I've seen threads of people getting a crazy amount of guns in a short amount of time.. I've been guilty of the same thing... and it drives me nuts as I want a new gun when I have some I've never shot... but what is the point in getting guns you can't properly break in... sight in... and become very familiar with... break in all accessoris and new mags... etc... at what point do you have "too many guns"?
too many guns?
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Cosmoline
Member
I force myself to be disciplined about it, and I have a different attitude towards my firearms than other folks. For me, once I've had my fun with the piece and done what I aimed to do with it, I'll sell it off to someone else. I don't have the room or the budget to keep all the firearms I want to shoot. As a result while I only have at most eight or nine firearms at any one time, I've probably owned hundreds. This also lets me try out a lot of different platforms, from flintlocks to AR-15's, without breaking the budget. I've also started a practice of stowing any money from sales into a savings account which I plan to use to buy something REALLY nice, like a Shiloh Sharps, that I could never ordinarily afford.
That said, I have accumulated some I won't sell over the years. The flintlock I made myself, for example. Or the unique .450 Marlin Big Bore that had an article written about it in the 80's. Or my CZ 452 that killed hundreds of squirrel for me. Those are keepers. And I suppose over the years the pile of keepers will get pretty big.
That said, I have accumulated some I won't sell over the years. The flintlock I made myself, for example. Or the unique .450 Marlin Big Bore that had an article written about it in the 80's. Or my CZ 452 that killed hundreds of squirrel for me. Those are keepers. And I suppose over the years the pile of keepers will get pretty big.
I own several firearms I've never shot, and I don't feel one bit guilty about it. Some I bought because they were rare, some I bought because I felt the value would appreciate - firearms and other gun-related items form part of my retirement plan, is how I justify it. I have 40 AR-15 receivers and a pallet of new-in-box high-cap magazines tucked away just in case there's another gun ban - purposely kept them when I closed my gun shop.
(I've given away AR-15 receivers to friends and family on holidays, it's a novel Christmas present that no-one will expect. Also helps get people interested in building guns, who otherwise wouldn't be, as the "rest" of the parts they can order direct to their house).
If I buy a gun to shoot, and I don't like it, I'll trade it for something else. I've cycled through a lot of guns this way.
I also use am not bashful about using firearms as trading stock. I traded an AK47 Romanian underfolder, a Mosin Nagant, and a Taurus 9mm for tree service once. (80' oak tree between my house and garage had to go, and it was a tricky bitch to take down.) Got it done for the cost of a boom truck rental, three relatively inexpensive guns, and a six pack.
I've also traded an AR-15 for an old 4WD truck once; pre ban Eagle arms DURING the ban. So I don't always hold on to exotics or hard to find stuff.
The only weapons I'm "married to" are family heirlooms and a couple which I've developed close, personal friendships with over the years.
The others I just view as commodities or tools.
(I've given away AR-15 receivers to friends and family on holidays, it's a novel Christmas present that no-one will expect. Also helps get people interested in building guns, who otherwise wouldn't be, as the "rest" of the parts they can order direct to their house).
If I buy a gun to shoot, and I don't like it, I'll trade it for something else. I've cycled through a lot of guns this way.
I also use am not bashful about using firearms as trading stock. I traded an AK47 Romanian underfolder, a Mosin Nagant, and a Taurus 9mm for tree service once. (80' oak tree between my house and garage had to go, and it was a tricky bitch to take down.) Got it done for the cost of a boom truck rental, three relatively inexpensive guns, and a six pack.
I've also traded an AR-15 for an old 4WD truck once; pre ban Eagle arms DURING the ban. So I don't always hold on to exotics or hard to find stuff.
The only weapons I'm "married to" are family heirlooms and a couple which I've developed close, personal friendships with over the years.
The others I just view as commodities or tools.
Cosmoline
Member
I put it together out of various parts. It's currently sporting a .40 cal barrel on a "poor boy" style stock. I'm hoping to get more patina on the steel to give it an antiqued look. It's far from a top notch job, but it has enough of my blood in it to be family ;-)
Gunnerboy
Member
If i dont use it at least once every 2-3 months then i dont need it (except of course collecter firearms that dont get shot)
content
Member
Hello friends and neighbors // Nice build Cosmoline, definately a keeper.
I like your take on guns too, especially saving for "the one" but my thoughts here are exactly like SaxonPigs.
Once my idea of the bases were covered ; 12ga., 30-30, .22 rifle, .22 pistol, something caught my eye ... a Ruger Redhawk 7 1/2" .44mag. No real "need" but I bought it just the same.
The RH was also the first to go when I needed to fund a transmission ... go figure.
