I've heard both terms bandied about and am wondering what parameterizes each.
For example, me: I buy the best condition I can afford, but I abhor safe queens. I shoot what I collect, that's where the fun lies for me.

Hi. My name is Krogen and I'm an accumulator. (this is where the forum in unison, responds "HI KROGEN")

Anyway, enough with the frivolity. For me accumulation is a disease. If I see or think of something interesting it will go home with me. I'm simply unscrupulous. Like you, I also shoot what I own. To my mind, a collector focuses on a specific category; the objective being to fill the collection with variations on a well-defined theme. My theme is firearms. Way to wide of a field to call myself a collector.

This is just my personal definition, but a collector buys guns to keep in anticipation of increased future value. Collectors often specialize in various genres, calibers, actions, or makers. An accumulator just buys guns for whatever reason suits his/her fancy. I am the latter . . .

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

Internet definition: A collector's purchase enhances or upgrades specific objects in his collection. A collector may own multiple collections ... The accumulator is an introvert, the collector an extrovert. The accumulator prefers a quiet approach.

A collector does have an accumulation, so they can be both. An accumulator pays little attention to upgrading or enhancing, but rather buys whatever they feel like buying so cannot be a collector.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

As a self-proclaimed Accumulator, I can tell you that it’s never a question of WHICH gun you are going to buy..... It’s simply the NEXT gun you are going to buy.

An accumulator does not mind shooting his guns recognizing that is what they were made for. A collector rarely shoots his guns hoping a future sale will pay off the mortgage or send the kids to college. Accumulators have more fun and collectors heirs sell or shoot his guns...

Not to spoil a pointless thread, but accumulator isn‘t a customary term in English and this is an artificial dichotomy.

Proceed at will, it‘s a free country, but be aware you‘re just making up stuff.

I think Gary's statement is very much on target (excuse the pun).

I think I am both. I have a couple very specific collecting goals and I work at both of them on a fairly regular basis.

However, I also accumulate S&W revolvers that lie outside my collecting interests. Most of those are for shooting, but also just because I think they are cool to have and I find them interesting in the overall history of S&W revolvers.

I will say that I am more inclined to turn loose of guns I have "accumulated" than those that are part of my "collection." For example, I've given up a couple guns I liked because they weren't part of a collection in my safe but would fill a hole in another collector's focused project. I had a very nice .455 once that I loved shooting. But a fellow SWCA member needed it to fill a gap in his WWI collection. It now resides in his gun room.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Hey, I'm just commenting on what I've seen here.

Truth be told, I don't know where I fit. Some things I go looking for to fill an empty slot, others just because I think they're cool.

But I've never gone for an item unless it were sufficiently cool on its own. Never just to complete the set.

I guess I am both?
I collect various models of S&W along with Beretta and Winchester’s.
But on the other hand if I see something that tickles my fancy, I’ll buy it!
Now I do own a few handguns and rifles that are safe queens,,,never fired and gently handled. Most of the others though have been fired at one time or the other.
The ones that make to range the most though are the ones I carry on a regular basis!

I consider myself an accumulator with a S&W collection. I have close to 3 doz ranging from 1915 era to present. I am thrilled w each and every one that I own and can and do shoot them all. They’ve been the best I could find/afford at the time and wouldn’t part easily w any. The only 2 firearms I have that remain unfired are Colt SAA from the custom shop. They were specifically bought as investments. I don’t think majority of mine will decrease w the limited shooting I do w them. I do greatly enjoy the real collectors in this forum who have wonderful high-end collections and share them and their in-depth knowledge w all of us who frequent this Forum.

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Keith Davis
SWCA 3049

guess I accumulate guns...shoot most all of them, take care of them, enjoy them...then off to the next one! guess the "hunt" is better than the "kill", so to speak..sure hope gun values continue to go up

Parameterize?

What the heck is that?

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FBINA, 204th Session

I am both and thus justify obtaining twice as many.

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Scoundrel & Ne'er-Do-Well

"Verbing" nouns . . . Did you ever see the Calvin & Hobbes strip on this matter? It was hilarious.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Dude. I can give you fifteen minutes on anything, thirty with a couple hours notice . . .

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

I buy, sell, and trade to get guns that I desire. Nothing I have can really be called collectible in the sense it just sits in the safe and never gets shot. I do go after guns that I think will at least hold their value and possibly appreciate some even if I shoot them. For instance, I seek out P&R, or at least pre-MIM revolvers and avoid the lock like it’s the plague. I shoot mostly mild loads that I load myself and keep my guns clean. The ones I sell and trade, I generally get more out of than I have in them, but probably just enough to keep up with inflation.

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USS Brewton FF1086
SWCA#3597

I actively seek out pre Victory's, Victory's, post war M&P's and US military small arms so I consider myself a collector of these. If I get a chance to get a higher condition example of something that I already have I'll buy it and sell/trade the duplicate but otherwise nothing in this category gets sold.

I do buy others I put into the accumulation category for future trading toward a collectable or selling for a reasonable profit to put back into my firearms fund.

I can't give you an exact definition, but I can tell you that I have "accumulated" a "collection" over the past several decades...

