So what is the primary motivation for your gun-related purchases?
In the schema presented, I'd have to call myself an Explorer. I have no "need" for my recent ventures with 6.5 Grendel and 6mm ARC, but I've enjoyed getting acquainted with the cartridges. My recent purchase of a Garmin Xero was motivated by utility. My intention is to move more toward Utility by downsizing and focusing, but I'm not there yet; I am definitely not a Collector.
What say you? Vote and give us a summary.
I voted "explorer", but collector is part of the plan. I'd rather say "aficionado" rather than collector, because my collection isn't what you normally think of when you hear the word., which would be those rare or perfect condition firearms that command huge prices and stay in a safe unused. Certainly, I've paid quite a bit for some (most) of them, but still not at the level of a museum-quality collection. I want to be able to use them as well as admire them. Using them is part of the admiration for them. Only two do I own that I won't shoot. It's nice to have a variety of different guns to shoot, within the realm of types I want to have. In my case, that is revolvers and 1911's with a few others thrown in. Not a single polymer in the bunch.
I've hunted in the past, when I was much younger, and I've competed, but no longer, except against myself. If I shoot better the next time out than I did the last time, I consider myself a winner. It's more about complete competence than perfection. I reload for all my guns except for the shotguns, rimfires and a couple of Russian guns that I only shoot occasionally. That satisfies exploring; looking for the more accurate load, by using a new powder for different performance or bullet type for better ballistics.
"Variety" could be another choice in the poll. I have eleven different handgun calibers I load and shoot, and three rifle calibers. It never gets boring, although I do have favorites that seem to go along on every range trip. I have the choice to shoot clays, punch paper, or ring steel, from 5 yards to past 1000.
It's a helluva hobby, with its roots in LE and military service.