NFrameFred
Member
As soon as I started earning my own money of any consequence I was bitten by the firearms bug that got most of you here on the forum. Trouble is, I was infected with the trading virus as well. For over forty years I managed to add to the collection, usually 'trading up' and changing focus as tastes changed. Going through a long run of competitive shooting in multiple disciplines, I can honestly say there's little I didn't have or experiment with as the opportunities presented themselves. If it looked interesting, if it was "cool" . . . I probably had one at one time or another (only way I could explain the two Desert Eagles was price and opportunity 
- that one still baffles even me). If I never had one it was because it was either way over my budget (think Korth 
) compared to more practical options, or it simply never interested me (think Webley revolvers 
).
At this point, I should clarify that a great portion of this was mostly pre-internet, I lived in a secluded back-water part of the country, and shooting magazines and Shotgun News were the main source of information and temptation, augmented by gun shows (which, in my case, involved in traveling several hours by car to attend; unlike today, back then it was worth it seeing how shows back then were not what they have sadly morphed into presently). Gun magazines made us drool over things we could only read about that were seldom (if ever) seen in local shops (like model 29's and other 'more obscure' S&W and Colt offerings) because of the old 'jobber' system where such desirables went to the larger shops in the more populated areas, along with any number of less desirable models they were required to stock to get "the good stuff". Most local shops couldn't afford to stock the numbers of common models the jobbers required because they languished on the shelves forever or had to be sold at cost just to move them. Most of the younger crowd here likely can't relate.
Fast forward to the present. Most of my hunting and competition days now in the rear view mirror, the collection has settled into what collectibles, curiosities, family heirlooms and practical 'carry' type and self defense utensils that I cling to. Mostly conversation pieces and range toys, otherwise. And the internet opened the doors to finding what I used to only could see in catalogs and magazines.
At my age I now struggle to release my grip on "things" and endeavor to reduce the volume as opportunities present themselves, not withstanding you dastardly enablers who frequent these pages, especially in the classifieds, that inevitably dangle carrots in front of me to add a better specimen than what I already have ( YOU know who you are !).
Nevertheless, I still find I am at times in the clutches of a relapse when the 'trading infection' flares up and I just get "the itch". Like those of you who go stand before the open refrigerator door, knowing what's in there already, but looking for 'something' you know not what. I see something in the classifieds I already have, or have had and sent down the road, or something I most assuredly don't need . . . and go stand in front of the open safe wondering what is in there I could sell or trade to obtain the aforementioned unneeded item. Then the conversation begins between the quintessential 'angels' on each shoulder. The Itch says "We're bound to have something we can let go", while Reason says, "Don't be a putz - we don't need it and it's not a bargain at ANY price if we don't NEED it".
In the past Reason took frequent beatings because Itch would smile and say, "But you KNOW we could make money on the deal !". For better or worse, Reason is winning more often these days, but occasionally still takes one on the chin.
The battle continues as I search for a cure other than poverty or death.
.
- that one still baffles even me). If I never had one it was because it was either way over my budget (think Korth ) compared to more practical options, or it simply never interested me (think Webley revolvers ).At this point, I should clarify that a great portion of this was mostly pre-internet, I lived in a secluded back-water part of the country, and shooting magazines and Shotgun News were the main source of information and temptation, augmented by gun shows (which, in my case, involved in traveling several hours by car to attend; unlike today, back then it was worth it seeing how shows back then were not what they have sadly morphed into presently). Gun magazines made us drool over things we could only read about that were seldom (if ever) seen in local shops (like model 29's and other 'more obscure' S&W and Colt offerings) because of the old 'jobber' system where such desirables went to the larger shops in the more populated areas, along with any number of less desirable models they were required to stock to get "the good stuff". Most local shops couldn't afford to stock the numbers of common models the jobbers required because they languished on the shelves forever or had to be sold at cost just to move them. Most of the younger crowd here likely can't relate.
Fast forward to the present. Most of my hunting and competition days now in the rear view mirror, the collection has settled into what collectibles, curiosities, family heirlooms and practical 'carry' type and self defense utensils that I cling to. Mostly conversation pieces and range toys, otherwise. And the internet opened the doors to finding what I used to only could see in catalogs and magazines.
At my age I now struggle to release my grip on "things" and endeavor to reduce the volume as opportunities present themselves, not withstanding you dastardly enablers who frequent these pages, especially in the classifieds, that inevitably dangle carrots in front of me to add a better specimen than what I already have ( YOU know who you are !).
Nevertheless, I still find I am at times in the clutches of a relapse when the 'trading infection' flares up and I just get "the itch". Like those of you who go stand before the open refrigerator door, knowing what's in there already, but looking for 'something' you know not what. I see something in the classifieds I already have, or have had and sent down the road, or something I most assuredly don't need . . . and go stand in front of the open safe wondering what is in there I could sell or trade to obtain the aforementioned unneeded item. Then the conversation begins between the quintessential 'angels' on each shoulder. The Itch says "We're bound to have something we can let go", while Reason says, "Don't be a putz - we don't need it and it's not a bargain at ANY price if we don't NEED it".
In the past Reason took frequent beatings because Itch would smile and say, "But you KNOW we could make money on the deal !". For better or worse, Reason is winning more often these days, but occasionally still takes one on the chin.
The battle continues as I search for a cure other than poverty or death.
.
