[Hokkmike]

First, let me say that I know it is your right to own as many guns as you like and I agree with and support that.

I have a friend with 62 guns. He could not list them all and doesn't even know where some are stored. That is the most of anybody I know personally. In my way of thinking, often challenged by many, if a gun sits on the rack (I don't have a safe) for more than a year why is it up there? Unless of course it is just beautiful, rare, sentimental, or otherwise a collectors item.

Just wondering how many of you have more guns than you can actually use?

I do realize that some consider this private information and respect that.

Currently, I have only 3 guns and use them all several times a year.

[parsimonious_instead]

Yup... I sure do. Not a huge number. I had a "buying strategy" - a core group of centerfire and rimfire handguns and longarms. Along the way, a few opportunities arose for stuff that I thought would be neat to have. Some of them turned out to be stinkers, like the Taurus revolver with the gazillion pound trigger pull, and the Chiappa 1911-22 jam-o-matic. I'd receive such a pittance for them, that it's not even worth it to sell them.
Luckily, the "wish list" stuff is taken care of.
Some of my guns that I truly love, I can't shoot at my local range - it's simply too close to nearby homes - the blasts from centerfire rifles would trigger enough noise complaints to get us shut down for good - tis a pity, because our backstop are horseshoe-shaped high granite bluffs behind a high dirt berm - nothing's ever getting through that stuff...

[Rembrandt]

Guilty.....didn't buy them because I needed them, acquired the collection as sort of a savings account and investment portfolio. It's done quite well too. Can be liquidated or passed on to family members without a trip to the courthouse to do a title change or pay taxes.


Some people enjoy racing, boating, smoking, drinking, partying, exotic vacations, cars, etc......mine is guns.

[Carne Frio]

I have more than I can carry. Certainly
more than I "need". Life is good.:D

[hso]

Sure, but I collect firearms so that's going to mean I have more than I "use".

[zxcvbob]

what a great thread for Thanksgiving! :D

I have way more revolvers than I need, because I just like them. And I don't have a shotgun yet. Pistols and rifles? I think I have a use for each rifle (but they overlap) and most of the pistols I have are "collectibles" but I do shoot most of them and the little Keltec makes a great BUG.

I am thankful to have them.

[BigN]

It's a hobby. Some collect baseball cards, I collect guns.

[flatlander937]

Hey, you've gotta have enough guns to keep your safe(s) and racks from getting up and walking away:neener:

[22-rimfire]

I couldn't list all the firearms that I own if you asked me under oath. So I guess I own more than I use. Why? Just because.... it's the only reason I need. I enjoy firearms as an end onto themselves.

[Chevelle SS]

Because I love guns :)

[Warp]

I have at least one gun I have never fired. I've had it for maybe 5 years now.

If I need it, or want it, I have it.

Granted, it should be test fired at least once.

[K1500]

Do you have more clothing than you can use? How about silverware? Tools? Bedding, books, etc. In America, we tend to have more of EVERYTHING than we can use. It is called economic prosperity, and it extends to firearms and other hobbies as well.

[1911fan]

Let's see...more than you can use:

The general rule of thumb is one rifle, one shotgun and one pistol, right?

What if you're going to teach someone else to shoot? Add .22's, rifle and pistol.

Add semi-auto pistols where you have revolvers and vice versa. Double action where you have single action and vice versa.

If your .22 rifle is a bolt, add a semi and vice versa.

That's ten, right? Now, maybe a quarter bore to compliment that .30 caliber...oh, and you'll need another shotgun in a different gauge...

Wait, you'll need lever actions! 30-30, .32 or .35; pistol caliber to match your single action revolver; and don't forget the .22.

A nice foundation for a great collection...and may the good Lord above help you if you should get into Military Surplus!

ed

[jmorris]

Why? Why not.

Why collect stamps? They are useless unless used. Same with collecting anything.

[mljdeckard]

I don't exactly have more than I CAN use, but I have some that haven't been used in a long time, either because they need to be fixed, or they are heirlooms for which I have another gun which suits the purpose better.

[mljdeckard]

But overall, I agree, I don't intent to have safe queens or duplicates that never get used. If it's something I don't shoot, I won't keep it. I'd LIKE to say I have become much more mature about lusting after new guns that I won't actually shoot. I learn in advance if it's what I need.

[browningguy]

I have 70 now, perhaps more than I can use. But you never know. I like Pre-WWII semi auto pistols so I have quite a few of those that I don't really shoot. I would guess I have 6-8 pistols I shoot on a regular basis, shotguns for sporting clays, 3 gun and bird hunting that I shoot, and perhaps 6-8 rifles I shoot a bit. I could probably cut down to 15-20 and have all that I needed, but where's the fun in that.

[longknife12]

Because I don't sell or trade em!
Dan

[HadEmAll]

When my state enacted the concealed handgun program back in '96, I acquired and carried many of the 23 handguns I currently own, just because I could.

Now, close to 17 years later, and with my granfatherly phase upon me, my carry pistols have settled down to a relatively small number of compact, subcompact, and pocket types, and my full-sized handguns languish in the safe for the most part.

I'm about to start doing something about that, like trying to turn several full-sized handguns into one high grade 1911, for example.

I also have a few nice bolt-action 30-06's and don't hunt any more. Other than occasionally punching some holes in paper at 200 yards, they live in the safe also. Need to pare them down to one.

