Contentment with gun collection

[minutemen1776]

I know this may be an abhorrent concept for some folks, but I believe I have finally achived contentment with my gun collection. I've had guns my whole life, but I have seriously built my collection over the last 10-12 years. I have had about 100 different guns, ultimately keeping only about 20 of those. I've also gone through a number of "phases" and bought more than a few guns I did not like simply for the sake of having a "rounded" collection. Now, I've learned that MY collection is really only about ME. I've ditched things I don't enjoy, and I have multiples of a few favorites. Most importantly, I finally feel HAPPY with what I have. There is nothing I have that I'm tempted to sell, and I know of nothing I'm eager to buy. Sure, there might be a couple of things I'd buy if I found a good one at a good price. Or, a new item might later hit the market that catches my eye. But, I won't go trolling through every shop within a hundred miles trying to find those items, and I won't overpay in an auction for some "must-have" gun. In years past, that's exactly what I would have done. Now, though, I just want to shoot what I have and maybe tinker with an accessory or modification here and there. Contentment actually feels good!

 

[Agsalaska]

Bless you sir. I can only stare in admiration.

My appetite for gun collecting is some kind of cross between a black hole and a heroin addict. :banghead:

 

[huntsman]

There are as many different gun guys as there are guns, for some the thrill is in The hunt for a new prize for others it's all about shooting.

I'm a gun guy because my Dad was, I've gone through phases with my collection and found that while I like buying it's not the end all for me nor is shooting to the point where I would want to shoot competitively. I just like owning guns and shooting guns and don't really need any justification or motive beyond that.

FWIW I bought my first gun in 1978 and since then I've had about two dozen pass through my hands and now own ten, more than enough for what I need and just about enough to feel full.

 

[doc2rn]

I have reached that same level of apreciation for my collection. I have even given a few of my firearms to immediate family, with the caveat they must be gifted on, Marlin mod 60s run for a good long time! I have also found that I appreciate gunsmiths like Oldfuff!

 

[GrOuNd_ZeRo]

I have a compulsion to have a NEED for every gun I own and it's hard for me to resist the urge for the next firearm.

While I don't feel the need for two very similar firearms I do LOVE to collect, I bought my M95 Steyr for the SOLE reason of collecting it and hanging it on the wall but whenever I find some 8x56R I would definitly shoot it again since it's ONE FUN GUN to shoot.

But collecting guns is an addictive and expensive hobby with actually shooting the price goes from there.

 

[AlexanderA]

Two observations about collecting (of guns as well as anything else):

1. A collection needs a theme. Otherwise, it's a mere accumulation.

2. A true collector never stops collecting. Once he does, it's "burnout" and he might as well sell his collection and start over with something else.

 

[1KPerDay]

Would you feel comfortable posting a list of your 20 "keepers"? I'd be interested to see the 'grail guns' that bring ultimate satisfaction for you.

 

[Romeo 33 Delta]

Boy, Alexander A nailed that one! I did this with guitars, bases and amps a couple decades ago. As a player, I could justify acquiring them ... but once I stopped playing and had everything I had awlays wanted to own ... suddenly they weren't that interesting anymore!

Firearms are another thing. After 40+ years of serious collecting I too have reached "saturation" or nearly so (though I just bought a Werder because I wanted one to shoot). I don't have many "holes" in my collection to fill anymore (at least none that I contemplate ... just couldn't seem to write a check for $25K for a Jap Type 5 a couple months ago).

I think the future is going to be pushing on my "smith" to get my rifles built for my wildcatting projects ... the cartridges are done, just need the rifles!!!

I still reloaad and shoot, so I'll be keeping my firearms ... but I do see a day down the road where I will no longer be reloading and shooting and then it will be time for other collectors to "pick my bones clean". I don't mean that in a negative way either ... afterall, isn't that exactly how I built my collection over these last 40+ years?

 

[DeepSouth]

If I had to continue on living without ever acquiring another gun I would be happy with what I have. But there are several thousand more I want, mostly old ones made from 1870-1910 and maybe an AR and some kind of 45acp carbine.

I guess continent but not finished would describe me.



All typos are iPhone auto correct's fault.

 

[Savage99]

Good topic and answers as well.

As an old timer I am still shooting and hunting but closer to the car.

In the 70's the pre-64 M70 and M99 was all I needed along with target rifles. Shotguns and handguns interest me less.

These days I just look around in shops for something better than what i have that's priced fair.

Here is the last gun I got. It's a custom on a M70 action 300 Win. Mag. I am still testing it to see what shoots well and does not kick too much for me.

Of late I loaded some 150's over 3031 to about 2900 (ie: 30-06 velocity) and it's off to the range again soon.

