collector or accumulator ??? fun question

[TTSH]

Enthusiastic Accumulator

I continue to find "good deals" (at least in my mind) that I want to own. How else do you explain 18 S&W 357 magnums, 15 1911 semi-autos in 45 ACP (three are Colt Gold Cups) or 9 S&W 44 magnums?

Not to pick on you personally... ... but here is a perfect example of a gun collector who prefers to be called an accumulator despite three very clear themes and a large number of multiples for each.

Is it me? Or it the term "gun collector" something to be shunned or considered "non-PC" even right here on an S&W forum? I just don't get it.

 

[diegobxr]

Interesting subject.

I like almost all guns and I'm always looking at gun ads, aware of any good deals that may come up. Also, all the guns I have, they are for shooting. That makes me an accumulator.

However, lately, I actually made a list of the guns I truly want. I'm selling the ones that did not make the list, and try not to get tempted to buy things outside of that list.

My "collection" is S&W hand-ejectors. The "classics", pre-lock, focusing on K frames.

S&W revolvers: 10, 64, 12, 13, 65, 14, 17, 19, 66, Pre-10, 36, 32, 586, 686, 27, 29.

Then, there are guns that don't fit the "collection" but I still want to have. I tried to put just one per category:

9mm pistols: Browning Hi-Power
.45 ACP pistols: WWII 1911A1 (Colt, Ithaca, Remington Rand, US & S) - Singer almost impossible to get
12 GA combat shotgun:Ithaca 37 DS Police Special
Bolt action centerfire rifle: Mauser 98

I guess I'm an accumulator, but being OCD, I still need some type of "order".

 

[IWK2HT]

I shoot all mine so l guess I'm an accumulator
I'd like to be a collector but it's hard not to shoot what you got.

 

[loeman]

IMHO, collectors usually have goals or agendas that guide their acquisitions. They could be very simple, like only guns that meet a certain condition requirement or all the variations of a particular model or frame size. Well, I have no goals and i buy whatever strikes my fancy that I find in my LGSs and pawn shops (if the price is fair). So, I guess that makes me an accumulator. But with that being said, I'm an accumulator with a strong preference for S&W. Oops, maybe I really am a collector.

 

[TTSH]

But with that being said, I'm an accumulator with a strong preference for S&W. Oops, maybe I really am a collector.

Maybe?

I hope all you "accumulators" realize that outside the membership and the threads & posts of this forum, real folks out on the real world are going to term you a "gun collector" whether you like it or not. Once you own more guns than you can carry on your person at one time, even counting your backpack and two large pistol or rifle cases, you are a "gun collector"!

Sorry, but that's the word I get from other "real world" folks.

 

[wood714]

To add to I've been keeping my eye out a S&W revolver with extensive finish wear, but in otherwise good condition. So I can remove the remaining finish and have it parkertized. So all in all, I think I'm somewhere in the middle.

There is a person in my area selling a old 6" K22 with a lot of the blue wore off for $400, and a P&R nickle 4" 19 for $360. Saw another person with a pre lock 4"629 that was missing a side plate screw for I think $450.

 

[Laketime]

If you buy specific guns intentionally to add over the years,then you indeed have a gun collection. This however does not make you a collector.If you randomly buy any gun you come across in your travels,toss it into a pile,and not take the effort to keep them in pristine condition,then you have an accumulation of guns.I see too many members here post pictures of what they believe to be just an accumulation of nicely kept firearms,when in fact they have a nice gun collection.Not sure where this mentality originated from,but it seems more present here with this brand than other forums.

 

[SLT223]

Saw another person with a pre lock 4"629 that was missing a side plate screw for I think $450.

If that's all that's wrong, buy that right now!

 

[cmansguns]

Hello Forum;

I recall the 1960's and 1970's and "people" always asking "how many guns do you need", or why do you need another gun, what is wrong with the ones you have?" This last question usually coming at start of bird season and the person asking why my Savage in .22 Hornet won't get it and why I wanted to get an Ithaca m37, or Stevens SxS.

Some "people" are just never going to get it in our world of accumulating, collecting, shooting, enthusiastically enjoying what we like to do...be it hobby, obsession, or whatever.

