Reduce Calibers? Streamline or Diversify?

I really can't tell you what you should do, but I can tell you what I've done. My centerfire rifle battery is pretty simple. It consists of:

One 222 Remington (Springfield 840)
One 243 Winchester (Weatherby Vanguard Deluxe)
One 38 Special (Uberti 1866)
One 30-30 Win (Marlin 336)
One 30-06 Sprfld (Remington 700)

From close range whitetails to long range varmints, and most every other game animal and situation in N. America, I have a rifle to handle the task. I enjoy owning every rifle listed, and enjoy shooting and loading for each caliber. But, I have no need or desire to own duplicates in the same caliber, or own ballistic twins to the ones listed (223, 6mm Rem, 270, etc). I also don't feel the need to add any more rifles to it, with the exception of perhaps one or two more lever guns in calibers such as 300 Savage or 32-20, or perhaps 45-70. Of course, every man should have at least one 22lr; I have about a dozen myself, and 17's and 22 mags. Probably should reduce those numbers as well, but I don't think I'm ready to do that just yet.

So, should you reduce and consolidate? Well that's up to you in the end. One one hand, they aren't costing you anything to own just sitting in the safe. On the other, they could be turned into cash to finance other things, and now is the time to turn them if you're of a mind to. Were I in your shoes, I probably would get my collection down to a core of "users" that could take care of just about anything in N. America. After that, I might add back a couple "oddball" or collectibles. Otherwise, I'd invest the money from the sale of the other rifles into optics, ammo, and hunting trips.

Mac

Variety is the spice of life.

I am getting rid of anything that hasn't been shot in the last 5 years and there are several. Just sold a Weatherby Vanguard 223, listed a Verona O/U and might even sell my 40 cal Hi-Power Practical. I know that it hasn't been to the range in a decade. At the ripe old age of 71, I have nobody to leave them to, plus my wife will not clean them after I am gone. They need to go to someone who will use them.

I tend to stay in a few cartridge lanes and focus on the firearm specifically. As a hand loader I can generally get my thrills with about 5 different cartridges. I don't hunt anymore so it makes it easier. I only have one rifle cartridge that I load for, well, two if you consider 30 carbine a true modern rifle cartridge.

I have many pistols but they all use 2 cartridges, 45 ACP and 9x19. Same with my revolvers. Two cartridges and that's all I want or need.

Captcurt said:

I am getting rid of anything that hasn't been shot in the last 5 years and there are several. Just sold a Weatherby Vanguard 223, listed a Verona O/U and might even sell my 40 cal Hi-Power Practical. I know that it hasn't been to the range in a decade. At the ripe old age of 71, I have nobody to leave them to, plus my wife will not clean them after I am gone. They need to go to someone who will use them.

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I'm in the same boat. No shooters in my family so time to start turning some things into cash. Recently sold two pistols and a rifle for that reason.

While .308 doesn’t really thrill me its a practical cartridge. I personally think the 6.5Creed is wildly overblown. Many other cartridges put more energy on target under 400 yards with similar recoil for cheaper. 6.5 creed is a long range target cartridge.

BUT in terms of overall cartridge collections I personally like a bit of variety and even rarity because its fun to hand roll my own and explore the wide world of guns.

My dad had one deer rifle his whole life, A .35 Remington pump. He also had a single shot 12 gauge and a .22lr. He did replace his worn-out Winchester 74 with a Remington Nylon 22. I don't think he ever had a pistol of his own. He was a deputy dispatcher. The point being that I have more guns than I need but I hate to part with any. I guess I know which ones I could get by with. I am way behind on gun projects. Other projects too. Maybe that day is closer than I think.

In my younger years I played the game of multiple calibers, many firearms. I finally realized I couldn’t afford to feed them all & I was NOT a collector. I have now drastically streamlined my firearms. In fact, I no longer own any firearm I purchased from years prior. And every pistol & rifle I have I built, chambered in my top calibers. Simplicity is a wonderful thing.

But that is me. I don’t think anyone here can TELL you what to do. You need to examine yourself, your wants & needs. And decide what you any to do. Ask yourself these question. I guarantee you’ll make the right choices for yourself.

I have a problem with redundant firearms. I am getting on in years and need to clean up my 'estate' (such as it is) for my heirs. Specifically to not leave a mess to sort out when I die.

I have redundancy problem with hunting rifles.
Among others, I have a very nice CZ brand (fairly new) 6.5x55mm bolt gun. I found and purchased a .257 Roberts (BRNO action) because that's a caliber fascinating to me. Then I found a sporterized Mannlicher (Dutch contract) rifle in 6.5x53.5mmR - which is vary similar in power to a 6.5 Manlicher-Schonauer - and a couple others that are marvelous deer and medium game arms, but there are - uh - several of them. They are functionally equal.

I have a redundancy problem with defensive arms. In short, I have five or six handguns suitable for personal carry and use. A Colt Commander, a S&W (pinned and recessed) M27 and several others in either .357 Magnum or .38 Special and a .44 (Special) Hand Ejector for special occasions.