[Kayaker 1960]

I have a few that I haven't fired in a couple of years but I don't have any that don't have a use. I don't hunt as much as I used to. if it comes down to it, yes, I do have more than I need.

[rszwieg]

I own a couple I don't use much, two are heirlooms and two I may need someday.

If someone wants to own 100+ guns, good for you :).

[GoWolfpack]

I've thought about selling some, but the things I would be willing to sell aren't worth enough to make selling them worthwhile. I've filled my safe up with things that I want, but I'm not done yet. I'm in the accumulation phase of my life, and I refuse to apologize for that.

[rbernie]

I've collected a lot of guns for my children.

[12131]

First, let me say that I know it is your right to own as many guns as you like and I agree with and support that.

I have a friend with 62 guns. He could not list them all and doesn't even know where some are stored. That is the most of anybody I know personally. In my way of thinking, often challenged by many, if a gun sits on the rack (I don't have a safe) for more than a year why is it up there? Unless of course it is just beautiful, rare, sentimental, or otherwise a collectors item.

Just wondering how many of you have more guns than you can actually use?

I do realize that some consider this private information and respect that.

Currently, I have only 3 guns and use them all several times a year.
There is your answer.

Happy Thanksgiving.:)

[Walkalong]

I use every one of mine, but many people just collect guns, or have safe queens they don't shoot. No big deal either way. Do you have more pairs of socks than you can wear in a week. I sure do. :)

I could probably cut down to 15-20 and have all that I needed, but where's the fun in that. Yea, no fun at all. Heck, I load more calibers than that.

[Hit_Factor]

I have quite a few guns and almost all of them serve a specific purpose. Since I compete and hunt I like to have options. They all get used, some just more frequently than others. I don't have any guns that I don't or won't shoot.

In pistol competitions there are different divisions where one particular style of gun is more competitive. So I have at least one per division.

3 gun matches are another source of multiple gun options. Depending on the Club the max range might be 50 yards, another club might have 300 yard targets. The divisions cause more possibilities for the right gun.

Camp Perry matches are another reason to own a specific gun.

Hunting provides many different opportunities as well. Deer hunting in Southern Michigan puts you into handgun, shotgun or muzzle loader choices. Northern Michigan adds rifles to the mix. So I have brush guns and long range guns. We also have varmints so a different gun is used during the day compared to night time. Then there is waterfowl and turkey.

Then there is the collector part of it. I really like S&W revolvers, Battle Rifles, Glocks, 1911s and just plain unusual stuff.

I also carry a gun everywhere it is legal to do so. So I have a variety of carry guns depending on the weather, attire and other factors I might consider when arming up.

[wgaynor]

Because I can. I love this Country.

[snakeman]

I have more guns than I can take deer with, but all of my guns are at my range once in a while. I'll never buy a gun I won't shoot. That's just not how I do things. More power to the people who do though. They are the ones preserving these guns to be resold as collector's items someday.

[waterhouse]

In September I had a few family members in town. I got invited to go shoot some birds on a friend's property, and he was generous enough to invite my guests as well. Since my family had not planned on shooting they hadn't brought any shotguns.

While I really only shoot a couple shotguns regularly, I was able to enjoy a great day of hunting with my family because I own several extra shotguns.

That wasn't the first time I've been able to outfit a group of friends or family for an unexpected hunt. My enjoyment from those days is priceless to me and keeps me from selling off a few spare guns that I don't shoot much.

[fxstchewy]

I have a small collection but want more..........:)

[ElToro]

i have multiple inherited family heirloom rifles and shotguns including my Parker Bros damascus barrel that belonged to my gr gr grandpa. it will probably never be shot ever again. there are several others that are shootable but also will likely never be shot. only admired and held and wiped down and put back in the safe. i have more modern handguns than a platoon can carry. i can afford them and i like collecting them. the likelyhood of ever getting CCW where i live now is next to never. so why bother right ?

[MachIVshooter]

In my way of thinking, often challenged by many, if a gun sits on the rack (I don't have a safe) for more than a year why is it up there?

No offense, but I find there are generally three types of people who think this way:

1) Fudds. Hunters who don't really understand RKBA or why anyone would want a firearm they don't use regularly to take game animals.

2) LEOs or others who don't have a particular interest in firearms beyond their purpose as duty weapons

3) Jealous people who can't afford very many guns.

This is America. Legal status notwithstanding, the only justification we need to own anything we want is the desire to have it and the funds to buy it. I won't judge you for only having a handful of firearms that you use regularly, but you don't get to judge me for having many guns that might fire 20 rounds in a decade.

[Hokkmike]

I am not judging anyone. I made that clear in the OP.

[wojownik]

if someone wants to collect more firearms then they will feasibly shoot, that's fine by me. I don't have much more to say about that kind of collecting than, say, if one's spouse is into collecting Hummel porcelain figurines by the crate load.

In fact at least with firearms, you can ask the question whether you have more guns than you can actually use. With other collectibles, like the aformentioned Hummel figurines, they just ... well ... sit there. :confused:

I have a friend with a very impressive collection of Mosin Nagants, more than he will likely ever, ever shoot individually. Every arsenal, year, country, etc.. Makes for one impressive man cave, bayonets mounted, stacked around the room. That's his collection, with a singular focus. A great budget collection as well (doubt he paid more than $100 for any one of them back in the day, and some are worth several, several times that now).

Another acquaintance has collected just about every U.S. infantry rifle from the rev war to present ... a veritable museum. He's got the bucks, so why not?

