How many carry guns are too many-if some are personal 'collectors'?

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Ignition Override

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The near-pristine P228 ('94) stays inside a plastic bag, while the other P228 ('94) is carried.

My P6 is too nice to want to carry, as is the recently acquired very nice, somewhat collectible P225 ('87). Came with the test target, factory box, "Anleitung" manual etc.
The superb CZ PCR is carried at times, and the .380 Russian Makarov on the hottest,sweatiest days.

Basically a collection of German Sigs has been the main goal, and I would like to add a first modern handgun: Walther P99, PPQ or HK P30, maybe a P2000.
Do very many people combine 'somewhat collectible' types with practical carry applications?
 
I have a few different carry guns, which one I carry depends mainly on what I plan to wear. None of them are what I'd call collectible, though it seems I've collected a few trying to figure out what I like. These days I rotate between an M&P Shield .45 and a LCP .380 (gym shorts and T shirt). I prefer to have shooters over display pieces, although I certainly wouldn't begrudge someone for wanting something nicer. The main thing for any carry gun is practice followed by more practice. Then think about the extra wear it may get from the holster, pocket lint, body sweat, etc. If you're ok with that, go for it. FWIW, I have and really enjoy shooting the Walther P99.
 
There's too many affordable options out there nowadays to worry about it. If someone has a "collection" then I assume they aren't hurting financially most days, no reason to carry something valuable when $300 guns are perfectly reliable.

I used to carry an heirloom Colt back in college when funds were short because it's all I had.

But I have since wised up and either go with a $200 LCP or $250 Turkish polymer CZ75 compact clone.
 
As has already been said, I wouldn't carry a collectible gun because of the wear and because (God forbid) if you ever use it your collectible gun is going to go into the evidence locker and IF you ever see it again it won't be a collectible anymore.

I carry Glocks. (God forbid) if I ever have to use mine and it goes into evidence so what? There are a million more just like it.
 
Ignition Override said:
Do very many people combine 'somewhat collectible' types with practical carry applications?
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Not really, no.

My first criteria for picking a carry gun include reliability, and my skill with that gun. Collectability aren't really something I care too much about in comparison to saving my life. I'm also not really a collector, I'm a shooter. So if an unfired Colt Python is the best tool to keep me safe, so be it. If a pristine original Sig Sauer P210 is going to keep me alive, ok.

But there's a huge selection of modern high quality guns out there that if ever used and seized by the authorities are easily replaced for a relatively small sum of money. Many of those guns are just as if not more efficient for self defense as a "collectable" gun. So I see no reason to carry something with a lot of value or that you really like having in your collection.

My carry guns include an XDs, a P30SK, a Ruger SP101, and primarily right now a Sig P938 Legion. Every one of those can be easily replaced if damaged, taken, whatever. I'd be sad about the legion as it is the most expensive of those guns, and I really like it a lot, but I could still drop the coin to replace it. A vintage unfired Python? Not so much an easy find or affordable replacement. But if that's what I shoot best, fine. Screw the money.
 
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I want the best-performing gun I can afford that meets my general carry requirements (weight, concealability, etc.). "Collectability" doesn't enter into it one way or another. In the unlikely event that I ever need to actually use my carry gun, I will care a lot more about how effectively it works than about what I paid for it, or how much money will be tied up in the evidence locker. I expect to be equally uninterested in whether the gun is a rare variant or has 99% finish.
 
I carry a Shield9 whenever I leave the house, while home I have an LCP in my pocket.

If your definition of CC is going to uncle Larry’s once a month or out for a bite once a week then I doubt it matters all that much what you carry as long as you’re proficient with them.

FWIW I carry what’s most comfortable that I can shoot, I’m not really concerned about cost of loosing my gun.
 
ATLDave said:
I want the best-performing gun I can afford that meets my general carry requirements (weight, concealability, etc.). "Collectability" doesn't enter into it one way or another. In the unlikely event that I ever need to actually use my carry gun, I will care a lot more about how effectively it works than about what I paid for it, or how much money will be tied up in the evidence locker. I expect to be equally uninterested in whether the gun is a rare variant or has 99% finish.
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Me too. Oddly, despite owning much more expensive and "better" guns the ones that fit my shoot/conceal/weight matrix best these days are still Glock. Though price does not factor in.

