Amp
Member
When you have several yet to be fired guns and add to the collection.
PS - I didn't mean for this to happen.
PS - I didn't mean for this to happen.
What makes you a "collector"?
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I don't think it is the number of items you have, the price, or rarity; but one's specific interest in the items. For me the fact that I would rather have one high condition item rather than three in lesser condition.
Collector or Accumulator
In my opinion a collector of anything is when someone gets through the OBSESSION phase and you are still interested in gathering information, purchasing and obtaining a product. The product (again IMHO) doesn't have to have collector value (as of yet) but it's something that interests you and you enjoy.
Collector- A person who collects things of a specific type, professionally or as a hobby.
This is one of a few definitions. I've collected sports memorabilia for years. Not any one thing or sport but a wide variety of items. I'm not sure I'm a collector of firearms or an accumulator but I'm more interested in older firearms. Most I've inherited (or will) as family heirlooms and some were the first firearms I received when I was younger. There is not a lot of monetary value in these but to me they are priceless.
In my opinion a collector of anything is when someone gets through the OBSESSION phase and you are still interested in gathering information, purchasing and obtaining a product. The product (again IMHO) doesn't have to have collector value (as of yet) but it's something that interests you and you enjoy.
Collector- A person who collects things of a specific type, professionally or as a hobby.
This is one of a few definitions. I've collected sports memorabilia for years. Not any one thing or sport but a wide variety of items. I'm not sure I'm a collector of firearms or an accumulator but I'm more interested in older firearms. Most I've inherited (or will) as family heirlooms and some were the first firearms I received when I was younger. There is not a lot of monetary value in these but to me they are priceless.
It's just like stamp collecting. When you stop using them to mail letters and start putting them in books. 
I'm in the focus or special interest camp. Generally, I'm an accumulator, but within reason (or more accurately, within one safe.) My sig line captures the focus...but I stood in line two hours last week to buy an M&P PC ported 9mm Shield. Why? OTD with two extra mags under $500. Sometimes, the bargain is where you find it.
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MCorps0311
US Veteran
I'd say this person Tom K is a collector by all means!I think that you are a collector when you seek out individual guns with a theme in mind, as opposed to just buying whatever catches your fancy at any given moment. For instance, I am able to post this picture because I puposely sought out an 8-3/8" barrel blue revolver in each caliber that S&W offered them in:
From right to left:
M-17-4 .22LR
M-48-4 .22WMR
M-53-2 .22 Jet
M-14-4 .38 Special
M-27-2 .357 Magnum
M-29-3 .44 Magnum
M-25-9 .45 Colt
M-57-1 .41 Magnum (with scope)
Also
M-29-3 Silhouette 10-1/2"
Dan Wesson Model 15 with 15" barrel
This is just one example. As I say, I think the key to being a collector is having a theme, a common thread in mind.
The big joke around TTSH Manor is that I'm a "coin collector" because I have a Ball jar near the telephone into which I throw my loose change at the end of the day.It's just like stamp collecting. When you stop using them to mail letters and start putting them in books.
But then I have to take it out from time to time when I run out of folding money and there's no milk in the house for my tea! 
My good wife doesn't collect coins (or contribute to my coin jar) but she does collect stamps. Some of them hang around for years before I sneak up and grab one for a bill I have to pay when I run out of my own.
The point?
The difference between a stamp collector, a coin collector, a gun collector vs. simply a purchaser or user of the same is all in the eye of the beholder. Most folks know in their heart if they are a true collector... even if some folks, for whatever reason, don't like to admit it.
I agree. To limit the term "gun collector" solely to those folks with very deep pockets sounds a little biased to me.
You are on the right track. I personally prefer the term "theme" but "focus" is perfectly fine too.Have a blast!
But here is where some folks make their mistake: Not every gun in your possession needs to have a theme.
My guess is that up to 80 or 90 percent of the folks here who self-identify as "accumulators" are, in reality, gun collectors.
Explain "reverse sort of bias"??????????
I agree "Collectors" have a theme or focus to their "accumulation"...... and a lot of boxes!!!
My focus is IMHO a bit too broad to have the theme of a collection............
My Smith revolvers range from J,K,L,N frames with barrel lengths from 2-61/2"........1939 to pre-lock..... Blue stainless and one 637 exotic alloy that I can't recall ........ from .22 to .357 magnum
Mostly 3rd gen autos to carry and shoot.............IMO a "back up" to a carry gun is not a theme!
Along with some Berettas,Sigs and Brownings..... and a lone CZ
TTSH your last sentence rings true.......... there are more than a few guys out there with a lot of focus..... be it, all dash #s of model 10s; or all barrel lengths of Model 27s in nickle..... or even the guy who wants just all three pre Model Ks- in 22,32,38...... or is trying to accumulate every variation of Registered Magnums in the box..... in +98% condition w/ original certificate
. Those are what I would call collectors.........
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Accumulator is a descriptive term that isn't exclusive of 'collector.' A collector accumulates. To be a collector, the focus can be narrow or broad. Mine happens to be broad. Over 40 years ago, I noticed that S&W revolvers had certain attributes I admired. I liked the looks, the way they functioned, and the craftsmanship that went into them. And I liked how they shot. (The same goes for certain models of Colt revolvers.) It didn't matter if they were N, K, J, or I's, I found them interesting. (I have never owned an L or X frame.) I like variety, so my focus wasn't narrowed to certain models. Some on here will post photos of rows of nearly identical M19s or M27s that vary in some minor detail. Some care about cardboard boxes or whether the cheapie tools still in their plastic bags are there. Some care more about the condition of the finish on an individual example more than how well the gun was fitted, because they never intend to fire it so it doesn't matter. I will never criticize that because there is a place for it. But variety and function are far more interesting to me. So I have collected a slightly ridiculous number of S&W revolvers over the years in almost every caliber S&W has chambered for, most of which I still have. I have experimented with them, customized them, repaired them, hunted with and carried them, and shot the heck out of them. So I consider myself a 'collector' who has 'accumulated' a bunch of guns.