I do get worried when I hear about folks - whatever the collecting hobby - that tend to get in over their heads and "hoard" more than their budget (or available space) can bear. That's a different discussion, though.

All things in moderation, though what is "moderate" may vary substatially depending on ones circumstances and wherewithal.

And now, off to clean up after Turkey day lunch, where I have more dishes than I will ever get to wash. :neener:

[mike.h]

yep, guilty, I want to make sure that my kids, grandkids, etc gets at least one long gun, one pistol, one..........:)

[Hillbillyz]

At first it was my collection of firearms. Things I would use to hunt or for personal defense. Then came children, so I needed a few more guns so they could shoot and hunt with me. Now grandchildren, so the cycle continues. Some day they will all go to good homes and then the new owners will cherish the firearm and the memories that go with it. Hopefully as much as I do with the guns my father passed to me.

[Ignition Override]

Yes, but mostly because I really like Enfield #4s/#5s.

And quite frankly, if people had not butchered so many in the past, I would have been less aggressive in wanting to provide a safe, protected home for extra examples.

The reason to seek a second M-1 is because the Politburo, which controls the Senate and W.H. tried for a while to block imports from Korea.
Also, because there might be no more going to the CMP (mo' money).

[guyfromohio]

The currency of the post-apocalyptic world.

[22-rimfire]

Currently, I have only 3 guns and use them all several times a year.

That is not high usage. Change a few things and you won't shoot them at all. The fact is you don't need to shoot them at all. Consider them a resource.

My first thought when I read this was... you have a long way to go.

[Lateck]

I too have more then I really need, BUT every one has
a purpose when I bought it!
I'm prepared. ....
It's my right and I'm sticking to it.

Lateck

[rondog]

Jeeze, I was sitting around while ago trying count up in my head just all the ones that have a bayonet for them......

[Ashcons]

I only have two hands, so I suppose I do have more than I can use. I own what I own because it is my preference andit is protected from governmental malum prohibitum legislation by 2A.

With plentiful food and a problem free life, so far, I have never needed a firearm that I own and hope I never do need one.

Thankfully the founding fathers recognized and set forth protection against the insidious effects of peaceful prosperity on cultural attitudes toward the tool we know as the firearm.

Sent from my VM670 using Tapatalk 2

[gbran]

I am an accumulator, not a collector. I thought I had a good reason every time I bought a gun, but here I am with too many to shoot.

[Tom K]

....

Currently, I have only 3 guns and use them all several times a year.

How can anyone justify having such few guns? :)

[forindooruseonly]

First, let me say that I know it is your right to own as many guns as you like and I agree with and support that.

I have a friend with 62 guns. He could not list them all and doesn't even know where some are stored. That is the most of anybody I know personally. In my way of thinking, often challenged by many, if a gun sits on the rack (I don't have a safe) for more than a year why is it up there? Unless of course it is just beautiful, rare, sentimental, or otherwise a collectors item.

Just wondering how many of you have more guns than you can actually use?

I do realize that some consider this private information and respect that.

Currently, I have only 3 guns and use them all several times a year.

How do you define use? Actual shooting is only one aspect of enjoying a firearm for me.

I don't have to shoot guns to enjoy them. Some are relics, some are sentimental, some are rarities, some are interesting, some are classics, some are beautiful. Between the 3 generations that have been shooting and accumulating in my family, the guns we shoot regularly are greatly outnumbered by the ones we don't shoot often. It doesn't make them any less desirable to us.

I can't begin to tell you how bored I'd be if I only had 3 guns and only was able to shoot them several times a year.

[ApacheCoTodd]

I probably don't have more guns than I can use but I certainly do have more guns than I do use.

Of course, if you consider pulling them out, pawing them, oiling them and wiping them down to be use as in that I enjoy it - well then, not so much.

Even putzing with long term projects that have not been and may never be shot by me provides relaxation and enjoyment.

Hell, ask a fella who buys/collects clocks or watches if he needs all of them to tell the time...:D

[scaatylobo]

I cannot imagine EVER having too many guns.

Unless your not feeding your family due to the expense.

[22-rimfire]

My brother had three guns.... a 22 rifle, deer rifle, and pump shotgun. It was all he needed and never really lusted for more guns. He never really wanted a handgun and didn't need a bunch of redundancy in his selection of firearms for hunting. He wasn't into target shooting and wasn't particularly interested in accumulating lots of "things".

My guess is that is precisely what you own. How about it Hokmike?

Folks here can pick at people for not wanting bunches of firearms, but if you see no need for them, why own them?

[mgmorden]

A lot of people have things they don't use because they like to have them.

Many guitarists have tons of guitars - many of which they don't play.

Many golfers have lots of clubs, many of which they don't use.

Many readers have a shelf full of books, many of which they haven't read.

Why should shooters be any different? To many having things as conversation pieces or just to show your appreciation is reason enough to own something.

Personally though I don't harp on any major skills (because my shooting ain't worth bragging over :)), I take great pride in being able to identify and operate just about any gun anyone shows me. That comes from owning and maintaining lots of weapons.

