Here is my spin on the OP question.

Yes, there are some I would have liked to hang on to, good shooters, good 'investments', rare pieces, and one that was somewhat historical.

Here is the realty for me: I collect a particular style, type, variant, period, etc., to thoroughly explore this area of collecting. I buy many similar barrel lengths, models, whatever interests me.

Then, after so many years, I sell the excess, keep the best, and buy new (old, typically) guns to enjoy.

By keeping the best Lew Horton, or others from my collection, I do not feel that I am missing anything because I have the best or rarest of that type I could find. I love learning and will then check out another area of the hobby.

It should be said, of all the things to collect, firearms, or antique arms, or modern arms, is an area with endless knowledge and learning.

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Rather be outdoors