IGN writes: "After speaking with spokesperson for EA, IGN has learned a few more details on the intended pricing structure for the weapons in Battlefield: Bad Company. There has been some public outcry that EA is trying to "scam" customers as screens of the BF:BC Beta indicated that some weapons might have to be purchased off of Marketplace, thus giving some an advantage over the rest of the playing field.
Here's the real deal straight from the EA Spokesperson, "Battlefield: Bad Company will release five unique weapons free of charge through five different promotional programs prior to launch. EA will again make these weapons available to players free of charge after launch, in case anyone missed the pre-launch promotions."