So many guns in this world

[B!ngoFuelUSN]

I would say there aren't enough guns out there. Firearm designs wax and wane and I would call the period we are in now a wane. Everyone seems to be copying a handful of makers (read as Glock). Not enough makers are exploring a DA/SA striker fired gun (yes it is doable just not common) and SIG is having a half hearted attempt at a modular pistol with the P250 and P320s. Every now and then I draw up a fantasy gun design that would fit me. Blending capacity, caliber, weight and a dozen other factors. Then I look around to see if anyone has built something close to my idea. Usually I don't find anything interesting enough.

Though there are a lot of Glock wanna be's (they all want a piece of Glock's huge professional and private market), it seems that there are a number of new designs, enabled by rapid prototyping and manufacturing that are exploiting corners of the markets, forcing existing shooters to re-think their assumption and seeking new buyers:
Kriss .45
Kel-Tec KSG
The 'Curve'
Chiappa Rhino
UTS-15 shotgun
Kel-Tec RFB
Tavor
Beretta ARX
are some examples of new stuff in the past few years.
B

 

[herrwalther]

Kriss .45
Kel-Tec KSG
The 'Curve'
Chiappa Rhino
UTS-15 shotgun
Kel-Tec RFB
Tavor
Beretta ARX
are some examples of new stuff in the past few years

Those are good examples. Maybe not the direction I would be interested in but innovation none the less. Even if these new ideas turn out to be flops, like the Curve is looking/might be, I feel they will be successful in the "hey we tried it anyway" realm.

 

[B!ngoFuelUSN]

Those are good examples. Maybe not the direction I would be interested in but innovation none the less. Even if these new ideas turn out to be flops, like the Curve is looking/might be, I feel they will be successful in the "hey we tried it anyway" realm.

Exactly. I doubt all of these will be winners but it is a sign that there is innovation. And I would contend that the rate of innovation is accelerating.
B

 

[sdean44]

so many so many different ones lol from quality to design ahah this is pretty cool http://rightwingnews.com/john-hawkins/the-10-coolest-guns-on-planet-earth/

 

[Thermactor]

Maybe it's just me getting older, but I have all of the guns I want. There are 60 in the gun room and I'm thinking of downsizing.

The manufacturers haven't come up with anything that I don't already have one that does the same thing to my satisfaction.

The last gun I bought was in 2005 when I bought one of the first Kimber Warriors off the line to use as a duty weapon.

I guess if there is any gun I want it's a 7.62x51 AR pattern rifle. I sold my pre-ban FAL (Springfield Armory SAR-48) back in December with that in mind but I haven't bought one yet.

Sell the Garands too!
Ahahahahaha

 

[orionengnr]

The majority of gun owners have a single firearm, most of those being a handgun or shotgun for home defense.

Is this an opinion, or a statement of fact?

In my childhood, this was almost inarguably a true statement. But that was 50 years ago.

I know many gun owners today. Every one of them owns multiple firearms. And when I say "multiple", I'm not talking three or four. More like 10 or more. Maybe (maybe) one or two only own one gun...and I cannot even think of who those might be.

My experience may be the exception...I don't know. But I certainly would not state my experience/sample size s being reflective of the population at large.

 

[1911 guy]

I'm in the same boat. Not looking to downsize any further, but seriously changed my collection over the years. I was a member of our "gun a month" club. A bunch of us made a point to buy a firearm of some sort every month. This went on for some time. Some of them were nice ones, some of them were not much more than tent stakes.

Over the last ten or fifteen years I made a point to sell off the "junk" and have fewer guns but nicer and more useful specimens. Once in a while there's an itch to scratch, but I can honestly say that I have all the guns I actually want. And few more than I really need.

 

[Onmilo]

I can tell you this.
The local Gander Mountain "Three Walls of Guns" has been reduced to a wall and a half.
Clerk told me Corporate decided they weren't selling enough to justify carrying that much inventory.

