I think I'm addicted to buying Milsurps

[lionking]

we laugh that milsurps are addicting.But in this case it really isn't funny.I just won a auction and instead of being happy I'm angry and sad at myself.I was hoping someone would outbid me but they didn't.It's a sad situation when I'm not happy that I bought a rifle before it is even in my hands.


And still right now I'm following a couple more that I have thoughts on buying.Internet auction sites are becoming a enemy of mine.I have accumilated so many lately that I barely am getting to know the one I just got and already start searching for the next one.

I am generally a person with some self control but today is the first time I ever felt sad winning or buying,I dunno.I think I'm addicted to scoring a above ordinary example and enjoy the hunt for them.I had set aside a budget to get some,I reached that budget but seem unable to stop until I build up a reserve again.

 

[chris in va]

Careful with that. Sounds like you do have some sort of addiction, especially if you feel disappointed in winning. Auction sites like Ebay or Gunbroker can be dangerous, just like gambling. I've certainly bid on a few Ebay items I didn't really 'need', and was thankful later I didn't get them.

 

[Jdude]

Sounds more like an internet/purchasing addiction to me. I suggest unplugging it and dropping off of the 'net for a few months.

On the up side, you will also have more time to go shoot.

Counseling may also be in order. They will be able to help you find out what the real problem is, unlike all of us idiots on the internet.
Good Luck.

 

[brighamr]

Only thing I can say is if you aren't happy for any reason, you could always re-sell. Its not much consolation, but at least your money wont be completely "wasted". (I'm comparing to gambling here).

 

[lionking]

yeah Chris.I am a responsible person.My bills always come first.When in times of hardship my bills always got paid even if I had nothing left afterward.But obviously I should stop buying even if I can.The fact is a chunk of money making interest in a CD I have the interest has been fueling these milsurps not the principle,now the interest rates are dropping but I started digging into the principle I told myself I'd leave at a certain level.I feel guilty for that.


I get into my mind of milsurps 2 ways.Either I score one in incredible condition and pay for what I got or I score one because I got a good deal on it.It's those 2 things that drive me.Of course when I shoot them and find they shoot great then I'm happy,this may happen with the M1917 I just won.


It's the hunt for one besides shooting them that's driving me,finding one with outstanding condition thinking they only go up and get harder to find from there.But when you start getting into all milsurps there are alot to hunt for .

There are many times though that I have let a auction go seeing that price just became too high to justify so at least I can control the urge somewhat.

 

[doc2rn]

It is compulsive behavior, I used to be that way now I go shooting instead of rebooting. I enjoy what I own and I sometimes make friends at the range.

 

[lionking]

compulsive for sure.Last night there was a beautiful Swedish M38 for sale for $315.Follow what others try to sell them for and that's a good deal.I almost clicked the buy now thinking I'll make up for it latter.I didn't click.I let it go.This morning I checked and someone else bought it,I feel bad now not getting it,feel good that I resisted,would have felt bad/good had I bought it.Damned if I do,damned if I don't.

What's going through my mind right now is the next time I see a M38 in that condition the buyer will probably be asking high,I won't buy it because of that and I'll be thinking about the other one I pasted up for a good deal.

At least I don't have family to support,but if I did they would come first,I'm responsible enough that way anyway.

 

[neapoi]

Best wishes!

Hey man,

It's important to recognize that you might just have a problem. If I might give you my two cents... I think you should stay away from those auction sites for three months. Tell yourself that you don't need it. If you can stay away for three months, I think you'll be alright. I use the same litmus test for those who feel they 'might' be alcoholics.

Anyways, I think it's great you've recognized there might be a problem. Now you should do something about it!

 

[joplinsks]

Usually my best buys are the ones I initially feel unhappy about... and my worst buys are the ones that initially seem to be the best deal ever.

You might have a compulsive problem, but if your main motivation for buying is knowing the market and getting good deals, then at worst you can sell them off and break even or make a profit. Sell a few of them if you feel that guilty about it. At least if you're going to make compulsive purchases... guns are the way to go in today's market.

 

[protolith]

Lionking, Have you ever considered the Joy of Giving the gift of Milsurp ?
I will gladly volunteer to be a grateful recipient.

But seriously, I feel for you, and hope you can find happiness in what you do. Perhaps you should look for a hunt that is less attainable. Instant gratification and consumerism often leaves one feeling kind of empty.

You could make it a goal to turn a profit on some of your acquisitions. Make a log of what you have in your collection, and what you paid. Decide on the "keepers" and pick a few "shooters" and try to sell some of your duplicates. Pick a profit margin to try to attain. Try to use the proceeds to purchase your next goal.

You may also want to define what you want in your collection, what calibers you want to stock, and pick a theme or two. Perhaps you want a collection of all the M1 carbine manufacturers, or an example of everything fielded by the Axis in WW2.