I've been saving for a Wilson EDC X9 and should I get that (or the new DW) I'll carry it and not worry about price.

As for collectability? Turns out I'm not a collector as I've moved all my collectable guns for guns I actually shoot, kind of a shift in gun ownership philosophy over the past 10 years.

Who knows, maybe in another 10 years I'll go the other way, but I doubt it.
 
To further expand on this notion "only carry a cheap gun" view:
  • How many defensive gun uses are you averaging a year? How many of these guns are you planning to pile up in evidence lockers such that it is material to your finances?
  • If you have the money to buy a $1,500 gun in the first place, then how do you not have $1,500 to spend/risk/lose on a marginal improvement in your chances of surviving a gunfight?
  • If you have a "collector" gun that is not the carryable gun you shoot best, why in the heck are you carrying it irrespective of cost? Why wouldn't you carry something that is likely to perform well?
 
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I used to carry a S&W 640 in 38 only that was one of a run that had “Tested for +P+” on the frame under the crane. Was it or is it more collectible? Maybe and probably. Had it already been fired and carried which would compromise future value anyway? Yeah.

I say just carry and use your guns unless you have decided to start collecting.
 
tarosean said:
I guess the only things that would stop me from carrying something is size or its irreplaceable.
I.e. my 10" Barreled SuperBlackHawk would be a little hard to carry OWB or IWB. :D
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Yep. If my open gun was physically easy to carry concealed, I'd think really hard about doing that, with the hearing loss from shooting a comped gun with no earpro the only real sticking point! Otherwise, the fact that I can shoot it faster and more accurately than anything else I own would make it a no-brainer.
 
Ignition Override said:
I would like to add a first modern handgun: Walther P99, PPQ or HK P30, maybe a P2000.
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I recommend the 4 inch PPQ M1.
I carry polymer strikers nearly always. They are durable, reliable and I practice with them frequently. I don't carry cheap guns but do not consider any of my carry guns expensive either.
The possibility of losing a gun, temporarily or permanently, after a self defense shooting is not something I worry about.
 
Ignition Override said:
Do very many people combine 'somewhat collectible' types with practical carry applications?
Click to expand...

Personally, I would not do so.

1) If a pistol is actually collectible, meaning relatively rare and sought after, then it will be, at least relatively hard to replace. Difficult to find and more expensive to replace.

2) In many events of self-defense, your handgun is held in evidence for a considerable period of time, if ever returned. Unfortunately, I have seen firsthand how many pistols are “lost” in evidence rooms, and have been told by multiple LEO’s that it’s not uncommon for a “mistake” to be made intentionally during a gun destruction sweep in certain jurisdictions, with interest to simply keep guns from getting back on the street. My SIL’s pistols were held for over 6 years, and 2 of them “lost” following seizure by police - her pistols were in a locked case in her own car, when her friend had an AD/ND as HIS car while clearing his pistol, striking another friend in the leg. Her pistols were not even involved, and were not near the scene of the accident, but the officers asked if the 3 had any other weapons with them, and confiscated the entire group. The Springfield XD and G19 didn’t come back, and her Taurus Millennium was only returned after 6 years - after filing complaints and finally contacting lawyers over the unlawful seizure. And this all in a relatively gun-friendly state.

I have my fits of collecting specific models, but more aptly, I’m simply an accumulator. I prefer to use all of my firearms, but in the appropriate context. Carry pistols can be affordable. A G19 or G43 can be had for almost nothing, and easily sourced anywhere guns can be bought. If a Glock were ever confiscated during an investigation, it could be replaced the next day. So my carry desires are pretty utilitarian.
 
Those are very seasoned, interesting responses. I enjoyed reading them.

Most of this collector interest —had— been with my former Enfields and 9x18 Makarov chambered handguns. Cash from them covered most of these recent handguns.

A recent chat with police in the train station in Nuremberg Germany inspired the goal to have a modern gun now used by police in that country.
 
