What's with all the guns?

[joe sixpack]

Ok, so these are the gun forums so of course, guns. But what
I've noticed in various forums that multi-gun ownership is fairly common.
Sometimes the owner has a mix of types of guns (revolver, semi-auto
handguns, rifles) and other times the owner has all of one kind, like
several Glocks. I've seen posters who have mulitple guns of the same caliber. Even sometimes two or three of the same Brand and model and caliber!
I met this old timer at the gun store I was buying my first gun at and he
had over one hundred including 50-60 handguns.

Obviously I'm fairly new to this gun ownership (have about ten days to
wait till I get mine). I'm kind of hoping that the one gun I get will suffice.
However, I've seen it posted many times and in different forums words to the effect that this is just the beginning and you'll be back for more and more and more! I suppose it could be like anything that people
collect: cars, stamps, baseball memorabilia and girlfriends...

But, for you, what is the attraction, how come
you have the guns you have? And, in the beginning, did you think that you would be getting all the guns you have acquired? Like, Ok now I wanna
go buy a bunch of guns? Please elaborate. Inquiring minds do want to know.

cheers, ab

 

[Chuck Dye]

Ever play golf, or even just watch it on the tube? Just as different golf clubs are suited to different shots, so too are different guns. Enjoying shooting sports with only one gun is like playing golf with only one club.

 

[Ivy Mike]

Guns are a very personal thing. You will find many different reasons for people owning multiple guns. I have a different reason for each gun I own. Some are practical, some aren't. I buy some cause I want them and some cause I need them. If you can find one that fulfills all your needs, then more power to you.

 

[Justin]

Huck Phinn nailed it. It all depends on what you want to do. A defensive 9mm pistol wouldn't be much use for hunting or small bore rifle competition. This is, of course, assuming that a person gets into the different forms of competition.

Other people may collect for historical significance. I once met a guy who had a collection of WWII Japanese Arisaka rifles, all of them pretty much the same basic design and chambered for the same caliber. What was cool is that you could look at one rifle, made in 1939 or so, and then just follow on down the line and practically see that the Japanese were losing the war. The closer to 1945 that the rifles got, the more roughly they were put together, until the ones at the very end looked like they would be dangerous to shoot.

Others may argue from a practical standpoint that it's a good idea to have multiple copies of the same firearm. That way if your main carry/defensive gun breaks, or is confiscated as evidence by the police after a defensive shooting (and it will be) you can just pull out another one that is exactly like the one that has been taken. Since it's the exact same design, you don't have to get used to a different gun that may have a completely different set of controls.

Of course, finally, variety is the spice of life, and it's always fun to have something that's a little bit unique in your collection.

 

[sm]

Because-

-I am part of what makes up the Republic of the United States. This gives me certain unalienable rights.

-Different tools for different tasks.

- I can run 100 straight at skeet. I've taken 15 doves with only 13 shells...I cannot do this with my 1911. I gotta have a shotgun.
Same token I can't find a IWB holster for my shotgun...Neither of these platforms are worth a flip for game 200 yrds away.

I'm sure my birth certificate said " collect the whole set"....

 

[Dionysusigma]

Okay... why I have the guns I have:

Marlin 60: Inexpensive gun. Cheap ammo. No recoil. Fun to practice with.
SAR-1: Looks cool. Cheap ammo. Internationally infamous. Built like a tank.
Winchester 1911SL: (Bad) investment. Can't bring myself to get rid of it, though.
Mossberg 590: Home defense.
Bubba-ized 1919 Swedish Mauser: Full-power round. Price was DANG low for what it is. More accurate than I am. Has some history behind it too.

What are they used for? When you boil it down, you get three words (for me, anyhow):

Just in case.

 

[fjolnirsson]

My first gun was the cheapest one I could find in a large caliber. 44 special.
I bought it just before the YrK stuff, in case of rioting(I live in Raider country).
My next gun was purchased for use in the Police academy. a Glock 21.
My instructor recomended a smaller gun, and I wanted something lighter for house carry, so I bought a Glock22. I also bought a Remington 870 shotgun for use in the same academy.

