grant1265
Member
When you walk into a gun shop and buy a gun, is it for a specific reason/ purpose (competition, carry, etc.), or is it just if you see something cool at a decent price you buy it. Explain.
Do you buy guns for specific needs or just impulse?
- Thread starter grant1265
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BIGGBAY90
Member
All the above----You answer it for me
I try not and go in to gun shops if I really have a specific "need" to fill - place the order if they don't have it, don't go back till they call. About 1/2 the guns I own were purchased because I had some money in my gun budget and decided to go research an idea at the local gunshop and walked out w/ something completely different!
Really, I've got no business being around a gun counter if I've got money in my pocket - my wife will certainly vouch for that...
David
Really, I've got no business being around a gun counter if I've got money in my pocket - my wife will certainly vouch for that...
David
I have bought guns for good deals, usually used. However, I usually buy for a specific purpose / hole in my collection.
Sometimes both. I had intended to buy a Benelli M4 sometime in the future, but came across a used one at 2/3 the price of new, and it had one tiny scratch on a sight blade and had been shot, I figured, by looking at the carbon on the pistons, compared to later cleanings, about ten times. So, that one was a good deal and one I intended to buy sometime.
Sometimes both. I had intended to buy a Benelli M4 sometime in the future, but came across a used one at 2/3 the price of new, and it had one tiny scratch on a sight blade and had been shot, I figured, by looking at the carbon on the pistons, compared to later cleanings, about ten times. So, that one was a good deal and one I intended to buy sometime.
SigP229R
Member
Did not vote because none of them fit. I usually purchase because it is something I have been looking for and I have fianlly found it in my price range.
WoofersInc
Member
Boy, isn't that the truth. I'm the same way. I'll walk in with something specific in mind and walk out with something completly different. I have enough guns at this point that there is no longer a specific need that has to be filled. It's all about "hey that looks cool" or "that would go great in my collection" now.
Johannes_Paulsen
Member
Specific purpose. However much fun they are, they are tools, and unless there's a reason, I don't want to drop the coin.
If I didn't follow that policy, I'd probably already have purchased a Springfield EMP, Walther PPK, Walther P-38, .380 Guardian, S&W J Frame, AR-15, SKS....etc....
(The fact that I already have so detailed a wishlist and could probably keep adding to it means that my policy may not last the end of the year, though...)
If I didn't follow that policy, I'd probably already have purchased a Springfield EMP, Walther PPK, Walther P-38, .380 Guardian, S&W J Frame, AR-15, SKS....etc....
(The fact that I already have so detailed a wishlist and could probably keep adding to it means that my policy may not last the end of the year, though...)
Old krow
Member
I try to keep some cash on hand in case a good deal pops up, otherwise, I am looking for something specific.
Snowbandit
Member
- Joined
- Oct 4, 2007
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I do my best to stay out of gun shops all together now. All the basses have been covered and there isn't a single gun I need. Any guns that managed to follow me home would just be proof of my poor money management skills.
PUNISHER56
Member
My inventory is complete. However, if I was to purchase a new
firearm it would be to upgrade or replace an existing unit.
firearm it would be to upgrade or replace an existing unit.
Zach S
Member
Both. Some purchases (and most builds) filled a need, but most purchases were impulse buys.
Some are impulse buys that fill a need. Take my P9 for example. I wanted a K9 for when a smaller carry gun was required, but was holding out for a used one. I asked to see the P9 in the case and the guy behind the counter said "Didn't your wife want one of these?" It was at that point I decided to buy it, and replied with "Yeah, but she ran off, so I'm buying this for myself!"
I've found it to be one of my most useful and satisfying impulse buys.
Some are impulse buys that fill a need. Take my P9 for example. I wanted a K9 for when a smaller carry gun was required, but was holding out for a used one. I asked to see the P9 in the case and the guy behind the counter said "Didn't your wife want one of these?" It was at that point I decided to buy it, and replied with "Yeah, but she ran off, so I'm buying this for myself!"
I've found it to be one of my most useful and satisfying impulse buys.
Both.
I have guns that I bought for practical purposes (kel-tec pf9, taurus 605 .357),
guns that I bough for the "cool" or collector-ey factor (luger p08, SVT-40)
and guns that I bought for a combination of both, which consists of the majority of my collection (1911s, S&W revolvers of various makes, cz82)
I like classic and collector-ish stuff, but the brunt of my collection consists of nice classic guns that also serve a purpose and get used. I wouldn't say they are bought mostly on impulse, but I wouldn't say I researched and planned to buy most of them either, it's usually just a nice combination of a good-great selling price, my knowing what I'm looking at, and having money in my pocket when a good deal comes up.
