22-rimfire
Member
I'm not going to rework my accumulation. I'll wait until I'm around 80 or so to start scaling back a little.
If you were to rework your collection, what would you change?
- Thread starter chaim
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Floppy_D
Member In Memoriam
My guns find me. There is nothing on my "can't live without" list, but there's several that I'm interested in. I regularly unload things I don't shoot and pick up stuff I want.
lesjones
Member
I agree with the advice to try those new wants before selling some of the ones you have. Lots of guys break up with the old gal for the new one, then miss the old one. Like you say, the 442 is easily replaced, but a couple of those aren't.
I decided I'm not a collector, either. I got rid of a couple milsurp bolties. I'm going to sell an unfired S&W with some collector value, and one of my .357s that's too long to take anywhere.
In their place I want a quality gunsafe and a couple highcap semi-autos that might get banned down the line. Other than that I'm pretty happy with what I've got.
One thing I want to spend some money on when the election is over (assuming McCain wins) is some more gunsmithing. I've got a revolver or two that would benefit from a trigger job, and I'd also like to get my shotgun stock fitted for LOP and drop.
I decided I'm not a collector, either. I got rid of a couple milsurp bolties. I'm going to sell an unfired S&W with some collector value, and one of my .357s that's too long to take anywhere.
In their place I want a quality gunsafe and a couple highcap semi-autos that might get banned down the line. Other than that I'm pretty happy with what I've got.
One thing I want to spend some money on when the election is over (assuming McCain wins) is some more gunsmithing. I've got a revolver or two that would benefit from a trigger job, and I'd also like to get my shotgun stock fitted for LOP and drop.
I have never regretted any gun that I SOLD and/or gave away as a GIFT even though there was nothing wrong with it and it was in excellent condition.
I am not a 'collector' and I don't own safe queens.
Some people never sell and/or give away guns, books, music, china, crystal, art, jewelry, clothes, shoes/purses, etc. We are all individuals, like some things, dislike other things and have various lifestyles. It is up to YOU not how others live their life.
I shoot what I own. Mine were all bought NIB and one was a 'gift' to me. I started to buy my own in 1998 to 2001 - NIB. Before that time frame I used my late husband's firearm for self defense. He owned about 3 to 4 guns in his life. I ended up owning only about 13 guns or so. NO huge collection compared to other gunnies that I know. We did not hunt. Our guns were for the RKBA issue and for self defense. We had NO ccw back there even for a vehicle. We had nothing against hunting. (My groom aka husband hunts. I go with him sometimes when he hunts too. He is BIG into self defense and the RKBA issue too. He used to compete on a regular basis until his schedule changed.)
BUY and shoot what suits YOU.
Don't think that you have to have x, y or z just because it is a 'fad'.
I like the KISS method - keep it simple stupid. Old military saying.
You wanted opinions... ok.
I don't own a shotgun and I have NOTHING against them. Shotguns do not interest me and I have only shot a couple of them a FEW times. Some people use them for hunting and for home defense. I don't know it you fall into this group.
I would have a 22LR in a handgun and in a rifle. TWO 22LR firearms.
I would have a 45Colt or a 357Magnum/38Special Plus P for a handgun. I PREFER revolvers but if you like semi automatics better... 45ACP.
ONE of these - I think that you said that you would keep one anyway without back tracking here.
If you do not want a 45Colt aka long colt, 357Magnum, 38Special Plus P, 45ACP and only wanted one handgun in a caliber other than the above... I would get a 9MM.
If you do hunt or want to hunt - a nice 30-30 rifle. Some places only allow shotguns or x, y or z. NO clue on that in Maryland anymore although I did grow up there.
I don't own a Kimber but some in 45ACP are nice from what I have seen here. A nice 1911-many nice brands out there. I don't own one but they are nice. if you can rack the slide and don't have physical limitations... they are nice.
