you face a bigger challenge trying to mush everything into one type of kit. It's just too much money for a "one size fits all" kind of approach, but a kit like the one above, a $600 "trunk gun" style carbine with a sling, and a squad loadout of ammo (6 30-rd mags with ammo) would probably make for a reasonable approach. You can probably make a package like that for about $800-$900. Certainly more appealing than crossing the $1000-mark.

Just my $0.02

[particle]

I personally think a kit built around something backpack size is best - like the Kel-Tec Sub-2000, or the SU-16C in a duffel bag or larger hiking pack.

[mrvmax]

I personally think a kit built around something backpack size is best - like the Kel-Tec Sub-2000, or the SU-16C in a duffel bag or larger hiking pack.

I am sure I could sell as many of those as I could put together (especially since finding a Sub 2000 is as hard as finding bin laden).