How Do You Justify, In Your Mind, Large Gun Collections?

[WoofersInc]

I'm a youngster with a paltry collection, but I believe that I can say something everyone can get behind: if there's another gun that you want, then that's enough of a reason to buy it.

This is how my collection got to the point it is at now. I currently have 94 guns. I started getting them when I was younger and over time the collection just kept getting bigger.
I have had people ask why I have so many. They seem to think that I went out and bought most of them in a short period of time. When I explain that I have been doing this for 27 years they seem to understand a little better.

My response to this is to ask how many coin or stamp collectors have only one or two of those items.

 

[Ridgerunner665]

The same goes for me...I've been buying guns since I was 18, before that Dad and Grandad bought them for me (with my hard earned money of course...alot of hay and tobacco has been put up due to my urge to buy firearms).

I've been buying steadily since I was 9...thats nearly 30 years.

And all those years before I got married...as a single truck driver with no bills, I bought a lot of guns (that was back when truck drivers still made really good money)

I still buy an average of 2 or 3 every year...but guns that tickle my fancy are becoming harder to find. I'm not into 26" fluted barrels...

 

[FTSESQ]

Well, I can't. But that doesn't mean that someone shouldn't collect those things if they want to. And, if a large number of guns is your desire then that's okay, too.

Easy buddy, that was exactly my point, that even if one person cannot "justify" something, that shouldn't mean that they shouldn't be able to do it. My point is that some people collect things for any numbers of reasons, some consciously or subconsciously, and rational some irrational in both respects.

 

[Sunray]

"...that most guns are really not an investment at all..." Nosense. Commercial hunting rifles aren't much of an investment over a short term. Not great over a long term either. Can be over the long term, depending on what it is and production numbers in a particular chambering. Pre-64 Winchesters aside.
Milsurps, on the other hand, have proven to be an excellent investment. Paid $175Cdn for my M1 Rifle, the same for my 1903A4, less for my Plainfield Carbine(commercial, to be sure). Forget what I paid for my Lee-Enfields, but all of 'em are worth far more than I paid.
In any case, the accessories for all of 'em, bayonets etc., have increased expotentially in value.
"I want one." That's a reason to buy any firearm. It has nothing to do with its potential value. Few, if any, of the Remington 'Special' chamberings will be collector's items anytime soon. Unless some guy decides he wants one.

 

[makarovnik]

I can't honestly justify my entire collection. Tough toenails.

 

[Ridgerunner665]

Few, if any, of the Remington 'Special' chamberings will be collector's items anytime soon

Thats true for sure...but a complete set of the 700 Classics, new and unfired is still a neat addition to a collection...and you never know, by the time my grandkids get them they may be worth something (I don't have any grandkids yet)

In time...nearly all things appreciate if left in new condition.

 

[DNS]

I'm a Texan. 'Nuff said.

Mike

 

[jleyring]

Ive grown up with the mindset of you can never have to many guns. My father is the type that if he see's a caliber that he doesnt have, he wants it. So his safe is filled with an assortment. I dont mind because I know that one day he will get to that age where he will give them to his kind sons. So one of my brothers and I are always there to consult and direct which calibers. But it is getting to the point that he doesnt shoot any of them. I feel you should have the caliber for every animal you want to shoot at. (270win= Deer, 300win mag= Elk, 223rem= coyote, etc.) I guess it just comes down to if you have the money and in my Father's case it is just a hobbie that makes him happy so I say keep going. They hold value and they make meaningful gifts to children and grandchildren. Passing on the sport of hunting to future generations. Something that is needed in todays world.

 

[ForumSurfer]

No need for justification. Keep what makes your heart go pitter patter. Keep the ones you don't want to shoot. Keep the ones you do shoot. Unless you are strapped for cash, there is no reason to get rid of them.

There IS life after divorce and you may end up meeting someone with kids, having kids of your own or even adopting. Then you'll wish you had those firearms to pass on. You never know what kind of curve-balls life throws at you.

I thought I'd never remarry after my divorce or have a serious relationship. I've had the most fun I've ever had in my life post divorce and my relationship with my son is awesome. Along the way, I accidentally met the woman I never knew I wanted who had all the qualities I never knew I wanted when I wasn't expecting it or even looking. We'll be engaged soon, eventually we'll have a child of our own and I'll need more guns to pass down.

Life doesn't end after 30 and divorce...you start the second half with the knowledge of how to do it right, so just keep those firearms.

YMMV

 

[mcdonl]

I spend extra money on guys because I consider them toy equity. If I have extra money, I put it in guns... if I find another toy I want (Like a Vintage mid 70's Yamaha Enduro.... ) I sell guns I purchased simply for investments... when I no longer need the bike it will be a gun again. I have certain guns I will keep for ever because I have gotten rid of them in the past and regretted it, but for the most part they are good investments that hold their value. And the are mostly expendable.

