Do you ever get conflicted like this?

[Olympus]

I get so conflicted about these two things and I'm wondering if anyone else experiences the same thing. There's only so much money to spend and I constantly have trouble deciding how to spend it.

Do I upgrade the guns I already have or do I buy more guns, mags, and/or ammo?

Do I shoot and enjoy the guns that I already have or do I keep buying more?

 

[Uncle Nubbs]

I go out looking for a box or two of ammo or a little accessory and wind up throwing it all out the window when some firearm either on the used rack or in the case catches my eye. It's a real problem albeit a fun one.

To answer your post Id say my general rule is to add to my collection oh probably about every three months if this past year is an indication. In between that time, I like to add, improve or work on the stuff I already have.

 

[hq]

It really depends. I used to hoard guns, and to some degree I still do, but the focus has shifted from just buying them to modifying, accessorizing, improving and even perfecting the guns I have. It's a kind of a commitment matter; finding a bargain is great but when you've invested some work, effort and your free time in substantially improving a gun, you tend to appreciate more than even the finest custom work you've had someone else do for you. Or even building a gun in the first place.

Still, I love shooting and especially hunting. That's why I have guns in the first place and while safe queens and collectibles can be great, I like to regard guns as a means to an end. Be it the heart rate of 150 when you focus in a shot at the biggest trophy buck you've ever seen, nice venison BBQ with family and friends, or having plain old fun with a couple of .22:s and a dueling tree.

 

[Sam1911]

I get so freaking conflicted about these two things and I'm wondering if anyone else experiences the same thing. There's only so much money to spend and I constantly have trouble deciding how to spend it.

Sure, there are budget decisions to make but make your default choice things that improve YOU and YOUR SKILLS, rather than buying doo-dads, gadgets, or certainly new guns you don't actually NEED.

Do I upgrade the guns I already have or do I buy more guns, mags, and/or ammo?

Upgrades can be beneficial, but few are really so very helpful to good shooting that they truly justify their cost, especially when they have to fight for space in a tight budget. Buy ammo and/or reloading components, buy training, buy competition fees and go build skill. Don't fall into the trap of chasing upgrades, the newest hottest gun, the best new widget. It doesn't take many years in this to realize there is ALWAYS something new that makes what you have seem out of date. You'll start to believe that if you don't have this year's model of plastic earmuffs you'll be held back from improving your skills and succeeding. It's all silly and a trick to keep you putting cash into retailers' pockets.

Do I shoot and enjoy the guns that I already have or do I keep buying more?

Should be a no-brainer. I've only got so many hands and really can only shoot one at a time. I have a good gun for this and a good gun for that and a good gun for this other thing. More guns won't improve what is ALWAYS the weakest link in any shooting system: ME/YOU. More shooting, more training, more practice, more competition days actually accomplishes something.

(Just realized my subject should have been "Do" and not "So", but I can't change it now.)

Fixed.

 

[yugorpk]

Are you a collector or a shooter? Hard to be good at both unless you have an unlimited budget. Thats a good thing though. I know part of what drives me hard in my career is to be able to fund all my family stuff and my fun stuff too.

 

[Spats McGee]

I've spent years on end conflicted like that. New gadgets are fun. No doubt about that. However, I'm happy enough with the guns that I have that I cannot, in good conscience, justify buying different ones. I'm not in a position to just buy new guns. New purchases require me to either: (1) sell something; or (2) convince my wife and daughter that they don't need to electricity for a while. So I buy ammo and go shoot what I've got. I need time on the trigger more than I need a new doodad.

 

[jmorris]

Sometimes, it just depends. I have some guns that really didn't cost that much that I keep just for looking at and others that cost thousands and look like the tools they are.

Aside from that if you can afford all the ammo you want to shoot guess it's time to buy more guns to fix that problem.

 

[BSA1]

I have spent this year organizing and reorganizing the mancave and vault. In doing so I have discovered that many of my supplies and gun to a lessor extent are imbalanced.

The imbalance of my reloading supplies and ammunition is a result of poor organization and lack of focus. With some I have a lot of brass but not enough bullets. Since brass is reloadable it should be the other way around. Building some shelving has allowed me to sort everything out.

With guns it is partly a result of buying what my interests were at the time. While I am not planning on selling any of them I do intend to be more focused. For example 2016 is going to be the year of the .223. I am going to take advantage of the buyers market with AR builds and ammunition. I have already started this by acquiring some lowers at bargain prices.