Several guns are considered " my guns" for various reasons; the 12ga. my Dad gave me, S&W 586, 6", "do all" revolver that is still my first choice, the Stoger American Eagle, .22 Luger i used to qualified for my CWP. (why not use the handgun I'd fired the most rounds through over the years) The rest might stay or be trade/sold..
As for shooting all the guns I buy.
Handguns and .22 rifles all get used often because of the convience of a close indoor range.
Shotguns and Center fire rifles, other than handgun calibers, are a different story.
I usually only shoot them on the same land I hunt and once deer season starts we keep target shooting to a minimum. Months might go by before I shoot some of them. Still doen't stop me from picking up a good bargin when possible.
No such thing as too many guns.
I like your take on guns too, especially saving for "the one" but my thoughts here are exactly like SaxonPigs.
Once my idea of the bases were covered ; 12ga., 30-30, .22 rifle, .22 pistol, something caught my eye ... a Ruger Redhawk 7 1/2" .44mag. No real "need" but I bought it just the same.
The RH was also the first to go when I needed to fund a transmission ... go figure.
Several guns are considered " my guns" for various reasons; the 12ga. my Dad gave me, S&W 586, 6", "do all" revolver that is still my first choice, the Stoger American Eagle, .22 Luger i used to qualified for my CWP. (why not use the handgun I'd fired the most rounds through over the years) The rest might stay or be trade/sold..
As for shooting all the guns I buy.
Handguns and .22 rifles all get used often because of the convience of a close indoor range.
Shotguns and Center fire rifles, other than handgun calibers, are a different story.
I usually only shoot them on the same land I hunt and once deer season starts we keep target shooting to a minimum. Months might go by before I shoot some of them. Still doen't stop me from picking up a good bargin when possible.
No such thing as too many guns.
M2
Member
Would you rather throw money away on a useless hobby like golf?
At least firearms have useable functions and skills associated with them (self-defense, hunting, etc), some are desirable if only for their historical/military aspect, plus the fact that many firearms can be a viable investment.
I say own as many as you can afford, enjoy the heck out of them and don't find yourself old one day with regrets. As long as it doesn't interfere with your ability to put a roof over your family's heads and food in their mouths, enjoy it for what it offers!
Cheers! M2
At least firearms have useable functions and skills associated with them (self-defense, hunting, etc), some are desirable if only for their historical/military aspect, plus the fact that many firearms can be a viable investment.
I say own as many as you can afford, enjoy the heck out of them and don't find yourself old one day with regrets. As long as it doesn't interfere with your ability to put a roof over your family's heads and food in their mouths, enjoy it for what it offers!
Cheers! M2
06
Member
Ever seen a rifle/pistol go down in value? I collect them for investments and as a "liquid" source of income if the need arises. Can you imagine the barter value of a milsurp with a bit of ammo in an arnachy situation?
"Too many guns"--lol--that does not compute.
"Too many guns"--lol--that does not compute.
Kendal Black
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- 1,647
The problem with too many guns is one's limited ability to be good at a lot of similar skills that differ in detail, like using a lot of different guns that operate differently, have different controls, etc. From a familiarity and effectiveness point of view, you are better off to major in a small set of gun types.
I have lots of guns that work differently, but I'm starting to think this is a mistake. For example, trying to pump a semi-auto shotgun does no good at all.
I have lots of guns that work differently, but I'm starting to think this is a mistake. For example, trying to pump a semi-auto shotgun does no good at all.
Nico Testosteros
Member
Not liberals. Antigunners.
redneck2
Member
I was at the point where I had a number of guns that I couldn't or wouldn't shoot. I could afford to keep them, but I see no need if I'm not going to use them. Might as well move on to a good home where they'll maybe get used.
I'm at the point where there's nothing I want and certainly nothing I "need". At one point, I thought I wanted one rifle of every caliber range. I found out it's a PITA to try to keep ammo for all those various calibers on hand, and reloading was too hard with all the dies, etc.
After a while, you figure out that guns are just chunks of wood/plastic/metal and are a tool. As for the myth of "always going up in value", think again. Unless you get a great deal on something used or by sheer luck get something collectible, it will take a LONG time to just break even.
I'm at the point where there's nothing I want and certainly nothing I "need". At one point, I thought I wanted one rifle of every caliber range. I found out it's a PITA to try to keep ammo for all those various calibers on hand, and reloading was too hard with all the dies, etc.
After a while, you figure out that guns are just chunks of wood/plastic/metal and are a tool. As for the myth of "always going up in value", think again. Unless you get a great deal on something used or by sheer luck get something collectible, it will take a LONG time to just break even.
W.E.G.
Member
You lose a lot less money on guns when you sell the for a loss than most other recreational equipment.
