Can't find any more guns I want to buy!

[Tabby Lynn]

My gun acquisition has slowed considerably. I've collected most of the guns I want (and/or am willing to pay for).

I have about 30 guns consisting of a few rifles, one shotgun, and a bunch of handguns. These are mostly prelock S&W revolvers representing a wide range of frame sizes, barrel lengths, and finishes. There's a handful of steel and polymers pistols. I've stayed conservative on calibers, owning only things in common calibers such as 38, 357, 9mm, 45ACP, 556, 22LR.

So here I am with this decent collection. Whenever I go to the LGS and see an interesting gun, I usually pass on the grounds that I have that base covered. Another limiting factor is that I'm something of a cheapskate with guns. That is to say, I'm not interested in owning expensive, collector grade guns. I get joy out of shooting my pieces At the range or outdoors. I'm not a hunter or into tactical cosplay.

It's a good place to be. Although I've been missing the fun of new acquisitions. Of course there is some suspense waiting for a wishlist item to appear for a decent price (a snub-nosed 29, 27).

Where are you in your gun collecting?

I don't know if you could call what I currently do as collecting. At one time I owned many different rifles, pistols and shotguns. Then one day I looked at these specimens of ancient and modern firepower and thought to myself , Why are you doing this? I can only shoot one at a time, and most are unsuitable for student training. I sold off everything but those that I liked or were useful for training students how to shoot. My collection now consists of several different .22 caliber target or competition grade pistols, both a 38 and 357 revolvers, a few different 9mm pistols, Kimber, S&W, Sig Sauer and a Colt Gold Cup National Match. As for shotguns I have gone from 12 down to one, a Remington 11- 87 3 inch that does everything I need it to do which incudes skeet, trap and hunting. I have several rifles all of different calibers starting out with a Tikka T1x .22 then moving on up to 308, 270, 6.8 Western, 30-06 and 338 Win Mag.

I worked in the gun department at Cabelas for many years. One day a guy came in with a Tikka T3 in 30-06 that he claimed could not hit the broad side of a barn if he was in it. Of course the Gun Library gave him 10 cents on the dollar because of his proclamation of accuracy issues. Curious because of Tikka's reputation of being tack drivers I bought the rifle at a discounted employee price, bought a box of Sig 165 gr 30-06 ammo, mounted a Vortex Diamonback 6 - 24 x 50 and proceeded to the range. At 50 yards during sighting in put the first 3 shots into the same hole. Moved to 100 yards and finished sighting it in and was shooting 0.4 moa groups

Since they I have a new hobby, buying rifles and seeing what it takes to get them to shoot sub moa out of the box. I use both factory, most often Federal as well as handloads. So far there have been only two out of a dozen that I could not get to shoot sub moa no matter what i did Both were Browning's. So for those of you that say that a particular rifle does not shoot, chances are you have not tried hard enough, I have also found that there is a factory round that all of the rifles liked and would shoot at 1 moa or less. (with the above-mentioned exceptions)

 

[38 Specialist]

I took a long break from collecting S&Ws. About 11 years. My son convinced me that buying the right guitars was a good investment. So, I did that. Now I have a crapload of guitars.

I've switched back to S&W collecting.

Im the original poster. I've been into guitar gear much longer than guns. But I've REALLY cooled it on that front. I play professionally and I've found what I consider the best guitars available (James Tyler). The search has been over and done for several years.

 

[blackdeuce]

Im the original poster. I've been into guitar gear much longer than guns. But I've REALLY cooled it on that front. I play professionally and I've found what I consider the best guitars available (James Tyler). The search has been over and done for several years.

My son was majorly involved in playing and recording music. Very into guitars, amps, etc. Then covid hit and venues closed. The band members lost interest. Now, with kids and a difficult job, he has no time to play. Maybe some day...

 

[Valmet]

Always something I’ve wished for but never a problem I’ve encountered OP . As soon as I tell myself “I’m done for awhile” something else pops up.

 

[Golddollar]

There is nothing else I really want but when a good deal comes by I'll get it, even if I already have several of them.

There is nothing to say I wouldn't do the same thing, even as I am contemplating putting a bunch of guns through the auction house. I already had 3 Model 41s when just for the heck of it I walked into a gun shop that I had been driving by repeatedly on my way to somewhere else. There was a Model 41 set up for optical sights that the shop made me a deal for I couldn't refuse. Wouldn't you know that the next week the bolt pin broke in the Model 41 I was using as my primary bullseye gun, causing the firing pin and firing pin spring to fall out?

