Getting older, what is your firearms endgame?

[stantheman86]

57 years young!

I shot in a pistol match with late 60's-70 something year old Vietnam vets and a lot of those guys smoked my scores.

I'm 37 and I shoot the living (heck) out of everything I own, because you never know what tomorrow may bring.......I have one daughter but I live my shooting life as if I'm simply "renting" my guns , because I can't take them with me. I got lazy this summer and haven't shot a lot, but I promised myself that late summer- fall this year I would shoot as much as humanly possible.

I used to obsess about it, a little nick, holster wear, tiny rust spot from sweat, etc , I caught myself doing it recently since I think I have some form of latent OCD that I work to overcome.

Just shoot , enjoy, have fun.......I also culled the herd and got rid of guns I never used.

 

[Joe Hohmann]

I'm only 75, so I have...what?...another 20 years to worry about this.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Who says life isn't good to an old guy....I can hunt anytime I want too....And the results are tasty too......Brought to bag 8/17/17 at 740 pm.....Already eating snack sticks & cube steak.....I'm gonna enjoy all my stuff as long as the Lord lets me..........

 

[italiansport]

This discussion needs to include firearms related products. I gave 15-20 bayonets as part of my martial collection. I have thousands of NOS casings waiting to be reloaded. Some of them are for obsolete calibers and worth several bucks per case. Then there is 40-50 pounds of powder, the majority of them still sealed. The same thing with the rest of my components. Many unopened boxes of bullets, primers, etc.

The amount of powder you have on hand caught my eye. I don't know what the regulations are where you live but 50 lbs of powder here in Arizona without a powder magazine would get you cited and probably tossed in jail. The max on hand and inside is 10lbs.
I appraised an estate of a reloader last year that had over 200 lbs in his house! I told the executor to get it out of there ASAP because if the police or fire dept. caught wind of it they'd cordon off the whole house until they could dispose of it. Somewhat off subject but I think this is important!
Jim

 

[Alexei]

Gosh, I think you hit a responsive chord. I have recently helped the sons of friends dispose of their father's guns in two incidences. They had absolutely zero idea what anything was worth. Message: thin the herd while you're above ground, you will not be under pressure to dispose of them, and will probably be able to maximize the return, plus it's fun finding them a good home.

 

[Slufstuff]

This discussion needs to include firearms related products. I gave 15-20 bayonets as part of my martial collection. I have thousands of NOS casings waiting to be reloaded. Some of them are for obsolete calibers and worth several bucks per case. Then there is 40-50 pounds of powder, the majority of them still sealed. The same thing with the rest of my components. Many unopened boxes of bullets, primers, etc.

I am glad you brought it up! We focus on the firearms, but the related accessories and accoutrements can be substantial. In my case, I have probably a hundred bayonets and military knives, at least a hundred nice pocket knives, several tubs full of militaria, etc. And that is not even getting into spare magazines, ammunition, scopes, and parts. I know what the fair market price is for just about everything I own. But my wife and kids would not have a clue.

I think I need to think on this a bit more thoroughly. If something happened to me tomorrow, my wife would have a mess. I think I need to talk to my brother-in-law, he is a gun nut, and I trust him. We may need a pact to help each others spouse if one of us departs too early.

I really do not mean to sound morbid, but I have seen too many friends/family and related folks die in their 50's/60's lately to not have a plan. I hope to be around a long time!

 

[Revolver-time]

I have really been thinking about what to do with my collection. Especially now that my wife has leukemia and we really have been busy with her bone marrow transplant. I don't really know when I will be using any of my weapons again, except my carry pieces. We are both 64 and it is probably time to get to that bucket list.

 

[hoosierone]

Not sure if it's a problem or not, but daughters, sons in law and grandsons are all interested in guns. Recently one daughter bought a new Ruger MKIV. I have a MKII that is a safe queen I would have given her had I known.
I do have an index card for each gun showing date acquired, from whom, original cost and what I think is a fair price for it.
I'm sure a few of the guns will have many takers. Still trying to figure out the best way to handle this. Wife has zero interest.

 

[moralem]

I can plan all I want and leave lists and directions in the will, but once I am gone they are going to either honor my requests or do what they want with them...... the guns pale in comparison to how they will divide up the rest of the estate in terms of cars, property, art, coins and cash.......all I can do is plan, it will be up to the living then to follow my wishes or not.......

 

[Old Corp]

Guys - what a daggone CHEERY thread!
Actually, similar situation as many here. Will hit the big 6-0 this Fall.
Never thought I'd get this far.
My son, a great young man, has zero interest.

So, the time will come when I'll make some sorta decision.
Maybe right after this next GoneBroke deal I'm wrapping up......

 

[Slufstuff]

I have really been thinking about what to do with my collection. Especially now that my wife has leukemia and we really have been busy with her bone marrow transplant. I don't really know when I will be using any of my weapons again, except my carry pieces. We are both 64 and it is probably time to get to that bucket list.

Sorry to hear about your wife. I wish her a speedy recovery. (I have some experience with this, as my son was diagnosed with lymphoma at age 9. Spent a year in hospitals with chemo and radiation therapy. He is now 23 years cancer free, but the treatment side effects are part of why I will probably never have grand kids.)