I do have several guns that I would like to upgrade...new night sights, refinish, grips. But my focus for now is taking advantage of the AR market.

Alas getting out and shooting has to wait a few months as I recover from some major surgery after the holidays.

 

[X-Rap]

I've pretty much quit buying guns unless it is just an obscene bargain.
It seems I'm always chasing my reloading supplies, trying to find the perfect balance but, by nature, when you consume you must replace.
As far as upgrades and improvements, I get what Sam and others are saying but I also know that all things are not equal and I'm always seeking to improve the optics I have on guns, the holsters, magazines, belts, pouches that effect your ability to best put the gun into use.
The same goes for flashlights, knives, boots and other items that really do make a difference in your comfort and efficiency.
As a hunter, fisherman, outdoorsman who works in the construction field these upgrades often cross over duties but years of doing it have taught me that quality not quantity is important.

 

[200Apples]

Do I upgrade the guns I already have or do I buy more guns, mags, and/or ammo?

Upgrade only if you think you compromised on the purchase in the first place. Acquire as many magazines as you think you should have. As for ammo, I believe the expression is, "buy it cheap and stack it deep".

Do I shoot and enjoy the guns that I already have or do I keep buying more?

If you have some solid examples of firearms you like, then ensure you have a backup piece for each, because "two is one and one is none". As for "more"? That would be subjective. There's always the "have a backup for your backup"...

 

[Teachu2]

Living in California, I've been buying every available gun that interests me. They may not be available later. Generally, I leave my handguns stock, but should be able to mod well into the future.

I'm finally satisfied with my collection. I've reached the point where I have considerably more than I need, as well as all I really want. Any I buy from here on will be for NEW wants or needs - which are unlikely but not impossible.

 

[cc-hangfire]

I am conflicted like the OP. I am as obsessed with gunbroker as any lady is to QVC (sorry for the sexist remark). But I am approaching Teachu2's position in the prior post. I've filled my current storage capability, have filled out the collection that interests me most, and have EDC & HD covered. Still, it's hard to walk away from a bargain or some really interesting firearm.

I will probably shift to finishing the few project guns I have, then do some reloading. And shoot what I have!

 

[Sunray]

What's important is the type of firearm you're buying. Commercial hunting rifles or decent condition milsurps.
Commercial hunting rifles are pretty much all the same and have zero collector value until they've been discontinued or are very old.
A milsurp battle rifle is a different beastie. All of 'em are in limited supply. All of 'em are either no longer made or are no longer imported, Stateside. All of 'em will increase in value by roughly 10% per annum, regardless of their condition.
Ammunition(and mags) doesn't enter into the equation. If you want to play you have to buy it. Just like gasoline/diesel for your tank.

 

[herrwalther]

I used to be conflicted like that. Then it made a polar change when I was unemployed for awhile and relying solely on wife's income. During that time, firearms and ammo hit a low point on the priority scale. Many were sold off. Still, I managed to do a few firearm related things with leftover money. I had a hard line about which firearms I would keep and not sell. These hold some strong sentimental or functional value. I looked at those remaining firearms with a critical eye. What didn't I like about them? Were the sights hard to pickup? Grip too smooth? etc. I used what spendable money I had to invest in the firearms I had. I upgraded a few grips, sights, got a magazine here or there, got a bulk pack of ammo for practice stuff like that. I made the firearms I already enjoyed more enjoyable. And now I am at the point where I can start looking at new firearms again.

 

[Olympus]

I feel like I'm borderline obsessed. I have feelings like I will never have enough, whether that's guns, mags, ammo, etc. I'm not buying guns from a collector standpoint. I did that back when you could buy a pristine pinned and recessed S&W revolver for $500. I can't keep up with collector prices anymore. But there are still a lot of production guns that I want.

I feel like I have a respectable supply of ammo, powder, and primers, but again, I get feelings like I can never have too much. I've got 50lbs of various powders, but should I go ahead and buy 10 more lbs while I can? I've got about 10k primers, but should I buy another 5k just to be safe? Another case of .223? Another 1k 9mm reloads? Another 5 Glock mag? Another 5 33rnd Glock mags? Another 10 Pmags? It just goes on and on for me.

