OilyPablo
Member
Saving to buy a new car with cash has put a severe dent in my post tragic boating accident acquisition plan.
Best answer so far is to bring wife. Enough said.
Best answer so far is to bring wife. Enough said.
Buy fewer guns - but how?
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larryh1108
Member
If there is a gun you "must have", decide which gun you have to sell to get it. If you can't think of one you want to sell to get it then you don't want it as much as you thought you did.
pockets
Member
That doesn't always work. If I took my wife with me, SHE would not let me leave the gun shop without making a purchase. There have been several times when I have returned from local shops without buying a particular gun that I saw there, she has commanded me to go back and not return home without a new gun. Who am I to argue?
Note that my gun purchases are only made with money I get from a side business. That side business is just for hobby money.
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Ed Ames
Member
That makes no sense to me. You want to limit the guns you buy, but don't buy expensive guns. Why not? OK, expensive doesn't automatically mean better, but as a general rule one carefully chosen $2000 gun will beat five $500 guns for quality, resale value, pleasure of possession, show-off value, and everything else you can measure. That makes it a bargain.
You enjoy buying guns from dealers, but only want to keep a bare handful (whatever will fit in a "5 gun" "safe" and a truck box)...that means you will be churning. Add the avoidance of expensive guns and it means you will mostly be churning generic guns that can't possibly appreciate while you hold them. That means you are constantly paying a 30% "fickle gun buyer" tax.
If you are truly a compulsive shopper, you should look for a root cause. What insecurity is serviced by buying stuff (guns or not), and how can you address that? The compulsive shoppers I've known had very real insecurities and bought as a nesting/security instinct as well as a form of endorphin-generating self-medication. The problem is that the bills piling up for whatever they were buying added to the insecurity. Nasty spiral.
blue32
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- 856
When I think of a gun I really want I post the thought on the calender. I spend the next 6 months researching, dreaming, and reading everything about that gun online. I also use that time to scrape up money that isn't part of my monthly budget and transfer it into the happy account. After the 6 month waiting period if I'm still madly in love with the gun I transfer the needed funds out of the happy account and buy the gun.
AlexanderA
Member
This. There's very little that I really want any more, that I don't already have.
My problem is the opposite (of the OP). Considering the way other investments have been going, I'd like to put some money into guns that might appreciate in value. The problem is that I can't seem to find many that are (a) high quality, and (b) in a suitable price range to allow for appreciation.
Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
I dedicate my time and limited budget to developing shooting proficiency. Range time, practices, ammo, components, training, and match fees.
It really doesn't matter how many guns you have. You've only got a few hands, and only so many disciplines you really can focus on at once.
If you've got the disposable income to be purchasing new guns frequently, then you really should be a MASTERFUL shooter, because that disposable income will buy a tons of ammo, the best training in the world, and cover the costs for traveling to and participating in shooting events/venues of all kinds. There's really no excuse for acquiring new hardware if your own skills don't already exceed the capabilities of the hardware you currently own!
I find that most of the guns I own collect a lot of dust. And a precious few collect a lot of honest wear. I sure don't need any more guns that would fill duplicate roles of guns I already own, and very rarely buy any.
So, in the end, it is pretty easy not to buy new guns, because I'd feel like a huge dork buying something that didn't make me a better SHOOTER. (We probably should remember that SHOOTING is the point...not owning objects.) And 99.5% of the time a new gun isn't what's needed to improve your shooting.
We spend a lot of money and time selecting, fawning over, buying, and stashing away shiny new wheels and tires, when the engine is what needs work...
It really doesn't matter how many guns you have. You've only got a few hands, and only so many disciplines you really can focus on at once.
If you've got the disposable income to be purchasing new guns frequently, then you really should be a MASTERFUL shooter, because that disposable income will buy a tons of ammo, the best training in the world, and cover the costs for traveling to and participating in shooting events/venues of all kinds. There's really no excuse for acquiring new hardware if your own skills don't already exceed the capabilities of the hardware you currently own!
I find that most of the guns I own collect a lot of dust. And a precious few collect a lot of honest wear. I sure don't need any more guns that would fill duplicate roles of guns I already own, and very rarely buy any.
So, in the end, it is pretty easy not to buy new guns, because I'd feel like a huge dork buying something that didn't make me a better SHOOTER. (We probably should remember that SHOOTING is the point...not owning objects.) And 99.5% of the time a new gun isn't what's needed to improve your shooting.
