What's an accumulator vs. a collector?

[Laketime]

@mm93 ...Finaley a collector has spoken on this topic.In the six years I have been a member of this board,I have never witnessed any collector tell any one member that their gun collection is a mere accumulation of sorts. And you must be a collector to own a gun collection.Instead I hear countless members almost apologetically pointing out saying it’s just my accumulation.One members so called accumulation had a registered magnum in it.Bottom line is this... If you purposefully buy more than a few guns that you have always wanted to own ,and either make them a safe queen or well maintained but used. You have a GUN COLLECTION.

 

[delcrossv]

I find it interesting how many of you feel that a 'collector' does not shoot the guns in his collection.

I collect a LOT of different things, but one of my rules is that if I can't use it, I either don't acquire it, or I get rid of it as quickly as possible. Obviously that rule wouldn't apply to stamps or coins

Can I become a collector of 'excellent' quality 1950's .357 magnums that I shoot every now and then and keep well-preserved? I don't see any reason for my collection to maintain 100% of its value, but obviously acquiring a NM or NIB gun would be stupid as I would crush its value the day I received it.

That's me. I try to buy "minty" guns, but having a NIB and hanging onto it without ever using it just doesn't click for me.

Great condition is a plus as I can shoot it and maintain it, but for me keeping a piece never fired isn't why I buy a piece.

I tend to get one of a type, and if I like it look for similar items, so sort of "collecting. For example, got a 940 and then got a 547. Got a 329 PD then got a 342pd then a 325pd, then one of the older 327pds etc.
Collecting? Accumulating? Dunno, but I am having fun!

 

[03hemi]

You either have "gun collection" or
a "collection of guns."

 

[samnev]

I am a accumulator of collections. I can group all my accumulations into small collection niches. I buy what I love at the moment and occasionally I have a small collection that has accumulated and buy a gun or 2 to fill that micro collection. But at heart I just love guns and history and the hunt for anything cool and amazing.

I guess that pretty much describes me. I have mini collection from many countries as long as the firearms fire metallic cartridges, My 2 favorites are US and Swiss firearms. But condition must be VG+ or better and unless it's a very rare gun must have matching numbers.

 

[bigggbbruce]

Hmmm..

Gun Collection

Gun accumulation

I choose collection..

I accumulate gun accessories.

 

[bracebeemer]

I think that mbliss57 has nailed it for me anyways. I have accumulated many small to medium collections over a 50 year quest. I have collected many things over the years( stamps, coins, cameras,tubed stereo equipment, vinyl records, wine, art,fine bindings etc.) but guns and related objects ( holsters,gun literature, books ) has always been my main interest. I don’t consider myself an advanced collector ( someone who collects every variation of one model.) I love guns period! I love shotguns, rifles, and especially S&W’s and to a lesser extent,Colts. I’ve always tried to buy the finest examples that I could afford. I don’t shoot them. I’ve shot just about everything over the years but I would never shoot a 50,75,or 100 year old gun in brand new condition. Why would I ? I don’t know why the “shooters” can’t understand this. I derive immense pleasure for getting my guns out and reading about the history of them, marveling at the hand polishing, the incredible fit and finish and the history behind the gun derived from the factory letters. These guns are works of “machine art”. They will never be duplicated again. This type of craftsmanship will be lost in time. I guess I am a accumulator of collections with a strong interest in the history of the firearm. I also like to shoot but at this stage in my life , I get more enjoyment from just admireing the beauty and craftsmanship of a bygone era. Bill

 

[kscharlie]

I have no clue why we make feeble attempts to put a label on everything. The implied connotation of accumulation vs collection almost becomes one of snobbery. (And I certainly mean no offense to anyone when I say that.) If I spend enough money and obtain the nicest "thing" in existence, I am a collector. If I only obtain one that has some dings and scratches, then I am merely an accumulator. I don't care for labels with implications.

IMO, a collector is a person who has a genuine love for the items he/she gathers unto him/herself. It matters not a whit if that item is museum quality or covered in scratches with most of the finish long gone. I admire those who collect beautiful, untouched works of art. After all, that's what guns are, works of art. I have no less admiration for those who love their "art" and collect those examples having less intrinsic value.

Anyone who has more than two guns has a collection. That is JMHO.

 

[runscott]

...but I would never shoot a 50,75,or 100 year old gun in brand new condition. Why would I ? I don’t know why the “shooters” can’t understand this.

I dont think it is that they can't understand it. If a 'shooter' was inclined to buy a new gun, they would shoot it. If they came across a valuable 100 year old new gun, whose value would be diminished by firing it, they would pass and buy a less expensive used version that they could shoot.

If I am or become a firearm collector, I will leave the valuable unfired versions for collectors such as yourself, understanding your collecting style and that it is different from mine. My examples will look great (to me) but will not have their value greatly diminished when I happily fire them.

