That upgrading itch

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WestKentucky

WestKentucky

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It’s back, the itch to upgrade basically everything in my safe. I could sell off basically of my guns that aren’t family heirlooms and replace them with higher quality versions of similar things. Basic rem 700 swap for a pre-64 model 70 or a Christensen Mesa. A half dozen random pistols could swap for a K32 and so forth. This time I am seriously considering it. Keeping very few and upgrading the essentials. I did basically that once before and I’m highly tempted again.
 
I have done a pretty substantial amount of wheeling and dealing over the years, get an itch and start looking at what gear I have to trade into, sometimes for upgrades, sometimes just for something different. I have done very, very well in a few instances but I would say most times I do this I wish I hadn't. I start missing what I had and the buzz of having that thing you thought you needed wears off. YMMV
 
Been there a time or two, done that a time or two. Most upgrades are subjective, so be careful. Be sure and study and do your homework. Mechanically there are few standouts. Now going custom is different. I’d rather go custom with a long gun vs a handgun, but have done both. Good luck and keep us posted. We’re here for the emotional support and to help find new homes for your no longer loved toys.
 
DustyGmt said:
I have done a pretty substantial amount of wheeling and dealing over the years, get an itch and start looking at what gear I have to trade into, sometimes for upgrades, sometimes just for something different. I have done very, very well in a few instances but I would say most times I do this I wish I hadn't. I start missing what I had and the buzz of having that thing you thought you needed wears off. YMMV
Click to expand...

Good, solid advice. The grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence.
 
Ive been slowly "upgrading" my equipment. The actual "upgrade" items were far less costly than the journey to figgure out what exactly what i wanted in a "upgrade"

Imo if you KNOW what your buying will FEEL like an upgrade too you, no reason not to. If your considering pieces of the package as an upgrade, then imo try to get as much time behind the type/make/model of product your considering before actually buying...sometimes youll find that one thing, you just cant stand.

My easiest example is the model 70. I like everything about the rifle (not love, but good solid like), except the wing safety.
Just plain dont like the way they feel.
I really wanted to buy one of the high end maple stocked 70s in .264 Winchester, and was ready to sell some of my other guns, including a couple I actually use and like, to get it.
But while working on and playing with my FILs 70, i found that i really dont want a gun with a wing safety....its a dumb dislike in a lot of ways, but its still a major one for me.
Popped up again when buying my new Mesa, its closest contender was a Kimber hunter, or Montana.

Another wierd quirk in my upgrade list would be accuracy.
I want acceptable, but good accuracy dosent matter as much to me as how the rifles feels in my hand (any gun really), how it operates, and how much i enjoy looking at it.
Took a lot of selling and giving away really accurate guns to figgure that out.....
 
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It seems like availability ain't great right now.

I'd love a 686-4 or -5, well I should wish in one hand and... You know the rest.

I guess if you can find what you're after go for it. I imagine the price on new gear is also pretty silly so hopefully what you sell goes for enough.
 
defjon said:
It seems like availability ain't great right now.

I'd love a 686-4 or -5, well I should wish in one hand and... You know the rest.

I guess if you can find what you're after go for it. I imagine the price on new gear is also pretty silly so hopefully what you sell goes for enough.
Click to expand...
At least locally, If you can find them from a reputable dealer, there really hasn't been much change in the cost of higher end firearms.
I haven't paid MSRP for any of the firearms I've ordered from my local FFLs in the last 2 years, much less the ridiculous prices they're asking on gun broker for used guns.
 
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The thing that gives me pause on the sales is that I enjoy tinkering. I won’t be tinkering with a new fancy rifle. If I upgrade my revolvers it will be to a FA, Korth, or classic custom ppc revolvers from reputable makers. The PPC guns have been popping up on Gunbroker, and selling reasonably. I don’t want to buy and be let down by a premium gun in a unicorn configuration. A 686 no-dash smolt would be at least 4 of my current guns, and again no tinkering.
 
I'm in the same boat.

I'm focusing on guns I have instead of new purchases for various reasons, with special attention to my rimfires as that is the only ammunition I care to expend at the moment.

My CZ452 Military Trainer will see its benchrest style Brno aperture sights remove. I will also be reinstalling the sling swivel studs I removed and modifying them for 1" standard Uncle Mikes swivels for the attachment of a 1" Andy's Rhodesian shooting sling in chestnut leather with brass buckle.

The aperture sights will be replaced with a Leupold 4x28 Rimfire scope. That lightweight compact optic will be great for a .22 field gun. My goal is to get the CZ off the bench and in the field and to use it for practicing sling techniques and stances for my .308 psuedo-scout practical rifle. And just for fun because it's one sweet rifle.

My Remington 870 Police will see some upgrades as well, and provided Browning properly repairs by SA22 that is currently with them due to canted sights I have big plans for that gun as well.
 
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As someone that has always liked trading and trying new firearms. I like the trade up idea.
In the past I have traded two and three firearms to buy one. I also have bought inexpensive guns just to mess around with.
It is like life in general; it's about balance.
Buying one or two high end guns while reducing your collection and get that special firearm is a great idea. At the same time holding onto a couple of project guns to tinker with is a good balance.

One little warning, you may obtain that dream gun to find out the gun you traded off fits your needs better. I traded a 1886 Winchester limited edition for a SBE ultimate Turkey Blaster and regretted it. I miss the 45-70, and then sold the Benelli.
 
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Im thinking of already upgrading my plain low model Beretta A300 to a A400 Xcel. Going from a $700 shotgun to a $1700 one after 2 sessions. Yea i have upgrade issues
 
I've slowly been working towards that goal. The next thing is to turn a few of my extra 1911s into something nice, either a semi custom or go whole hog custom.
 
Turnbull has one of my rifles awaiting his magic right now; as I understand, I should be very impressed with his company’s work upon my rifle’s return. In that case, I have another rifle that will be sent for similar work. I am upgrading in a different way.
 
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