We spend a lot of money and time selecting, fawning over, buying, and stashing away shiny new wheels and tires, when the engine is what needs work...
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Great Post!!! +1,000,000!!!!!
If I may add, especially lately it amazes me how many supposed shooters have safes full of guns but very little or NO ammo to make use of them... Gotta shake my head..
I haven't had too much difficulty. The secret is to have a very poorly paying job.
The hard part is timing the budget surpluses to coincide with gun panics and shortages of the specific firearms you want.
Seriously, though, put some hard thought into it. It sounds like you don't know what what you want, so nothing works out for you.
Decide exactly what your needs are, and the sort of firearm to meet them. Put some seriously effort and research into it. Maybe rent some guns to see what works and what doesn't work for you. Budget specifically for them, and if you still want it when you save enough, it's more likely you made the right choice. And if you get an exceptionally high quality firearm that is exactly what you want and need, the other guns in the rack will be less interesting.
The hard part is timing the budget surpluses to coincide with gun panics and shortages of the specific firearms you want.
Seriously, though, put some hard thought into it. It sounds like you don't know what what you want, so nothing works out for you.
Decide exactly what your needs are, and the sort of firearm to meet them. Put some seriously effort and research into it. Maybe rent some guns to see what works and what doesn't work for you. Budget specifically for them, and if you still want it when you save enough, it's more likely you made the right choice. And if you get an exceptionally high quality firearm that is exactly what you want and need, the other guns in the rack will be less interesting.
Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
We're runners with a closet full of shoes, but who only manage to wheeze and gasp our way through a short jog around the block once every month or two.
Fishermen with a sparkle-shine boat with 225 horse outboard, on a trailer in the yard, who only eat a fish once or twice a year.
Woodworkers with a shop full of high-dollar tools, but whos' projects are limited to the occasional pine birdhouse.
Dysfunctional.
larryh1108
Member
Sam, what you write makes perfect sense and I agree 100% with you. However, there are many who also like to collect (own) things, whether it is guns or shoes or purses or fishing lures or clothes, etc. I bet there are many who are proficient with a few guns and are ok with the majority of their collection but they get their pleasure from owning them, oiling them, handling them and, occasionally, shooting them. They make great conversation pieces and are the envy of many who you share your treasures with.
They don't have to be antiques, collectibles or historical guns, they just have to be guns you bought for a reason on that day. It is yours. We are a part of a shooting sport where our guns are shot to bring us pleasure and satisfaction but there is also quite a few who get their pleasure from owning them, not shooting them. This isn't a bad thing as the money can be wasted in a bar or at a ball game or on a golf course, never to be seen again. Guns may not be an investment but the money isn't gone down the toilet like it is after a night on the town or a vacation to a place that's nice but not special. That money is gone forever and our guns are still in the safe even if they get shot once every few years. They are ours.
They don't have to be antiques, collectibles or historical guns, they just have to be guns you bought for a reason on that day. It is yours. We are a part of a shooting sport where our guns are shot to bring us pleasure and satisfaction but there is also quite a few who get their pleasure from owning them, not shooting them. This isn't a bad thing as the money can be wasted in a bar or at a ball game or on a golf course, never to be seen again. Guns may not be an investment but the money isn't gone down the toilet like it is after a night on the town or a vacation to a place that's nice but not special. That money is gone forever and our guns are still in the safe even if they get shot once every few years. They are ours.
chicharrones
needs more ammo
Yep, there are plenty of collectors out there. No matter if they collect special guns or standard issue guns.
With today's ammo prices it sure seems cheaper to just buy a gun than actually fire thousands of rounds through it.
With today's ammo prices it sure seems cheaper to just buy a gun than actually fire thousands of rounds through it.
orionengnr
Member
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- 5,711
This approach has been working for me for the last five years or so. If I am looking to acquire something new, I grab a pencil and paper. Then I sit down and list my handguns using the following logic:
If I could keep only one, which one would it be? That usually ends up being the one I have been carrying most over the last 6 months.
Then I do the same thing again. If I could keep one more, which one would it be?
And again. Fortunately, my total is not large, so this is not a protracted process. (I also save these lists for amusement/comparison purposes.)
When I'm done, either the one at the bottom of the list goes up for sale...or else I decide that I really don't want that new one as much as I thought.
My total number has gone down over the years, because occasionally I have to sell two to afford the one I want.
My buying and selling has gone way down. I think I bought one and sold one last year, and nothing so far this year. Oops, check that...I sold one. I know what the replacement will be, but finding one has so far proven a challenge.