... and I too shoot many of the guns in my collection of shooter grade guns.

With all that said, I like to consider myself an S&W "enthusiast" with a particular love for 357 Magnums, K-22s and engraved guns.

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Richard
Engraved S&W fan

Must be a official term since it is in the Google Dictionary:

ac·cu·mu·la·tor
/əˈkyo͞om(y)əˌlādər/
noun
noun: accumulator; plural noun: accumulators
1. a person or thing that accumulates something.
"he's a voracious accumulator of economic facts and data"

I am a collector and specialize in Pre-WWII K frames. I shoot all my collection, even my accumulation of Tip-Ups. A good case in point are the last two S&Ws I have purchased. First was a Model 1899, US Army one of one-thousand 38 Long Colt revolver. To date, I have shot two boxes of ammo through it, but I would definitely call this example as part of my collection. Will I shoot it more, for sure.

I also just added a gun to my accumulation, a Post-WWII K38 Combat Masterpiece. Will I shoot the heck out of it? Absolutely, but other than a more pronounced turn-line it will always look near new. Big difference between the two has nothing to do with shooting them, it has to do with the fact that I do not concentrate on post WWII guns but this one peaked my curiosity about how accurate the are, so does not fit my definition of a collection example. Now as for people who concentrate on Masterpiece revolvers, this one would be a great addition to any of those collections.

Attached Images

P1010004.jpg (132.4 KB, 57 views)

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Well, there is a line to cross.

But as Jake Spoon said:

"I never seen no line, Gus"

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Expect the unexpected

A Collector is somewhat organized, oriented and generally well informed on the items of interest.
Accumulators tend to strash around and move in different directions and purchase seemingly random items without warning or obvious rationale.
That’s why I’m a Gun Collector but a Knife Accumulator.

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

From many years of observation and many hours behind a gun counter, can attest that it's much easier to be a true 'collector' if you have no budget constraints. As in ~none~. Determining factor of 'I want this, check yes or no'.
I've seen it many times. It helps. A lot.

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Ret'd LEO
SWCA #2275

Boy! I hope the analogy stops there! Jake was about to be hung for being mixed up with horse thieves and murderers of innocent people.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

By my way of thinking- if you call yourself a collector then you better have some real doozies in your collection. I call myself an accumulator because I shoot all my guns and none are over $5000 in cost. When your start spending more than $5000 on a single gun- you are a collector.

"For instance, I seek out P&R..."

Why limit yourself to Magnums and rimfires?

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

If you are an investor/collector, hold on for the long run. You just can not call a broker and liquidate for a profit. Lots of fees in that path.
just buy what you like and can afford. Oh, and shoot it.

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

Taking the definitions from above, when I look in my safe it appears that I have accumulated a collection of several diverse collections.
(Or have I accumulated them???)

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Dean
SWCA #680 SWHF #446

I have around 180 guns of all types, so I must be a collector/accumulator. I specialize in lever Winchesters, 22 Winchesters, and a bunch of S&W's. Oh yeah, I also have Colts, High Standards, Rugers, Springfields, ETC,ETC, I have never collected to make a profit, although I have done quite well over the years. I learned my trade well, never bought junk guns, or the excuse types. I bought what I could afford. Still do.
I do not shoot my high $$ collectibles. I Ren wax them and put them in the safe. I am 76 years old and already have my guns doled out in a Living Trust.
Like some, I buy what I like. I have many shooters and tons of ammo. I like shooting my 22's best. Big Larry

This is my opinion and is based upon personal observations of those into antique clocks and watches for many years and more recently those of us into firearms.

The collector is cold, calculating and rationally based decision making in what they acquire.

The accumulator, your truly included, is one who goes forth with emotions and personal self satisfaction gathering.

By my definition, a collector has a specific theme to the items he collects (not necessarily just guns). For example, collecting all styles and calibers of Winchester Model 70 rifles. An accumulator, by contrast, doesn't necessarily have a particular theme, he just buys whatever strikes him as being interesting regardless. Many years ago I was the former (specifically US-made .32 and .380 pocket pistols and late 19th-early 20th century US-made regulator wall clocks - Ansonia, Gilbert, Ingraham, Seth Thomas, etc.), but have been for a long time much more the latter. I have some of about everything.

See post #24. That is the correct answer.

I started referring to myself as an accumulator many years ago specifically because I don’t have a single thrust or theme to the guns I obtain, except that they strike my fancy and I want them. Sometimes this leads to gathering up groups of guns that share some characteristic that attracts my attention, such as snub-nosed I-frames,but then I add a Baby Chief, so is this collecting or accumulating? I maintain it’s the latter. So I boldly embrace my accumulator status... that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

Froggie

I used to think I accumulated some things and collected others. If $5000 is the line in the sand for collecting then I've been wrong all along! (Waaaaaay wrong.)

Dale

"Like some, I buy what I like. I have many shooters and tons of ammo. I like shooting my 22's best."

So do I. As time marches on, I find myself shooting my .22 rifles and handguns more and more. Less noise, less recoil, less weight, and I don't have to reload for them.