I have owned and I would buy again... a Glock in 9MM. The model 19, 19C or a model 17. Right now... I cut down my calibers here as I have stated before on this and other boards. I owned a Model 19C and I shot well with it. Even though I like old fashioned single action revolvers, lever action rifles, etc. - I LOVED that Glock. So did my late husband. I sold it and some other guns after he died. Gave away a couple too. Some people LOVE Glocks as I did and other people hate them or make fun of them. To each their own! Grin.
I like Ruger, Smith and Wesson, Glock, Browning, Marlin, Winchester, etc. I have owned, still own some of those brands, shot them and I have shot other brands too.
Glock Model 19 or Model 17
S&W Model 686 - 357Magnum or what you love.
S&W Model 60 - same as above.
S&W Model 317 kit gun - 22LR or something else that you love.
Smith and Wesson Model 41 - 22LR
Smith and Wesson Model 22A - 22LR
Ruger semi automatic in 22LR - my husband had one of them - Mark something. Well known gun.
Ruger Blackhawk in 45Colt or in another caliber?
Ruger single actions in 22LR or ? Many there!
Browning BL 22 - 22LR
Winchesters in 94-22 and in center fire Trappers, etc.
Marlin Papoose 70PSS - semi automatic, quick take down, case, stainless steel, etc.
Marlin 336SS in a 30-30 or in a cowboy lever action rifle.
A S&W Model 29 or 629 in 44Magnum - 44Specials can be used. ?
A sweet Marlin in a 45-70. ?
Something in black powder perhaps?
A Bushmaster in .223 caliber?
Best wishes!
Catherine
I am not a 'collector' and I don't own safe queens.
Some people never sell and/or give away guns, books, music, china, crystal, art, jewelry, clothes, shoes/purses, etc. We are all individuals, like some things, dislike other things and have various lifestyles. It is up to YOU not how others live their life.
I shoot what I own. Mine were all bought NIB and one was a 'gift' to me. I started to buy my own in 1998 to 2001 - NIB. Before that time frame I used my late husband's firearm for self defense. He owned about 3 to 4 guns in his life. I ended up owning only about 13 guns or so. NO huge collection compared to other gunnies that I know. We did not hunt. Our guns were for the RKBA issue and for self defense. We had NO ccw back there even for a vehicle. We had nothing against hunting. (My groom aka husband hunts. I go with him sometimes when he hunts too. He is BIG into self defense and the RKBA issue too. He used to compete on a regular basis until his schedule changed.)
BUY and shoot what suits YOU.
Don't think that you have to have x, y or z just because it is a 'fad'.
I like the KISS method - keep it simple stupid. Old military saying.
You wanted opinions... ok.
I don't own a shotgun and I have NOTHING against them. Shotguns do not interest me and I have only shot a couple of them a FEW times. Some people use them for hunting and for home defense. I don't know it you fall into this group.
I would have a 22LR in a handgun and in a rifle. TWO 22LR firearms.
I would have a 45Colt or a 357Magnum/38Special Plus P for a handgun. I PREFER revolvers but if you like semi automatics better... 45ACP.
ONE of these - I think that you said that you would keep one anyway without back tracking here.
If you do not want a 45Colt aka long colt, 357Magnum, 38Special Plus P, 45ACP and only wanted one handgun in a caliber other than the above... I would get a 9MM.
If you do hunt or want to hunt - a nice 30-30 rifle. Some places only allow shotguns or x, y or z. NO clue on that in Maryland anymore although I did grow up there.
I don't own a Kimber but some in 45ACP are nice from what I have seen here. A nice 1911-many nice brands out there. I don't own one but they are nice. if you can rack the slide and don't have physical limitations... they are nice.
I have owned and I would buy again... a Glock in 9MM. The model 19, 19C or a model 17. Right now... I cut down my calibers here as I have stated before on this and other boards. I owned a Model 19C and I shot well with it. Even though I like old fashioned single action revolvers, lever action rifles, etc. - I LOVED that Glock. So did my late husband. I sold it and some other guns after he died. Gave away a couple too. Some people LOVE Glocks as I did and other people hate them or make fun of them. To each their own! Grin.
