As someone who is primarily a collector most of my firearms are safe queens, the champion being my M1898 Krag I purchased in 1972. With milsurps, I buy for the history, in the case of some, my Lebel, my M1907/15, my M1895 Mannlichers ammunition is hard to come by, with most of the others, they are collectibles first and foremost. My Mauser M1910 in 32 ACP, my CZ-27, my Ortgies in 25 ACP haven't been shot in years, come to think of it I haven't put a round through my AMT Hardballer in years, but whenever I handle it I have fond memories of all the IPSC matches I competed in-and often won.
I know people who collect vintage radios-it might be fun if you could tune in 1935 but for them the pleasure is in having it, making it work, turning it on and watching the tubes glow.
IMHO no different than a painting on the wall or a coin or stamp collection.
I have done Rev War reenacting for some years, also did and will do again Civil War reenacting, fired
my P1853 live once, my Charleville and Pennsylania Rifle never. Don't really feel deprived.