I am actually enjoying this later phase of life when I can pretty much enjoy what I want to, with the blessing of the wife of 51 years, and personally......anyone can label or call me whatever they wish, as "it don't cut no mustard with me".

Have a great day SWCA members, collectors, accumulators...I'm with you all the way.

 

[at_liberty]

I "collect" guns to experience different brands/models but become an "accumulator" when reluctant to move on from guns I no longer shoot.

Part of what stops me is the thought of idling holsters and reloading gear, as if no longer having an example of a cartridge is somehow unthinkable.

 

[wood714]

If that's all that's wrong, buy that right now!

Just checked...the 629 and K22 sold. The 44 must have sold hours after it was listed.

 

[BAM-BAM]

LOL..... great thread!

Loved.......1-1917's post




I've been here for at least 15 years (12 at this address)..........I've learned soooo much, that maybe my accumulation ................ has turned into a collection.

I have a 'minty" 98% Registered Magnum and a few others only because of what other members here taught me. I have a 4" Model 27-2 and two Model 66s with stainless sights only because of the knowledge members here shared......



That said; there are some guys here that have great collections..... vs my small accumulation.

I'm a frugal man of Scottish decent....... my $ limit is ever so slightly higher than TTSH's....... I'm glad I did most of my accumulating in the 90s and early years of the 21 century......as I don't think I could bring myself to accumulate my collection(s) at today's prices.

If I have collection(s) of types or models it's because I bought the first one to shoot/carry......... and the opportunity and good fortune to be able to accumulate different barrel lengths, dash numbers; in both "salt and pepper" as I stumbled across them in LGS's.................. until I've got what some call a collection.

So I have a collection of one Registered Magnum........ unless I get lucky again.

A couple of N-frame's

six of one, half a dozen of L frames.....

a bunch of 3rd Gen autos....... mostly 39ss and 69xx guns... but a few PC guns too......


a Baker's dozen or more of Model 19's and 66s.... 2 1/2,3 and 4 inch.

and a collection of a score, or more .357 magnums in J,K,L and N frames.


Call it what you will.......but I can tell you I didn't set out to accumulate a collection............. I blame it on you guys! That's my story and I'm sticking to it!!!!!!!

 

[hkcavalier]

Don't shoot them = collector. Only want pristine examples = collector.

With that said, I have a number of S&Ws I only own because of this forum. I enjoy shooting all of them so it's hardly a collection.

 

[Iggy]

I'm one step below an accumulator. I'm a hunter gatherer.

 

[BAM-BAM]

I'm a hunter gatherer.

Which......... there was a division of labor.................back in the day!!!





I'd say Hunter.......but then again I've seen many posts... by you,,,,, where the Mrs. is better with a gun!!!!

 

[44wheelman]

I accumulate collectible guns.

To me, accumulators are value driven, collectors are a bit on the obssessive side. Wether it's set completion, ( one of every variable, model, config....) or condition,(box, correct grips, accessories) , I'm just simply more motivated by getting a good deal, but only on interesting/ less common.

 

[BC38]

I'm definitely an accumulator.

All my guns are shooters - none above 90%-95% in condition.

I have no theme for what I buy - other than that it be something I can reload for - and once I acquire a new caliber I want to own at least two or three guns in that caliber to make it worth the effort to add it to my reloading bench.

In my purchasing decisions, value (the price vs. what it is worth) is secondary only to being one of the calibers I'm already reloading for.

I own examples of numerous brands - though nearly 40% of my total accumulation is S&W - and half of my handguns are S&W.

 

[DocB]

I've been a accumulator most of my life. When everything goes south, as in the WTSHIF, there are few things I would rather have than a ton of handguns. At the same time I have accumulated a whole lot of collector grade guns. . .Smiths first, Colts second, most of the others I don't want. I do draw the line around 90% condition; but, since grading is so subjective, who knows.

 

[Old Corp]

Good thread.....
I never considered the semantics of the terms that may define many of us.
We have 'accumulators', we have 'hoarders', and 'collectors'.

Let's not for a moment forget what we are to many outside the firearms community and especially the media - we're 'owners of an arsenal'.

 

[Glashaus]

One man's collection can be an accumulation to another and one man's accumulation can be another man's collection. One thing that makes this hobby so interesting is the variety of what we can get into, I just need to step away from the auctions, too many things to pick up.