Gun Collection Condensing

[50caliber123]

Hello, here is my issue I'm debating: I have gradually been cutting my gun collection down, as of the last few years. I used to have a big gun collection, shot a lot of calibers, had AK's, sks's, 10/22's and such. Started to downsize, wanted more interchaneability between guns and ammo. Seems like building for tshtf seemed less and less fruitful when I really had to tighten my budget and balance Shootability, Home Defense, and Hunting into all my guns, save the rimfire rifles.

I sold my 12ga some years back, and am considering a 20ga. I will not own a 12, am entirely sold on a 20ga. That will cover almost all my hunting needs. Can also be used for Home Defense.

My Marlin Model 60 can do everything none of the three ruger 10/22's I had could: shoot straight everytime and cycle all my ammo. I'll keep that.

What I'm really torn on is whether to keep my 7.6x39 Yugo SKS (with tech sights), which is a good gun, but haven't really been shooting much lately.
The funds could go toward another gun. At the same time I'm debating this issue, I'm also pondering selling my Hi-Point carbine, a really good gun, just not satisfied with the round. 9mm can't really be used ethically to kill deer, just bordering on legal (.35 caliber and up in centerfire) and this gun shoots the same round that my Ruger Blackhawk with the 9mm cylinder.

I've grown to love the .357 magnum and am impressed with its ballistics. I'm curious to see what it will do out of a 16" levergun like the puma 1892. Then I could keep or sel the Blackhawk and get a GP-100 or similiar DA Revolver and effectively have my guns down to 3 calibers, .357, .22LR, and 20Ga to cover all my bases. This is my situation and these are some of the ideas I've been floating. Would I regret selling guns I really like to downsize into just a few guns to get by with? Like I could see having two 20ga shotgun barrels, one with deer sights and one with a bead for upland game. I live in MI. There are virtually no shots on state land or legally in most places that could be taken outside of 200 yards.

Whew! That was long, but any comments appreciated, thanks.

 

[waterhouse]

While not to the same extent, I've done similar things and I'm much happier with the collection now. I went from over 50 guns to less than half that, and now I actually shoot most of what I own instead of digging something out of the back of the safe and wondering how long it had been since I last shot it.

It seems I'm still a sucker for rimfires though . . . didn't get rid of any of them and I'll likely buy a few more shortly.

 

[oneounceload]

I'm getting into the same boat - there will be a few heirlooms (pistols) that will never get sold, but I need to decide on some handguns and cartridges to keep or let go. Most of my shooting is shotgun and three bores are fun, but two would be easier on time, space and money, one would be ideal, but totally practical......maybe.....

I would rather have a few guns of superb quality that I shoot all the time than a safe (or two) full of mediocre guns I shoot once in a while

 

[eight433]

I live in MI too.... How much for the SKS and Hi point? I'd be happy to give them a new home

 

[50caliber123]

I have more than a little bit of ammo for them both I would like to get rid of all the ammo with the guns. 740rds in 7.62x39, a lot of it impossible to find surplus. 950rds 9mm and a lot of accessories for the hi-point. altogether, I'd have to tally it up.

 

[eight433]

Wow! That's alot of rounds. Sounds like you need to spend more time at the range before you condense, lol.

 

[50caliber123]

Well, it kind of just accumulated. And I used to have 2 AK's and a s&w 59, so it really was all split between two guns or more per caliber. It's not that I don't think 9mm can suffice, I just am not impressed with the round. I have heard rumors that Doubletap Ammunition makes hard-cast 147gr load that is supposed to be a "woods" load. Whatever that means. These are guns I really like, I just wish that I had a handgun and carbine that were deer-capable to take out in the woods together.

 

[searcher451]

I've always thought that it was a bad idea to get rid of a gun that you've owned and admired; at some point down the line, you'll end up regretting it and then try to replace it, and the replacement will end up costing you far more than you initially had invested to begin with. While it sounds that you are well past that and that your intention is to downsize for good reason, I would just serve up a caution based on personal experience. A few years ago, I tried this same thing and then, a few months down the road, started kicking myself for doing it. It took me a long time to replace some of the items that I let go; others I haven't found again (at least not in as nice of a condition) and am still searching ... and still kicking.

Whatever you decide to do, good luck to you.

 

[rmfnla]

Good point, SEARCHER!

I'm 55 now and have been into guns since I was 15.