[Hokkmike]

22-rim fire you are close. I own a great deer rifle, a 22 MWR rifle, and a .40 semi auto pistol. I want to pick up a .22 pistol and perhaps a tactical shotgun. If I could find a Vietnam era AK at a fair price that would satisfy my gun longings. I do unfortunately have two other expensive hobbies to stretch my limited income. I might add that I have talked to my state Representative, state Senator, and the Governor on behalf of our gun rights. When he was in office I likewise addressed the issue with President Clinton. All I can say is that locally I feel and have been promised RKBA support. Not bragging here, just sharing and encouraging others to make their voices heard. My OP should in no way be construed as a challenge to those who own lots off guns. Really, it is just a question for conversation. I like to talk ANYTHING guns. Thank you for your question.

[MachIVshooter]

My first thought when I read this was... you have a long way to go.

That depends. If he doesn't desire to own more than what he has, then he's set.

I have a friend who never owns more than 4 or 5 handguns at a time, no rifles and I think one shotgun. He probably puts 3-4 times as many rounds down range as I do, and he's very proficient with those few guns. But then, he shoots competetively. He doesn't hunt or plink.

The flipside is that while he can outshoot me with those handguns (and most likely many of mine), the few times he ventured with me to shoot praire dogs, his numbers were pitiful. He used his dad's .22-250 and one of mine, an absolute tack driver of a .223. But he really struggled to make hits over 100 yards. He also hasn't faired well with tactical carbines. He's just not a rifle shooter.

So different strokes for different folks. I like to collect, and I like to shoot lots of different guns. There are a few that I use a lot, but most of them only go out once in a while. I just like variety. I'd get really bored if I only had a handful.

[ny32182]

If I only owned guns I was shooting frequently I'd only own one at a time, and that just isn't fun for anybody.

[Shadow 7D]

Pop over to the Mosin Nagant section on gunboards and look at the 'picture' threads
Iremember the gun room I saw in the back ground of one of the major collectors
it was his 'mosin' room (not saying he had more, BUT, we'll leave that an open question)

looked to be a larger basement room, double stacked racks, looked to be 3 or 4 deep, ALL THE WAY AROUND, assuming 4 deep, 3" spacing ( http://7.62x54r.net/MosinID/MosinRacks01.htm )
that's 16 guns a linear foot, around 3 visible walls

and his collections are no where near done...

[dirtengineer]

I only need one more...

[itchy1]

Because my wife has over 25 pairs of shoes and I'm still trying to make things "even".

[Esoxchaser]

I sold off a number of guns that I purchased in the late 70's and 80's. A lot of them were used when I bought them and were now considered very desirable because they were no longer in production. With the money I made from those sales I bought other guns that my kids can and do use.
What I can't get over is that a number of the guns I got used in the 80's for $75-200 were now going for $700-1100. That's a pretty darn good return on an investment.

[CajunBass]

I used to but got tired of it. I realized I wasn't cut out to be a "collector", so I sold a bunch of them off, traded a few, and whittled the "collection" down to less than a dozen for both my wife and I.

In my way of thinking, often challenged by many, if a gun sits on the rack (I don't have a safe) for more than a year why is it up there?

No offense, but I find there are generally three types of people who think this way:

Sorry, but that was exactly the standard I used then I startred selling mine off. If I couldn't remember the last time I shot it, and couldn't imagine when the next time I'd want to, it was gone. I don't consider myself to be any of the things you listed. I don't care how many you own, or why you own them, but I've come to the conclusion that I just can't justify having severa dozen hunks of metal that I never use.

No offense taken, but if that makes me a "fudd" in your eyes, so be it.

[Onward Allusion]

It's not the number of guns but more the lack of time to enjoy them. Any of them.

[Sniper66]

I have 2 friends who are collectors and the have 100s of guns. One guy has his displayed in museum quality display in a room with thick concrete walls and fireproof doors, The other has his tucked away in several gun safes and closets. Both enjoy their collections and mostly enjoy collecting, which involves lots of gun shows, auctions, and reading about guns. One guy's wife asked how much he could sell his collection for and he said,"I didn't buy them to sell; I bought them to have." It is pure joy for them to sort through their collections. I, on the other hand, think of myself as a shooter and never have enough time to shoot all of my guns. When I go prairie dog shooting, the biggest challenge is figuring out what equipment to take. I often take 5-6 rifles; each one shoots a little different. Having a large gun case full of different guns is pure joy to me. I'll be buying more!!

[22-rimfire]

"How" you enjoy firearms is the key. If accumulating a pile of Mosin's makes you feel good, then go for it. If that pile is a $100,000 collection of Colts, so be it. I relate that to having a pile of money in the bank. Security....

If it is shooting them, then go for that.

For me, it is a combination of things as well as a general resistance to selling anything. Sometimes, I would rather just throw the stuff away than sell it. It makes me feel better and worse at the same time.

Just remember, you can't take the guns with you when you die. Planning on the what to do with your firearms can be part of estate planning. I am slowly warming to the idea of just selling stuff and moving forward like CajunBass with what I actually shoot (even occasionally) as being the accumulation and eliminating any thought of a "collection".

[marv]

I have way more guns than I need but not near as many as I want. I don't call myself a collector More like an accumulator.

[303tom]

Yes I do, a BUNCH..............Why ? Because I collect Firearms !

[Reloadron]

How many have more guns than they can use and why?

I guess I do because on a good day I can only use two and that assumes a handgun in each hand. Try as I might I can't use more than two. :)

Like many I have guns that I just do not shoot as much as I once did but I retain them. Why? Likely because the few guns I have parted with left me looking to replace them. I only buy specific guns I like or have a future plan to modify. Not that a few odd ones have not crept in.