These days, the turnover is down, the average value is up, and the satisfaction/enjoyment is way up.
A wise man told me many years ago, "The secret to happiness is not having what you want, but wanting what you have." It took me 30 years or so to fully internalize that, and I am not immune to momentary desire. But reason generally prevails.
Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
Ahh, well, if you're a "collector" then really the initial question makes no sense at all. Buy whatever feeds your mania. Buy more and more guns until you just really don't care about them any more. Or until you're eventually happy. Or until you die trying.
They say there's some kind of award for he who dies with the most toys, right?
They say there's some kind of award for he who dies with the most toys, right?
Here's the deal.....I've regretted walking out (of the gun store, gun show, GunBroker auction) empty-handed far more often than walking out with a gun. So, when in doubt, buy it. I'm still kicking myself for several guns I passed up in the past. But, I can't recall having buyers remorse....well, ever. So, walking out empty-handed is just not a good idea
The man evidently spoke the same words to Sheryl Crow before she sang them.This approach has been working for me for the last five years or so. If I am looking to acquire something new, I grab a pencil and paper. Then I sit down and list my handguns using the following logic:
If I could keep only one, which one would it be? That usually ends up being the one I have been carrying most over the last 6 months.
Then I do the same thing again. If I could keep one more, which one would it be?
And again. Fortunately, my total is not large, so this is not a protracted process. (I also save these lists for amusement/comparison purposes.)
When I'm done, either the one at the bottom of the list goes up for sale...or else I decide that I really don't want that new one as much as I thought.
My total number has gone down over the years, because occasionally I have to sell two to afford the one I want.
My buying and selling has gone way down. I think I bought one and sold one last year, and nothing so far this year. Oops, check that...I sold one. I know what the replacement will be, but finding one has so far proven a challenge.
These days, the turnover is down, the average value is up, and the satisfaction/enjoyment is way up.
A wise man told me many years ago, "The secret to happiness is not having what you want, but wanting what you have." It took me 30 years or so to fully internalize that, and I am not immune to momentary desire. But reason generally prevails.
My OP may have been a little misleading, judging by the majority of responses. I meant it on the light side, not as a cry for help from a crazy person. People have more expensive hobbies than mine. I just keep looking for "it", the rifle/handgun that has everything right, and I will shoot my absolute best. Matter of fact, I have found "it" among the shotguns. The Browning A5, the original model. I sold the other 2 and haven't looked at another shotgun since. Also, if anyone is interested, my TacSol/Volquartsen Mark III is "it" for target pistols, the only other one being a Hammerli Trailside that I bought so cemented (solid grease+dirt) that the sear wouldn't budge. But in other areas I am still on the prowl looking for something better than ever. There are higher priorities and obligations in life, only this pursuit just became a favorite pastime. As you have mentioned, it's about happiness. Very true. One reason my hunny welcomes it, which makes me even more self conscious about spending.
Lex Luthier
Member
If you cannot walk in and out of ANY store that ANYTHING you might WANT to have, you have instant gratification issues.
I happen to like firearms, guitars (and basses and cellos), bicycles, and all the related gear and acoutremonts. Surely there is room in one's mind while experiencing a momentary retail temptation perception for reason. The last impulse guitar I bought ended up needing a repair, so I could have taken a little more time examining it. The last impulse weapon I bought was a Kimber 1911 in Earth/ OD because it had just returned from the dessert and I knew there would not be another one anytime soon.
There is so much gear you can assemble around a new tool that makes the tool even better and more valuable. I kinda need my digital camo BDUs, etc. to make the Sigs look better. I like to imagine not only owning and using a coolness-factor item, but what aftermarket stuff needs to go with it. Buying something simply to get a euphoric rush is childish.
I happen to like firearms, guitars (and basses and cellos), bicycles, and all the related gear and acoutremonts. Surely there is room in one's mind while experiencing a momentary retail temptation perception for reason. The last impulse guitar I bought ended up needing a repair, so I could have taken a little more time examining it. The last impulse weapon I bought was a Kimber 1911 in Earth/ OD because it had just returned from the dessert and I knew there would not be another one anytime soon.
There is so much gear you can assemble around a new tool that makes the tool even better and more valuable. I kinda need my digital camo BDUs, etc. to make the Sigs look better. I like to imagine not only owning and using a coolness-factor item, but what aftermarket stuff needs to go with it. Buying something simply to get a euphoric rush is childish.