I could have you guys drooling over some of the stuff that's passed through my hands, until you heard what I sold them for, at which time you would have me committed!

Of course, $400 seemed like a ton of money for a well-tuned 6" Nickel Python in 1975, so who could blame me?

I think it's the Colt SAAs I regret the most...

 

[Big_E]

I prefer to buy things uncondensed

I can see cutting back on the collection if you are short on cash or don't have enough room, I may likely have to do so in the distant future, as I have a list compiled to buy every cool/useful gun I see. To me, its the more the merrier, well as far as guns go, since I don't believe in do it all firearms.

 

[W.E.G.]

Two words:
Boxes and Gunbroker

Two more words:
No regrets.

Two MORE words:
More guns!


Unless a gun has some major sentimental value, there is no reason to keep it if you aren't using it. Its just a boat anchor in your closet. Move it out. Collect the cash. Buy more guns.

Its a hobby, not a commitment.

Don't expect to get much money for that Hi-Point or the SKS.

I have a Nikon SLR camera that my dad paid around $300 for in 1975.
Excellent condition.
That same camera sells now on eBay for about $40.

Some stuff is just destined for the bottom of the closet in the barn.

 

[russ69]

Let's get something straight right off the bat, you can't have too many guns! LOL. Over the years your interests will change and your guns will change along your current interest. Don't limit yourself, just buy what you like and trade what you don't.

Thanx, Russ

 

[Old Shooter]

I'm way over 60 and know the feeling.

If it was ME, I'd sell the Hi point, Blackhawk and the Yugo and buy a good new or used 870 Wingmaster in 20 gauge and the Puma 1892 as well as the GP100.

And I'd live happily ever after.

Although if it was ME I would go for a Smith 686 but that is just me talking, you buy what you like best, both guns are hard to beat.

 

[arsuf]

Strange I am getting ready to drop down to just .22, 20 ga and 38/357 as well. No reason to own more guns than you have any use for, they take up extra space and collect dust. I am currently deciding between finding a Marlin 1894c and the Puma. I only once regretted selling a gun, bought it back and will soon be listing it again to sell.

 

[ilikepancakes]

If you don't need the money I would suggest at least stashing them to sell or hand down to family members later. Consolidate the guns you want to keep using and then dedicate a "retirement" safe for the rest. They will be out of your way but not gone forever. I say this because firearms are one of the few products that tend to increase in value -- you might be dead before it happens but someday they will be worth a lot more than they are now.

I think it's a good idea to standardize your calibers but you don't HAVE to sell your guns to do it

 

[David E]

The ammo is worth more than the guns.

It depends what your ultimate goal and anticipated usage is.

Were it ME, I'd want good guns that will be easy to find parts for and easy to work on.
Also, guns what would do everything I'd expect to want to do.

Since I shoot competitively, hunt, shoot for fun, CCW and have guns for defense I'd need guns that would do all of that. But going with your whole consolidation idea......

I'd keep the ammo, dump the Hi-Point (or keep it for trade with 100 rds of ammo, since I wouldn't be able to get much more than $100 for it)

I'd either keep the SKS or sell/trade it for an AK. If I kept the SKS, I'd buy an AR.

I'd buy a better 9mm handgun. Maybe a refurbed Glock 17 to go with the Kel-tec Sub Rifle that'll take the same Glock mags. I'd strongly consider a Glock 26 for concealed carry use. I'd buy plenty of full-cap magazines for the 17.

Since I don't favor wheelguns for CCW, I'd keep the Blackhawk. Buying the .357 Puma or Marlin would be a neat gun to have, but it wouldn't do much for me in the overall scheme of things. Still, it's a neat gun/caliber to have, so why not?

A .22 handgun would be a nice addition, altho I could get by with a .22 conversion for the Glock.

I'd want to have a scoped bolt action in .308 or 30-06

I'm all for consolidating, but not when it compromises the role I want/need the gun for.

 

[huntsman]

Seems like building for tshtf seemed less and less fruitful when I really had to tighten my budget and balance Shootability, Home Defense, and Hunting into all my guns, save the rimfire rifles.

I'd rather have 1 gun and all the ammo I need then 15 guns and no ammo, If it's money issues I say do it and don't look back.

Your choice in calibers is acceptable and should simplify things but don’t count out that whole SHTF thing quite yet