So I'm thinking a want to pare down the herd a bit. Mostly for administrative purposes - for my heirs. However, few of them will appeal to others as they appeal to me. (I think.)

What's an old timer to do?

Pick them up one by one and if they don't make you feel tingly and warm then you don't need it.

Good test @someguy2800

someguy2800 said:

Pick them up one by one and if they don't make you feel tingly and warm then you don't need it.

Click to expand...

That's what led to my divorce.


I'll see myself out....

citizenconn said:

That's what led to my divorce.


I'll see myself out....

Click to expand...

I have right sized my collection a few times. If you don't use it, trade it for something new. Sell 2 or 3 and buy that rifle you have always wanted.
You have the bases covered.

Diversify!

As a collector and connoisseur of oddball things, I have never seen any point in consolidating and stock many different cartridges to feed them.

2mm pinfire
.17 HM2
.17 Rem
.22 short
.22 long
.22 long rifle
.22 WMR
5.7x28
.22 Hornet
.223/5.56
.220 Swift
.243 Win
.25 ACP
.25-20 Win
.25 Remington
.25-35 Win
.25-06 Rem
6.5x50 Arisaka
6.5x52 carcano
6.5x55 swede
7x57 Mauser
7mm-08 Rem
.280 AI
7.35 Carcano
7.5x55 Swiss
7.62x25 Tok
7.62x39
7.62x54
7.7x58 Arisaka
.303 British
.300 Blk
.30-30 Win
.308 Win
.30-06
.300 Win Mag
.300 RUM
.32 ACP
.32 S&W
.32 S&W long
.32 H&R Mag
8mm Lebel revolver
.32 Rem
8x57 Mauser
8mm Rem Mag
.351 Win
.350 Rem Mag
.380 ACP
9x19mm
9x23mm
.38 S&W
.38 special
.357 Magnum
.375 RUM
.40 S&W
10mm Auto
10mm Magnum
.44 special
.44 Magnum
.45 ACP
.45 Colt
.454 Casull
.45-70
.410 bore
20 ga
16 ga
12 ga
10 ga

I don't actively seek to add others, but I won't shy away from a gun I like because of an odd chambering either.

I suppose if one had more limited space or moved frequently, a more streamlined collection of both weapons and cartridges would make more sense, though. I have lots of dedicated space and have lived in the same home for 18 years with plans to move only one more time in my life, and the guns and ammo are the least of my concerns for transport with an entire machine shop that occupies pretty well every inch of a 50x56 building, including many delicate machines that weigh over 5 tons.

MachIVshooter said:

Diversify!

As a collector and connoisseur of oddball things, I have never seen any point in consolidating and stock many different cartridges to feed them.

2mm pinfire
.17 HM2
.17 Rem
.22 short
.22 long
.22 long rifle
.22 WMR
5.7x28
.22 Hornet
.223/5.56
.220 Swift
.243 Win
.25 ACP
.25-20 Win
.25 Remington
.25-35 Win
.25-06 Rem
6.5x50 Arisaka
6.5x52 carcano
6.5x55 swede
7x57 Mauser
7mm-08 Rem
.280 AI
7.35 Carcano
7.5x55 Swiss
7.62x25 Tok
7.62x39
7.62x54
7.7x58 Arisaka
.303 British
.300 Blk
.30-30 Win
.308 Win
.30-06
.300 Win Mag
.300 RUM
.32 ACP
.32 S&W
.32 S&W long
.32 H&R Mag
8mm Lebel revolver
.32 Rem
8x57 Mauser
8mm Rem Mag
.351 Win
.350 Rem Mag
.380 ACP
9x19mm
9x23mm
.38 S&W
.38 special
.357 Magnum
.375 RUM
.40 S&W
10mm Auto
10mm Magnum
.44 special
.44 Magnum
.45 ACP
.45 Colt
.454 Casull
.45-70
.410 bore
20 ga
16 ga
12 ga
10 ga

Click to expand...

You are the John Bogle of caliber diversity!

MachIVshooter said:

Diversify!

As a collector and connoisseur of oddball things, I have never seen any point in consolidating and stock many different cartridges to feed them.

2mm pinfire
.17 HM2
.17 Rem
.22 short
.22 long
.22 long rifle
.22 WMR
5.7x28
.22 Hornet
.223/5.56
.220 Swift
.243 Win
.25 ACP
.25-20 Win
.25 Remington
.25-35 Win
.25-06 Rem
6.5x50 Arisaka
6.5x52 carcano
6.5x55 swede
7x57 Mauser
7mm-08 Rem
.280 AI
7.35 Carcano
7.5x55 Swiss
7.62x25 Tok
7.62x39
7.62x54
7.7x58 Arisaka
.303 British
.300 Blk
.30-30 Win
.308 Win
.30-06
.300 Win Mag
.300 RUM
.32 ACP
.32 S&W
.32 S&W long
.32 H&R Mag
8mm Lebel revolver
.32 Rem
8x57 Mauser
8mm Rem Mag
.351 Win
.350 Rem Mag
.380 ACP
9x19mm
9x23mm
.38 S&W
.38 special
.357 Magnum
.375 RUM
.40 S&W
10mm Auto
10mm Magnum
.44 special
.44 Magnum
.45 ACP
.45 Colt
.454 Casull
.45-70
.410 bore
20 ga
16 ga
12 ga
10 ga

I don't actively seek to add others, but I won't shy away from a gun I like because of an odd chambering either.