 

[BE Mike]

I'm much older than you. A few years ago I gave my two children the guns that I carried or have some other meaning. I wrote some provenance with each of the guns, including some situations where they were used. That took care of a few. My kids aren't super into guns like me, but have their own and shoot once in a while. Those guns will either be sold or passed down to my grandchildren. I really am not concerned. When I give gifts, they are for the person who gets them to do as they please. There are no strings attached. I have been selling off some of the guns that I haven't used in quite some time. They are in great shape and I'd like someone younger to get to enjoy them. I used to shoot competition and was pretty serious about it, but I'm not physically able to do the type of competitive shooting I once did. Although I'm thinning the herd, I have bought a couple of newer model guns to enjoy, as well as, a couple of suppressors (waiting...waiting...waiting). I still enjoy shooting, even though my interests have taken a turn. I still shoot some clays too, but just for fun. There are a few guns I will probably have until I just can't shoot anymore. My competition guns are hard for me to let go, as there are just too many good memories attached to them and there are a few self-defense guns that'll probably not be sold either, simply because I like them so much, like my S&W Model 60-10, 19-3, 629, and 60-7. There will be several guns for my survivors to deal with, but I won't be in on the decision making!

 

[les.b]

Like many of the other posters, I keep mulling this over. I have already posted here, but reading the other posts has kept this on my back burner.

I think we can "overthink" this problem. A few years ago I had a fairly serious cancer surgery, and after getting some good advice, made out a living will, a medical power of attorney, a general power of attorney, a last will and testament, etc. I included many specific firearms bequests in the will, but even though firearms are a significantly portion of the estate, I am leaving most of the decisions on dividing them up to my family.

I know that after a death in the family, many family arguments and squabbles often ensue. But I know my sons and their wives and my grandkids (all under 10), well enough to know that they will deal with whatever I didn't specifically bequeath in a fair and calm manner. GF also, for that matter. Beyond that, I don't intend to live what's left of my life spending an inordinate amount of time worrying about what will happen after I'm dead!! I periodically update my database with current values, and have a detailed inventory with photographs, with a printed copy, and also stored electronically.

Now, I intend to have fun shooting, reloading, collecting, and not worrying too much about what everyone is going to do when I'm dead!! After all, I'm only 71. My mom had 25 years left when she was my age.

I'm still working full time, haven't even thought about retiring (for the second time) yet. I can afford better guns now than I could when I was working 20 years ago.

Bottom line, I intend to plan a reasonable ammount for what happens after I'm gone, but go on living just as long as I can!!! And that includes guns, ammo, reloading, gun leather, and everything else connected with our hobby.

Best Regards, Les

 

[Birdgun]

I'm 70 and still enjoy having all my firearms in my possession. All of mine will go to one of my nephews (I have no children). Interesting hearing all the different attitudes. Certainly a case of each having their own answer. And, as it should be.

God bless,
Birdgun

 

[Mark6005]

A timely thread as a friend and I were talking about the topic this morning. I'm 64 he is 63. I'm retired he's soon to be. Neither of us have any family remotely interested in firearms. I've often mentioned I need a thin the safe out a bit but trying to decide what to sell isn't easy. We have these old smith revolvers and semi autos, at least speaking for myself as it has become a passion, hobby whatever. So I think I need to sell some and I just found another that excited the hell out of me to buy and I did. I have no answers as to end of game. Guess I'm not there yet.

 

[Derosa]

With all respect to all of my fellow enthusiasts here, I am quite content to leave all my firearms to my son & grandson and not worry what happens after I am no longer at the firing line. Why? I have knocked at Death's door twice. The last time was three years ago when I was wheeled into an ER after collapsing in a local store. The trauma doctor and ER nurse and drug doctor looked down on me and said you need to to have surgery now or there is no tomorrow. That statement brought great clarity & focus into my life regarding what I really valued. Blue steel. Wood or plastic or whatever mattered little. I have sold all except what my family will keep as pieces of me. What else matters?

 

[white cloud]

I am 73. I shoot three or four times a week, several thousand rounds annually. I am still buying firearms, mostly handguns. I will have one on me when I finally go belly-up and my Son has promised I will have one (probably a cheap one like a Glock) in my pocket when they put me under the daisies. While my Son is not as fanatical as I am he loves guns and will get his share. My Daughter is a shooter and has two sons who are almost as gun crazy as their Grand-dad. My will says my Son gets first choice, then my Daughter gets the next choice.....they then rotate selection until all 100+ are divided up. That is my plan of disposal.

You sir, have an excellent attitude. I am 64 and shoot even more now that I am semi-retired. I renewed my relationship with a nice M700 Remington last weekend. I also cast up a bunch of bullets for some of my other rifles. I doubt that I will be adding many guns to my collection but I intend to hunt a lot and shoot the guns I own a lot. I have a pretty decent ammo supply and don't intend to let that dwindle.

That said I have two nephews who both like guns a bunch. I will leave my collection to them.

 

[les.b]

Yes, guys, what the heck, many of us are in the period of our lives when we ought to be focusing on doing what we love to do, and enjoying life... when this thread started, I was thinking about buying another safe!! Need more room!!

Best Regards, Les

 

[AlHunt]

I think there are a lot of guys in this thread that need to adopt me!

 

[AlHunt]

Yes, guys, what the heck, many of us are in the period of our lives when we ought to be focusing on doing what we love to do, and enjoying life... when this thread started, I was thinking about buying another safe!! Need more room!!

Best Regards, Les

That's the attitude!
(but I'm still up for adoption ... dad?)