Took a Drastic Step:"The Man with One Gun"

[Silversmok3]

I realized last month that owning multiple guns becomes a logistical pain in the rear after a certain point. More pistols you own, the more you have to field strip, the more guns you have to clean, the more you have to decide what to carry and what sits in the dusty corner of the safe, the more holsters and such you have to buy, the more magazines you have to own (Sig magazine prices=free Vaseline territory, BTW).And what does one do with the safe full of pistols if disaster strikes and there is only minutes to pack and leave? I find it unlikely the evacuation vehicle will have room for a 500lb security box with contents.

As such, I literally sold every gun I owned except for my S&W 3rd Gen. I took the money I gained from the sales and bought some UMC 250 bricks of 9mm, and I daresay the man who said the title phrase may have a valid point.

Hopefully by the end of next month ill have another 3rd gen in the stable,but the downsize was a good idea. I can't own every good handgun ever made, but I can get good at shooting the one I got. That counts for something.

[Dragon88]

A couple years ago, due to traveling constraints, I only had one of my guns with me for two months. (Sorry S&W fans, it was a Glock 19). I shot the gun every weekend at the local ranges. I tell you what, the "Man with one gun" thing is no myth, it is true. I got very good with that gun and could hit farther and more accurately than ever before with it. I knew exactly where to hold the sights from 1 meter out to 200 meters. I was glad to get back to my collection when the trip was over, but sad to see my skills diminish as I went back to shooting many different guns.

[redlevel]

That is a right drastic step.

I have threatened to do the same thing, although I don't think I'll get down to one gun. I have decided, however, that having guns in the safe is at least as good as having money in the bank. I recently had a couple of unexpected major expenses. A $1400 bill for a fuel pump on a tractor, and about $500 of work on my pickup. I could have probably absorbed the truck expense, and maybe have absorbed the tractor expense over a couple of months without dipping into the HELOC. Not both, though. Rather than using the equity loan, I sold two pistols and a rifle, non of which I have used that much. It didn't take long to sell them, because they were all popular models. There aren't too many things you can legally convert into cash as fast as you can firearms. I still have guns in the safe I don't shoot, but I'll just let them stay there until I need some cash, or 'till whomever settles up my estate deals with them.

[DGT]

I have to agree with redlevel. When I look at what my stocks have done over the last 5 years or so and my savings account drawing .2%, and compare that to what the value of my guns as done in the same period, I have to wonder why I would sell any of my guns.

I didn't necessarily buy my guns as an investment but they out-performed anything in my stock portfolio.

[TAROMAN]

Originally Posted by DGT

When I look at what my stocks have done over the last 5 years or so and my savings account drawing .2%, and compare that to what the value of my guns as done in the same period, I have to wonder why I would sell any of my guns.

I didn't necessarily buy my guns as an investment but they out-performed anything in my stock portfolio.

Yep. Even the wife has come around to seeing quality guns as a fair investment.

[Sprefix]

I applaude you, but that is the most anemic ammo on the market. At least get winchester white box. UMC wont even run a Beretta with a 16lb spring.

[Lori Ann]

1 for the range and 1 to carry for protection. That keeps it fun, keeps me safe and keeps me just busy enough. "Less is more."

[Shooting Padre]

I have actually entertained this idea, one man, one gun until I found this add in my local paper;

Want to trade or sell, one narrow minded gun owner who wishes to get rid of all but one of us. Looking for a dedicated S&W owner who would in all likelihood add to our family. He must have a desire to own every type of revolver-auto made. Call between 7AM and 3PM.
signed'
Padre's S&W Collection

I still consider one gun ownership, but I really can't decide which I'd keep. And I don't think about it around the gun case anymore.

[Edmo]

Originally Posted by Dragon88

A couple years ago, due to traveling constraints, I only had one of my guns with me for two months. (Sorry S&W fans, it was a Glock 19). I shot the gun every weekend at the local ranges. I tell you what, the "Man with one gun" thing is no myth, it is true. I got very good with that gun and could hit farther and more accurately than ever before with it. I knew exactly where to hold the sights from 1 meter out to 200 meters. I was glad to get back to my collection when the trip was over, but sad to see my skills diminish as I went back to shooting many different guns.