Ron

[Double Vision]

I'm happy to see that I'm not the only one who has more firearms than I can use on a regular basis.

There are a handful of favorites that get used regularly. Others are just waiting their turn.

I'm glad to be an American with the option of having them, and not using them. :)

[SaxonPig]

I only needed one gun- my personal defense handgun, until Nov. 6 when it occurred to me that I also need to keep one battle rifle on hand. All the others hang around for no other reason than I enjoy owning them.

I understand thinking that only the absolutely necessary material goods should be possessed, but I do not subscribe to that philosophy. The country where I grew up allowed a person to acquire material goods as his budget allowed. Of course, that country no longer exists and someday soon we may be limited by federal thugs to only the bare necessities. Until they are able to enforce their will upon me, which means my magazine ran dry, I will spend my money as I please (what pittance is left after taxes, that is) and own as many guns as I want (until the Homeland Brown Shirts show up to take them away).

[Roadking Rider]

Guns, What guns? I'm just hear because I like the company of you fine folks.

[Trent]

Hell I own several firearms I've never even shot.

Some guns I have are shooters. And get shot, a lot. Those few guns are part of the lineup that are always in condition 1 at home or work.

Some guns I have are old war relics. They get shot rarely, and usually as a group. (annual WWII bolt action range day on the 4th of July!)

Some guns I bought just to see what makes them "tick." ;)

Some guns I bought because I got a hell of a deal on them, and couldn't pass them up, even though they weren't really something I wanted. I have an H&K SL-8 I picked up for $1,000 even, used, and I've never fired it. But it was a great deal. These guns fall in to the "investment" side of things. Someday I want to retire. And that one gun may add another acre to my spread, hopefully. :)

Then there's the hand-me-downs. Father's shotgun is still used annually goose and turkey hunting. Great-great-great-grandfather's shotgun sits on display.

The black powder cap & ball gun that my father shot himself with doesn't get fired, but is on display as a reminder. It sat in evidence so long, his blood deeply etched the barrel. But his initials are still carved in to the trigger guard.

Each gun serves a purpose - not all are intended to be shot.

[Ranger Roberts]

I have always been lucky when it comes to acquiring guns because of my line of work. A few times over the years I have come across people who have become "prohibited" for one reason or another and they have sold me their guns for rock bottom prices. I interact with a lot of people, and throughout conversations I have come across people who have relatives that pass away and they want to sell their guns. It also doesn't hurt that my wife comes from a family of VERY active shooters and LEO's, so she always encourages me to buy more! I guess at the end of the day my guns and reloading are my favorite hobbies.

[JTHunter]

Purchased (and shot) guns:
Ruger 10/22
Ruger Convertible .22 LR/Mag revolver
Marlin .22LR bolt action
Marlin .22 Mag bolt action
Mossberg 12 ga. pump
Astra Constable .380
Norinco Natl. Match (milled receiver, longer, thicker barrel) AK in 7.62x39
These above were all purchased new.

Stevens SxS 12 ga.
Rem. 700 BDL in .243
Ruger GP100 .357
These three were "new-to-me".

Inherited guns:
Colt revolver in .32-20 (nice shooter but EXPENSIVE)
Colt "Jr." in .25 ACP (NIB until I got it! :D)
Colt .32 ACP ~80 y.o., not very accurate either
Colt .38 revolver ~90 y.o., no longer a shooter - timing is off but I have shot it not knowing this! Fortunately, it didn't blow up in my hands!

My mother has a SP101 in .38 Sp. and a Marlin Glenfield/Mod. 60 (?? SA w/tube mag.) .22LR that I might inherit IF I outlive her.

[MachIVshooter]

Sorry, but that was exactly the standard I used then I startred selling mine off. If I couldn't remember the last time I shot it, and couldn't imagine when the next time I'd want to, it was gone. I don't consider myself to be any of the things you listed. I don't care how many you own, or why you own them, but I've come to the conclusion that I just can't justify having severa dozen hunks of metal that I never use.

That's why I said generally, not absolutely. Of course there are exceptions. I've just found those to be the three prevailing mentalities of people who say they "don't see a reason to own more guns than you can use".

[guyfromohio]

I've regretted selling nearly every gun that I've sold.

[beatledog7]

I have way more horrible boating accidents than I need...

[Dr.Rob]

I try and shoot them all. Haven't done any black powder in a long while though. Should rectify that.

[horsemen61]

I am still building my collection

[W.E.G.]

I've been accumulating this stuff for four decades.

The reason why I still have excess is because it is TEN TIMES HARDER to get rid of a gun properly than it is to acquire it.

I am in the process of paring it down significantly.
Going to get it down to just those pieces that have utility, or special sentimental value.
My family can go pound sand as far as getting some sort of posthumous windfall from my gun "collection."
If I do this right, they get to fight over only who gets the heavily-worn Model 10 when my time comes.

I can think of only two guns I regret parting with.
Not because those guns had any real utility, but because I felt in retrospect that the person to whom I provided them was a person unworthy of them.
One I managed to get back. It will go in its time - but only to a suitable person.
The other got away completely.

Guns are cheap.
Time is fantastically expensive.

I am avowed that no accumulation of stuff will be a ball and chain for the rest of my life.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd7/rkba2da/trivia/imagesqtbnANd9GcQ-TUEF7N3v3Ah6Mqy4W.jpg

[Agsalaska]

I'm guilty. I use two handguns and two rifles. And I rarely shoot even them. But they are a small percentage of my collection. I probably won't shoot 90% of the guns I own. And I rarely let anything go.