I like Ruger, Smith and Wesson, Glock, Browning, Marlin, Winchester, etc. I have owned, still own some of those brands, shot them and I have shot other brands too.
Glock Model 19 or Model 17
S&W Model 686 - 357Magnum or what you love.
S&W Model 60 - same as above.
S&W Model 317 kit gun - 22LR or something else that you love.
Smith and Wesson Model 41 - 22LR
Smith and Wesson Model 22A - 22LR
Ruger semi automatic in 22LR - my husband had one of them - Mark something. Well known gun.
Ruger Blackhawk in 45Colt or in another caliber?
Ruger single actions in 22LR or ? Many there!
Browning BL 22 - 22LR
Winchesters in 94-22 and in center fire Trappers, etc.
Marlin Papoose 70PSS - semi automatic, quick take down, case, stainless steel, etc.
Marlin 336SS in a 30-30 or in a cowboy lever action rifle.
A S&W Model 29 or 629 in 44Magnum - 44Specials can be used. ?
A sweet Marlin in a 45-70. ?
Something in black powder perhaps?
A Bushmaster in .223 caliber?
Best wishes!
Catherine
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Ohio Gun Guy
Member
I would try to not get anxious and save up a little longer and get the nicer guns. I dont have to much "Junk" but if I were starting over, I would wait for better deals or save up longer. 
That said, Maybe not.
Really, I have recently gotten some better guns, and now realize the difference. Although I will never sell some of the guns I have for sentimental reasons.
That said, Maybe not.
Really, I have recently gotten some better guns, and now realize the difference. Although I will never sell some of the guns I have for sentimental reasons.
chaim
Member
Yes, I agree, I would definitely avoid impulse buys. To help that along, I would avoid the THR and TFL firearms sections when I have money burning a hole in my pocket
I started that around 2 years ago. I always thought my CZ and Taurus handguns (and others that were comparable) were "close enough" to the high end guns in quality that it wasn't worth the extra money. Then, around 2 years ago I decided to get something nicer (about $700-800 limit) and went out in search of a nice 9mm or .40 (the High Power was high on my list). I ended up picking up my SIG 226 and things haven't been the same since (bought a SIG 229, a S&W SW1911SC, an NAA Guardian and a S&W 625 Mountain Gun since then). Until then, I bought nice revolvers sometimes, but my autos were all in the budget but good guns range (Taurus, CZ, Ruger, Bersa), now I doubt I'll buy anything else in that range (except maybe a Taurus or two and one CZ, the PCR, but only once I'm in a house and can have more guns).
The Tourist
member
I would have kept mine smaller.
For example, while reading one article in a newspaper one Sunday morning as my wife and I languished in bed, I pulled out three Colt Double Eagles to check the triggers and grips.
The worst auto pistol ever made, and I was foolish enough to buy three of them.
I purchased numerous varmint rifles from the singular fear that one might have gotten too hot during a vacation.
I have purchased perhaps six mini-mouse pocket autos. None of them worked.
Perhaps you remember the old "primer shortage" of a dozen years ago. I went out and bought +20,000 primers. I still have some!
Cleaning supplies! Don't get me started! I could sell you some!
Give me more time, I'll think of more examples...
For example, while reading one article in a newspaper one Sunday morning as my wife and I languished in bed, I pulled out three Colt Double Eagles to check the triggers and grips.
The worst auto pistol ever made, and I was foolish enough to buy three of them.
I purchased numerous varmint rifles from the singular fear that one might have gotten too hot during a vacation.
I have purchased perhaps six mini-mouse pocket autos. None of them worked.
Perhaps you remember the old "primer shortage" of a dozen years ago. I went out and bought +20,000 primers. I still have some!
Cleaning supplies! Don't get me started! I could sell you some!
Give me more time, I'll think of more examples...
Old Grump
Member
Well
Bigger house, more guns
Bigger house, more guns
The Tourist
member
Hey, Old Grump, let me know when you get to town!