Rockin' out with your GLOCK out!!

For defensive carry, I generally carry one of my GLOCKS. Even though it may be one of several that I own, the manual of arms is the same for each.

Edmo

[cmort666]

With one or two VERY narrow exceptions, I have regretted selling or trading EVERY gun I've gotten rid of.

I traded a Colt Official Police that I bought when I was stationed at Ft. Knox in the '80s. After all, it's not like Colt was going to stop making revolvers...

[feralmerril]

Everyone of us except for some liveing under a bridge or in jail has the same problem. Maybe it isnt guns but other stuff in our lives. Unused boats cracking in the sun in the back yard along with old pickups we dont use or want to lay out the money to fix etc.
In a perfect world we would own very few but fine needfull things. With the money saved our "stuff" wouldnt be holding us down and we would be able to physicaly do things or go places that we want to see that we have been keeping on the back burner.
The older you get along with the more stuff you accumilate the more evident it becomes.
Last night a friend called me up saying he has to sell out here and go back to california for various reasons. We used to work at the same place. Anyway he is trying to sell two nice ATV`s he bought for him and his wife when he retired here. They are low mileage but old and yet like new, practicly unused. He will be takeing a bath on them, but maybe he can afford to. I dont know. I would bet he wouldnt buy them again though had he knew how things would go. We all can say that. If not just yet, for sure you will feel like that the closer you get to the end of that knotted rope!

[mc5aw]

I hate to admit it, but I've considered the massive downsizing as well. Last year's flood was an eye opener ... we were lucky not to lose the house and everything in it, including the firearms collection. The problem is the attachment I have to most of firearms I own. Could I get down to one? Realistically I could, but it would be tough. More likely, I could get down to a few handguns and a few long guns.

Now about all that hoarded ammo ...

[David LaPell]

I have been downsizing, but not by choice. After I got hurt even though I have been back on light duty I have not been able to take a stitch of overtime in 18 months. So essentially I am on a fixed income until either they try something else or decide to retire me. For my one handgun, well it would be a big one but it does everything and that is my Model 27-2. It shoots everything from my small light .38 Specials to my hottest .357's and since I have a few different molds I cast a variety of bullets from 125 to 170 grains. If I had to get down to one handgun (it would be two since one is my grandfather's and there are many other things I would sell first) the 27-2 would still be here. Unfortunately with only four handguns left I am not that far now and I can see one possibly being sold in the future if things don't brighten up.

[ma deuce]

Originally Posted by DGT

I have to agree with redlevel. When I look at what my stocks have done over the last 5 years or so and my savings account drawing .2%, and compare that to what the value of my guns as done in the same period, I have to wonder why I would sell any of my guns.

I didn't necessarily buy my guns as an investment but they out-performed anything in my stock portfolio.

About 10 years ago, I had some extra cash and the opportunity to buy a half-dozen collector grade Lugers out of an estate for a very reasonable price. I jumped on it, and they've been sitting in a safe ever since except for semi-annual cleaning and inspection. They've about tripled in value, while everything else has gone to hell. Wish now I'd bought a dozen more.

[ACP230]

I am giving a gun to my daughter this month. I wasn't shooting it and I think she will. Have give some others to my sons. Thinking about
getting rid of a few more, but won't be in a hurry to get down to one.
Too much fun to have a wide selection to mess with.

One of the reasons my collection has grown is guns I bought for
different and competitions. I still have almost all of those and my younger son is using some of them in Bullseye right now.
If I ever go back to NRA Hunter's Pistol, High Power Rifle, or
bowling pin shooting I won't have to buy any new guns to compete with.

[feralmerril]

I probley could "live" without any guns but I wont. The minimum for me would be 3 handguns and 3 long guns. A pocket defense gun like my S&W model 40, a .22 rimfire, a belt gun, probley my model 24-3 44 special. A good .22 rifle, shotgun and centerfire rifle.
I own about 10X what I sanely need and like others, about a 1/10 th of what I sometimes dream about. Most mine would be considered nice old classics. Were I to live life again, I probley would own less, all would be the finest old classics made. I aready do to some extent, but lets say winchesters with fine extra fancy wood and factory extras etc. I am old enough to consider stainless as guns carried by newbys!