 

[rogertc1]

I have always been a collector. What I buy I keep, display, record and tag. I have only over 200 guns because I can, it makes me happy, and they are mine. I really never shoot anymore, I just enjoy looking and foldling my collection all diaplayed in my gun room. (I have previously posted pictures.)

I also collect vehicles. Again I can. I have a shop to store them in and it makes me happy. Here is my latest #10 Jeep YJ with political satire. Great comments and looks from people.

 

[huntsman]

For those of you with wives, let me share this story about an older guy (probably late 60s) who was in a gun shop one day when I went in and he was looking at a used rifle. He told the owner that he would have to go home and get a gun to trade in. The owner said you don't need to do that and the guy replied Oh yes I do. He said that he learned a long time ago that his wife did not know one gun from another, but she could dang sure count, so if a new one came in an old one had to leave!

My wife isn’t a counter and for the most part doesn’t care how many I own.

BUT she demands equal rights, what ever I spend on a gun she gets equal cash to spend on herself and she’s got a sixth sense about gun values.

So while it may take me 6 months to save up $500. for a gun it’ll be a year to save up the $1000. I need.

 

[LeonCarr]

No safe queens at my house. I would rather have a collection of guns with half the finish worn off from handling and shooting than I would a collection of bragging devices.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[SaxonPig]

I don't need to justify my actions to anyone.

I collect guns and anyone who disapproves can kiss my ass.

I collect and carry automatic knives and anyone who disapproves can kiss my ass.

I ride a vintage Harley-Davidson and anyone who disapproves can kiss my ass.

I drive a yellow pick-up truck and anyone who disapproves can kiss my ass.

Etc.

 

[Ridgerunner665]

I like your point of view SaxonPig...and commend you for having the fortitude to post it.

And if you disapprove, you can kiss my ass

 

[Tallinar]

To sum up my take on collections in general, I will defer to the statement: "I've never seen a U-Haul behind a hearse."

I firmly believe that people become enslaved to their collections. This is a sad thing, as life is meant for so much more than to gather and hoard material possessions. Whatever has our utmost affections and attentions -- that thing is also our master.

Personally, I try to keep a five-gun rule; that is I will aim to not own more than five guns at a time. This gives me room for all the guns I can actually shoot while still being able to enjoy shooting and handloading. My template looks like this:

Pistol caliber carbine
Long range sporting rifle
Shotgun
Handgun
(floater)

 

[dbb1776]

I just recently determined that while owning more guns doesn't neccesarily present any particular problems, keeping up with the ammunition can become problematic.
So, I came to the conclusion that I will only buy guns that I already stock ammo.

 

[Babbalanja]

To justify

I'm an unmarried professional with a smallish collection and have recently grown introspective, questioning my personal philiosophy and future. I'm growing less materialistic as I age, and I think the tack I will begin to take is one of simplification. I will begin shedding the unnecessary material possessions I have and return to what I consider the more meaningful pursuits: personal growth and search for meaning. However, since I am a staunch advocate of self defense, I will of course always keep 3-4 of my functional pieces. So, if you see a thin man walking down the road in rags with an HK-93 slung over his shoulder, wish me well.

 

[svaz]

I use this formula to justify a new purchase:

Where ȸ=I want, and ɵ=I don't have, and $=money in my pocket, therefore:
ȸ + ɵ - $ =

Mathematically, it's a very simple concept.

Some theoreticians have suggested that ɵ is not necessary, however since $ is finite I'd prefer not to dwell on duplicates (unless of course I can get a deal where is far below $ and not likely to repeat in this lifetime.)


BTW, love the Jeep (the bumper sticker just makes it "work").

 

[berettaprofessor]

Justify? +1 to what SaxonPig said.

 

[LittleHarryNut]

i see them as investments......... at my peak, i had 20 or so, now i have like 11. Reason being....... i'd prefer being debt free as opposed to sitting on $10K worth of weaponry.

I like to buy low and sell high. Now, i may go back into collecting down the road, but with my first daughter on the way, my priorities are different now.

What I have now is merely defense/SHTF related.

 

[bri]

I rarely feel the need to justify any of the material things I own, or intend to buy in the future. Most people have their hobbies. Some spend a bit, others go all out. If it makes you happy and doesn't break the bank, go for it.

Beyond the few guns I own that fill a 'requirement' (hunting, CC, etc), I intend to expand my collection to include many pieces that are historically significant or just plain 'ol fun to shoot.

 

[Smith357]

Because I can.

I know it a simplistic answer, but it's really all that I need.

 

[Dnaltrop]

It's soothing.

 

[scchokedaddy]

Justify why?????

Grandkids is all the justification I need. THANK GOD FOR THEM!!!!!!!!!