Question about collection, buying guns for fun

[expvideo]

So I have a question for the guys who have a bit of a collection of guns. I used to only buy guns that I felt I "needed". For example, I didn't have a shotgun, so I got one in case I needed it. I didn't have a modern semi-automatic rifle, so I got one because I needed one for the collection, and in case the SHTF.

But now that I have 1 of everything that I thought I "needed", I find myself buying things that look like they would be fun to shoot, and for no other reason than the enjoyment of having and shooting them.

So here's my question:
Is this something that I'm going to be doing a lot of, at least in your experience? Does it get to a certain point where all you buy are guns that are fun, or is this a passing phase? I guess the question is a little odd, but I'm just curious what direction some of you went once you had all of the guns you felt you needed, and started buying the guns you wanted. I also am curious if that lead to anything else, like collecting specific kinds of guns just for the sake of collectiong (for example, a collection for the sake of collecting might be "all of the guns the British used between 1900 and 1945" or something like that).

So what path or paths did you take once you had the necessities out of the way?

 

[General Geoff]

Anyone with a hobby will tell you that past a certain point, it all becomes the pursuit of a good time. So yeah, fun guns will make up a good portion of the rest of your collection.

 

[Duke of Doubt]

I narrowed my collecting foci a few years back, both to save space by trading down and to focus my research and attention. I try to be contrarian in my areas of interest, and save a lot of money that way. For example, I acquired a number of U.S. and other original collectible WWII weapons before the big price run up on those a decade or a little less ago, but I would not consider adding to that part of my collection, now. Prices are just way too high. They are starting to come down on some things (M1 carbines, for example), so I may fill a couple holes next year. Most of my military collection was acquired for peanuts a decade or so ago. Now, I have taken advantage of the run-up in autoloaders and handguns to trade off some appreciated items I could part with, and begin collecting vintage Colt revolvers. Those prices (for Colts) have gone nowhere for awhile, or even come down a little. By trading guns that multiplied in value for no good reason for guns that will increase in the future but may be obtained at discount prices now, I think I've made a good segue into a new aspect of my collecting. Recently got a great Officer's Model Target (a bit worn and fully patinaed, but full of character and one of the first made) and an Army Special (near mint, one of the last made). Let them ponies multiply!

 

[OregonJohnny]

For a stretch of about 3 years, I was buying a gun every 3 or 4 months. At the time, I didn't have much of a collection and I was buying stuff that I felt I "needed" for one reason or another. Now, it's been almost a year since I've bought a gun and I can't think of anything I really "need". I want to keep adding to my collection, but most of my bases are covered for now, and I could really use the money elsewhere in these times.

There have been a few threads here about the difference between "need" and "want". It's all relative, and truth be told, the average gun owner probably only needs a total of 3 guns, but most gun owners I know have over a dozen or more.

But if you have enough disposable income, all your bills are paid up, and you don't put yourself into debt buying guns, then go for it. It feels so good. I know that's where my extra cash would be going right now if I have wads of it. I've simply developed a bit more self-control in the last year.

 

[Mike OTDP]

It is a hobby, after all.

That being said, you can get into some fairly intense debates concerning quality versus quantity.

 

[expvideo]

It's really weird to transition from one kind of gun collector to another, is something else I've noticed. A year ago, I would have loved nothing more than a GSG-5P to play with, since I was more into the psudo-tactical aspect of guns. And while I still wouldn't mind one to play with, I get more excited about the idea of one of those Swiss surplus bolt action rifles I keep seeing, because they have such an amazing trigger that I think I would have a lot of fun shooting somewhat long range targets with it. So going from 30 round mag dumps to shooting at a range that only allows 1 round to be loaded at a time has been an interesting transition for me. Now instead of enjoying feeling tactical, I enjoy the meditative state of accurate shooting. It's kind of like going from kick-boxing to yoga, lol.

It is a hobby, after all.

I think the most fascinating thing about this hobby is how different it can be from one person to the next. Sure no matter what you are doing, the end result is smoke and noise, but there are so many different angles on this hobby to explore! There's tactical black rifle stuff, hunting, accuracy, refinishing, reloading, etc. There are so many sub-hobbies that "shooting" is way too general of a term. I wonder if since my tastes have changed so much over the years if someday I'll be doing western 3-gun competitions, lol.

 

[Thirty06ss]

I have all the guns I need, but only half the guns I want.

 

[CoyoteSlayer]

I agree Thirty06ss

The gun hobby is different for everyone for the following reasons;

-Budget: influences what guns and how many guns you buy.

-Personality: influences what kind of guns you buy, and the need/want is different for all of us

-Usage: whether competitions, hunting, plinking, or self defense.