Milsurps represent the sum of arms from a number of armies throughout the last century, much of which has been recently dumped in the US market. Trying to score all of the best deals is like trying to drink from a fire hose.

 

[davera]

The cure to my milsurp collecting has been pre-64 Winchesters. Or at least it is a temporary cure

 

[Cannonball888]

You need to wean yourself off the heavy stuff. Check yourself into a military surplus center and buy small inexpensive pouches and webgear peices to ease the cravings.

 

[lionking]

cannonball (sigh) going for small stuff don't work either.In the course of 3 months I dropped $1500 on bayonets,slings,a K31 diopter sight,clips,and so on.

BTW I just won a HRA M1 Garand collector grade with papers,now that doesn't make me feel bad but I need to stop stop stop!!!! for the rest of the year.

Pre 64's? Don't egg me on man.There are plenty of non military arms I want.And thank goodness high capacity types aren't eminate to be banned otherwise..........

The fact that the Feds are killing interest rates`to where our savings doesn't make squat is what sucks the most.They want people to spend but make the money worthless.

But anyway...........did I mention I play guitar?lol music gear isn't exactly cheap either and just like guns one can twist reasons to get more more more lol!

 

[lionking]

QUOTE;You may also want to define what you want in your collection




LOL........well there is the problem.For example at first I only wanted one Swiss K31.I got one.Then at a gunshow this dealer had 2 minty ones with absolutely no dings in the wood....now knowing that almost always they do have beat up wood what did I do?,I got both.

Then........I discovered South American contract mausers OMG.

And all other kinds of milsurps.But I'm not worried about the past,it's something I enjoy and like I said I have never let wants come before basic needs and bills.But I have reached my self proclaimed quota for the rest of this year but haven't stopped.

But like any addict.........I proclaim that I can stop when ever I want to.

But on another side I count my lucky stars,I just gotta remember to keep my treasures in heaven not on Earth.

 

[RickH]

You have recognized a problem and that is a big first step. Help is available, and worth looking into. Lots of info on the web, search for "compulsive shopping". http://www.shopaholicsanonymous.org/checklist.htm
Best of luck and Godspeed.

P.S.
I kinda hate to ask, but how much were the diopter sights for the k31?

 

[lionking]

Rick.The diopter sight I got off Ebay.I paid $350 for it.They are on Ebay from time to time ranging in price upwards of $500.I know some here don't like Ebay but the fact is on gun auction sites accessories are often at much higher prices for the same thing.Then again firearm sites may at times have the same thing cheaper than a auction site,saw a sight tool for the K98 like that recently,$40 on Ebay but $20 at firearm accessories site.

I can tell you it makes sighting with the K31 alot better and more precise.A worthy investment for a K31 fan.Pricey but worth it and no modifying is needed.I may be compulsive to buying guns and related stuff but there have been many times I let a auction go because it became too crazy and waited for the next one.

 

[GigaBuist]

Buying something when you don't have the funds is a bit irresponsible, but it doesn't sound like you're doing that.

What you ARE doing is buying durable, already used, goods that will retain their resale value. In fact, they will likely increase in the next few years, and, given that our current interest rates are in the pooper, they probably make a better short term investment.

But that's only if you're willing to part with them. Buying something below market cost doesn't actually save you money, but it does offer up the opportunity to make money in the short future.

It's not like you're collecting Beanie Babies or anything here.

 

[lowracer]

I've been putting off buying my first Garand from CMP for just this very reason. It's like Lays potato chips...

 

[Guitargod1985]

It's okay, man. I started attending AA meetings and when I finally told them I wasn't a drunk but a gun addict, they kicked me out. Now I have no support network.

Seriously, I joke about it but I do have a problem. One time I had to ask my parents for money to buy groceries and I lied about why I needed the money. I've even taking out "payday advances" from Amscot. I ate ramen and ketchup and rode the bus for a week when I bought my first AR-15.

I think I need a new hobby. Something like stamp collecting...










First I'll get my SBR stamp, then my suppressor stamp, then...

 

[azhunter12]

Theres no way to stop it. At least you aren't into collecting very expensive guns. Milsurpls are relatively cheap compared to new guns.

 

[Cannonball888]

Milsurpls are relatively cheap compared to new guns.

Have you priced Garands and M1903s lately?

 

[cracked butt]

You need to channel your obsession and frustration into something more frustrating and obsessive- like bullseye or highpower shooting.

 

[dirtyjim]

in the last year i've probably got 20+ milsurps from gb & aa. i try to keep them under $150 shipped unless its something i've been looking for or parts needed for a current project.
there have been a few times i was glad that someone outbid me, but only because i found a rifle i wanted more than the one i was winning & couldn't afford the both of them.

 

[camp_gunner]

There is no cure, just give in.

This obsession has no cure. Just go with the flow.