 

[alwslate]

Only 30 guns total, rifles shotguns and handguns? How do you get by with so few?

 

[ONEKYGUY]

My gun acquisition has slowed considerably. I've collected most of the guns I want (and/or am willing to pay for).

I have about 30 guns consisting of a few rifles, one shotgun, and a bunch of handguns. These are mostly prelock S&W revolvers representing a wide range of frame sizes, barrel lengths, and finishes. There's a handful of steel and polymers pistols. I've stayed conservative on calibers, owning only things in common calibers such as 38, 357, 9mm, 45ACP, 556, 22LR.

So here I am with this decent collection. Whenever I go to the LGS and see an interesting gun, I usually pass on the grounds that I have that base covered. Another limiting factor is that I'm something of a cheapskate with guns. That is to say, I'm not interested in owning expensive, collector grade guns. I get joy out of shooting my pieces At the range or outdoors. I'm not a hunter or into tactical cosplay.

It's a good place to be. Although I've been missing the fun of new acquisitions. Of course there is some suspense waiting for a wishlist item to appear for a decent price (a snub-nosed 29, 27).

Where are you in your gun collecting?

Never too many, just like 'em. Last Smith I bought was an EZ 9mm no safety for my wife. I was picking up a AK 7.62 pistol. Walked out with that, a Glock 26 and a Winchester 1873. Don't have the pictures, but wanted a cowboy rig. Guy I work for is a retired veteran and is doing real good leather work. He made me a beautiful holster to carry a Pieatta 1873 45 lc with 24 cartridge spaces, the Winchester was to match and it is 45 LC and he made me a woven scabbard to match the holster. Then he got fancier and did another holster for a Ruger Blackhawk 6 inch 44 magnum and I have a 4 inch same gun that fits nice also. Might go Henry or something in the 44 to match.

As to my preferences right now I am partial to AR and AK pistols and have them in 300, 7.62 and 556. Really like the Baretta in 9 mm compact, like to have a 32 acp and be Bond, James Bond. Would love to have a 308 pistol and the new M1 to be my heavy with a nice scope. I have a WWII model, but am redoing parts and then will see what it can do. Would like to have anything Israeli Galil and they are starting to be found again. Of course all of this means I have to work, always a catch.

 

[ladder13]

Only 30 guns total, rifles shotguns and handguns? How do you get by with so few?

I got by with about a half dozen handguns until joining this forum -20 years ago.

 

[mike4sigs]

Right there with a lot of you.
I am thinking of downsizing to just the ones i use.
talked to with a lawyer about our wills and leaving them for my 2 year (Today) grandson if he is not of age sounds like a pain.

 

[venomballistics]

sounds a little like my situation.
I see a lot of iron I might find interesting for one reason or another but ..... in some way shape or form, I need to justify it on some utilitarian level. Sure, I joke about what caliber are you using for the Easter egg hunt to encourage new guns in spring. really it needs some purpose.
I have plenty of range toys in 9mm, 5.56 and 22 to cover most every outing. and that was the easiest category to use to add one to the safe. from there, it gets harder. I have something to plug a slug into any critter id ever want to hunt or need to dispatch.
If I can't settle a dispute with what I have, I need to call in an air strike

 

[quikdraw67]

I thinned it down the last few years. I have no one to pass them on to.

I did pick up a Tisas M1911A1 US Army ASF (the copy of the 1943 Remington Rand), That was worth it.

I'd really be hard pressed to say I want anything new. I think, at some point, I'd like a late 80's - early 90's Corvette as a toy. TBH, I really don't shoot that much anymore, and a lot of the stuff I have are unfired safe queens. I would be willing to sell off stuff to pay for a Vette.

Yes, I know, cars depreciate. But it's been a thought that's been growing stronger lately.

 

[kraynky]

I have all I want and more than I need, is were my collecting is at this time.

Me too, exactly! I don't need any more guns and I'm through looking at "For Sale" adds........ oh, would you look at that! I wonder if I placed a bid if ........

