Define "Collecting."

i am not a collector, nor accumulator. i buy guns that catch my attention, for use or 'cool factor', such as lange P08... that said, some have wore out their coolness... anybody wanna buy a GSG .22 copy of an MP5?

D.B. Cooper asked:
Define firearms "collecting."

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First, go to the ATF website and look at what they say are the expectations for someone applying for an FFL. I think you will find your answer there after a short search.

Second, if the ATF site doesn't give you a satisfactory answer, I suggest that since you are wanting to know the definition of collecting in terms of how the ATF understands and applies the term, you post this question on the legal forum so that you can get some guidance and direction from one of the attorneys.

Does it really matter? There are those who collect cars, stamps, tobacco pipes, knives, sea shells, wine, coins, art/paintings, etc. Some collections can be more useful than others, such as cars or knives (if functional); the same with firearms. There can be both intrinsic or historical value, but most here agree that many don't "collect" firearms as a monetary investment. Some firearm owners like a particular genre of firearms (such as Mausers, other WWII firearms, Western-styled collections, etc.), but ultimately it's a very subjective definition. I have a significant number of firearms (over 100), but don't consider it a collection more than a diversified hobby of shooting firearms. I've known some people with extensive art or wine collections and admire them; they're not what I care too much about, but I don't think of them as hoarders or excessive collectors (and some of their collections involve a significant investment)...it's their hobby and they derive enjoyment out of them...same with me and firearms.

ROCK6