Now I'm considering a Smith and Wesson 3913 for CCW. And also because ammo is a lot cheaper.
Different tools for different needs. Its like using a different type of saw for different cuts. You could use one saw for everything, but having the right tool makes things more comfortable.
I'd like a .22 caliber handgun for plinking. And a rifle, in case I get a chance to go hunting.

They're a little like potato chips. You can't really have just one.

 

[atek3]

I started with one gun, an M1 Garand, all because of our gratious host Oleg's page http://www.a-human-right.com
Which got me into highpower rifle.
I realized action pistol would be fun so I bought a 1911. The I realized I needed a 22 to teach new people. A battle rifle for SHTF, a match rifle for long range shooting, a .........
and things rapidly spiralled out of control. Then I sold every gun which I didn't "need" paring me down to five:
22 lr pistol, 40 S&W pistol, 223 rifle, 308 rifle, and 7.62x54R rifle. Now I can't do EVERYTHING, but those things I can do, I can do pretty well.

Good luck AB,

atek3

 

[cracked butt]

I just like to hold them, they make me feel loved. More guns=more love

 

[Majic]

How many change of clothes do you have? How many pairs of shoes do you own? Like anything else we aquire what pleases us.
One gun could handle all situations, but other models are more suited to handle the specific situation. Then we all change our whims and desires.
Since you haven't got your first gun yet this may sound alien to you, but after a few trips to the range you will probably get the chance to shoot other shooters handguns then compare it to yours you may find that theirs appeal to you too. Before long even though you really enjoy your handgun you may want to branch out with other models or calibers.
I don't know what your first handgun will be, but I bet there will be a .22lr somewhere in your future. Once you see how fun it can be and how cheaply you can shoot one all day you will understand why people say everyone should have at least one .22lr.

 

[oldgold]

Quote:
But, for you, what is the attraction, how come
you have the guns you have? And, in the beginning, did you think that you would be getting all the guns you have acquired? Like, Ok now I wanna
go buy a bunch of guns? Please elaborate. Inquiring minds do want to know"

It's other people's fault;

Dad bought me my first shotgun so I couldn't part with that one.
Then we went to a turkey shoot so I had to get a trap gun and .22 rifle.
Then they started to shoot .22 pistols so had to have one of those.
Then they started to shoot muzzleloaders.
Then I moved into a bad nieghborhood so I needed a pistol for home defense.
Then a friend took me to a pistol combat match, so needed another.
Then came bullseye shooting, that's three more.
Then .22 silouette shooting, pistol and rifle
Then IPSIC three gun, three more.
Then IDPA.
Then sporting clays.

It's not my fault, it's the other people who keep starting up all these fun games with different guns. Just trying to keep up.

 

[Beetle Bailey]

When I first started shooting regularly, I really didn't know enough about what my tastes were, let alone how they would evolve. But it seemed perfectly fine to me to own several guns. Not every gun I own has a strictly practical purpose to it, but I still had a "reason" to get it. Most of my rifles are military surplus rifles and I get quite a bit of enjoyment out of them. I am interested in the history they represent (good or bad, but mostly good ), I like the nice looking wood stocks (that reminds me, a couple of them could use some oiling) and the craftsmanship of the metal parts. Oh, and of course I like shooting them, too!

BTW, I have three rifles that all shoot the same cartridge and another two that shoot another cartridge. The different varients on the same design can also be interesting. And if you think about it, if you do a lot of shooting, it's actually practical to buy a gun that shoots a caliber that you already use, since you already buy that ammo. When the right rifle comes along, I will have four rifles that shoot the same caliber.

