I think I've achieved (temporary) satisfaction with my collection

[MacTech]

I'm sure this is only a temporary thing, but I think I've achieved satisfaction with my firearm collection

I've been going to my LGS for the past month or so, and aside from trading my Mossberg 500 for a Remington 870 Express Supermag, I haven't felt the need for any new guns, and it's not been for lack of trying, I go in, perfectly willing to pick up another gun if I find one that "speaks to me", but thus far, I've been coming home sans new gun, in fact, most of the time I went in looking for more guns to add to the collection, I ended up buying more ammo to shore up my backstock

Right now, I just don't *need* any more guns, nor do I *want* any, I'm happy with what I have, and don't even feel the urge to trade any for store credit towards different guns, I just want to keep the ones I own fed and have enough ammo set aside for "just in case"

I've reached the stage where all I want to do is BA/UU/R

Heck, I just picked up a box of Bullseye reloaded .45ACP 'cause it was on special and I wanted to see how it compares to my reloads, and new 250 Gn .45 Colt because I have not yet shot commercial .45 Colt in my Blackhawk, so far, the BH has only seen a diet of handloads

I'll admit, I've been lazy recently, and haven't reloaded any .45 ammo for the last couple months, mainly because all my range time has been spent on the trap range with my 20 and 12 gauges

When I come right down to it, I really have no pressing *need* for any more firearms, as right now I have;

.22LR; Savage Mark II-G bolt-action rifle, Ruger 10/22 rifle, Dad's Ithaca 49 (the rifle he taught me to shoot on), Ruger 22/45 pistol, Dad's Ruger Single Six revolver
.22 Short; Savage MkII-G, Dad's Savage heavy-barrel single shot
.44-40; Dad's Winchester '92 lever action deer rifle, I have the reloading dies, brass and powder, all I need are the bullets to get this one back up and running, Dad no longer shoots (he's under the delusion that he's "too old now" ), even though I offer to bring him every time I go, I'll wear him down eventually...
.45 ACP; Kimber Custom II and Ruger New Blackhawk .45 Convertible revolver
.45 Colt; NM Blackhawk .45 Convertible
.410; Dad's MAVI single-shot folding camp shotgun (needs a new stock retention bolt and it'll be back in service)
20 Gauge; H&R Topper Deluxe Classic single shot break-barrel, my favorite shotgun, ATM
12-gauge; Remington 870 Express Supermag, H&R TDC, Parker VH SxS (family heirloom) Dad's NEF 12-gauge single shot

I know "on paper" I have two gaping holes in the collection, a light "battle rifle" and a long-range hunting rifle (.223/7.62x39 and .308/.30-06 for example), but I don't see any immediate pressing need for those right now

If I assess my firearm requirements *honestly*, I am perfectly fine with what I have right now, I don't hunt (at the moment) so I have no need of a hunting rifle, I live in a low-to-nonexistent crime area, so the threat of "home invasions" are practically nil, there's no need for the "battle rifle".

If I did decide to start hunting, we have 50 acres of land, pheasants and deer living on the land, canada geese migrate through, stopping off in our one acre bass pond, as well as furry tree rats, so all I'd have to do is step outside to go hunting, and since the longest shot I'd feel comfortable taking would be 150 yards, I can just load my shotguns with slugs, that covers the hunting angle for deer (or use Dad's Win '92 44-40), for pheasant, there's birdshot, and for the inevitable Zombie uprising (it *will* happen ), there's buckshot, for FTR, I'd use a .22

for HD, I have an abundance of options, 12 gauge, 20 gauge, .45 ACP, or .45 Colt, for SD, .45 ACP or .45 Colt, and for training new shooters/refreshers for those out of practice, there's the .22's and the 20 gauge

Once I pick up the 18.5" HD barrel for my 870, the only "need" I'll have is to build up my ammo/components supply and BA/UU/R (or BC/RA/UU/R - Buy Components/Reload Ammo/Use Up/Repeat)

Wonder how long my "Gun Nirvana" will last, how long can I resist the siren call of a new gun? taking all bets

 

[Zundfolge]

SHOT show is in January, I expect your satisfaction will end soon after (it always does).