For example, I landed a sig226 a few months ago for a ridiculous price. It is stainless, unfired, in it's box. 9mm. I will never shoot it. My grand kids will get it in its current condition. That's how I do guns.

[Scuba_Steve]

I'm simply at a point in my life where I can afford impulse purchases. Kids are grown, out of college, and married. House and cars a paid for, and no credit card debt.

Saw and bought a used S&W 629 performance center 629 .44 magnum today. Sure don't need it, will seldom shoot it, but it is there if I want to. And buying it used, I won't lose money on it

[Ignition Override]

A friend has an interesting "selection" and each is in excellent, a few in mint condition. The hidden armored room means that he never has to worry about them, and almost all have no record of any transaction. He buys but never sells, and does not shoot very often.
Most of these rifles have never been operated, and the Enfield #4/Mk.2 in cosmo (wrapped in the bag) will never be used.

Most are bolt actions, but most of his semi-auto sport utility guns were acquired recently, because he is concerned about the growing power (without accountability) of certain US federal agencies, especially the DOJ, and the WH to circumvent Congress.

[9MMare]

While I dont do so, I certainly understand people 'collecting' guns just like people collect lots of other things they are interested in.

I only keep guns that I have for specific purposes/locations. I admire lots of guns but see no point in buying something that 'shoots like a dream' but I'd never use, as much as I'd like it.

I'd also love to display some really handsome guns....but dont find that to be a particularly wise idea unfortunately...and cant afford guns for that purpose either.

[Pete D.]

Surely do. Handguns....I wanted to have a handgun for each of the commonly available cartridges. I wanted backups for pistols - my target guns - that I shoot a lot. A few are unusual and kinda neat to own.
Rifles....target rifles...I have two that I shoot regularly. The rest..there are a bunch that are for historical interest, neat factor, "just because". I have no use for either a .375 H&H or a .416 Rigby, nevertheless, I own both.
Shotguns......because I am afflicted with SAD (Shotgun Acquisition Disease) and I just cannot help myself.
Muzzleloaders......the basics, a sense of the past, my prettiest guns are MLers.
Pete

[SharpsDressedMan]

Some of mine are backups or replacements for my favorites, in case I break one or wear it out.

[Twiki357]

I definitely have more than I need or to some extent use. I have this problem of not being able to pass up a good buy, whether I need it or not and I've never sold a gun. With the exception of two S&W Model 36's that were stolen back in the mid 1980's, I still have every gun I've ever bought. But, I do have two that I would be happy to sell if I could come close to getting my money out of them.

[stickhauler]

How many cars do you need? We have 2 cars, my wife hasn't driven since the late 1960's, and has no intention of doing so. And I'm a trucker, so if my usual driver gets more than 25 miles added to the odometer in a week, it a situation where we traveled somewhere. I've got a 300 ZX sitting in the garage, I likely haven't put more than 250 miles on it in the last 2 years. Both have full coverage insurance on them, and both are licensed.

I've got somewhere in the range of 30 guns, 5 the same exact firearm, made by different manufacturers, they're M-1 Carbines. I decided I wanted to have one for each of my grandsons, for them to have when I pass away. I've got 3 grand-daughters, they also have "dibs" on certain firearms I have.

All are operational, I'll rotate different ones for each range visit, so I likely shoot all of them at least a couple of times a year, my favorites more often.

They've increased in value more than my 401 K and IRA over the past several years

[JohnBiltz]

I don't but if I won the Powerball I would.

[Teachu2]

I have a couple dozen and a few more - more than I can carry, not more than I can use. Some will go unused for months or years, then get several workouts in a few weeks.

I'm deeper in the areas that interest me most, and long ago passed the "need" threshold. That's OK, as I don't own any I don't enjoy.

[Losov]

I do. I've had a .357 colt for over twenty years but it is too big to be of value as an EDC. Of the guns i own it is the most fun to shoot. I bought a couple of 9 mm semi autos that I thought I would use for EDC as the weather turned colder, but I'm used to my .380 and don't think I'll switch. Consequently, I plan to cull the herd and dispose of the 9s in the near future, exactly how has yet to be determined.

[GBExpat]

How many have more guns than they can use and why?

I own many more firearms than I can use because I like firearms & shooting in general and I can afford to buy the specific types of firearms that I like the most.

I have used most of them and plan on eventually using them all ... but if I had bought them only as I developed a need or the time to use them, they would now cost me MUCH more to acquire and some would not even be readily/easily available.

[76shuvlinoff]

I don't have a lot but I certainly have more than I need.

"For someday" is a good enough reason for me.

.

[Clark]

jmorris

Why? Why not.

Why collect stamps? They are useless unless used. Same with collecting anything.

I have collected stamps and I have collected guns, and guns take up more space.

But it is better than collecting cars or tractors.

Right now I have one vehicle and no tractors. I have been clean for 13 years.

[beatledog7]

By definition, I "can" use every firearm I own. That's because I have the ability to manipulate every one of them safely, I have ammo, and I have a place to shoot them within reasonable reach.

Do I use them all with any degree of frequency? No. But each one will get taken to the range or the field at least once this year. Some have been shot only a few times since I've owned them. Others have been shot a bit more, and a few get shot at least monthly. Three are in daily "use" in CCW or HD roles, and a fourth is about to enter that category.