As for how it started, I bought one bolt-action rifle for fun, then a week later a semi-auto for self-defence in case of a riot (I live really close to downtown Los Angeles). I found out I like the bolt-action rifles better so I got another one for variety. Then I finally decided what kind of handgun I wanted and bought one for self-defence. Around this time I found I was really enjoying shooting the rifles so I got a Curio and Relic Collector's license from the ATF (it's called a Type 03 C&R License) and bought more surplus rifles. I have a British rifle made in 1942 and also a Soviet rifle made in 1942 so I wouldn't mind getting an American rifle that is also from the WWII era (doesn't have to be 1942, though).

I guess I am lucky to have a good friend help me learn the ropes a bit when I first started, as well as this forum for info on just about anything firearms related, since it's probably saved me lots of time, energy, and money. On the other hand, this forum also partly responsible for getting people to buy guns they probably wouldn't have, simply because of a few positive reviews (not that that's a bad thing. . .).

As for only having one gun to fit all your needs, it depends on what you are comfortable with. I'm assuming the gun is for self-defence, so maybe a backup gun wouldn't be a bad idea. But if you want to explore other areas of shooting, eventually you will need more. Regardless, shooting can be a very enjoyable activity. What kind of gun are you getting?

 

[DMF]

I bought a Ruger .22 and a Sig P228 to prepare for my LE training. I only intended on having those two guns, and my issued P228. Well the week before I left for my training in Georgia I ran into a guy from work at the range, and he convinced me to shoot his 1911. I had no interest in anything other than being a good shot for my job, but he was persistent about me trying the 1911. Once I shot that 1911 I was hooked. It was so sweet, and I was VERY accurate with it, even for a beginner.

A little while later I bought a Springfield "GI" 1911, and I am planning on building at least one other 1911. Currently my agency only allows the issue weapon for off duty carry, but if I move to another agency that allows something smaller for off duty I will get something else.

See I only planned getting just that .22 and Sig, but now I have 3 complete firearms, a frame and slide to build another, and am considering a couple more. The same may happen to you too.

 

[Wedge]

My first gun was a Remington 11 that is older than my 82 year old grandfather. Took my first deer with it. It has a cylinder bore...

So I bought a Mossberg 500 for turkey hunting.

Then I went through the PITA to get my permit and thought I would buy the 'one pistol I ever needed' a Ruger Blackhawk in .45 Colt / .45 ACP. Turns out that ammo is expensive and trying to conceal a 5.5" Blackhawk is a bigger PITA than getting the permit.

So now I am looking for a nice 9 mm for carry and plinking. I need a .22 rifle for target shooting. I want to get into CAS so I need 4 new guns for that (2 revolvers, a lever action and a shotgun). I need a .22 pistol for practice...and in the meantime I plan on getting my C&R (and a MUCH bigger safe) for all sorts of goodies.

I think the golf analogy is about perfect. Even though you could probably play with just a 7 iron it would be a lot easier and more fun to have a whole set.

 

[Jeff Timm]

OK,

At an absolute minimum. You need three guns.

1. Your defensive choice.
2. A .22 LR version of your defensive choice, for practice.
3. A .22 LR rifle, for continuing education in marksmanship.

This expands as you add interests.

1. Your hunting choice.
2. A .22LR version of your hunting choice, for practice.

Then this expands as your hunting needs expand.

1. Hunting shotgun.
2. A .22LR in the action choice of your hunting shotgun, for practice.

Then this expands with choice of action.

1. Ruger .44 Magnum Super Blackhawk.
2. Ruger Single action .22LR/.22Manum Single Six for practice.

1. Bolt action centerfire rifle.
2. Bolt action .22LR for practice.

See how simple it all is?

Geoff
Who needs a single action .22 revolver and a pump action .22 rifle, for practice of course!

 

[RED-DOG 40]

sm wrote:
."I can't find a IWB holster for my shotgun"

.. ....Still ROFLMAO.......

 

[rust collector]

Guns are tools, art and artifacts. Each was created for a slightly different purpose, in a different culture, at a different stage of industrial development. Each reflects its maker's needs, ability, resources and approach to problem solving. Many have completed a complex and arduous journey to reach my study.