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A "reverse sort of bias" is simply bias pointed in the other direction!
My consistent contention...throughout this and past discussions on the subject... is that most members here who describe themselves as gun accumulators are, in reality, gun collectors. For whatever reason they might have, they choose not to use the term "collector" despite the fact that the typical man in the street, if able to observe the group of firearms in question, would no doubt say that it qualified as a gun collection 99 times out of 100!
And as everyone knows, a person who owns a gun collection is usually called a gun collector.
And yet if you laid them all out real pretty and brought in that proverbial "man-in-the-street" to take a look at your possessions, I'm still betting that he would term them a gun collection!
If observant enough, he might even term it a Smith & Wesson gun collection with a few other miscellaneous carry pistols thrown in for good measure. See how it works?
the ringo kid
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Ive slightly more than 10 in my so-called "collection." That said--IMO--my "collection" aint a "real" collection until I get in the ballpark figure of--say, 1,000 guns. Of my eh-HEM collection--I have doubles on only two--twin Rough Riders and near twin Auto-Ordnance 1911s. I buy when I can--which is maybe about 2-3 guns a year-depending on how expensive?
I'll throw in a few observations which might help you know if you are a gun collector or not. You only need one below to qualify!
I have more but I'll stop here.
You only need one below to qualify! - If your insurance agent faints when you try to insure your guns through your homeowner's policy, you're a collector.
- If your first, second and third safes are full and you are quickly running out of space in your fourth safe, you're a collector.
- If you have duplicates or triplicates (or worse) of a single model gun, you're a collector.
- If your gun boxes alone fill your entire gun room closet, you're a collector.
- If you use an Excel spreadsheet or database program to track what you own, you're a collector.
- If you hold an 03 FFL, you're absolutely a collector.
- If you have a gun acquisition budget and/or a "Want List", you're a collector.
- If Gunbroker is in your favorites and you visit it at least twice a week, you're a collector.
I have more but I'll stop here.
At what point does "hoarding" rear it's ugly head? (;-)
Bullzaye
US Veteran
I agree with the assessment of several here...namely, that an assortment of firearms (regardless of the quantity/condition/rarity or value) does not necessarily constitute a collection. Likewise, one may have a true "collection", even if those firearms are well-used, reasonably common, or not particularly valuable. I'm an "accumulator", rather than a collector...though some of my guns may indeed qualify as "collectibles". A "collection" becomes such through the central theme that draws them together as a set. Sure...that common theme could be "gun", in which case any of us who own more than 1 gun would qualify as a collector.
But, excluding that...I agree that some common theme, focus, or what-have-you is what turns an "assortment" of firearms into a "collection". I never describe myself as a collector, but as a gun enthusiast...though "accumulator" is a neat term!
Tim
But, excluding that...I agree that some common theme, focus, or what-have-you is what turns an "assortment" of firearms into a "collection". I never describe myself as a collector, but as a gun enthusiast...though "accumulator" is a neat term!
Tim
You are a collector if you know that "case coloring" is not something done by bored attorneys playing with crayons
I've got 10 specialty "gun books" within arms reach. Another 33 that are 4 steps away and lastly 8-9 beside my work bench. Probably qualifies me as "collector".
I've got about 7-8 sellers on GB I search at least 3-4 times a week. I know who "Jack the Dog" is. RIA takes my personal checks and ships before they clear. I've got one safe with just ammo. Probably qualifies as a "collector".
Victories? Yes, about a dozen. Colts? Yes, at least a dozen. Looking for a Navy model of obsolete guns instead of the more common Army version. Yes, of course.
Holster and belt varieties, cartridge and magazine pouches, sword hangers and lanyards? But of course. Collector, again.
Original period cartridge boxes and ammunition for each firearm... absolutely.
Yes, I probably qualify as collector.
I've got about 7-8 sellers on GB I search at least 3-4 times a week. I know who "Jack the Dog" is. RIA takes my personal checks and ships before they clear. I've got one safe with just ammo. Probably qualifies as a "collector".
Victories? Yes, about a dozen. Colts? Yes, at least a dozen. Looking for a Navy model of obsolete guns instead of the more common Army version. Yes, of course.
Holster and belt varieties, cartridge and magazine pouches, sword hangers and lanyards? But of course. Collector, again.
Original period cartridge boxes and ammunition for each firearm... absolutely.
Yes, I probably qualify as collector.
carpriver
US Veteran
I have 3 686's 4",3", 2 1/2, I like the stainless the look, the feel and the sound when to pull the hammer, I have 5 1911's 3 45acp 2 9mm. I like the 1911 frame the feel in my hand. a couple of colt 45 clones because I like cowboy guns, I buy guns that have an appeal to me, I have 2 Ruger Scout Rifles 5.56 and 308/7.62x51. I got a Henry 44mag Golden Boy because I like the brass receiver. I shot them all because a gun is supposed to be shot.
I call myself a accumulator.
I call myself a accumulator.