And I have found that gun buying may come in spurts when interest peaks, or gradually as interest peaks.

 

[rogertc1]

I think I have almost met the saturation point on buying guns for my gun collection. I have everything. My gun room is full.
Now I just a USFA 12/22 4.5" revolver and a Ljungmen AG-42. Forgot the new Ruger plastic revolver. The LCR is a must for the collection.

 

[Duke of Doubt]

rogertc1: "I have everything."

I might say that when I've found the right SiG 210.

 

[Red Tornado]

rogertc1: "I have everything."

I might say that when I've found the right SiG 210.

You're both just in denial. You can never have everything.

I started a few years ago with milsurps. It's kind of a side effect of the C&R, you gotta be into milsurps a bit. However, the more you shoot the more you discover what you like to shoot. Now I'm into .22s. Preferably older than me with peeps sights. (eg. Remington 513T, Ural CM-2) But I'm also keeping an eye open to complete the Rem 5-teen series, because I just love 'em.

My cousin's got an 1100 in every gauge and he won't shoot 'em. One guy at the club has over 30 Hi-Standard 22 pistols, trying to get every possible variation. To me, it's a waste of money, but it's what he likes.

You'll find something that just calls to you and makes you think, maybe I need this version. Which turns to, yeah, I need this version, too. Next thing you know, you've found your niche.

BTW, get a C&R, it's just worth it.
RT

 

[snorko]

"I have all the guns I need, but only half the guns I want."

That is close to my standard reply when someone asks how many guns I own. "More than I need and fewer than I want."

Beyond need, I have bought guns because they were a great price, because they looked like fun, etc. I bought a Browning Auto 5 and a Browning ATD simply out of admiration for the designs - 1200 years old or so and still the best.

 

[expvideo]

BTW, get a C&R, it's just worth it.

I'm trying, but I've requested the paperwork from the BATF site twice now, and they haven't sent me anything. It's been almost a month since the last time I requested. Should I call in a request? Anybody have the number?

 

[Lightninstrike]

The only thing that limits the size of my collection is my pocketbook.

 

[logical]

I started with the basics and then started adding anything and everything that struck my interest. Over the past 2 years I've leveled it off at around 15 handguns and all the purchases lately were sell one/buy one to upgrade with a similar gun. I sold my run of the mill Sig P245 to buy one with the rare Inaflon finish. Sold a Smith 340PD for a similar 340 M&P revolver just to move to the stainless cylinder, etc. I just can't get too into buying 3 or 4 similar guns just to 'collect" them. I have too many other expensive hobbies to pour money into lately. I have the pocket auto and revolver covered, have high cap and single stack 9 covered for belt carry, various long and short barrel .357 and .38's, .22s for plinking, .44 mag just for fun, a .45 just because I like the round. The only thing I may have drifted into collecting on is Ruger Security/Service/Speed Sixes. I have 3 and am always on the lookout for a nice example.

 

[blkbrd666]

I bought a Browning Auto 5 and a Browning ATD simply out of admiration for the designs - 1200 years old or so and still the best.

That's mighty old.

 

[Davionmaximus]

I past the mark where I feel I need more guns... so I moved on to collect mags and ammo..

 

[browningguy]

Unfortunately for my checking account balance my collection has expended from what I needed, to include pretty guns, interesting guns and guns that are just fun to shoot. I could probably get down to 5-6 if I just kept what I needed and let the other 60 or so go.

In the categories of guns I don't "need" I have:
1/2 Action martini Henry rifles (4, and I can't buy loaded ammo for any of them)
Browning semiauto pistols (one of each model from 1900-1910/71)
Browning Semiauto rifles (4)
.22 pistols (5)
Pistol caliber carbines (2)
Other semi auto rifles (5)
Other semiauto pistols (a bunch)
Spare hunting type rifles (8)
Spare shotguns (2)

The problem is I like them all, so even though a time or two I thought I should get rid of a few (instead of buying an additional safe), I wind up not doing it. For example I have a mint Beretta BL4 20 ga. O/U, I prefer semiautos and rarely shoot this one. But when I think about selling or trading it I remember what a handy and attractive gun it is, so i keep it.

 

[WoofersInc]

I found myself going through different phases. I wanted this or that. My last phase was 1911's and I now have 12 of them in various calibers and barrel lengths. I am now on a 22LR run and have been getting more of those.

 

[TIMC]

To me it's always been about whats fun even when I first started collecting. I have changed direction a couple of times over the years which will bring on a big buy and sell spurt for a while. Today I am very pleased with where my collection is at but I still always seem to find find something else I want to buy. I'm quite sure many more will come and go before I am done but the "fun factor" will always be part of the decision process.

 

[hso]

Once you start collecting the poorhouse is the limit.