I have guns that I bought for practical purposes (kel-tec pf9, taurus 605 .357),
guns that I bough for the "cool" or collector-ey factor (luger p08, SVT-40)
and guns that I bought for a combination of both, which consists of the majority of my collection (1911s, S&W revolvers of various makes, cz82)
I like classic and collector-ish stuff, but the brunt of my collection consists of nice classic guns that also serve a purpose and get used. I wouldn't say they are bought mostly on impulse, but I wouldn't say I researched and planned to buy most of them either, it's usually just a nice combination of a good-great selling price, my knowing what I'm looking at, and having money in my pocket when a good deal comes up.
content
Member
Hello friends and neighbors// Plus 1 to post #5
9MMare
Member
Very specific!
current house and carry gun: S&W 9mm M&P
current competition guns: 2 Uberti Cattlemen Hombre SA .45 lc
would like:
--smaller, thinner DA carry gun, so I can retire the (heavy bulky) fullsize 9mm to the nitestand
--reliable gun to leave (locked) in my car
--shotgun for home defense
It's only $$ stopping me. Dont really see the need for more.
If I were to look into more, it would be long guns, including a .22 for SHTF scenarios, like hunting.
Dont get me wrong. 1911's are gorgeous and lovely to shoot. And .22s are fun. But I have no real need for them and no time to spend shooting them when I should be practicing with my defense weapon (s) or my competition guns.
current house and carry gun: S&W 9mm M&P
current competition guns: 2 Uberti Cattlemen Hombre SA .45 lc
would like:
--smaller, thinner DA carry gun, so I can retire the (heavy bulky) fullsize 9mm to the nitestand
--reliable gun to leave (locked) in my car
--shotgun for home defense
It's only $$ stopping me. Dont really see the need for more.
If I were to look into more, it would be long guns, including a .22 for SHTF scenarios, like hunting.
Dont get me wrong. 1911's are gorgeous and lovely to shoot. And .22s are fun. But I have no real need for them and no time to spend shooting them when I should be practicing with my defense weapon (s) or my competition guns.
Mostly impulse now.
My first few purchases were well thought out.
My first gun was of course my only gun, so that was chosen on that basis (if I could only have one what would it be). - S&W 3914
Second I wanted a .22
Third, a full size high capacity 9mm when the crime bill was passed. - Beretta 92fs
Fourth, how about another one before it's too late. One with a smaller grip. - Browning BDM
Fifth, something smaller. - Walther PPK.
Sixth, another prohibition scare - Beretta 3032.
Then I went about ten years without buying another gun. When I started again it was for fun. buying what i wanted without thinking too much about it. I have been much happier with my purchases since then.
My first few purchases were well thought out.
My first gun was of course my only gun, so that was chosen on that basis (if I could only have one what would it be). - S&W 3914
Second I wanted a .22
Third, a full size high capacity 9mm when the crime bill was passed. - Beretta 92fs
Fourth, how about another one before it's too late. One with a smaller grip. - Browning BDM
Fifth, something smaller. - Walther PPK.
Sixth, another prohibition scare - Beretta 3032.
Then I went about ten years without buying another gun. When I started again it was for fun. buying what i wanted without thinking too much about it. I have been much happier with my purchases since then.
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Madcap_Magician
Member
Mine are pretty specific... it takes me a while to save up for a gun, so I usually have a very specific role in mind for a gun, a particular circumstance that I am in a lot (Needed an extremely lightweight CCW for running, so I got the Ruger LCR), a particular shooting need I figure out I have (.22 rifle, .22 pistol for cheap shooting practice), etc.
Jonah71
Member
I try to avoid impulse buys lately. I've been unsatisfied with a few of my purchases. Not so much with function but a few times I've found something I'd rather have just a few days later at the same or better price.
oldbear
Member
As much as I enjoy my range time the only reason I have for owning a firearm is for the protection of my family and myself, so my firearm purchases are based on that. Now please don't ask my why I have felt the need to acquire the number of revolvers I have, to preform that one job.
buck460XVR
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- Feb 6, 2007
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- 10,083
yes
jpruitt
Member
I usually have six handguns around, 3 revolvers and 3 semi-autos.
A larger service-size version of each for home defense.
A smaller carry version of each.
A .22 version of each for target shooting and introducing friends to the hobby.
If I buy one, it is usually to replace one that I already have that I think will be a better fit.
That said, I've been know to add one here or there if I really like it or get a really good deal.
A larger service-size version of each for home defense.
A smaller carry version of each.
A .22 version of each for target shooting and introducing friends to the hobby.
If I buy one, it is usually to replace one that I already have that I think will be a better fit.
That said, I've been know to add one here or there if I really like it or get a really good deal.
I've never bought an old Colt because I 'need it'. I've bought many a rifle for specific tasks.
MMCSRET
Member
I passed need over thirty years ago. Now I just watch for items that meet my list of criteria, never on impulse unless it is an unmitigated bargain that I can use to gain an item on my list. I have my list of desirables and always have the cash in pocket to acquire at least one when I locate it.
SleazyRider
Member
Here's my specific purpose: It makes me feel good. I s'poze that makes it psychological.
Overkilll0084
Member
Yes.
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