What else can be enjoyed like a fine gun?

[bushmaster1313]

There is something about a fine gun that makes it capable of being appreciated and enjoyed far more than other objects. Perhaps it is the quality of the manufacturing, the perfect marriage of form and function, the mating of wood to metal, the extension of oneself or the singlemindedness of purpose.

Is there anything else, other than cars, boats, airplanes and houses (things that most of us cannot collect in any great number), that approach the ability of a fine gun to bring enjoyment to its owner?

 

[rideandcarry]

It's a hobby like any other. Wine and cigar connoisseurs would argue just as passionately as you would/are about guns. Granted, wine and cigars are consumed with use and guns are not, but the passion remains the same. Same could be said about almost anything really.

 

[Sam1911]

Sure. Whatever "trips your trigger" may be appreciated by someone who ... well ... who really appreciates them.

As a "traditional" woodworker, fine hand tools fall into the same type of category. You can appreciate the workmanship that went into making them, the niceties of form and finish and design of the tool itself, and the joy of experiencing the excellence with which they perform the task they are designed to do. Hand planes, chisels, well-made and sharpened hand saws, etc. all can make a real aficionado feel a special sense of worth beyond their simple utility. I know craftsmen with hundreds of vintage and extremely high quality hand planes displayed on special racks in their shops, like art (or fine guns!) just waiting for an excuse to be used.

But we have an example even closer to home down in our "Non-Firearms Weapons" forum. Look at some of the knives made by our resident masters (and the prices they command! ) and you'll get a sense of that same appreciation.

To take it another direction, there are some consumables that take on a very similar aesthetic and whose enthusiasts express their affection in quite similar terms: fine tobacco/cigars, wines, very good ales/beers, and a few other products have the same appeal to a connoisseur.

 

[Paul Kersey]

Heather Locklear

 

[TexasRifleman]

There is something about a fine gun that makes it capable of being appreciated and enjoyed far more than other objects

I have to agree, and I don't really know why. For me it's "double" whatevers for some reason.

Double rifles, double shotguns, with nice wood. Wow.... Can't think about it too much or I start thinking about cashing in 401k's to go buy some

I really don't think that any of the guns I currently own qualify as "fine guns" though. Wish I had at least one. Well it's on the bucket list anyway

 

[bushmaster1313]

A handplane is something I would not have thought of but I definately see the appeal.

I think the common thread is a combination of perfection, agelessness and calling out to be used.

 

[The Bushmaster]

A fine wine. A good beer. A excellent single malt scotch. Not to mention a fine woman and a well rounded collection of music and quality equipment to reproduce it on...

Guns are a hobby just like reloading for those guns...Get a grip!!

 

[Zack]

I do not know about women sometimes they can be pesky. But this little puppy is fun(aa) now if we only had the money to fund one I wonder how much that cost per/min

(mg42) Full autos seam fun

 

[svaz]

Motorcycles.

I'm no connoisseur of either motorcycles or guns, but I know what I like. And like my guns, I like to try out different makes, models, years, and functions, viz. sport v. cruiser, capacity v. long-range. What I eventually put in my "permanent" stable brings me immense satisfaction.

 

[jcwit]

A fine watch or high quality clock, definently not a Timex. A fine musical instrument, high quality, not student grade.

 

[Sam1911]

Antique furniture. Pretty much any material good that has a very high "subjective" value/price.

 

[aka108]

A good dog, a good woman and a fine firearm.

 

[Bennyb747]

A Fine sword, can be appreciated in a very similar way.

 

[dovedescending]

Musical instruments. I'm a cellist and guitarist, and I love the look, feel, and tone of a fine instrument.

I saw a quartet of instruments (two violins, viola, and cello) at the Smithsonian... I believe they were Guarnerius. Matching, engraved with incredible art all over the bodies... I wish I could've played the cello. I have a feeling it would have penetrated my soul like nothing else.

 

[NavyLCDR]

A good dog, a good woman and a fine firearm.

I wouldn't necessarily keep the last two in that particular order... especially 3 or 4 days out of every month.

 

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

Watches--knives---grills(I'm still pining for that large Weber gas grill)--motorcycles---cars------there are avid forums dedicated to all of these things---just like we are here.

 

[hso]

There is something about a fine gun that makes it capable of being appreciated and enjoyed far more than other objects.

While I can agree that a fine gun can be appreciated I in no way agree that it can be appreciated and enjoyed any more than many other objects.

Plenty of car, motorcycle, woodworking/blacksmithing tool, knife, pen, watch, musical instrument, etc. collectors would counter that they can appreciate and enjoy their objects far more than you can appreciate and enjoy a firearm. Neither would be correct and both would, as individuals.

 

[anhedonic]

I second the fine wine reference! There is something about opening a good vintage I just can't describe...

Last year, I opened a 1937 Sauternes and dwelled on it's possible travels from a Bordeaux vineyard to my table... Can't afford to do that sort of thing often, but it really is a pleasure to drink a glass of history.

 

[ny32182]

I'd be into cars if I had the money.

I think you'll find there are collectors of just about anything that appreciate their collections just as much as the people here appreciate their guns.

 

[Rembrandt]

Guns can have historical significance, can be frequently used, stories and experiences associated with them, increases in value, be passed down as an heirloom, and protect ones family......unfortunately once wine is gone, contents get flushed down the toilet, and all you have is an empty bottle.

 

[Bubbles]

Well-trained horses and dogs.

 

[bushmaster1313]

Quote:
There is something about a fine gun that makes it capable of being appreciated and enjoyed far more than other objects.

While I can agree that a fine gun can be appreciated I in no way agree that it can be appreciated and enjoyed any more than many other objects.

Plenty of car, motorcycle, woodworking/blacksmithing tool, knife, pen, watch, musical instrument, etc. collectors would counter that they can appreciate and enjoy their objects far more than you can appreciate and enjoy a firearm. Neither would be correct and both would, as individuals.

Agreed

And I would qualify my original post to say "IMHO more than many other collectables"

But I do still think that agelessness and the ability to pick it up and use it for its intended purpose without causing it to diminish makes fine guns and other artifacts that have these qualities especially easy to enjoy over and over again.

Waiting or someone to say "fishing rods and reels"

I've also thought about getting some vintage staplers for my desk.

 

[kamagong]

A fine watch and a handmade knife bring me the same enjoyment.

 

[BlayGlock]

A fine woman?

 

[ClayInTX]

Watches before they discovered how to put a battery in them.
Cars before they added fuel injection and electronic ignition.
Home appliances before they started using electronic timers.
Guns before they started using plastic.
And furniture before they discovered the rare ply tree which grows only in the far reaches of the Amazon jungle.