Collector or Accumulator?

[BCDWYO]

Reading another thread I saw a comment that made me wonder, what is the defining difference between these two terms? The post said something to the effect that if you do not concentrate on a specific era or type of firearm to focus your collection, you are an "just" an accumulator and not a collector. Seems like kind of a vague distinction to me. I personally have various frame sizes, various eras (though mostly 60s-80s), various calibers, and various levels of condition (though mostly in the 95%, "nice shooter" range). And with one exception (my Model 520 NYSP) I've shot every piece in my accumulation.

So does this mean I'm not a collector? Obviously I don't really care how others might define me, but I'm interested in what you all consider to be the essential difference between a "collector" and an "accumulator".
Brad

 

[xray97]

I've seen this topic a few times since I joined the forum. If memory serves me my view is normally in the minority. Like you I don't lay awake at night due to how others would label or define me but ,to be honest, I think it's presumptuous for someone else to define my hobby.
In my mind I am a collector. Small scale to be sure, but still a collector. I like S&W revolvers, I seek to buy those I like, and I keep those I buy. I tell people I collect S&W revolvers, I am a member of the S&W Collectors Assn., I spend time on the S&W Forum, etc. My accumalation of S&W's may not be highly defined or refined but neither am I. I prefer (usually) K and N frames but there is nothing to say an I, J, or L frame won't someday strike my fancy and end up in my "collection".
I'm a collector but others may see it otherwise.

 

[RightArm]

You're a collector if you consider yourself a collector. I don't think anyone owns a patent on the definition of the word as it pertains to guns.

 

[wbraswell]

I'm in the same boat. There are just so many S&Ws that have been made for so long, that I've never been able to just focus on one model or variation. I try to gain knowledge as much as I can, so maybe someday I'll know enough to focus in on just one type of gun. Probably would be an N frame....but there are some sweet old Ks.....then those old I frames really tickle my.........heck, just forget it. I'll just buy whatever strikes me just right.

Wait, I got it. Since I'm not into the break open models, or the autos, I'm a Hand Ejectollector!

 

[ladyT]

So many great guns.
So little time to find and enjoy them.

 

[pawncop]

I am an accumulator. In my mind a collector will focus on XXX - brand, caliber, style, model, etc, etc, etc.

I enjoy quality firearms, regardless of brand, caliber, style, model, etc, etc, etc.

The key element is does the gun call my name? If not, I will find the one that does.

As was stated earlier, the definition is truly moot, if an individual sees themself as a collector, I will not disagree.

It is not an important issue compared to the true issue that requires intense discussion - say like charcoal vs. gas.

 

[fat tom]

Since I'm not into the break open models, or the autos, I'm a Hand Ejectollector!

Thanks for the help. I guess I'm an accumullector!
f.t.

 

[DGT]

To me it is really simple. If you are into only one type of gun, you're a collector of that type of gun. For instance, if you buy only K-22s, you're a K-22 collector. If you buy only revolvers, you're a revolver collector and if you buy a wide variety of guns, you are a gun collector. All collectors are accumulators.

 

[DeathGrip]

Thanks for the help. I guess I'm an accumullector!
f.t.

Good one f.t.

I don't have many guns so I try to get what I really want or see a need for.

S&W leads the way for some odd reason that I can't understand.

 

[A10]

So I guess I accumulate collectables???

 

[Arik]

Couldnt you just be a Firearms Collector? You collect guns! Not caliber or type...just guns! Thats me

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

 

[BCDWYO]

To me it is really simple. If you are into only one type of gun, you're a collector of that type of gun. For instance, if you buy only K-22s, you're a K-22 collector. If you buy only revolvers, you're a revolver collector and if you buy a wide variety of guns, you are a gun collector. All collectors are accumulators.

I think that is a good answer DGT...So I'm a collector of a wide variety of S&W revolvers....and boy they DO accumulate!

 

[TIMETRIPPER]

I've accumulated a collection. Other than being mostly S&W revolvers, it's a nonspecific, very eclectic collection of hand ejectors and break top guns. I have an S&W made in every decade from 1880 to 1990 with the possible exception of the 1930s. It just happened that way. DA, Safety Hammerless, Perfected... 3, 4, and 5 screws in I, J , K and N frames and in all different calibers... I like the different mechanics of them all. Would really love to have a Triple Lock in 44 Special. That's one of the great things about collecting, you can accumulate anything your heart desires, so long as your wallet can bear it!
John

 

[mtelkhntr]

I must be an accumulator with group tendancies.

Someone tell me if that doesn't makes sense. If no one else understands then I need to start my meds again.

 

[kcode]

According to my wife, I do not fall into either category.

She just calls me a dang pack rat, some other names also not suitable to print.

 

[RenoGuy]

I don't "collect" any specific calibre, type or brand (although I am partial to S&W).

I don't "collect" rifles.

I have everything from a S&W 1911 E to a couple of Savage 1907's, an 1895 Nagant revolver and a TT-33 semi-auto, among others.

I buy what strikes me and keep what I like. I thoroughly enjoy learning the history behind the gun.

But, according to the state of Maryland, at least, that makes me a collector. It even said so on the letter I got for my "Collector's License"

So, I guess that settles that

 

[feralmerril]

Do you pass out white gloves? = A discriminateing collector.
Do you buy guns with extra holes a few rust spots and pits? = A redneck accumilator.
I never considered what I was. I just bought what turned me on if it was cheap enough and I had the money.

 

[Marshwheeling]

Around here, I'm starting to hear "hoarder" a little more than I am comfortable with.

 

[mwtdvm]

I thought I was a collector

because I thought I knew all about what I was collecting... Sigh, I have found so many holes in my "knowledge base" (it looks worse than Swiss Cheese) by just hanging around here and reading posts that I KNOW I am an Accumulator but maybe some day I will know enough to be a Collector.

 

[HPaugh]

I am in the process of accumulating my collection,whatever I see and like I buy and add it to my accumulation to build my collection.