Think of golf clubs, exercise contraptions, boats, race cars,... you name it.
I've learned to accept the fact that I get some UTILITY out of owning a gun for a relatively short amount of time. That includes:
1. The excitement of the acquisition.
2. The inspection - where I can rub my filthy paws all over it for as long as I want.
3. The dissection - I own a set of screwdrivers and hammers, and I'm not afraid to use them.
4. The discussion
5. The range trip (optional - but usual)
All that is ENTERTAINMENT.
So you lose $50 or $100 when you finally move the gun along?
So what?
Listen, you can't take those things with you.
Move 'em out, and make room.
You don't want to see what happens to them when you wait until its too late for you do something about that "stuff in the basement."
Think of golf clubs, exercise contraptions, boats, race cars,... you name it.
I've learned to accept the fact that I get some UTILITY out of owning a gun for a relatively short amount of time. That includes:
1. The excitement of the acquisition.
2. The inspection - where I can rub my filthy paws all over it for as long as I want.
3. The dissection - I own a set of screwdrivers and hammers, and I'm not afraid to use them.
4. The discussion
5. The range trip (optional - but usual)
All that is ENTERTAINMENT.
So you lose $50 or $100 when you finally move the gun along?
So what?
Listen, you can't take those things with you.
Move 'em out, and make room.
You don't want to see what happens to them when you wait until its too late for you do something about that "stuff in the basement."
effengee
Member
"Too much is never enough"
Ever since I was a wee lad, I have always dreamed of a hidden room behind a bookcase, that when a certain book was moved, would open to reveal a storehouse of some of the greatest weapons ever manufactured. From a simple hand cannon to a selection of modern firearms. It's at the top of my "If I ever become a millionaire" list. I wouldn't need to shoot every one every single day, I'd just like to have that option.
Ever since I was a wee lad, I have always dreamed of a hidden room behind a bookcase, that when a certain book was moved, would open to reveal a storehouse of some of the greatest weapons ever manufactured. From a simple hand cannon to a selection of modern firearms. It's at the top of my "If I ever become a millionaire" list. I wouldn't need to shoot every one every single day, I'd just like to have that option.
ridgerunner1965
Member
- Joined
- Dec 11, 2010
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- 768
guns are a good investment.i recently set up at a gunshow and sold about 15 guns i had owned for years that i hadnt been useing.i made anywhere fron 50 to 200 buks on each. the ones id had the longest i made the most on.
I don't keep a gun I can't justify a use for. I only have some many funds I can devote to my guns, I have certain ones I consider essential and beyond that If I don't actively use it I don't need it. In my mind it's all about balance in life, when you don't keep things in perspective your possessions can come to own you instead of the other way around.
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mgmorden
Member
I don't have a problem getting more. Whatever I get interested in, if I have the money, I'll buy - regardless of how many guns I already have. If my interests change I'll sell off anything within that category I consider disposable (ie, latley I've grown bored with milsurp rifles - I'm looking to rid myself of almost all of those that I own).
Right now most of my focus is on handguns. I've already whittled my shotguns down to just 3 that I won't get rid of. I'm thinking of whittling down my rifles to only 3-4 of those too. For the last 18-24 months the ONLY guns that have been going to the range are the handguns.
Right now most of my focus is on handguns. I've already whittled my shotguns down to just 3 that I won't get rid of. I'm thinking of whittling down my rifles to only 3-4 of those too. For the last 18-24 months the ONLY guns that have been going to the range are the handguns.
Ignition Override
Member
Not if you can afford them, pay all other bills and save a bit. If it is a certain style military rifle and has aperture sights, i.e. my '55 SA Garand, it stays. The only civilian interest is the 1940's Savage .22.
A gun that possibly trained, or was used by any soldiers of the British Commonwealth during WW2 (Korea,
'56 Malaysian "Commie insurrection") won't be sold.
For most people, three Enfield #4s, two #5 "Jungles" might be too many, but these Are history, and all get used. Prvi .303 cases can be neck-sized/reloaded many times.
One additional reason to have more than one example of any gun type is to limit wear on each.
Now there are two FR8s.
A gun that possibly trained, or was used by any soldiers of the British Commonwealth during WW2 (Korea,
'56 Malaysian "Commie insurrection") won't be sold.
For most people, three Enfield #4s, two #5 "Jungles" might be too many, but these Are history, and all get used. Prvi .303 cases can be neck-sized/reloaded many times.
One additional reason to have more than one example of any gun type is to limit wear on each.
Now there are two FR8s.
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Shanghai McCoy
Member
Too many guns...?
Nope, just not enough time off to shoot them all.
Nope, just not enough time off to shoot them all.
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