Though not a collector, I fully understand collecting as a hobby. I can see (someone else) keeping an unfired safe queen in pristine condition...because of the emotional satisfaction it gives. I do not see the practical side and certainly don't understand it as an "investment" unless it is historically unique.

The most I've ever paid for an individual handgun is in the neighborhood of $3000. How much of an investment does that represent? My basic, run-of-the-mill trap gun cost me $5,000 and I shoot it 10,000 times a year. My buddies shoot their $25,000 trap guns 10,000 times a year. I have a classic car in the garage that is worth maybe $10K. I baby it. That's emotional, not practical. I have $80,000 "invested" in 2 vehicles in the driveway. In a few years, they will be worth less than my trap gun. Good thing I didn't buy them as an investment.

Again, unless it's one of Billy the Kid's 100 handguns, I say "shoot 'em and let the kids sort 'em out when I'm gone!"

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Carry.."hope" isn't a strategy