Rich I am not....every gun I've bought has been a budgeted purchase that was bought when I could afford it, no sooner, no later. That said, the first firearm I ever bought myself was a Model 70 Winchester, NIB, topped with a cheap but functional 3x9x40 scope. I was probably 18 when I bought it, and that purchase was the single biggest purchase I had made at that point in life. Plunking down 6 or 7 bills at that age isnt easy, or wasnt for me. I basically use it one week a year, give or take, during deer season. That said....that rifle has accounted for at least 20 deer in the 20 years I've owned it, its a purchase I'm proud of, its a purchase that has held its value, and more than anything, I have confidence in the rifle. That said, for no "reason" whatsoever but desire, purchased another deer rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor as a slightly lighter weight, lower recoiling option. Why? Becasue I wanted it, could afford it, and wanted a new toy. As long as no bills go unpaid, theres gas in the tank, food on the table, and your credit card isn't carrying a balance, I believe in buying the best one can afford, not making due with something less and wishing I hadn't. I own more guns than my father and grandfather's combined, but when they bought guns, they didn't buy the cheapest they could get, they bought quality firearms....which is why I'm blessed to be shooting them today, as opposed to a "disposable" gun that gets the job done, but has no real "passing down" value.....some guns might work for your lifetime, but will they last generations with proper care, and moreso, is that even important to you?
Most quality guns hold value fairly well short term and tend to increase in value if in decent condition over time.... super custom is where a guy can loose a bit of money