I've tried to start buying guns to fill roles. I've gone to Glocks as dedicated defensive guns. Glock in the nightstand and Glock for CCW. I feel like I still want another Glock for a dedicated vehicle gun in my wife's vehicle that way I can have a Glock in every vehicle and for the home. So I think I need another Glock 26 or 19 for that vehicle.

I'm stocked to the gills with 22LR guns, so I feel content there. But I'll never feel satisfied with 22lr ammo amounts so I'll probably always buy a brick when it's available at a reasonable price.

I'm using ARs for defensive rifle roles. I have a 10.5" SBR and a 16" Recce build so I'm comfortable with those two ARs, but I still feel like I can never have enough mags or ammo.

I'd like to have a dedicated precision rifle in a larger centerfire caliber like .308 because I don't feel like my single-shot hunting rifles are practical for that purpose. Then that's another caliber of ammo I feel like I need to start stocking up on. I think you guys see my predicament here.

 

[Sam1911]

Hmmm. Well, I'm not your psychoanalyst, but that might be a feeling to try and let go of. Obsessiveness can take over your life, or can impact your life to a degree that isn't healthy. As Hamlet said, "As if increase of appetite had grown By what it fed on..."

Try to come up with realistic needs and plans. Sit down and write out some goals. (Not "if I was a millionaire, pie-in-the-sky goals. Realistic, reasonable, restrained goals.)

"I want to shoot this many days each month, and this many rounds per trip, with these guns..." Ok, so how much ammo is that? Plan it out.

"If there is a shortage of something I use a lot of, I want XYZ amount of it on hand to see me through a year of shortage." Figure on that.

"I'd like to get some good instruction at least once a year. That costs about $XYZ. And I'd like to shoot a USPSA match each month so ammo and match fees there..." So set that aside.

"I have these guns (list here) and keep this one for this, and that one for that, and ... and these down here I haven't shot in years." Absent serious sentimental value, turn excess gear back into cash you can use.

"I want to leave this and that and XYZ rounds to my kids when I die." Ok, fair enough. Plan that properly and get it in writing so someone can figure it out when you're gone. And make sure it is a blessing, not a burden to your heirs.

"I really like to try new guns sometimes. But let's be reasonable and say that's one a year. If I've GOT to have more than one new one, in 12 months, something else needs to leave."

Etc.

You can set down guidelines for yourself that make sense. That help you be in control of your habits, and that help you look realistically at what you're doing so you can shed that unwell feeling of "never enough." When you aren't disciplined and thoughtful about how you conduct yourself, you'll be driven by whim and sometimes overrun by irrational behaviors.

 

[Sam1911]

“The things you own end up owning you. It's only after you lose everything that you're free to do anything.”

I feel like I have a respectable supply of ammo, powder, and primers, but again, I get feelings like I can never have too much. I've got 50lbs of various powders, but should I go ahead and buy 10 more lbs while I can? I've got about 10k primers, but should I buy another 5k just to be safe?

How long will you still be around and shooting? Do you have enough at your current shooting rate? If you do get enough on hand, will you stop?

Another case of .223? Another 1k 9mm reloads? Another 5 Glock mag? Another 5 33rnd Glock mags? Another 10 Pmags? It just goes on and on for me.

Ask yourself WHY? Ammo? Sure. If it fits your shooting rate and rainy-day supply ok. Mags? If you've got 10 or whatever mags for each gun, you're pretty well covered for all realistic needs. If you've got 50 for any one gun? Dude...just stop. If you're buying 33-rounders for your Glocks? ... Need I say more?

I've tried to start buying guns to fill roles.

Ok, that's good.

I've gone to Glocks as dedicated defensive guns. Glock in the nightstand and Glock for CCW.

Fine. You have one, and a spare.

I feel like I still want another Glock for a dedicated vehicle gun in my wife's vehicle that way I can have a Glock in every vehicle and for the home. So I think I need another Glock 26 or 19 for that vehicle.

Vehicle guns? Really bad idea, in many if not most cases.

I'd like to have a dedicated precision rifle in a larger centerfire caliber like .308 because I don't feel like my single-shot hunting rifles are practical for that purpose. Then that's another caliber of ammo I feel like I need to start stocking up on.

Why are they not? What are you going to DO with a dedicated precision rifle? Is it to hunt with? Ok, then why keep your single shots and keep ammo for them? Is it for tactical games, steel safari type stuff? Neat! That's a great hobby. But yes, you'll need to dedicate a serious part of your budget to pursing it. Something like F-class competition? Same deal, but more specific on what you need to buy. Have a plan. Make a plan. Fit it into your larger plan. If you really aren't going to go out and do the hard work of learning precision long range riflery and get into that kind of training and competition, take a LONG hard look at why you're putting your money into that kind of gear.