As my needs evolve, opportunities occur, and personal fortune or misfortune ebbs and flows, my collection expands and contracts. I hope each item that leaves can give a little joy and wonderment to the buyer, beneficiary or heir. Each has spent quality time in my hands being carefully dismantled, cleaned, checked, dry fired, sighted in, perhaps modified, and maintained. Each brings me a little closer to the others who made, used or captured it, and each causes me to wonder how I could be so fortunate as to live right here, right now in a society based upon individual responsibility and determination. Each will continue the story long after I am gone.

I think it must have been the smell of Hoppe's #9 emanating from the kitchen at home that made me this way.

 

[sebago]

Realistically I don't need more than three or four for any practical purposes I might have. The rest are only because I find them interesting or just plain fun. Getting bored easily due to a really short attention span kinda helps too......

 

[Border]

It may sound strange but I bought my first gun more to excercise a right than any strong interest in guns! I was taking a hunter ed course because I wanted to legally bowhunt (traditional) and I became enraged when I learned that in Massachusetts it is up to the discretion of the police chief if you can get a CCW license!!!! Anyway, 3 years later I shoot trap, ducks, pistols....I have 2 revolvers, 2 semis, two shotguns. I enjoy shooting them all. While I doubt I will ever become a serious collector, I find that "addiction" sneaks up on you and I am sure there are more guns in my future!

 

[MuzzleBlast]

Why so many guns?

Because I like them. Guns are my "thing." Everyone has their "thing," whether it might be golf, model trains, motorcycles, or friggin' antique salt and pepper shakers. Guns are what do it for me.

 

[J. Garand]

OK so, Like, I think you are a sopisticated troll.

 

[Kaylee]

depends where your interests lie. Some folks have had an ol' revolver tucked away "just in case" in the nightstand or sock drawer for forty years and never touched after firing the first cylinder full, if that, in 1964. Others might have only a deer rifle that comes out of the closet once a year, is shot once or twice, and put back in without so much as a cleaning.

Others are "into guns" for whatever reason as a hobby. They may have hunting guns, practice guns, carry guns, "play army" guns, fun guns, historically important guns, oddly engineered guns, beautifully made guns.. all manner of different choices based on their particular interest.

As you might expect, being on a gun discussion board, you're primarily looking at folks made up of the second group.

 

[M2 Carbine]

I have dozens and dozens of guns because I like guns and can afford them.

When I could afford just a couple guns, that's all I had.

For instance I have 11 Makarovs and I'm thinking of making it an even dozen, just for the heck of it.

I enjoy doing a lot of shooting.


I'm just glad I don't have the same interest in classic cars or Bass fishing, that I couldn't afford.

 

[Smoke]

I can't find a IWB holster for my shotgun

sm,

I can probably make you one if you think you really want one.


One gun enough? hmmmmm

Handguns: 1911 for defense...Ok, got that. What if it needs work, better have two....you mean they make these in different sizes? Cool, got the 3" a couple of 4" and several 5" What? Double stacks? You're kidding....need that too....wheelguns....need a few of those.....these things are expensive to feed, I think I need a .22 to practice and plink with...dang, they make these in different kinds and sizes too.

Rifles? Lever, bolt, pump, semi-auto....better buy several and see what I like best. Heck, I like all of them, better buy a few more just to make sure. Open sights or scopes....seems to be a need for both. Putting that scope back on every time after I need open sights is a pain....better have guns setup both ways.

Shotguns....defense or hunting....semi auto, pump, double...what?! they make doubles two different ways? Now what.....gauges? How many can there be? What ever shall I do? Better get several and see what works.

And that doesn't even touch the guns I wqas given or inherited....



Smoke

 

[sm]

W-e-l-l....I was kinda / sorta serious.
I do believe in using enough gun folks. You know what is said about how ineffective a handgun is.

Careful Smoke...I might take you up on that offer.

Great , all the holster makers we have on this forum are looking for molds for shotguns now.
[ IWB , right side , 4 o'clock, snaps please]