 

[Delford]

My 85 year old uncle has around 20 guns, mostly hunting rifles but several classic handguns. I have wondered what will become of them until I found out his grandson will get them. Hopefully he will know their sentimental value is greater than their intrinsic value. I have wondered if that was too many but have decided they make my uncle happy and that's enough. I came late to shooting and only have 5 guns and a desire to own more. At this stage in life I can't justify spending what is needed to enlarge my collection. There are several 9mm pistols I'd like to purchase but my 2 .45s satisfy me for range use and for self defense. The shotgun works for home defense. Too many guns is an impossible concept. YMMV

 

[Thermactor]

My 85 year old uncle has around 20 guns, mostly hunting rifles but several classic handguns. I have wondered what will become of them until I found out his grandson will get them. Hopefully he will know their sentimental value is greater than their intrinsic value. I have wondered if that was too many but have decided they make my uncle happy and that's enough. I came late to shooting and only have 5 guns and a desire to own more. At this stage in life I can't justify spending what is needed to enlarge my collection. There are several 9mm pistols I'd like to purchase but my 2 .45s satisfy me for range use and for self defense. The shotgun works for home defense. Too many guns is an impossible concept. YMMV

At least invest in one AR-15. They're as cheap now as they'll ever get and in the long term it'll be more valuable. That's all I can say for your situation.

 

[tcoz]

There won't likely ever be a crash in gun prices because they're not consumable items with a planned obsolescence and also because the decision to own a gun isn't subject to style, fashion and whims as other products are. Basically, guns are a relatively expensive long-term purchase and most purchasers are aware that they're a value purchase and will last for generations if well cared for. Even first time gun owners talk about leaving them to their kids and in this country most people, even the "anti-gunners" are aware that theyve always been a part of oyur culture.

 

[Sheepdog1968]

What I see happening is that manufacturers are making many different models and variations to fit niche needs. Before you would have a few variations and if you wanted something different you had to send it to a gunsmith to get it modified. Yes, there will likely be some that are trendy now but will be like the avocado color refrigerator sitting in your parents home.

 

[RetiredUSNChief]

Gun owners are a small minority, even here in the U.S. Being a minority, we can be and will be thrown under the bus when it becomes politically expedient.

One third of the total population of the United States does not constitute a "small minority", my friend.

 

[Agsalaska]

I believe that the new shooters that came about Obummer and the antis are NOT true gun enthusiasts and therefore only own 1 or 2 guns just because they think that the govt. are going to ban them. If congress (House and senate) stay republican regardless if HRC in the White House, you will see a crash in gun prices.
If republicans win all 3 next year (which I doubt) U will witness the best gun buyers market ever in the history of the USA.

Meh. Maybe. But some people are arming themselves today for very different reasons. THe militarization of the police force and all the problems that have come with that is one that comes to mind. And that is not a Left-Right issue. Local terrorist(Garland) would be another. SO would situations like we had in Baltimore. Whatever power is in charge in Washington is not going to change any of those things.

 

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

I've been getting some great deals lately on Beretta PX4's and Ruger single actions because they sit there mostly ignored by other buyers.

 

[lsudave]

There won't likely ever be a crash in gun prices because they're not consumable items with a planned obsolescence and also because the decision to own a gun isn't subject to style, fashion and whims as other products are. Basically, guns are a relatively expensive long-term purchase and most purchasers are aware that they're a value purchase and will last for generations if well cared for. Even first time gun owners talk about leaving them to their kids and in this country most people, even the "anti-gunners" are aware that theyve always been a part of oyur culture.

I dunno; I get the feeling things are going to change somewhat. Handguns have always been heirlooms, but I think Glocks etc will ruin that. I can't see anyone picking one up and getting sentimental about the fine craftsmanship in it.... it's just a mass-produced hunk of plastic.

 

[Agsalaska]

I dunno; I get the feeling things are going to change somewhat. Handguns have always been heirlooms, but I think Glocks etc will ruin that. I can't see anyone picking one up and getting sentimental about the fine craftsmanship in it.... it's just a mass-produced hunk of plastic.

I made the exact same argument about the ugly ass cheap bolt action rifles on the rifle forum. Who in 50 years is going to cherish a $300 .270 with a plastic stock?

 

[tcoz]

I dunno; I get the feeling things are going to change somewhat. Handguns have always been heirlooms, but I think Glocks etc will ruin that. I can't see anyone picking one up and getting sentimental about the fine craftsmanship in it.... it's just a mass-produced hunk of plastic.

Not a Glock fanboy, huh?? Seriously though, I don't think any of us can say what will or won't be considered a "classic" at some point in the future. We're living in the here and now during the time when they're being produced. You'd have to be able to see into the future to be able to determine classic status. Back in 1965, who would've thought that my grandfather's bare bones Corvair would ever become a classic? Wish I had it now.