[mg357]

If i may add my 2 cents to this very good thread i read an article in guns magazine titled purpose-driven guns. so i made a list of the guns that in my collection currently and the guns i am saving up for here is my list and there different purposes.
1. heritage single action .22 revolver purpose-range/training gun
2. Glock 17 purpose-house gun
3. s&w model 36 .38 revolver purpose-ccw/range gun
4. s&w model 60-15 .357 magnum revolver purpose- range gun.
p.s. i am currently saving up for number 3 and number 4

[WC145]

I don't know if I'd ever get down to just one gun but I definitely have more than I "need". I did sell off quite a few recently, very nice guns that I just didn't use, no sentimental value. I put the money towards buying an old car that I'm enjoying the heck out of and I'm not missing those guns at all.

[ordy]

I get the concept and agree to a point. I had (still have) several guns in the safe that I just didn't shoot. I sold some of them and used the money for a new trap gun. When I shoot pistols, I find myself going for the same gun almost every time and have become proficient with it but I still shoot most of the other guns I have and enjoy the variety.

[CAJUNLAWYER]

When our possessions own us it's time to stand back and give pause.

[smithman 10]

I remember well when I had one handgun - a police trade in Model 64 with a 4 inch heavy barrel. It shot real good.

Lord knows how many Smith and Wesson revolvers and semi-autos have come and gone since then, including the Model 64, long since traded away for something else that was also sold or traded away for another "must have" item.

Wish I still had it. But I don't think I could pare the collection down to one. Maybe like someone else said, three or four.

1. Concealed carry piece - Model 60 or some other J-frame
2. Full size revolver - Model 15 4 inch
3. A .22 - Model 17 with a 4 inch barrel right now
4. Some sort of semi-auto - right now an old Model 39

That would be as far as I would be willing to go!

[smithman 10]

Originally Posted by WC145

I don't know if I'd ever get down to just one gun but I definitely have more than I "need". I did sell off quite a few recently, very nice guns that I just didn't use, no sentimental value. I put the money towards buying an old car that I'm enjoying the heck out of and I'm not missing those guns at all.

WC145 - What kind of old car did you buy? That kind of sparks my interest. I can't get excited at all about any of the new cars they make these days. Give me something 30 or 40 years old (or older) with some character!

[semperfi71]

A good "one-gun" collection might be a M18 or Pre in 4 inch and .22, a M15 or Pre in 4 inch and .38, OR a M19 4 inch, followed lastly by the concealed carry 3 inch M13 or M65.

Or maybe the stainless M617 .22 4 inch, the stainless M66 or M686 4 inch, finished up by the stainless M65 or M65 Ladysmith in 3 inch.

Or...........I don't think I'm ever going to be able to have just one handgun...............

[rojodiablo]

Lord almighty, the closest I could come to this would be one gun.........


Of every caliber I like!

I am partial to quite a few of my guns. My 22 Marlin?? I got it when I was 8 years old. I am now 42, and it still shoots great. My birdgun?? Got it when I was 11. It's the most beat up, battle scarred Mossberg 500 on the planet. But I just hunt with it 'cause it's good to me, and works. My 9504? I used to carry full time. It's not even a discussion to think trading or letting it go.
I will admit, I have a few I would not mind to pass on to someone else. But I simply could not make due with just 1.

[C Broad Arrow]

I went through this recently. I had a lots of hunting rifles but few that I really liked. So I sold a bunch of run of the mill guns and had a custom built hunting rifle made exactly to my specifications. It is all I use for big game in NA. I have an African rifle and a vamint gun.

As for handguns that would be harder, but I am moving more towards quality and away from the other end of the spectrum. (more steel less plastic). It is emptying my gun safe, but what remains I shoot more often and as a result I have become more proficient with them.

There is a seperate class, beyond what gets used, and that is the "investment" class. These are the ones where you have the original box, manual, tool kit etc. They are in a different class. And now I find when I am considering a purchase they generally fall into that category rather than the "shooter" slot.

"Slimming" down has made component buying more efficient, reloading easier, and reduced the number of things to just what is needed to support the calibres I do shoot.