 

[MacTech]

I've been musing a bit more on this subject, and I think there's a few other reasons for my self-imposed "Firearm-Drought"

1; I'm coming out of my own personal "Great Depression", I was laid off from my Mac Technician job about two years ago, and in the intervening time I've been unemployed/underemployed, so I really had to cut way back on "frivolous" spending

When I was working at my old Mac Tech job, if I had spare money, I spent it, typically on another firearm, or a fancy new knife, or high-tech flashlight, just because I wanted it, and it was "cool" (Techs are naturally attracted to gadgets, they call to us ), once that job was gone, not only did I have to stop buying "toys", I ended up selling a good amount of them (my knife collection is a mere shadow of what it once was, down to a few functional utility blades) and you know something, it turns out that I didn't miss the ones I sold, simplifying my life was *good*

during the time I was on Unemployment Compensation and frantically searching for a job, I cut my "toy" spending out almost completely, the only "toy" I allowed myself to splurge on was ammo, and that's because ammo served a useful purpose and wasn't really a "toy" per se

I got so used to stingily watching every penny that it became the new "normal", once I got a part time job and was "underemployed" I was able to cover a little more ammo, and go shooting more often, but I still hated to spend unless I had to

Now I've finally got a really good job in the computer field, it's not working on Macs, which is what I'd prefer, but at least it's in the computer repair industry, even if it does involve working with that "other" OS

So now, I'm back to what I was making at the Mac job, I am able to start frivolous spending again, if I choose to, but I still find it hard to convince myself to buy something I *want*, this leads into point number two...

2; I have a very *functional* mindset, each one of my firearms has to serve an actual *purpose*, if they don't, then what's the point of owning it, as in my OP, I just don't personally have the need for a light battle rifle or hunting rifle, so, I see no point in getting one "just because they're cool" or "it might be good to have one", I know they're good guns, but I just can't bring myself to bring up any enthusiasm for getting one, I just...don't...care..., right now, the .223/5.56/7.62 holds absolutely *no* appeal for me, I can't even force myself to care about one or desire one
(I'm sure that'll change at some point, and I'll start jonesing for one, but right now, I just don't care)

same situation with the hunting rifle, for my needs right now, any of my hunting needs could be covered by my shotguns, $300+ for a decent used hunting rifle would buy a decent amount of reloading components and a decent 12-gauge press, which I'd get far more use out of

3; I don't care what the latest gun mags or gunshows are promoting, what firearms they try to convince me I "need", I know what I need, and I have what I need right now

I know that if the Zombies were to rise tomorrow, I'd probably be kicking myself "why didn't I buy that AR/AK/Übergun when I had the chance", but at the moment, I'm content with my current collection

 

[stonecoldy]

I'm pretty well covered and after buying a Marlin 336C in .35 Remington and a T/C Encore rifle in .45-70 this year, pretty much done. I will probably evaluate what I have this year and possibly downsize. There's a thought for a side-by-side in 20 gauge that might be filled. I had a perfect storm of incidents before the economy went south (no more child support, paid off my house because of an inheritance, etc.), so even with a pay cut and loss of benefits with my employer I am relatively OK.
The past couple years have been tough for a lot of people and I hope things start to turn around really soon. The only reason my job has been safe has been because of government regulations for manufacturing.

 

[wally]

Right now, I just don't *need* any more guns,

Been there for a very long time, once I had a shotgun, pistol, & rifle.

nor do I *want* any,

30 years of collecting and I'm still not quite there

 

[Badlander]

Since when does need have anything to do with it?

 

[Walkalong]

You have learned a valuable lesson about money that will pay dividends beyond what you would have ever experienced if things had remained the same. Seriously, it will pay off big.

Do any of us "need" more guns. Well, probably a few, but we can surely get by with what we have until the cash flow gets better.

Keeping your finances straight is a thousand times more important than buying a new gun here and there. Congrats on understanding that. If you keep that mindset you will retire wealthy.

 

[CB900F]

MacTech;

I'm pretty much in the same mind-set you are, for different reasons. However, if I were to make a suggestion, it would be to consider selling one of the Savage MKII's and obtaining a CZ452 in one of it's iterations. FWIW, at one time I owned a Savage MKII GL, now, I don't, but do own multiple CZ's.