 

[deadin]

I’ve always heard that if you have 3 or more items that can be defined as being related, you have a collection. Of course an item can be in more than one collection at the same time. Hence, a Collection of Collections.;
Just for drill I took a fast pass through my “accumulation” and came up with the following collections I currently have:


S&W’s – 15
S&W Hand Ejectors – 5
S&W Top-Breaks – 9
Colts – 8
Colt Revolvers – 5
Colt DA Revolvers - 3
Hartford Arms – 4
Hartford Arms M1925 .22 – 3
Hopkins & Allen – 3
Mauser – 5
Mauser Broomhandles – 3
Springfield – 3
Webley – 3
.22’s, all types - 17
.22 Semi-Auto pistols – 9
Single Shot pistols – 7
.22 Single Shot Pistols – 6
Percussion Rifles (original) -4
Military Handguns – 11
Military Rifles – 10
Plus another dozen or so that I couldn’t fit into the above categories.

I could probably find more sets if I worked on it, but this shows the idea of being a "Collector of Collections".


Maybe a better definition of an accumulator would be "A dissipated collector that has lost his direction"....

 

[TTSH]

Always interesting and funny when any "Accumulator vs. Collector" thread shows up!

For the record, I am a collector, even though I am dirt poor and the average value for all the guns in my collection is right around $500.00... hardly pricey or exotic.

But I'm not going to call myself an "accumulator" just because there aren't a whole bunch of very high dollar acquisitions in my collection. I take my collecting seriously, that despite my limited means and budget. I like what I like and I collect what I like. Lucky for me they don't have to be $5,000 and up treasures!

 

[44wheelman]

I like the theme or connection definition.... how the individual guns are related or not related should determine collection or accumulation. Not dollar value and condition.

I’m not gonna knock the Ruger 10-22 collector just because they are not nib or worth $5000 a piece, that’s just snobbery.

 

[rwsmith]

What a guns value means to others.....

...means absolutely nothing to me, once I own them.

 

[rwsmith]

That's awful.....

I guess it's like the difference between a drunk and an alcoholic. I've been told that it's just that drunks don't like to go to meetings. Maybe it is a distinction without a difference, but if it helps us understand who we are and why we do what we do, so be it. And of course I still claim accumulator status and will cling to it along with my guns (and Bible!)

Froggie

...but FUNNY!

 

[bigggbbruce]

If a 'shooter' was inclined to buy a new gun, they would shoot it. If they came across a valuable 100 year old new gun, whose value would be diminished by firing it, they would pass and buy a less expensive used version that they could shoot.

As a shooter, I would buy the valuable gun, and sell it then buy a shooter grade with the profit..

I prefer to collect free guns. My entire collection is paid for this way.

 

[RKmesa]

Shooter vs safe queen has been an easy fix for me... and a justification to buy more guns. I have a collection of shooter grade guns and a collection of safe queens. So within my 357 Magnum collection, I have a bunch of sub-collections. I had my shooter-grade, post-war N Frame 357 Magnum (Model 27 and pre-27) collection out today as I was teaching my son how to disassemble and reassemble a S&W revolver. A fun way to spend the afternoon.

Photos have been in short supply in this thread so here are a few outdoor evening sun iPhone pics - a lot of the silver in the photos is not reflection, it is the silvering of some well-used, fine shooting revolvers that have a well-earned, experienced beauty all their own... a beauty that my safe-queen collection would take years, probably even decades to obtain...

Six different barrel lengths together. From top to bottom they are: 1) 8.375" (pre-27), 2) 6.5" (early 27-2), 3) 6" (pre-27 with scope), 4) 5.5" model marked 27 that in its history someone cut to 5.5", 5) 5" (27-2 that had a bunch of rust and pitting on the frame under the grips that I started to sand out), and 6) a 3.5" pre-27. Most of them have had Nelson Ford action jobs, are as smooth as silk and a delight to shoot:



Closer-ups:





So, I am loudly in the camp that collectors can collect any quality level of guns that they want - and enjoy the heck out of them however they want. ... And I do think themes are fun.

In the S&W Collectors' Association I have met several collectors who have very few guns and focus their collecting efforts on the paperwork associated with Smith and Wesson. I would encourage those who have an interest in Smiths to join the collectors association, it is a friendly and fun group of enthusiasts.

 

[Bumpus13]

There are TWO clear, undeniable differences between accumulator and collector.






















1. Spelling
2. Pronounciation

 

[delcrossv]

So within my 357 Magnum collection, I have a bunch of sub-collections. I had my shooter-grade, post-war N Frame 357 Magnum (Model 27 and pre-27) collection out today as I was teaching my son how to disassemble and reassemble a S&W revolver. A fun way to spend the afternoon.

Those are some of the nicest "shooters" I've seen.

I really do need to get my SWCA application in because:

I accumulate firearms but ,

I collect 5 screw S&W revolvers.

 

[jmace57]

I think of it like dogs.

Some people have the pure-bred, show quality dogs...

I have the ones I get from the no-kill shelter...

 

[EarlB]

I am neither...they are all mine...some of you guys just get to be custodians of what is rightfully mine...oh and I want my registered magnums back!

 

[Bumpus13]

Also, Richard is correct. There are nowhere near enough pictures in this thread.

Soooooooooo, with that in mind ...

Here’s most of my S&W revolver collection
(M13-4 is on the way to FFL)