All of my guns have a legitimate and distinct purpose. I'd make no apologies for owning them even if I never shoot them again.

[Crashbox]

I can use only one or two at a time so I reckon I have more than I can use. Usually I will go out, search for and purchase a firearm that I want.

But two days ago I was in a sporting goods store about 40 miles south of me and happened to find bullets for Mom's old rifle which made me quite happy. I then stopped at a gun shop on the way home and found brass for Mom's old rifle and set the boxes on the counter and told the gentleman working there that I was there to spend money. He said, "I can help you with that" and placed a Ruger No. 1-H Tropical in my hands. Ten to fifteen seconds later I said, "I'll take it." Did I really NEED the firearm? Not at that time I didn't. But did I WANT it? You betcha! (actually wanted one like it for a very long time!)

[dprice3844444]

How many have more guns than they can use and why?


that's like asking why women have so many shoes,because we can

[tarosean]

It's like a disease.. I've been afflicted for a few decades. I just cannot stop. It's like a fun version of potatoe chips. At first it was rifles, then I sold off all but 3 when i took up bow hunting. Right now i buy up handguns in various forms and fashions..

[khegglie]

I run Khegglie's home for orpan firearms.

[BSA1]

I think most of you are looking at the question wrong.

I use ALL of my guns. Some just have different uses than others.

Their are some that are suitable for CCW.

Their are some that are a bit larger and more suitable for H.D.

Their are some that are suitable for teaching new shooters.

Their are some that a suitable for inexpensive plinking.

Their are some that are suitable for small game hunting.

Their are some that are suitable for big game hunting.

Their are some that are suitable for bird hunting.

Their are some that are suitable for competition shooting such as CAS.

Their are some that are for investment.

And then their are some that simply give me joy to own.

But each and every one of them has use to me.:D

[Clark]

When I was young and handsome, women were magnetically attracted to me.
I owned 3 guns, just like my father did; 22 rifle, 30-06 rifle, 12 ga shot gun.

Then I got fat, old, and ugly.
20 years later, I have 300 guns.
At least I did not become an alcoholic or philanderer.
Gun collectors are just o.k.

[76shuvlinoff]

^^^ laughing at that one and I have to agree, they keep me too broke to hang out in saloons.

[tubeshooter]

I wanted a good, general-purpose .22 handgun. 7 guns later, I think I am finally satisfied...


These things happen.

[nwilliams]

The most guns I've ever had at one time is around 35-40.

Currently I only have 18 guns in my collection. Some of them I shoot often and others only occasionally but I like having lot's to choose from.

Part of the problem is that I work at a gun shop and it's like an alcoholic working at a bar for me.

[Hardtarget]

I'm a bit of an accidental gun collector. I've only bought a few of them...most just came to me by default...nobody else wanted them. My guns are "utilitarian", plain jane type guns. I'm a hunter/plinker and thats the type of collection I have.

Don't get me wrong, I like all of them. For instance, I have five 12 ga. guns. I duck hunt with one. One is for HD. I dove hunt with the Win. mod 24 SxS one time a year. The O/U will see some impromptu skeet. The last is a loaner.

The core group of eight guns see 95% of all the shooting, The rest I just take care of.

Mark

[460Kodiak]

How many have more guns than they can use and why?

I'm sorry..... I don't understand the question.

Well, to be fair, if it isn't sentimental, a collectors item, or a shooter, it goes away. So I guess no I don't have more guns than I can use. Every gun I own gets shot. Currently, that is a total of 8 and soon to be 9.

[gym]

It's a hobby to some, a profession to others, and a sport to many. Kind of like asking about anything else from model trains or model airplanes to boats or cars. It's all relative to what you can afford and what you enjoy doing with your money. I don't wear jewelry of fancy watches, some guys I know drop 10 grand on a watch, or 20 on a bike, or much more on boats or diving equiptment, same thing.

[shiftyer1]

Because after I bought what I felt I needed I could be more choosy. Not counting the first 3 or 4......I can double my investment if I need the cash in under an hour. Im patient and cheap and tend to find bargins, I also enjoy shooting.

[coloradokevin]

I'm a shooter, not a collector. I can't tell you an exact count of the guns I have around here, unless I sit down and think about it for a minute or two. I'm probably in the 15-16 range.

A couple of the guns are ones I mostly keep around for sentimental attachment to them from growing up, a couple of guns see use on a nearly weekly basis, a couple of the guns only get used when I go hunting, or perhaps when teaching a new shooter. All of my guns have a purpose to me, and I don't generally just collect guns. I currently have one exception to that rule, which is a commemorative pistol that was sold through my department to celebrate my agency's 150 year anniversary. I've never shot that gun, but I'm sure I eventually will (again, I'm more into shooting than stockpiling).

[postalnut25]

I'm in the neighborhood of 40 some odd guns. I also have 3 trucks. I'm actually thinking about downsizing both collections due to the time and expense needed to mainain both. I want to have less stuff that I can enjoy more often.

