A rambling question about collecting

[H Richard]

I have been "accumulating" guns, mostly S&W, for nearly 40 years. I had seldom sold one, maybe traded one for an upgrade. A couple years ago I decided to start moving out a few from time to time to reduce my wife's problems should something happen to me. A few are designated in my will. A very recent significant health issue has prompted me to accelerate the cleaning out. I look in my vault, and I see many many that I haven't used, or even handled in a long time. I'm starting with them. I plan to put at least a dozen in a local gun auction next month, and have a "younger" collector friend coming over soon to look over a few. It will still leave me with more than enough to take several years to get it down to a level of "Using only" guns, and some of my nice antiques may hang on longer. I'm trying to consider my wife and children and relieve their problems with disposing of.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I have been "accumulating" guns, mostly S&W, for nearly 40 years. I had seldom sold one, maybe traded one for an upgrade. A couple years ago I decided to start moving out a few from time to time to reduce my wife's problems should something happen to me. A few are designated in my will. A very recent significant health issue has prompted me to accelerate the cleaning out. I look in my vault, and I see many many that I haven't used, or even handled in a long time. I'm starting with them. I plan to put at least a dozen in a local gun auction next month, and have a "younger" collector friend coming over soon to look over a few. It will still leave me with more than enough to take several years to get it down to a level of "Using only" guns, and some of my nice antiques may hang on longer. I'm trying to consider my wife and children and relieve their problems with disposing of.

My son "the Colt guy". Would probably liquidate and buy more Colts.

 

[chiefdave]

Some time back I decided to move some of my Victory and post war duplicates. For each one I've sold it seems 2 or 3 replace it. If it's pre 48 I can't help myself.

 

[Ashlander]

The word "collection" may not approriate, but rather an accumulation. I too have a lot of guns I had wanted but never shoot. I sold some to folks who were willing to pay me a lot more than I had paid. Others I sold break-even or even at a some loss just because I didn't see them appreciating in the future.

So which will I keep? The ones I shoot and the ones that would demand a price so low as to be giving them away. If all hell breaks loose, I'll pass those out to the neighbors.

 

[44wheelman]

I bought a motorcycle earlier, haven't touched a gun since.

My shooting/accumulating has taken a break, and have thoughts about scaling back, but it passes.

 

[double-dipper]

I collect firearms because they make me happy. I shoot everything I own except one un-fired Winchester 94 from way back. I too go through fazes (maybe six months) where I will only shoot handguns then my interest changes to lever guns, shotguns, AR's, bolt action, revolvers or pistols. I would never sell any of them. when I pass the Grandsons will get their pick and the rest sold at auction.

 

[glengarry]

M ex

Mex. I live in another land far away. Its the chase mate, the chase get em into your system and when you have had enough of them sell. But keep getting em

 

[03hemi]

NEVER SELL A FIREARM.

 

[loknload]

I have only sold 3 of the guns from my collection, I'm collecting since I'm 18 and I'm now 65 so I do have a few!
Two I sold in my younger days due to needing the money, the last one I sold I sold to someone in the need with not a lot of money at the time. It was a whim purchase and I really didn't need it for the collection. I regret selling the first two though, they were keepers.
I get bored with them at times and don't bother with them but I always know that they are there. I do have more interaction with what I carry though. I do enjoy knowing what I have.
I have not purchased any now in a long time.
All in all yes I still enjoy what I have but the day will come where I will start sell some off.

 

[chiefdave]

I bought a motorcycle earlier, haven't touched a gun since.

My shooting/accumulating has taken a break, and have thoughts about scaling back, but it passes.

Add a sidecar. Plenty of room for guns and range gear or ride to a gun show with ample space to carry home your purchases.

 

[crazyphil]

At the apex I only had a couple dozen handguns. Got to thinking like you
are thinking about 5 or 6 years ago. Sold some & gifted some. Now I'm
down to about a dozen. Mostly S&W revolvers, but a couple of Colts.
I'm more of a holster collector than gun collector, so I'll keep what I have
now to model my holsters.

 

[Mexican Kerry]

My wife has been telling me for the last couple years that I'm in midlife crisis mode. I would like to think I'm more like a squirrel with a short memory (and have always been like that).

I might just need to rein myself in and remind myself that life is good, I have what I need, and I need to take the time to enjoy what I do have.

I have guns to choose from if I want to go shooting and can satisfy pretty much any sport/discipline I would be interested in, I have an ornery old car if that itch needs to get scratched, and I have a motorcycle to ride if I feel the need to scare myself to death.

Just feeling unsettled lately. Appreciate all the comments and thoughts.