I always thought a collector buys the highest grade specimens he can find in a narrowly focused area. That is, he is focused and disciplined. He is looking only for those pieces that fit his collection. A true collector with limited financial resources must be a very frustrated individual.

Whereas an accumulator is a more happy go lucky type. Today he sees a 1930s Brazilian Contract M1917 in good working order (albeit somewhat the worse for wear) and he buys it because he likes it. Next month, he sees a 1970s P&R M28-2, also a little beat up but that shoots just fine so he buys that too. He buys what he likes and likes what he buys.

I don't know if one is superior to the other. I hope they are both happy in their own way.

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You're shy a few manners.

I don't think it's that cut and dry of a topic.For what it's worth here's my observation .I keep hearing the term profit and investment on the collectors side.In the Art or Vase world that would be broker not a collector. Same applies to Swiss watches.Many people collect the latter three items when they are a new item to the market and care for them almost aging themfor decades.For the one that collects paintings he would have to also have the tripod that was used , the covering he received when he bought it on every painting to be considered a serious collector by Gun standards.A lot of members are reluctant to say they own a collection of guns because it might offend a serious collector?? I know of one past member here that started buying his first ever revolvers. He bought droves of Smith & Wesson with part of his retirement plan.He bought nice complete packages for top dollars at the auctions.Would he be more a collector then some of the older guys here who have cared for and shot such fine weapons that I see posted here.

Well, if a "collection" has to have a theme, my "theme" is that my collection has to be older than I am.
(This allows me to accumulate all sorts of stuff...)

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Dean
SWCA #680 SWHF #446

A Collector is someone who collects (guns) with purpose towards a goal and within guidelines of where they want their collection to go. An Accumulator is someone who accumulates guns but has little guidelines, purpose or goals. I used to be an Accumulator, then I evolved to be a Collector , now I'm an Accumulator of Collections........ I think... Wait, maybe a Collector of Accumulations....

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Dave

I tried being a "collector" a number of years ago. My "theme" or goal was to have at least one example of every chambering S&W ever made a revolver in. (Condition wasn't really all that important.) I did pretty well until I ran up against the .44 Henry RF, the 38-40, a couple of obscure British chamberings, plus a few others I can't currently recall.). (I seem to remember that there were about 5 guns I needed and there was no way I was going to afford them.)

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Dean
SWCA #680 SWHF #446

I have come to the realization that I am a hoarder. If I see a gun for sale, and I want it (and I have the disposable cash), I buy it. I almost never sell or trade. There is no rhyme or reason, other than "I want that". I know, it's a sickness.

There are many like you.... we see things we like and we buy them... we just need to accept that we can’t buy them all... it’s just the way it is....

Accumulators and collectors are the same thing.
Some people are just a lot more disciplined than others in their approach and execution.
I collect guns. Two main themes. S&W revolvers and shotguns, primarily double guns. I only have one safe queen and it is a Smith. It would be gone tonight if someone wanted to do some horse trading for a nice double barrel shotgun.
I accumulate to add to my collection some days and on others I collect to add to my accumulation.

This started out being one of the more delightful threads on the topic, then it reverted to the same old rhetoric.

No clear-cut definitions apply. You are what you call yourself. I don't have to fit somebody else's parameters.

I don't color inside the lines. Never have. Don't plan to start.

There's an old term know as pigeon holing, where each pigeon only goes into its own hole when it returns home. I don't have a pigeon hole; I like a different roost each time I come home.

I have a nice bunch of Chiefs Specials. I don't call them my collection or my accumulation. I simply have 'em, and I'll get some more! I'll never have one of each known specimen. That's not my goal. I'm not sure I have a goal.

The hunt drives me, ever searching for the next one, not caring which one it might be. I guess I'm like the kitty whose owner takes it to Petco -- each isle has something that makes me say, "Oooh, shiny."

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

Some top breaks, some I frames, J frames, K frames, some L frames, some N frames, an X Frame. 22s, 22 hot rods, 32s, 38, 357, a 41, some 44s and 45s. Bunch of them modified.

An accumulation. No real focus.

I tend to accumulate my collections. I have several collections. The S&W collection, the WW I and WW II military collection, the old West collection, the post WWII/Cold War collection, the ex police firearm collection, and there are a few others. I buy firearms that I like and interest me and that I like to shoot, and maybe from a time period from the past.

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Life NRA, Life TSRA, C&R FFL

I guess it's like the difference between a drunk and an alcoholic. I've been told that it's just that drunks don't like to go to meetings. Maybe it is a distinction without a difference, but if it helps us understand who we are and why we do what we do, so be it. And of course I still claim accumulator status and will cling to it along with my guns (and Bible!)

Froggie

Ladies and gentlemen, we have the winner right here.

I think the difference between a collector and an accumulator could be defined in many ways:
1) one gun safe vs. 6 gun safes
2) someone who NEVER sells or shoots vs. shoots'em all and sells when he wants to keep from losing control :-)
3) one who can open his storage compartment and see everything he has
Finally, gives us all the opportunity to enjoy reading stuff and speculate on who is the happy collector/acumulator vs. who is the angry one... MERRY CHRISTMAS ALL,
J.