So is this the equivalent of AA for gun buyers? I've needed this for so long
My name is Ken, and I'm a gun buying addict. I have instant gratification issues, and I recognize it is only through a higher power.............
Screw this, i'm not giving up. I'm going to the gun store. I don't have a .280 Rem yet. my 308, 30-06, and 25-06 aren't close enough balistically and I see a whole in my collection
My name is Ken, and I'm a gun buying addict. I have instant gratification issues, and I recognize it is only through a higher power.............
Screw this, i'm not giving up. I'm going to the gun store. I don't have a .280 Rem yet. my 308, 30-06, and 25-06 aren't close enough balistically and I see a whole in my collection
Ed Ames
Member
I think there is a problem of what itch you are scratching.
Like Lex, I'm into many things including guitars. A few years ago I regularly purchased "new" (often used) guitars, usually in the $300-800 range. I would play them, swap around between them, sell or give them away...then I bought my "nice" guitar. Not nice by everyone's standards but a used guitar outside/up from my normal habits. I haven't bought another guitar since.
Why? It isn't that I can't afford to, or lack storage space, or am bored with guitars. It's that I found a guitar that scratches my particular itch really really well. It gets 99% of my playing, and I could easily dump all the other guitars as long as I could keep this one...not that I want to 'cause they are all different, but I could.
I haven't found that with guns. I'm not sure it exists. Guns are less about aesthetics and more about function, and no one gun can provide all functions. A high power rifle is different than a 20ga is different than a plinking pistol is different than a historical gun is different than a unique custom 1911 is different than...you get the idea. They don't scratch the same itches.
There is a problem when it's the buying, instead of what is bought, that scratches the itch. That's a whole other subject.
Like Lex, I'm into many things including guitars. A few years ago I regularly purchased "new" (often used) guitars, usually in the $300-800 range. I would play them, swap around between them, sell or give them away...then I bought my "nice" guitar. Not nice by everyone's standards but a used guitar outside/up from my normal habits. I haven't bought another guitar since.
Why? It isn't that I can't afford to, or lack storage space, or am bored with guitars. It's that I found a guitar that scratches my particular itch really really well. It gets 99% of my playing, and I could easily dump all the other guitars as long as I could keep this one...not that I want to 'cause they are all different, but I could.
I haven't found that with guns. I'm not sure it exists. Guns are less about aesthetics and more about function, and no one gun can provide all functions. A high power rifle is different than a 20ga is different than a plinking pistol is different than a historical gun is different than a unique custom 1911 is different than...you get the idea. They don't scratch the same itches.
There is a problem when it's the buying, instead of what is bought, that scratches the itch. That's a whole other subject.
Sheepdog1968
Member
This is why the threads that ask what would you own if you could only have X guns are so popular in my opinion.
For me the magic number is five
My 30-30 lever action
My Mossberg 500
A Ruger 10-22
A Glock 21 and a Glock 30
For me the magic number is five
My 30-30 lever action
My Mossberg 500
A Ruger 10-22
A Glock 21 and a Glock 30
theriflespeaks1863
Member
Want me to be honest?
Go to college full time. That pretty much puts the kibosh, financially and in terms of time, on any extensive shooting habit. Even though for a person my age I am fortunate to have decent paying, steady (and secure) employment, I cannot afford even slightly larger expenditures beyond a 20 round box of ammo here and there or a bit of gas to go to the range... So, instead of shooting/buying guns, I live vicariously through others and dream big. I do a bunch of research on a particular item, compare and contrast, and settle myself with knowing that- in the near future- I can make it happen.
That, and arguing with the fools on campus about this stuff and trying to make them understand that me and my ilk (us) are not raging psycopaths with a touchy kill switch keeps me busy, too.
-Chris
Go to college full time. That pretty much puts the kibosh, financially and in terms of time, on any extensive shooting habit. Even though for a person my age I am fortunate to have decent paying, steady (and secure) employment, I cannot afford even slightly larger expenditures beyond a 20 round box of ammo here and there or a bit of gas to go to the range... So, instead of shooting/buying guns, I live vicariously through others and dream big. I do a bunch of research on a particular item, compare and contrast, and settle myself with knowing that- in the near future- I can make it happen.
That, and arguing with the fools on campus about this stuff and trying to make them understand that me and my ilk (us) are not raging psycopaths with a touchy kill switch keeps me busy, too.
-Chris
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