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Well, too many is actually easy to define.
It's any quantity that forces a person into having to give up basic necessities of life or results in undue familial disruption.

So, if you (or your family) are not going hungry, or the beds have been sold to make room for more safes, and no one is filing for divorce over abandonment issues, then, really, it's ok.

How many boats are too many" How many stamps or coins are too many?

Ok, if you have to buy another house so as to have a "gun room" you might be getting near the line--but only if can't afford a new house or the spouse and kids leave.
 
Oh, a half-dozen seems about right.

A Glock 43, Shield 40 and an old Kahr K9 are the SA choices. The Kahr is heavy, being all steel, but I shoot it very well. Of the 3 the Glock is the favorite.

There are as many revolver choices: a couple of steel CA Undercovers (one is 6-shot, the other has a great trigger) and a M37 Airweight Smith. They all seem equally accurate in my hands, but the Smith is so light it doesn't inspire confidence....and it kicks. The 5-shot Undercover is the favorite.

Pocket carry is my choice most of the year. The SA's carry well but print, so the revolvers get carried the most. As you see, none of these are heirlooms and time in an evidence locker wouldn't cause much lost sleep.
 
I have no idea how many is too many. As has been said if you can afford what you have without causing yourself or your family hardship it is fine. I don't really have collectables. I find myself at a point where I don't really "need" anything else but there are still some things I want. I am sure I will accumulate more but I am not buying right now.
 
Guns are tools. They are made to be shot, used and carried not to sit in a safe in the darkness. I have guns I shoot more often than others but they all get shot. I have ones I prefer for carry but that is a result of form dictating function. Some are more or less suitable for carry based on size and caliber. The odds of one of my carry guns being used in a manner which would cause it to be confiscated is so low that it is not a consideration for me. I don't care what they will be worth when I die as collectors items. That is for my heirs to worry about not me. I carry production guns and one of a kind customs depending on my mood and seasons.

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"Well, too many is actually easy to define. It's any quantity that forces a person into having to give up basic necessities of life or results in undue familial disruption. So, if you (or your family) are not going hungry, or the beds have been sold to make room for more safes, and no one is filing for divorce over abandonment issues, then, really, it's okay. How many boats are too many? How many stamps or coins are too many?"

Great post!

We are suddenly a bit short of cash, but not short enough to need to sell any guns, so apparently I have just the right amount. :)
 
All necessities are met. We visited Regensburg/Nuremberg weeks ago, traveled on train through Ulm, where Walther handguns are manufactured. Most, maybe all seem to be proofed in Ulm.

Just learned that the only P99s produced in the US were the .40 caliber by S&W, years ago.

Ordered the P99 AS (9mm) tonight via Gunbroker "Buy Now".
Will be my first plastic handgun-and eighth handgun proofed in Germany (the first is my Sauer 38H).
 
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It'd take a little while of setting aside to replace any of the pistols I carry with similar if not identical models. Of the three I carry, only one is currently produced, but comparable models to the other two are available.

SW 19-3 2.5", Wiley Clapp LW Commander, and a CZ P01.

I could grab a new 66 snub, a LW Commander from about anyone that makes 1911s, and P01s are still on shelves. I'd probably use it as an excuse to grab an Omega model this time around though.
 
I have a number of handguns that I consider valuable but not really collectible. Most of them are geared to either target shooting/range use or else concealed carry/home defense. My three primary carry guns are: two S&W J frames, a Model 649 and a Model 638, and a Kahr CM9. Some other ones I might carry include: a KelTec P3AT, SIG P238, Colt Mustang, Ruger SR9c, CZ P01, CZ P07, SIG P229 9mm., Colt Commander .38 Super, Colt Officer's Model ACP, Colt Combat Commander .45 ACP, and a Colt Lightweight Government .45 ACP. Of these guns I would probably keep the Colt Mustang, Colt Officer's Model ACP, and the Colt Combat Commander (limited edition from Colt's Custom Gun Shop), out of the general rotation as they are older guns and would be more difficult and expensive to replace.

Would like to add a couple more, probably another .380 and a subcompact 9mm. Other than that for the time being I'm pretty well set.
 
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