[Steel Talon]

Not many at all here. I'm always up trading

[gym]

That's another good point, 4 guns in the last 6 months were from trades, all were new. I was able to thade a fancy 40 EMP for a more functional shield, "same caliber, and enough cash to buy a fine shotgun for HD. I wasn't carrying the EMP anyhow, too delicate.I don't like guns that you need to be carefull with to a fault.
Many beautiful guns just require to much in the way of being careful where you lay them down or perspire on that nice finish. I can't be that anal anymore.
My guns are not banged around, but If I carry in the pocket, console or on my person, I don't want to worry abuot ware on the gun. Or if It slid off the bench, it's not a couple hundred dollars to fix that special sight or cracked burled wood grip.

[DammitBoy]

I've reduced my collection by twenty in the last three weeks and I might sell three more. Still leaves me with around thirty to play with.

I also traded to upgrade a few of those and that's my general plan - to upgrade my collection while reducing the overall size of it.

[Cdigman]

Some of the ladies I know ask me why I have so many guns, and to try and make them understand, I ask them how many pairs of shoes they really need...I mean, one pair of sneakers will work for everything, right? And there's no need for two pairs of high heels, if they are similar, right? That usually gets the point across. I've taken a few of them shooting, and a couple of those have actually gone on to become gun-owners themselves.

[tubeshooter]

A lot depends on if you're part of the "willing to trade up" camp or the "keep it at virtually all costs" camp.

If you are part of the latter (like me), then things start to accumulate...



Lately I do find myself starting to figure out which 2 or 3 would be first on deck to be sold if I decided to slim the collection down.

[Clark]

More than buy how many guns I will ever use, I buy more broken guns than I will ever have time to fix.

When my daughter was small, she made fun of me when she said, "I am going to have a gun, one that WORKS."

[Agsalaska]

My problem is a rarely, very rarely, trade guns. If I get possession of a gun, it is mine until I die. There are a few exceptions, but not very many.

[doc2rn]

I have mine slimmed down to the essentials and I am very happy with what I have on hand. Yes its more than I need but it will last myself and my family a lifetime.

[krupparms]

I just can't help my self &it makes me feel good! ;)

[velojym]

Too many? NEVAH!

[thump_rrr]

I've only been shooting for 2 years now.
I own 6 firearms 5 of which I bought and shoot regularly and a nice Italian 12ga which was my fathers'.
I will never sell that shotgun as long as I live since it has sentimental value to me even if I never shoot it again which I will whenever I get around to it.
There are many firearms that I would like to own which I currently don't.
I can probably never have enough 1911's and HK's of any type.

Some of us just like to buy stuff the same as with tools or cars or clothing.
Would any woman say she has too many shoes?

[esq_stu]

Impulse buys. I see a gun for sale, I get an urge, I buy it. Or I get on a kick for a certain gun type or caliber. I read up a little and then start buying.

Current kicks:
--switch EDC to 357 sig; bought 3, now gotta sell something;
--cowboy action; bought a blackhawk, decided I need 2 Vaqueros, a lever action, and a coach gun.

Uh-oh: I have to sell something. The deal with wifey is no increase in inventory. I'm up by 5.

[khegglie]

esq_stu you should try to modify that deal bro.

[Boxhead]

I honestly have no idea.

[Gordon]

I'm a 4th generation collector. Until it burnt down in 1950 my family had the largest collection in the South. I guess it is in the blood. I have sold off all the non -shootable/"useable" stuff over the years to finance homes,buildings, college tuition, hard times, training, hunts,vacations and modern stuff. I think I mastered the sell at peak market strategies over the years. I have about 150+ guns left as I gave about 50 away to family and friends the last 5 years, always room for the odd .22 hornet or N frame still. Interestingly I just traded to my dentist friend a deluxe Remington 48 20 guage and a Winchester 75 target for a crown, a good deal for me and he was happy too!:D

[P5 Guy]

Yeah, I'm guilty but working on rectifying a bad situation.

[EddieNFL]

I have a friend with 62 guns.

I have a friend who used to collect Rugers. About ten years ago he decided to thin the herd. Still has about 100.

Know a guy own has more than 30 ARs alone.

[gondorian]

Since I only have two hands the most I can really use at a time is two. Therefore I have a few extra but not a whole lot.

[armsmaster270]

My collection is small

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff207/armsmaster270/Guns/handguns.jpg

[helitack32f1]

How many is "More than you can use."?

So, technically, if you collect guns, aren't all the guns you purchase or "Collect" being "used" as collectible items, thereby serving their purpose for which they were intended?

I really don't understand questions like this. I guess the question needs to be asked, used for what?

If you collect guns, all your guns are being used whether they have been shot or not.

If you are not intentionally a collector for collecting purposes but just like guns and buy all those that tickle your fancy and they only get shot once a year, are they being "Used"?

If you buy guns for self defense, you are not very likely going to use more than one gun at a time for any given self defense situation. Does this mean that if you own more than one gun, you have "More than you can use?

I have more guns than I can use at one time, so yes, i have more guns than i can use. Why? Because I can (So far) and I want to.

[otasan56]

I have six handguns, three .22 rifles, and a 12ga Mossberg M500 shotgun. That is enough for me, until my first SS paycheck(!)

[hwmoore]

I could be happy with 6 but it would need to be the right 6 but i have more than 8 now LOL
1 rugger 22 or something similar 22 rifle
1 shot gun I have a old 12 gauge single I will never get rid of
1 AR
1 bolt action high power/ mine's a mosin but it could be replaced
22 target/pistol pistol
1 self defense /carry pistol (this is where i got crazy and have 2 glocks 40S&W w/night sights / 1 J frame airweight 38 w/laser and a keltec 380 pocket pistol w/laser)