Quote Coal Train 49: I think a collector has a plan. They seek out certain types, models, make, etc. If you have more than one S&W model 19 you might be a collector. If you have 3 revolvers but none are the same make or model you probably aren't a collector. You probably just like revolvers. Collectors don't shoot their guns because it lessens their value. Guns that get used get worn in some way or another.
I'm a shooter. If I tire of a certain gun or I find it setting in the safe for more than a few years I sell it. I have a few that I've had for a long time but only because they have some sentimental value. Most of those were given to me by someone I know. Anything that I bought might likely be sold if I don't shoot it.
I can't really afford cars I don't drive or guns I don't shoot.
EXACTLY!!! Well stated. Most REAL COLLECTORS are millionaires at least and most of them are multi-multi-millionaires. They HAVE TO BE to afford anything that is actually "collectable." They have a UNIQUE group of historical firearms called a "collection." A bunch of guns is not a collection, it's just a bunch of guns which is what most people who call themselves "collectors" have. As soon as these guys heard that Savage quit making the model 24, they ran out and bought one or two and put them in the safe. What they have is NOT COLLECTABLE, but they consider themselves to be collectors. They also ran up the price and dried up the supply. Now people who want one to hunt with can't find one and when they do, it's 800 bucks or so. The same thing will soon happen to Browning Hi Powers as soon as most people learn Browning quit making them. Two years from now, you won't be able to find one because the so called "collectors" will have bought them and NONE of what they bought is collectable, but you won't be able to find one for less than about 1500 bucks or more. But the same thing happened to 55, 56 and 57 Chevys and so forth. You AIN'T a car collector just because you own a 55 Chevy two door hard top and you AIN'T a gun collector just because you own an single action Colt chambered in 45 Colt or two or three of them UNLESS one or more of them belonged to Wyatt Erp or Jessie James and you can prove that.