I think you guys see my predicament here

Sure do!

 

[Bobson]

I'd like to have a dedicated precision rifle in a larger centerfire caliber like .308 because I don't feel like my single-shot hunting rifles are practical for that purpose.

If you're concerned with practicality, you might want to look over everything else you're doing. You haven't mentioned it here (that I've seen), but you should probably consider why you feel the need to stock up on all this stuff. Prepping for a shortage? SHTF? Building a reloading depot for the rebels in the next civil war? It shouldn't need to be said that some of these reasons are more legitimate than others, but even if you're doing it for the most rational reasons possible, you may still be going overboard. Figure out why you're doing it and go from there.

 

[Panzerschwein]

Here is the thing:

Do you enjoy shooting the guns you own? All of them?

If you don't enjoy your guns, you might want to sell them. Turn them into cash. If they don't make you smile when you go to the range, get rid of them, and use the money to buy guns that you TRULY enjoy shooting. If for some reason you aren't fond of a gun, throwing a bunch of money at it rarely solves the problem.

You'll get some who will say "don't sell ANYTHING!!" and I will admit, make sure you really would rather have the cash before you sell... but don't be afeared to part with the guns that don't make you smile.

 

[Olympus]

Very good advice and food for thought here.

I think my ammo concern is that I want a rainy day supply of 22lr, 9mm, and 223 that will last at least 3 years in case of shortage due to elections.

I've got 6 or 7 mags each for my ARs, so I think 10 each is a good goal to reach and something I can be comfortable with.

With my Glocks, I have 11 normal capacity mags and 8 33rnd mags between 2 guns. So maybe 1 more 17rnd mag. That would give me 6 normal capacity mags for each gun plus the 8 33rnders. So I could be comfortable with I suppose.

Vehicle guns are controversial on the forums, but in my rural area, they are the norm. I've never heard of a vehicle break-in, theft, or carjacking that I know of. I'd feel more comfortable with a gun in every vehicle I own based on my environment.

I do enjoy shooting all of my guns. The only one I don't was a gift from my dad that has more recoil than I like. I've decided to try some reduced recoil reloads first. But other than that, I don't typically keep guns that I don't enjoy shooting.

I'm writing a list of goals right now. That's a good idea.

 

[Sam1911]

Ok, so that stuff all doesn't sound very obsessive, really. 10 mags for every gun. Ok...sure why not? Vehicle gun? Reasonable ammo levels? I wouldn't go hungry just to put three whole years' worth back, but ok.

That's a lot different from never ever feeling you have enough and obsessively filling up your closets with cases of ammo and stacks of mags.

 

[Olympus]

But that's the thing. I can need a reality check from time to time. By this time next year or once election season really starts getting closer, I'll feel like I start needing more again. It probably doesn't help that I watch gun vids on YouTube a lot and read all kinds of forums. My "wants" tend to get out of control.

I just bought 10 military ammo cans from a guy on Facebook this week just because they were cheap. I have no need for them right now, but I couldn't help but think "If I buy these cans, I can stop using the cheap plastic ammo cans and I can store more ammo" even though all of my ammo is already being stored in the plastic cans.

 

[Ignition Override]

Ammo for guns that will be kept, unless you have stored a very, very large heap.

To be frank, whether to save for a first 9x19 handgun (CZ-75 Compact) or grabbing more reserve 9x18 Makarov ammo has baffled my thinking lately.

Planning ahead as people should always do, we buy what we need when/if we save the cash, well Before the '16 election, don't we?

 

[FROGO207]

Realistically I already have all the firearms I will ever need for several lifetimes. Multiples (different brands) in most calibers actually. I have a full belly and shelter I own. So I opted for stockpiled reloading supplies, enough to last 6-8 years based on my usage presently. It is a good hedge against inflation at the least. If a super deal comes along I will add some more toys otherwise I will go on with my life and shoot as I please when I want to and just replace what I use. Never had no stinkin' ammo shortage here.

 

[Ironicaintit]

I keep myself busy "debugging" some of the guns I have that are problematic (IE-CAI cetme, FIE Titan II) when I have the time.