The reason for me starting this thread is that i was at a " social, charity gathering" for work. I started to talk to the owner of the house where the gathering was at. One thing lead to another and we started talking guns. He stated and i quote " I have so many firearms including NFA registered that the ATF doesnt know if they should label me a threat or not". Then started to go tell me a story of which the ATF had actually searched his house because he has purchased so firearms in the last 5 years. I guess i had the look of disbelief on my face, because he then shows me an entire office filled wall to wall with firearms. Im talking easily 300-350 firearms. So it brings me to my post title " WHEN DO YOU OWN TO MANY GUNS"
WHEN DO YOU OWN TO MANY GUNS??
- Thread starter matmat417
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sipowicz
Member
Most people would say that others own too many of any item that they themselves are not interested in.
RIDE-RED 350r
Member
I think the whole idea of "too many guns" is very ambiguous. To some people a person who owns only one firearm is said to have too many. I dont think its very often an issue for the person who actually owns the "too many guns", lol.
I dont believe there is such a thing as a person owning too many guns, its the people other than the owner who are worried most about it.
I dont believe there is such a thing as a person owning too many guns, its the people other than the owner who are worried most about it.
ACP230
Member
What is this "too many" you speak of?
rburg
Member
Its not a subtle thing that every time you bring another home you start to think "maybe". Its more of a sledge hammer to the side of the head. Its a revelation. When you own too many, you may find rust starting on one you've forgotten about for a long time. Like maybe out in the garage or down in the basement. The guns own you.
Everyone should take an annual inventory of their guns. It forces you to look at them and reoil them. After a couple of those sessions where you decide its time to buy gun oil in the economic 1 gallon size you start to understand.
And about 10 years ago it hit me. I'd been cleaning and oiling guns for a couple of days. So I did the forbidden thing. I counted them! Never do that. First, you need to lie when someone asks. Even if its none of their business, civility may dictate you give them an answer. When you know, you can't say you don't.
Better still, move. When you realize you don't have anywhere near enough gun rugs for the operation, you may have too many (or not enough rugs.) I had to buy more long gun cases when we moved out about 2 years ago.
You may also have to many when you buy a new one and try to make it feel at home by storing it with others of the same type. Then realize you've just bought a duplicate that isn't in nearly as good condition as 3 or 4 just like it. Its when you start packing your bag for the next gun show, putting the less nice 2 or 3 in the bag.
I can honestly say 2 things right now. I have no idea how many I own at the present time, and I've never owned 300 guns at one time. I can also say I don't have anywhere near 300 now. I'm good with that.
Everyone should take an annual inventory of their guns. It forces you to look at them and reoil them. After a couple of those sessions where you decide its time to buy gun oil in the economic 1 gallon size you start to understand.
And about 10 years ago it hit me. I'd been cleaning and oiling guns for a couple of days. So I did the forbidden thing. I counted them! Never do that. First, you need to lie when someone asks. Even if its none of their business, civility may dictate you give them an answer. When you know, you can't say you don't.
Better still, move. When you realize you don't have anywhere near enough gun rugs for the operation, you may have too many (or not enough rugs.) I had to buy more long gun cases when we moved out about 2 years ago.
You may also have to many when you buy a new one and try to make it feel at home by storing it with others of the same type. Then realize you've just bought a duplicate that isn't in nearly as good condition as 3 or 4 just like it. Its when you start packing your bag for the next gun show, putting the less nice 2 or 3 in the bag.
I can honestly say 2 things right now. I have no idea how many I own at the present time, and I've never owned 300 guns at one time. I can also say I don't have anywhere near 300 now. I'm good with that.
Fishslayer
US Veteran, Absent Comrade
Moonman
Member
That would depend upon what the meaning of "IS" is like Clinton did.
We would depend upon the meaning of "TOO" in our depositions.
If his meaning of "IS" suited President Clinton, then the meaning we decide for "TOO" should suit us.
I have long held the belief that only God makes the decision of when you purchase your last one.
We would depend upon the meaning of "TOO" in our depositions.
If his meaning of "IS" suited President Clinton, then the meaning we decide for "TOO" should suit us.
I have long held the belief that only God makes the decision of when you purchase your last one.
kraigwy
US Veteran
Don't know how many remember Gene Hill, gun writer.
In on of his stories he discusses "Enough Guns"
Gene mentioned he only knew one gun with "enough" guns, but he also had a Rolls Royce he used to pattern his Purdys
In on of his stories he discusses "Enough Guns"
Gene mentioned he only knew one gun with "enough" guns, but he also had a Rolls Royce he used to pattern his Purdys
gregintenn
Member
I don't know, but I'll let you know when I get there.
Who has the collection that he had several of them layed out on his garage floor, and had to do it in 2 shots to get 'em all in the picture? A couple of years ago...
That may be too much.
That may be too much.
feralmerril
Absent Comrade
Everyone should own a defense gun before they buy their secound change of underwear or socks. After that it gets probmatic.
Once all the basic useage areas are covered, the question first should be do you have all your financhial obligations covered? Nobody dunning you for outstanding debt, wife and kids eating? I think the more real question is towards the end of the knotted rope of life where I am now, do you have the wifes fiananchal future covered when the death angel taps you on the shoulder or is her legacy instead a safe full of guns that she will be lucky to get 20 cents on the dollar?
Sad to say, thats close to my situation.
Once all the basic useage areas are covered, the question first should be do you have all your financhial obligations covered? Nobody dunning you for outstanding debt, wife and kids eating? I think the more real question is towards the end of the knotted rope of life where I am now, do you have the wifes fiananchal future covered when the death angel taps you on the shoulder or is her legacy instead a safe full of guns that she will be lucky to get 20 cents on the dollar?
Sad to say, thats close to my situation.
gjamison
Member
my dad only had one gun in the house and it was for deer hunting(remington 1100 12ga). when i got married and on my own i thought
the samething, one gun for one perpise. moved next to one of the foremost collectors in military firearms and everything changed.
one day he toke me to my first gun auction, 1st s&w purchase model 17-3. seens than it's been gun show,auction,gun clubs and just about everthing else gun related.
as far as to many, as long as you can manage them keep buying and trading. never to many................
the samething, one gun for one perpise. moved next to one of the foremost collectors in military firearms and everything changed.
one day he toke me to my first gun auction, 1st s&w purchase model 17-3. seens than it's been gun show,auction,gun clubs and just about everthing else gun related.
as far as to many, as long as you can manage them keep buying and trading. never to many................
4506517
Member
It is different for everyone. If you are buying guns and can't pay the rent/mortgage then you're buying too many guns. If the family/kids are going without, again, that's too many. I would think in those cases it is more a situation of mixed up priorities than too many guns. If you've taken care of the bills, go for it. Personally, I pay the bills and whatever is left over is for the hobby.
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Armyphotog
Member
Never been asked that question, but for those who don't seem to have a clue, how about this for a response, "to keep them out of the hands of criminals and evil doers."
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