It's my understanding that CZ is replacing the 452 series with the 455 at this time. Therefore, there might well be a limited window for obtaining a new 452. IMHO, with the sole exception of the trigger guard, the 452 is like a a pre-64 model 70 Winchester. You just love the feel & looks of it. And, the trigger guard situation can be rectified too.

900F

 

[MikePaiN]

I think I've achieved (temporary) satisfaction with my collection

I envy you..........

 

[bannockburn]

MacTech

I know of which you speak, as for several years I was also underemployed and everything I made (as well as guns I sold off), went into the household budget. Even years later, with a great paying job and few budgetary restraints, I am still hesitant at times to buy something new for myself. It's like we condition our mindset to do without new guns, while we justify (to ourselves), at just holding on to the essential ones that we need or want the most.

You say you're not interested in .223/7.62 rifles and have your shotgun interests covered; how about a 9mm., 10mm., .40S&W, .357Mag, or maybe a .44Mag? Doesn't always have to be from a purely "functional" standpoint or for a specific "purpose". Get something just for the "fun" of it or because you like it's design, or because you always wanted one but never saw a specific use for it. For instance, a few years back I picked up a Steyr M9; didn't have any need for another 9mm. but I really liked its design, ergonomics, and those nifty trap' sights. I think you can probably find something out there that would rekindle your interest in getting something new.

 

[MacTech]

It's murphy's law (or gremlins, I'm never sure which) after I just complimented my Kimber Custom II on it's reliability and ability to eat any ammo I feed it it gives me nonstop FTF jams at the range today

I was shooting my favorite reload recipe (5.6 Gn W231 under a 200 Gn LSWC) that had previously given me *no* problems and fed flawlessly, no changes in OAL or powder charge, primer brand, bullet brand, nothing, yet today the Kimber would FTF 2-3 times per mag, on all mags, it's annoyed me to the point that I'm thinking about changing 1911 brands, as I do like the .45 and 1911 platform

It did feed 230 Gn LRN factory ammo fine, it's *never* been this fussy before though

If I do trade it for a different 1911, it won't count as a "new" gun as it'd be replacing one I already own, just a different brand, if I bought another .45 without selling/trading this one then I'd consider *that* adding to the collection

Before I make a rash decision though, I'll load up some dummy rounds at different OAL to see if I loaded the bullets a hair too long, causing binding, if the gun continues to FTF even with the slightly shorter rounds, it'll be up for trade, I require 100% reliability from my guns, or they don't stick around long before getting repaired or traded

Oh and to clarify, I only have one Savage .22, I was including it in the .22 short list because it can feed and chamber shorts from it's mag

 

[ms6852]

I was getting to that point until Kel Tec introduced the PMR 30. Its a semi-auto 22 magnum pistol that holds 30 rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber. The pistol comes with 2 magazines and sells for under $500. Gotta get one for self defense in the summer time. Loaded it weighs under 20 oz. This is a lot of firepower and I would feel comfortable carrying a 22 magnum as a self defence weapon.

 

[MacTech]

As I suspected my Kimber's FTF issue was *me*, I must have made some adjustment to the bullet seater and was seating the bullet too far out, I adjusted the seater to push the bullet in a hair further (right to the ogive/shoulder) and the re-seated dummy rounds fed with 100% reliability

Yaay, I don't have to trade the Kimber in, it was all my fault, as I suspected

OTOH, I do need a new .45 caliber Boresnake as I've worn this one out, I have a reason to go to KTP this afternoon, but I really can't be bothered ATM...

...if only there was a way to replace just the bore brush portion of the Boresnake, that's all that really needs replacing....

Ayuh, I guess I'm stingy now...

 

[DesertFox]

And how about the matching carbine to that PMR 30 that uses the same mags... Hot setup. 22WMR is darn near 5.7 power, especially with newer 5.7 loads. Was thinking of obtaining this setup myself.

 

[Steve 48]

Not bragging but after 30 handguns, 12 shotguns and 20 rifles, I think I need to find a larger gun safe So I CAN BUY MORE!!!!