This is surely a chapter-to-chapter decision from all the events I've attended, volunteered for, and organized. The goal is to make 50%+ on each item, so underwriting or outright donations are key. For some smaller events it can be hard to get underwriting for or outright firearm donations. It is hard for smaller/new events to deal in more expensive items, especially if they are buying those items, in this case, firearms.
Larger events with folks tossing around their money make it easier to upgrade the merchandise, including firearms. There are always a few industrial grade firearms on the general raffles and lower cost games/raffles.
I emcee 4-6 of these kind of events in a year. From my experience, no matter the crowd, for games like card raffles, hat raffles, silent or live auctions, it is way more profitable to have a higher end firearm.
Thanks for supporting the event. Hopefully they can grow the event and upgrade the merchandise as they grow.