 

[22hipower]

I'm trying not to buy anything not S&W or of which I already have one, that said I bought another Walther licensed Manurhin Sport 22 with eight inch barrel last week. They rarely appear, where I shop anyway. Didn't remember I already had one, was thinking it was a four inch, now I still need a four inch.

I've been selling a few on consignment and to friends and while the pile should be getting smaller that doesn't seem to be happening. There's always something popping up, Friday it was a 5 inch M41 Field barrel. I've been interested in having one for years but never found one at the right price. . . .until last week.

Engraved guns are another issue as no two are exactly alike. It doesn't matter how many you have, there's always another one, different from what you have, that isn't easy to resist if it is "speaking" to you, and in some cases yelling at you.

I'll continue to try to whittle down the total but worst case my son and grandsons can sort it all out at some point. Trading old pieces of iron for stacks of Benjamins shouldn't be too much of a hardship for them.

 

[Retired W4]

A while ago I caught the K-frame 32 bug. 5 screw K32 Masterpiece, M16 NDs, 32 M&P, etc. It's a fairly expensive addiction.

 

[zeke]

Started to slowly release some this year (pistol caliber levers), but traveled bout 70 miles round trip this morn to check out a "Son of Sam" special. Would have bought it on the spot, but the cylinder was not put back together correctly, and appeared not to have the extractor spring installed. Looked like it only got fired a couple of times, and came with nice period holster. It was on commission, but not a negotiable price. Tried to get it cheaper, but they said they would have it fixed. It is an early Bridgeport model.

 

[dsf]

Started to slowly release some this year (pistol caliber levers), but traveled bout 70 miles round trip this morn to check out a "Son of Sam" special. Would have bought it on the spot, but the cylinder was not put back together correctly, and appeared not to have the extractor spring installed. Looked like it only got fired a couple of times, and came with nice period holster. It was on commission, but not a negotiable price. Tried to get it cheaper, but they said they would have it fixed. It is an early Bridgeport model.

Kind of interesting the Charter and PPk/s were just mentioned.

Hard to believe, but being in CA for +30 years I've seen more S&W Model 520s than Charter 44s. I happened upon this one same day as the Smith 696 above -



The ejector assembly is a pain, along with the cylinder release.

I happened upon this Manurhin PPk/s 380 after almost passing because I thought the finish was aftermarket. However it's the factory version of hard chrome - Durguard IIRC.



There's always something different out there to chase. Guns are why I stopped making fun of women buying "too many shoes".

 

[Tabby Lynn]

There is nothing to say I wouldn't do the same thing, even as I am contemplating putting a bunch of guns through the auction house. I already had 3 Model 41s when just for the heck of it I walked into a gun shop that I had been driving by repeatedly on my way to somewhere else. There was a Model 41 set up for optical sights that the shop made me a deal for I couldn't refuse. Wouldn't you know that the next week the bolt pin broke in the Model 41 I was using as my primary bullseye gun, causing the firing pin and firing pin spring to fall out?

And that is why one should replace springs on a scheduled basis.

 

[zeke]

Kind of interesting the Charter and PPk/s were just mentioned.

Hard to believe, but being in CA for +30 years I've seen more S&W Model 520s than Charter 44s. I happened upon this one same day as the Smith 696 above -

View attachment 766147

The ejector assembly is a pain, along with the cylinder release.



There's always something different out there to chase. Guns are why I stopped making fun of women buying "too many shoes".

This is the first older 44 bulldog i have ever actually seen, serial # mid 200,000. They didn't clean it up before taking picture for their website. After an internet search, likely the ejector assembly missing small piece or not put back together using the "trick" to lock in. Am another fan of the 44 snubbies, and the price is right if they get it fixed.

 

[lkabug]

If you need something to spend your money, may I suggest you buy a boat?

BOAT...a hole in the water in which one pours money.

 

[Tabby Lynn]

If you need something to spend your money, may I suggest you buy a boat?

If you think firearms are bad, buy a boat and see how much it's gonna cost to keep it afloat. You can literally buy dozens of firearms, thousands of bullets, many pounds of powder, as well as thousands of primers for the cost of the acquisition of one boat, as well as the insurance, storage and upkeep. Boats are literally a hole in the water that you pour copious amounts of money. I speak from many different boat ownerships from 12 foot dingies, to 25 foot cabin cruisers. The cost of a custom rifle is the down payment on most boats these days.