Fat Boy
Member
"Buy your guns to your lifestyle. If you are a hunter then hunting guns. A target shooter then target guns. If you are a wannabe then wannabe guns (Cowboy etc).
It's the life you choose and what guns will be the most fun"
I think this is good advice; I am always trying to procure guns based on the EOTWAWKI, instead of working to obtain guns based the above...which for me is punch paper. In reality, my Ruger Mk 3 would serve most of my shooting needs...maybe I should sell everything else???
It's the life you choose and what guns will be the most fun"
I think this is good advice; I am always trying to procure guns based on the EOTWAWKI, instead of working to obtain guns based the above...which for me is punch paper. In reality, my Ruger Mk 3 would serve most of my shooting needs...maybe I should sell everything else???
brokencowboy
Member
1. Not have sold two guns
2. Gotten a S&W 625
3. Moved to 38 Super sooner
2. Gotten a S&W 625
3. Moved to 38 Super sooner
I wouldn't have sold my Manhurin Walther PPK/S.
I would have bought a 10/22 to play with long before last month.
I would have bought a Sig Sauer P229DAK in addition to the Glock fohtay' that I already have. (I refuse to buy a pistol in MI because of the license to purchase requirement)
I would have bought a 10/22 to play with long before last month.
I would have bought a Sig Sauer P229DAK in addition to the Glock fohtay' that I already have. (I refuse to buy a pistol in MI because of the license to purchase requirement)
scrat
Member
easy bigger gun safe.
spend more money on the safe.
spend more money on the safe.
chaim
Member
That is too funny. I probably have enough cleaning supplies for the next 5 years or so.
Seancass
Member
Sell them on here!
I don't want to sound like a begger, but i know there are others on this forum like me. I average buying ONE GUN PER YEAR! Most of you probably can't imagine that. Thats the life of a poor college student. So no, i havn't done any thinning lately. I buy what i want and i have plenty of time to think about it. If you guys advertise your guns on here, you can potentially help poor gun enthusiasts like myself. I have a lot of guns that i want, but i can't afford them right now. I shoot the ones i have, but not as much as i'd like.
I still need a few guns just to fill in all the blanks.
I need a:
1911, service style
1911, race gun/target style
BP revolver or two
.44 mag
BIG bore, .454 or .460, etc. might get bored, but i think i'd like one
.22 semi pistol
some sort of carry gun, dont know snub or semi.
double or semi shotgun
lever action
bolt target rifle
gatling and/or cannon.
oh, but i don't have any money right now, so i'll have to wait for student loans.
I don't want to sound like a begger, but i know there are others on this forum like me. I average buying ONE GUN PER YEAR! Most of you probably can't imagine that. Thats the life of a poor college student. So no, i havn't done any thinning lately. I buy what i want and i have plenty of time to think about it. If you guys advertise your guns on here, you can potentially help poor gun enthusiasts like myself. I have a lot of guns that i want, but i can't afford them right now. I shoot the ones i have, but not as much as i'd like.
I still need a few guns just to fill in all the blanks.
I need a:
1911, service style
1911, race gun/target style
BP revolver or two
.44 mag
BIG bore, .454 or .460, etc. might get bored, but i think i'd like one
.22 semi pistol
some sort of carry gun, dont know snub or semi.
double or semi shotgun
lever action
bolt target rifle
gatling and/or cannon.
oh, but i don't have any money right now, so i'll have to wait for student loans.
chaim
Member
Seancass, I can't help you on most of your list.
I usually insist on selling locally. I know all I need to do is send it to an FFL dealer, but I don't know what the real license looks like and I'm not always up on the latest changes in the law- I don't want to go to jail due to not putting a period in the right place or someone sending a fake license. Besides, from the prices people claim on this board sometimes it seems prices in MD are much higher than most of the country (I see claims of buying X gun brand new for much less than used versions of that gun go for here). I paid MD prices so I want to get the MD used gun value not the out of state used gun value.