Just my view at this point in my life- not everyone is at my stage, and I know 5 years down the road it may change as well.

[Out West]

I like the idea of getting free from possession bondage and on a few occasions I have made significant reductions in my collection. Each time the safe filled itself back up. I'm thinking that the next reduction will come after I shoot up the cache of ammo that has accumulated over this period of time.

Shoot more and buy less. I'm going to give it a try.

Out
West

[Bat Guano]

I think I am starting to put it in reverse. The 80-20% rule seems to apply: I do 80% of my shooting with 20% of my guns. Maybe it's even 90-10%.

When I was a kid anyone with 3 handguns was considered to be quite a pistolero.

I'd probably have to have a K frame .357, matching M18, a 1911, a single action, and a J frame.

Give me self control...but not yet.

[GKC]

Originally Posted by Silversmok3

I literally sold every gun I owned except for my S&W 3rd Gen.

Originally Posted by Silversmok3

Hopefully by the end of next month ill have another 3rd gen in the stable

So what you are telling us is that you are already starting over on your new collection.

[WC145]

Originally Posted by smithman 10

WC145 - What kind of old car did you buy? That kind of sparks my interest. I can't get excited at all about any of the new cars they make these days. Give me something 30 or 40 years old (or older) with some character!

Sent you a PM rather than hijack the thread

[DeathGrip]

Originally Posted by WC145

Sent you a PM rather than hijack the thread

That's class but........

I/We love classics here and I'm sure no one would be offended.

What was this thread about?

I think your response before explained how I feel about some of the things I have collected over the years. I have way to many "things" that I don't use. Mostly guitars and related equipment.

On the other side of the coin, I should sell them and buy more guns.

[GatorFarmer]

I sold all my guns before I got married in late 2006. I disposed of all my stuff save my watch and id and moved cross country to WA.

For a cross country drive back the only gun that I had was a Mossberg riot gun.

It was as soon as possible that I got more guns. At one point I even had an elephant gun.

When the 2008 ammo shortage hit... I found that I could still get ammo since my caliber base was broad.

Beyond that I have needs beyond what one gun would do. That entails both recreation and personal security. As a simple example... I am fond of my Colt 1911. But I need my smaller Model 36 for ease of carry (or as a BUG) at times. Meanwhile my M4 clone is a far better weapon for at home. Yet it would under powered to deal with the sorts of things requiring a 30 caliber centerfire. And the rifles would be less useful than a shotgun for other things.

[Kelly Green]

My wife asked recently, “Why do we have so many guns?” This question comes from a woman who owns several herself and loves to hunt and shoot.

I never set out to collect guns, it just happened. I got my first rifle when I was 10 and now, fifty-six years later, I own guns that belonged to my great grandfather, grandfather, father and ones that I’ve bought for myself. We have guns in safes, gun cabinets and gun racks. Some I haven’t shot in years. Caring for them is time consuming but whenever I contemplate thinning out the herd I find that I can’t part with any one of them. They all have a place in my life’s history and each evokes special memories.

My wife wasn’t being critical; it was just an observation, the same observation that I’ve made many times.

[Ivan the Butcher]

10 or so years ago I simplifed a small amount. I settled on 45ACP as my auto cartridge and on 1911 as my magizene. All the 9mm's are gone and the wonderful Star PD's and acouple of other nice 45's. I even picked up a Marlin Camp 45; which uses 1911 mags.
I still have alot of revolvers and long guns but it got a little steamlined
P.S. Pocket autos/BUG's follow rules.

[mr.jbk79]

Originally Posted by WC145

I don't know if I'd ever get down to just one gun but I definitely have more than I "need". I did sell off quite a few recently, very nice guns that I just didn't use, no sentimental value. I put the money towards buying an old car that I'm enjoying the heck out of and I'm not missing those guns at all.

Back in '08, I sold my older car that I didn't use much. Put some money away, and bought a few nice guns I'd been wanting. I enjoyed the car, but interests shifted, and I now enjoy the guns alot more. I would find it extremely difficult to narrow it down to only a few guns, let alone only one. In my head I have a good case for just about each and every one.
Glad you're enjoying the car. Also like you not missing the guns, I'm not missing the car so much, have pictures to keep the fun times remembered.

