jmorris
Member
- Joined
- Sep 30, 2005
- Messages
- 26,892
Never, that's the new "hate speech." "Arsenal" is out.
Looking back, how to build a collection
- Thread starter Pudge
- Start date
JTHunter
Member
Pudge - if you have been charged by a black bear, that .357 with full metal jacket bullets would make a good deterrent. It might not kill the bear but he would sure get the message, esp. if you're using 158 -180 gr. bullets.
The reloads I make for my GP-100 are 158 grain in both FMJ and JHP with a near max load of Winchester 296 (?) powder.
In addition to the GP-100, I also have a Marlin 1894 lever action that will take the .357 rounds - JIC.
The reloads I make for my GP-100 are 158 grain in both FMJ and JHP with a near max load of Winchester 296 (?) powder.
In addition to the GP-100, I also have a Marlin 1894 lever action that will take the .357 rounds - JIC.
Of course there's a difference, but that doesn't mean what you buy or own isn't still your collection.
A person can decide to collect whatever they want, and although others might be puzzled by their choice, it sure doesn't mean the owner doesn't think it's a collection.
On the other hand I know friends who own dozens of firearms, but refuse to call themselves a "collector". Instead thye say they are just a accumulator since they haven't narrowed down to a specific maker, or model of firearm.
Where you buy, or when you buy, has really nothing to do with whether you have a collection or not.
OP
OP
Pudge
Member
Definition of ARSENAL
an establishment for the manufacture or storage of arms and military equipment; a collection of weapons; store, repertoire… See the full definition
www.merriam-webster.com
I guess a collection, by definition is an arsenal. And if you look up the definition of collection, you'll find that an accumulation is a collection. So, two?
It was at night, confronting one raiding my bee hive. I yelled at it and it looked at me, and immediately cut the distance between us in half. I quickly retreated into the house. And went back outside with a 12ga. Bear was gone. I sat back down and thought about it, and said to my wife, who'd been watching TV the whole time, that it was likely a bluff charge and I wish I'd stood my ground. Without looking up, she said "I'm glad you came back inside". I decided there wasn't much upside to being right, and a significant downside to being wrong and had to admit she was right.Pudge - if you have been charged by a black bear, that .357 with full metal jacket bullets would make a good deterrent. It might not kill the bear but he would sure get the message, esp. if you're using 158 -180 gr. bullets.
The reloads I make for my GP-100 are 158 grain in both FMJ and JHP with a near max load of Winchester 296 (?) powder.
In addition to the GP-100, I also have a Marlin 1894 lever action that will take the .357 rounds - JIC.
If I could do it over, I would tell myself to buy quality. Know what you are looking for before you go into the gunshop.
Kinda like going to the grocery store when you are hungry, that is a no no to just go to the gun store to "see what they have".
The other thing would be to not listen to everyone else's opinions regarding milsurps. Coulda shoulda woulda. I still think about all of those goodies that were basically being given away. Maks, Mosins, Hi Power copies, SKS's etc..
Those firearms all have their purpose and if you can appreciate them for what they are, it is hard to lose out from a value standpoint.
Kinda like going to the grocery store when you are hungry, that is a no no to just go to the gun store to "see what they have".
The other thing would be to not listen to everyone else's opinions regarding milsurps. Coulda shoulda woulda. I still think about all of those goodies that were basically being given away. Maks, Mosins, Hi Power copies, SKS's etc..
Those firearms all have their purpose and if you can appreciate them for what they are, it is hard to lose out from a value standpoint.
Mosin77
Member
- Joined
- Oct 7, 2019
- Messages
- 1,837
People do spend a lot of time thinking about “how to collect.” My answer was “buy what you like.” Or rather, I’ve always bought what I would enjoy.
Collecting is a means to an end (owning the guns I want to own) and not an end in itself (having a lot of guns just so I can say I have a lot of guns.) A small distinction but an important one.
Where it gets muddy is that tastes change. My first guns were bought in a frame of mind of “how can I buy a few guns to have most of my firearms bases covered, spend as little as possible, and yet still have heirloom quality guns?” I imagine a lot of us get into guns with a similar goal.
Later some of the early guns became redundant because well, when you have dedicated pistols for most purposes, a Glock 19 (for example) becomes neither fish nor fowl, and ends up sitting in a cabinet.
Collecting is a means to an end (owning the guns I want to own) and not an end in itself (having a lot of guns just so I can say I have a lot of guns.) A small distinction but an important one.
Where it gets muddy is that tastes change. My first guns were bought in a frame of mind of “how can I buy a few guns to have most of my firearms bases covered, spend as little as possible, and yet still have heirloom quality guns?” I imagine a lot of us get into guns with a similar goal.
Later some of the early guns became redundant because well, when you have dedicated pistols for most purposes, a Glock 19 (for example) becomes neither fish nor fowl, and ends up sitting in a cabinet.
Jack Ryan
Member
- Joined
- Jan 29, 2019
- Messages
- 945
If you want to build the collection you will want when you are 65 years old, wait until you are 60 to start buying them.
I have the "collection" I want now, because I bought what I wanted, when I wanted it. Every gun I ever bought, I bought it because I wanted to use it for something, I wanted to shoot it and I still do shoot them.