You do need a lever rifle though. I love lever rifles, mine aren't going anywhere. As soon as I have a house and have more space and start adding to my collection again I will be buying more lever rifles (heck, I may now replace my shotgun with a .357mag or .44mag lever rifle). As for the bolt rifle, that is the one thing I may add now (without selling something to make room for it) as it is the one most glaring unfilled niche.
I might be able to help you on the black powder revolver. Those, unless things have changed, do not have to go through an FFL (and aren't very expensive even here). My Remington 1858 clone is brass and must not have been properly dried when I last cleaned it though so it is corroded, that one may not be sold depending upon how deep the corrosion is. However, my Colt Army 1860 clone (Uberti) is absolutely beautiful and has only been shot once. Even though I don't shoot it (except for one time shortly after buying it), I take it out and handle it a lot. I hate to part with it, but it is usually unused and just sitting locked up and out of sight.
I usually insist on selling locally. I know all I need to do is send it to an FFL dealer, but I don't know what the real license looks like and I'm not always up on the latest changes in the law- I don't want to go to jail due to not putting a period in the right place or someone sending a fake license. Besides, from the prices people claim on this board sometimes it seems prices in MD are much higher than most of the country (I see claims of buying X gun brand new for much less than used versions of that gun go for here). I paid MD prices so I want to get the MD used gun value not the out of state used gun value.
You do need a lever rifle though. I love lever rifles, mine aren't going anywhere. As soon as I have a house and have more space and start adding to my collection again I will be buying more lever rifles (heck, I may now replace my shotgun with a .357mag or .44mag lever rifle). As for the bolt rifle, that is the one thing I may add now (without selling something to make room for it) as it is the one most glaring unfilled niche.
I might be able to help you on the black powder revolver. Those, unless things have changed, do not have to go through an FFL (and aren't very expensive even here). My Remington 1858 clone is brass and must not have been properly dried when I last cleaned it though so it is corroded, that one may not be sold depending upon how deep the corrosion is. However, my Colt Army 1860 clone (Uberti) is absolutely beautiful and has only been shot once. Even though I don't shoot it (except for one time shortly after buying it), I take it out and handle it a lot. I hate to part with it, but it is usually unused and just sitting locked up and out of sight.
doc2rn
Member
Keep
2-1911s
1-.357 Mag
1-.22 lr
buy you Kahr and be happy.
.41 mag while a great specimen is not going to make a comeback.
Airweights while east to carry are a real pain in the patella to shoot with full loads accurately after practicing with softer practice loads.
Stick with one platform in the .45 field and practice more.
I have never regretted getting rid of a non-shooter. All the guns I have kept are shooters that work well for me.
2-1911s
1-.357 Mag
1-.22 lr
buy you Kahr and be happy.
.41 mag while a great specimen is not going to make a comeback.
Airweights while east to carry are a real pain in the patella to shoot with full loads accurately after practicing with softer practice loads.
Stick with one platform in the .45 field and practice more.
I have never regretted getting rid of a non-shooter. All the guns I have kept are shooters that work well for me.
chaim
Member
doc, as much as I'd love a High Power, I've been thinking about something similar to what you have above.
I do like my S&W 1911SC, but I don't see having a downsized, lightweight 1911 as my only 1911. On the other hand, it makes some sense to keep a nice CCW piece other than the very small, pocketable Kahr PM9. I don't really use a full-sized 9mm for self defense (nothing wrong with it, but I'd rather have the more powerful .45ACP or .40S&W, or a revolver, unless I'm going very small like the Kahr). For cheaper practice I'm leaning towards keeping my .22, and I may start reloading .45ACP. For training new shooters, a full-sized steel framed 1911 doesn't recoil too badly, and I could reload some slightly downloaded rounds to make it even more manageable.
So, if I go that route my collection might look like this:
1) A nice full size 1911 (though if I don't sell the S&W 1911SC it will be less likely to be a Wilson or Les Baer and more likely to be a Dan Wesson, Kimber or Springfield). Mostly range gun, occasional home defense gun and very occasional carry gun when in a state I can carry.