[WC145]

Originally Posted by DeathGrip

That's class but........

I/We love classics here and I'm sure no one would be offended.

What was this thread about?

I think your response before explained how I feel about some of the things I have collected over the years. I have way to many "things" that I don't use. Mostly guitars and related equipment.

On the other side of the coin, I should sell them and buy more guns.

Okay, you twisted my arm - the car is a '66 Thunderbird, I had posted a thread not long ago with some pics.

Funny you mention guitars, I had a whole mess of them and amps as well, mostly vintage stuff. One day, maybe 12, 13 years ago, they got to be too much and I started selling them, ended up keeping my two favorites and one amp. Those are still the only ones I have and I haven't suffered for it in the least. You'd think I'd have remembered the guitars when the gun collection started taking on a life of it's own a few years later!

[old bear]

I’ve gotten to the same place as many of you apparently are. My small collection is limited to eight (8) assorted handguns all Smith and Wesson with one (1) exception. I’m at the point, unless I buy some sort of safe or try and get a bigger safe deposit box, I don’t have room to store them any longer.
I have considered selling or gifting one or two, but I’m unable to decide which ones. Right now I’m leaning to disposing of my 5” M 27-2; it’s a wonderful revolver that shoots great, but somehow it has never felt right in my hand.

[Thunder71]

One... of each kind.

[C Broad Arrow]

Originally Posted by old bear

I’ve gotten to the same place as many of you apparently are. My small collection is limited to eight (8) assorted handguns all Smith and Wesson with one (1) exception. I’m at the point, unless I buy some sort of safe or try and get a bigger safe deposit box, I don’t have room to store them any longer.
I have considered selling or gifting one or two, but I’m unable to decide which ones. Right now I’m leaning to disposing of my 5” M 27-2; it’s a wonderful revolver that shoots great, but somehow it has never felt right in my hand.

Well I am sure there are a few of us that would be more than willing to help you out with that problem by taking that ill-fitting 27-2 off of your hands.

[DeathGrip]

Originally Posted by WC145

Okay, you twisted my arm - the car is a '66 Thunderbird, I had posted a thread not long ago with some pics.

Funny you mention guitars, I had a whole mess of them and amps as well, mostly vintage stuff. One day, maybe 12, 13 years ago, they got to be too much and I started selling them, ended up keeping my two favorites and one amp. Those are still the only ones I have and I haven't suffered for it in the least. You'd think I'd have remembered the guitars when the gun collection started taking on a life of it's own a few years later!

Ahh the black '66.

Do you see how this is all related? We all have many shared hobbies besides guns and each hobby has its own time in our life.

[UncleEd]

"The Man with One Gun" doesn't necessarily mean only one gun but can also mean, at least to me, several of the same mechanism, i.e. an M&P Pro, a compact or even two compacts, one for backup in case the other needs pistolsmithing.

In the same vein, maybe two Beretta 92FS, or two Sig 228 or 245 or two Glock 19s or 22s.

Or a Model 10 or 13 and a Model 15 or 19 S&W revolvers plus a Model 17 or 18---what the heck.

[old bear]

Well I am sure there are a few of us that would be more than willing to help you out with that problem by taking that ill-fitting 27-2 off of your hands.

I'm sure you would be willing to take one for the team to help out a fellow forum member. So there lays the problem. I've already got two CLOSE friends both of whom have dropped hints that that they would love to help me with my problem. I guess when the time comes I will flip a coin.

[C Broad Arrow]

Originally Posted by old bear

I'm sure you would be willing to take one for the team to help out a fellow forum member. So there lays the problem. I've already got two CLOSE friends both of whom have dropped hints that that they would love to help me with my problem. I guess when the time comes I will flip a coin.

Good one! I would have expected nothing less than that. That is why I think this is the best forum on the Internet! And S&W people are very special folks! Cheers!

[SW_shooter]

What is all this blasphemy that is being talked about? Only one gun? Selling or thinning the herd?

I came to the forum for support...and now I am questioning whether to continue buying...........................yeah yeah that too came to pass.

My only problem is saving up enough money to continue adding to the family ala Angelina Jolie. Some from here, some from there. Variety is the spice of S&W autos!