Over the years I have had just about every conceivable type of firearm. From shotguns, to rifles, to semi-auto's and wheel guns. Even a derringer or two.
For home protection I always fell back on a good shotgun. I have carried DA/SA's, strikers and SAO's in various flavors.
Today I have been alternating between a 1911 in either 45 or 38 Super or a manual safety (like my 1911's) striker.
With the recent general unrest I have forsaken the 1911's for the capacity of my striker guns. I like the fact that all my striker guns use the same mags too. I get a lot of versatility out of what I have invested in there.
And now I feel like I am at a crossroads in life. Times are tough and retirement is not that far off. I am thinking about downsizing and keeping just my striker guns (as they all have either a combat or range purpose), a few shotguns and maybe one rifle (either keep my 357 lever gun or trade out to an AR of some sort).
I still enjoy reloading and have a crap-ton of all forms of brass.
The though process that I am trying to vet here with all yall who may be a bit older and have gone through this is if the idea of standardizing and keeping really, really consistent with my guns, ammo and training. Or continue to keep my variable types and calibers for enjoyment down the line.
Just looking for constructive input.
I view this, in its base form, as a "to sell or not to sell" question. Unless you've got the gun used to kill Jimmy Hoffa, and paperwork to prove it, you're just not going to get
that much from selling your guns. Seriously, how much will you realistically get for the guns you sell? (Look at gunbroker's completed sales for some ideas.)
Now take that figure and think about how that would help you with your retirement. What would you use that money for? Would you even have anything to show for it after you spent it? Now compare that to the utility and enjoyment you have thus far received from those guns you would sell. Do you still want to sell?
You've mentioned "standardize or diversify." If you sell off everything but 2-3 calibers, and then you can't get those calibers...then what. Thinking about standardizing for reloading? Okay. You narrow down to 3 primer sizes/types (sm pistol, sm rifle (9mm and 223) and lg rifle (pick any hunting rifle caliber) and 3 powder types. Will you always be able to get those? I already can't get the powder I need for some of my guns and primers are
gone.
I'll leave you with a final, parting thought. You have already purchased all of those guns and their associated supplies (ammo, mags, etc). You bought them with dollars that were worth more than they are now. Your only cost in keeping them is an opportunity cost. (What is the next best thing you could do with the money you spent on those guns?) It cost you nothing to keep them. On the other hand, as tough times get tougher, you may need those guns and supplies, and, even if you can replace them, it will cost you more to replace them that what you gained by selling them.
I apologize for the lengthy post. "Wordiness" is a character flaw with which I am "blessed."
I hand load the last four.