I suppose if one had more limited space or moved frequently, a more streamlined collection of both weapons and cartridges would make more sense, though. I have lots of dedicated space and have lived in the same home for 18 years with plans to move only one more time in my life, and the guns and ammo are the least of my concerns for transport with an entire machine shop that occupies pretty well every inch of a 50x56 building, including many delicate machines that weigh over 5 tons.

Click to expand...

This list gives me anxiety. I have a relatively miniscule array of chamberings and I stress about maintaining a decent supply of ammo for each of them. It'd be a logistical nightmare for me to keep track of all of that.

I will buy a gun i want in a cartridge i already have over a new one. Like when the 320 came out I bought a 40 first since I shoot more 40. I also only buy 12 guage shotguns. I don't intend on getting into new cartridges. But if the gun is interesting I will. The 5.7 was a new one I got into . 460 and 500 as well. 17 hmr... all when they were new . but I do pretty good at keeping it down to 10 or so Cartridges

I'm a rifle looney.....I would add significantly to the list....nothing there I would remove!

It depends on what camp you fall in regarding ammo diversity and availability, and if "running out" is a concern.

Back 10 years ago, I might be more apt to reduce calibers because all the common ones were always available. Today I might think the opposite. All the common calibers sell out which leaves the oddball ones available. (This is just my non-scientific thinking with no actual data)

If ammo scarcity is your concern I’d diversify with a few firearms of core cartridges like .22LR, 9mm, .223, and .308. Then the rest random cartridges you enjoy. Because the cartridges I just listed are the ones most manufactured right now but they’re also the quickest to be snapped up in bad times. But example the .300 WSSM is a common enough to be around but not so common everyone has it cartridge you might be able to find at your local store when .308 is non-existent. When I was in school I bought a WASR AK because the Russian steel case ammo was maybe not cheaper but waaaaaay easier to come by than .22LR and .223. If ammo availability is a concern I actually tent to think diversifying is a great idea. You’re not married to a single cartridge.

MachIVshooter said:

Diversify!

As a collector and connoisseur of oddball things, I have never seen any point in consolidating and stock many different cartridges to feed them.

2mm pinfire
.17 HM2
.17 Rem
.22 short
.22 long
.22 long rifle
.22 WMR
5.7x28
.22 Hornet
.223/5.56
.220 Swift
.243 Win
.25 ACP
.25-20 Win
.25 Remington
.25-35 Win
.25-06 Rem
6.5x50 Arisaka
6.5x52 carcano
6.5x55 swede
7x57 Mauser
7mm-08 Rem
.280 AI
7.35 Carcano
7.5x55 Swiss
7.62x25 Tok
7.62x39
7.62x54
7.7x58 Arisaka
.303 British
.300 Blk
.30-30 Win
.308 Win
.30-06
.300 Win Mag
.300 RUM
.32 ACP
.32 S&W
.32 S&W long
.32 H&R Mag
8mm Lebel revolver
.32 Rem
8x57 Mauser
8mm Rem Mag
.351 Win
.350 Rem Mag
.380 ACP
9x19mm
9x23mm
.38 S&W
.38 special
.357 Magnum
.375 RUM
.40 S&W
10mm Auto
10mm Magnum
.44 special
.44 Magnum
.45 ACP
.45 Colt
.454 Casull
.45-70
.410 bore
20 ga
16 ga
12 ga
10 ga

I don't actively seek to add others, but I won't shy away from a gun I like because of an odd chambering either.

I suppose if one had more limited space or moved frequently, a more streamlined collection of both weapons and cartridges would make more sense, though. I have lots of dedicated space and have lived in the same home for 18 years with plans to move only one more time in my life, and the guns and ammo are the least of my concerns for transport with an entire machine shop that occupies pretty well every inch of a 50x56 building, including many delicate machines that weigh over 5 tons.

Click to expand...

Are you looking to adopt a senior citizen son? ;-)

I'm mostly a handgun collector, and unfortunately, I'm into about a gazillion handgun calibers. Attempting to "right-size" I decided all my long guns should have specific roles, so -- I've gone down to .22 LR, 223/5.56, .243, 30-30, .30-06, .45-70 and a lever-action in .38/.357. Except recently I got froggy in a Cabela's and got something in 6.5 Creedmor, which I totally didn't need.

Ammo scarcity is not a concern for me, as I can afford, and have resources, for acquiring anything I need to shoot. But I will say, being retired, looking at a cross-country move, and trying to reduce clutter, streamlining is where I'm at. Now, 40 years ago, I'd be all into diversifying...

I am in the camp of having a diversity of calibers is a great thing especially these days. I have drop in 9mm barrels for my .40 caliber glocks because there are times when you can find one but not the other. Right now you can find .308 ammo laying on the shelves but finding 7mm or .300 is rough in this area. I say keep them! All of this goes away a bit if you reload your own ammo.