I have the "collection" I want now, because I bought what I wanted, when I wanted it. Every gun I ever bought, I bought it because I wanted to use it for something, I wanted to shoot it and I still do shoot them.
Mosin77
Member
- Joined
- Oct 7, 2019
- Messages
- 1,837
Thinking a bit more, I think what people really are asking is “how can I have a clearer idea of what I want from the start, so I don’t spend as much money and time or end up with so many guns that ultimately don’t serve my purposes?”
I don’t believe for most people there is a good answer to this question because tastes do change. In the milsurp world there’s a lot of regret “why did I buy a dozen refurb Mosin 91/30s when I could have bought more interesting Finns.” The only thing you can say is, in general you will probably like or desire higher end, more expensive examples as your tastes mature so buy for condition and stick to universally great, evergreen guns that are well-loved by most, so you won’t end up with something that’s both expensive and too niche before you know what you like. Or we can say, don’t buy something just because it’s cheap. I’d say chasing deals and buying cheap things that are “kind of like” the gun you want, is probably how many people end up with a lot of superfluous extras. If you want a high end gun save up and buy it, don’t fall into the trap of buying 3 cheaper guns hoping to get most of the experience for less $$$.
I don’t believe for most people there is a good answer to this question because tastes do change. In the milsurp world there’s a lot of regret “why did I buy a dozen refurb Mosin 91/30s when I could have bought more interesting Finns.” The only thing you can say is, in general you will probably like or desire higher end, more expensive examples as your tastes mature so buy for condition and stick to universally great, evergreen guns that are well-loved by most, so you won’t end up with something that’s both expensive and too niche before you know what you like. Or we can say, don’t buy something just because it’s cheap. I’d say chasing deals and buying cheap things that are “kind of like” the gun you want, is probably how many people end up with a lot of superfluous extras. If you want a high end gun save up and buy it, don’t fall into the trap of buying 3 cheaper guns hoping to get most of the experience for less $$$.
For me a gun collection is a themed collection, not just an accumulation. I decided to go for Korth revolvers from the Ratzeburg factory but you could also choose S&W revolver from 1945 to 1980, or any other time period. All other guns are only shooters, even though the Korths do get shot, also.
Mosin77
Member
- Joined
- Oct 7, 2019
- Messages
- 1,837
I agree, but most of us have something that calls to us.
For me it ended up being, among other things, World-War era .32 autos. When I bought my first guns though I had no idea that’s what would end up tickling my fancy. I’ve also never been hyper-obsessed with that focus. I’m as happy to buy something else that promises to be genuinely fun or useful, or historically interesting. Maybe I have multiple thematic “collections” within my larger “gun collection.” We do a lot of playing with words don’t we?
357smallbore
Member
This day and age. Ya got to have a lot of cash to build a good collection, that is if you don't the RG collection. Amazes me the cost of a gun today
MarshallDodge
Member
If I knew better when I was younger, I wouldn't have bought Taurus products. Things that people tell you are "just as good as", are not.
SterlingBullet
Member
- Joined
- Jun 1, 2015
- Messages
- 543
If you intend to own firearms in a urban/suburban setting the purchase order should be:
Home defense
Self defense away from home
Concealed carry (if you state allows it)
Range plinkers
Hunting
Home defense
Self defense away from home
Concealed carry (if you state allows it)
Range plinkers
Hunting
Necessary_Nutrient
Member
As far as a couple guiding principles, I'd say:
It has to interest YOU
Unique is better than commodity- unless commodity is priced right, and you WANT it
Tend towards high-quality choices
Whatever road I took to the point where I would buy something as useless as this and then try to reload cheap, plated bullets for it.... wouldn't want to change much and I have no regrets.
Magnum Research BFR, 500 S&W, 5.9" Barrel
It has to interest YOU
Unique is better than commodity- unless commodity is priced right, and you WANT it
Tend towards high-quality choices
Whatever road I took to the point where I would buy something as useless as this and then try to reload cheap, plated bullets for it.... wouldn't want to change much and I have no regrets.
Magnum Research BFR, 500 S&W, 5.9" Barrel
Last edited:
OP
OP
Pudge
Member
I'm genuinely curious why would you order them like that?
I would start with a .22 handgun (range plinker - further down your list) and try to wear it out before moving to something more suitable for defensive use.
I started out in a suburban setting at 12. First firearm was an over/under .22/.410, and had access to a 20 ga SxS. At 14 I purchased a bolt action rifle in .308. I learned to shoot and hunt with those firearms. My first handgun was a .357 revolver. Good for home defense, but that was a mistake, in my opinion. I needed to learn how to shoot a handgun. I should have (like with long guns), started with a .22 and shot it a lot. I did eventually. Shoot enough .22, and the savings, over even 9mm, will pay for a decent .22 handgun.
If I were starting now, that would be my advice to me today.
SterlingBullet
Member
- Joined
- Jun 1, 2015
- Messages
- 543
Most people don't go
Most people don't go to the range, keep a gun in their vehicle or carry on the person, home defense is their primary stated reason to buy a gun.
OP
OP
Pudge
Member
Fair enough. My experience is singular, I started this thread looking for other perspectives. Looking at it differently I can see that being valid (with handguns, it's kind of what I did).