 

[content]

Hello friends and neighbors // Congrats on finding contentment with your collection, a temporary condition for most of us..

I advise you to avoid the Revolver picture thread.

The Milsurps caught my attention early last year. Now with 20 rifles and shotguns and a few handguns ... the search is still on ... shotguns are the hardest to find.

I've also gotten into vintage Machetes, Knives and Bayonets to match the Milsurp rifles.

I feel content with the state my accumulation until something pops up at the right price...sometimes that takes a while.
Last month it was a Marlin, Camp .45 because the month before I had found a 1945, Colt NM.

Enjoy the search

 

[SabbathWolf]

I don't consider myself a collector at all.
I only own 6 guns and want to keep the total at 10 or less.

 

[lpsharp88]

I don't consider myself a collector at all.
I only own 6 guns and want to keep the total at 10 or less.

That's the exact boat I'm in, but I'm not convinced I could stop at 10, my want list is kind of extensive

 

[mcdonl]

I am happy and content. I will buy more, but only if it is a great deal.

 

[tyeo098]

Do you own a DPM or DP-28?

If not, you are not done yet!

 

[FitGunner]

I am content and happy with my current collection...but I wouldn't mind adding another 20 or so more to it.

 

[Queen_of_Thunder]

I don't consider myself a collector at all.
I only own 6 guns and want to keep the total at 10 or less.

Good luck on that. My money though would be on you having more than ten. My collection started in a very innocent manner with the purchase of a Uberti Colt Walker followed by a H&R 22 revolved then a Rock Island 45 and I haven't looked back since then. I will offer up that the deepest darkest hole one can fall i to is shotguns. Once you cross that line there is no hope for you.

 

[SabbathWolf]

That's the exact boat I'm in, but I'm not convinced I could stop at 10, my want list is kind of extensive

We broke it down by what my wife and I would actually shoot a lot.
And then by what bases we needed to cover.
We went for short, medium and long range. As well as by HD/survival roles.
That's it really. And after doing so, the monster list got smaller.

Right now we have:

Mine: AK(47) 7.62x39 & HK USP 45acp handgun

Hers: AK(74) 5.45x39 & HK P30 9mm handgun

Ours: Savage 308 10FCP bolt rifle & Ruger 357 "convertible" Blackhawk because it can shoot 9mm, 38spl and 357mag from the same gun.

Other than that, the only things we still want is a 22lr rifle and a 12ga shotgun.
That would cover all "our" needs/wants really.

 

[SabbathWolf]

@ Queen...

LOL...maybe.

At one point in time, I had around 40 guns.
Some purchased, some inherited.
The more I looked at all the ones I did "not" ever shoot, I decided to sell them off to people who would actually use and enjoy them.

 

[Bobson]

Contentment actually feels good!

I've been told that real happiness is being content with what you have, whether its nothing more than the clothes on your back, or millions of dollars worth of possessions. Contentment is possible in either of those extremes. It's also equally difficult to attain, because it's 100% mental.

If you really are content, it isn't because you finally got all you need. I know more people who are content making 30 grand a year, then people who are content making five million per year.

 

[Ranger Roberts]

Every time I buy a new gun, I turn to my wife and say "well that about does it, I think our collection is complete".

 

[HoosierQ]

I feel pretty good about the number and niches filled by the ones I have right now.

 

[huntsman]

I've been told that real happiness is being content with what you have, whether its nothing more than the clothes on your back, or millions of dollars worth of possessions. Contentment is possible in either of those extremes. It's also equally difficult to attain, because it's 100% mental.

phil 4:12

I ain't got a dime but what I got is mine, I ain't rich but lord I'm free. -George Strait

both influence me

 

[Doc7]

Last night I told my fiancée "I think I'm 3...four....no, make that 5 guns away from being done." Think it will never end.

 

[SabbathWolf]

I've been told that real happiness is being content with what you have, whether its nothing more than the clothes on your back, or millions of dollars worth of possessions. Contentment is possible in either of those extremes. It's also equally difficult to attain, because it's 100% mental.

If you really are content, it isn't because you finally got all you need. I know more people who are content making 30 grand a year, then people who are content making five million per year.

Yep.
To me, it's not about how much money you have.
It's about what you do with it throughout your life that counts.
Especially when you are young and making plans for the future.

I'm only 48 years old.
But...I have a 4 bedroom house on 30 acres of land completely paid off now. I hold the deed. And all my vehicles are paid off too. And no credit card debt either.
I'm at the point now that I can survive on an NCO army retirement and don't even have to work any more.
I just blow money on guns and other hobbies now while drinking beer and sitting on my butt....lol