2) My S&W 1911SC. This will be my primary HD auto (I often carry IWB at home) and usually my CCW piece when somewhere I can carry.
3) A Kahr PM9. This will usually be in my pocket at home and always be carried CCW when somewhere I can carry.
4) My S&W 625 Mountain Gun. This will be my camping and bedside gun.
5) My S&W 65LS. Fun at the range, training new shooters (with reloaded .38spl) and occasional carry when in a CCW state.
6) My Ruger MkII. Range gun and new shooter trainer.
That should cover most bases, though I may decide I need to add a full-sized 9mm later.
I do like my S&W 1911SC, but I don't see having a downsized, lightweight 1911 as my only 1911. On the other hand, it makes some sense to keep a nice CCW piece other than the very small, pocketable Kahr PM9. I don't really use a full-sized 9mm for self defense (nothing wrong with it, but I'd rather have the more powerful .45ACP or .40S&W, or a revolver, unless I'm going very small like the Kahr). For cheaper practice I'm leaning towards keeping my .22, and I may start reloading .45ACP. For training new shooters, a full-sized steel framed 1911 doesn't recoil too badly, and I could reload some slightly downloaded rounds to make it even more manageable.
So, if I go that route my collection might look like this:
1) A nice full size 1911 (though if I don't sell the S&W 1911SC it will be less likely to be a Wilson or Les Baer and more likely to be a Dan Wesson, Kimber or Springfield). Mostly range gun, occasional home defense gun and very occasional carry gun when in a state I can carry.
2) My S&W 1911SC. This will be my primary HD auto (I often carry IWB at home) and usually my CCW piece when somewhere I can carry.
3) A Kahr PM9. This will usually be in my pocket at home and always be carried CCW when somewhere I can carry.
4) My S&W 625 Mountain Gun. This will be my camping and bedside gun.
5) My S&W 65LS. Fun at the range, training new shooters (with reloaded .38spl) and occasional carry when in a CCW state.
6) My Ruger MkII. Range gun and new shooter trainer.
That should cover most bases, though I may decide I need to add a full-sized 9mm later.
chaim
Member
Rugerlvr, I thought about that. I love my Taurus PT140 Millennium Pro, and it won't net me much money. I also love my SIG 229 (.40). However, I like my S&W 1911SC better, so if I go with an extra something else instead of the 9mm it will be that S&W. Also, .40S&W is more than 9mm in cost, the main reason I'd go with a 9mm over the 1911SC would be for cheaper practice while still having some recoil and a decent defensive caliber.
I agree with you, quality over quantity is something I would do differently. I only sold 2 guns that I had any regret over and I managed to buy them back later. I do believe in buy based on your use. I am also a bit of a minimalist, thus I avoid owning guns that duplicate another's use. I only have 2 left to purchase and my collection is complete for the foreseeable future.
Seancass
Member
i wasnt suggesting you just give your guns away out of the goodness of your heart(or was i?) just offering another perspective. I can definitely understand you wanting to avoid the technical difficulties of selling online, especially when you can support local stores.
I'd go with fewer guns but not necessarily spend more money on them. The most expensive handgun I owned was a Kimber that wasn't reliable. The CZ's I've bought for $300-$350 all worked fine, as did the Glocks I paid similar money for, so price doesn't indicate quality.
I think you should downsize but keep/get the guns you want and the ones you'll really use. Don't worry about price - if you have a SIG P-6 and you like it, you got a concealable 9mm so just stick with it. Or pull the $$ together and get something else.
Take whatever is left when the smoke clears and use it to invest in ammo and reloading stuff.
I think you should downsize but keep/get the guns you want and the ones you'll really use. Don't worry about price - if you have a SIG P-6 and you like it, you got a concealable 9mm so just stick with it. Or pull the $$ together and get something else.
Take whatever is left when the smoke clears and use it to invest in ammo and reloading stuff.
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