Edit---BTW, for some of you young guys the Chevy Corvair was a rear engine, rear drive bucket of bolts that Ralph Nader killed with his book "Unsafe At Any Speed".

 

[herrwalther]

I dunno; I get the feeling things are going to change somewhat. Handguns have always been heirlooms, but I think Glocks etc will ruin that. I can't see anyone picking one up and getting sentimental about the fine craftsmanship in it.... it's just a mass-produced hunk of plastic.

I already have several heirloom weapons to pass along to my children. Not a single one of them is a plastic stock or framed firearm. The closest I get are the plastic grips on a 1911 I have, which I will probably change out before I kick the bucket anyway.

 

[ol' scratch]

Modern guns are prevelant, but surplus is finite.

One area I think really will explode and has several times is the surplus firearms market. You are dealing with a finite supply and someone will always be nostalgic concerning where firearms were and whose hands they passed through. Look at what has happened with the price of Garands, 1903's, 17's and etc. Nice examples of these rifles bring a premium, but even shooters bring good money. I even have a true surplus FN Hi Power I picked up for $300 a few years ago with matching numbers. I am surprised how much the surplus Hi Power pistols are bringing right now. I was surprised to find out my Mosin PU increased in value as fast as it did. I only picked it up two years ago. Even my little CZ 82 is commanding double what I paid for it.

AR rifles? I personally don't see them going up in value much if at all. They are a great firearm and America's sweetheart, but not particularly collectable. I guess I could be wrong, but I doubt it. There are an estimated 20-30 million in civilian hands. Registered SBR lowers may be the exception. I am looking at registering a few of mine. If they decide to close the registry like the have done in the past with machine guns, those registered lowers might bring a premium.

Some of the AK rifles could be worth something in the future particularly the Russian manufactured AK rifles. Some of the Bulgarians might bring a premium too. If there is another change in the import laws like we saw with the Russians, or more legislation that goes back to the way things were pre 2004, those sidefolding and underfolding AK rifles could bring a nice premium.

 

[CoalTrain49]

Think about this.

Baby boomers will be selling off their guns and their Harley's in a few years. Some of them have started already. I have a few I need to liquidate soon myself. What is that going to do to the already saturated market? Gun mfg's can dream up a new model but likely there are 3 more just like it already on the market. Now they're down to *inventing* new cartridges so they can sell a new model. Holy carp, we don't have enough cartridges already that we need a 357 Sig, a 40 S&W or 327 Fed. mag.

In a few years trying to sell a new gun will be like trying to sell a snowmobile in Mexico.

 

[SSN Vet]

Damn I should have got a CMP carbine or 2 a few years ago

same here.... $400 seamed like a lot of money back then... but I sure wish I had one now.

 

[Ed Ames]

I've spent e last few days thinking about this subject after noticing an odd trend in local gun shops.

It seems as though the folks running the older/"established" gun stores in my area are convinced that there are too many guns on the market and a collapse is imminent. One local store ripped out about half their gun counter space, another seems to have stopped restocking anything except glocks and other high volume guns. I can't say it is universal but if you visit most of these stores it feels like they are cashing out and shutting down.

At the same time, a lot of new gun stores are opening in this area. I know of six stores (full brick and morter shops) that have opened around here in the last 3 years. Also, some non-gun stores have added firearms counters. The new stores have much better inventory and seem far more willing to order items they don't have in stock.

The new stores (casual observation only, I don't have access to their books or anything) seem to be doing more business, which I'm sure contributes to the divergent views. Preparing for a crash can become a self fulfilling prophecy at some point...if you don't stock products, customers won't buy from you.

For myself, I am definitely in the "don't need another" camp. But I'm also willing and able to throw down some cash if/when an interesting gun comes along at a good price. Interesting is the key. The retailers who are "playing it safe", by retreating to mainstream inventory, are actually doing exactly the wrong thing from my point of view. They are pushing me to newer stores or to buying online.

I don't know about the idea that there will be a flood of boomer guns that will kill the market. Yes, there will be a flood of old guns, but I don't think a consumer who wants a KSG will be diverted by an old Wingmaster even if it does have a nice wood stock. I don't think the person debating an AR-10 vs FN SCAR is going to divert to dad's pump action .270. And yes, there are plenty of more interesting weapons in boomer hands, but that supply will still heavily favor older style guns.