Firearm Collections

[Pector55]

I've read quite a bit on this forum as well as others. I often see pictures of people who seem to collect AKs, FALs, revolvers, etc. Then, when picking up a gun from my FFL, he chuckled and commented that I have quite a mix of guns in my collection.

He is correct. I have hunting firearms for deer and small game for both me and my son. On top of that, I love firearms from WWII. I also love military firearms and that leads to variants so more guns. There is also a side of me that picks up an occassional "cool" gun (love the Ruger GP100) and there is the functionality driver (like the Ruger LCP.)

So here is the question, do you guys collect based upon a particular theme or objective? What is your methodology on purchases? Are you all over the place or pretty targeted. Realize, there is no right or wrong answer. It's your money and your collection.

[thundrr1]

I tend to stay with the same caliber. 7.62 x 39,45 ACP and .22LR. That's how I pick a weapon.

[Pector55]

I tend to stay with the same caliber. 7.62 x 39,45 ACP and .22LR. That's how I pick a weapon.

I sold off my single 5.45x39 gun and then I sold my 7.62x39 guns. I limited my handguns to 9mm and .22LR. I then sold off some of my oddball C&R stuff because 7.7 JAP, 8x56R, 6.5 Carcano and whatever that French Mas shot just wasn't plentiful.

Then something happened. The 5.45 came back, the 7.62x39 came back. I now have handguns in 22LR, 7.62x25, .380, 9mm, .357 Mag, .40, .45 ACP. The rifles are as noted above plus .22LR, .223, .243, .270, .308, 7.62x54R, 8mm and 30-06.

It's a wonderful mess!

[knight0334]

I tend to stick with the following:
1. NEF/H&R single shot rifles and shotguns.
2. Revolvers - single and double action
3. Double barrel SxS shotguns
4. Lever action guns
5. Pocket pistols
6. Other single shot rifles so long as there is an exposed hammer and it isn't modern looking.
7. .22 caliber, .25 caliber, .32 caliber, .35 caliber, .38 caliber, .44 caliber, and .45 caliber rifles and handguns.

I abhor and generally will not look at:
1. Bolt action rifles, except I will someday own the big 6 WWII collection: Brit. Enfield, US Springfield M1903, Russian Mosin Nagant, German Mauser, Jap Arisaka, Italian Carcano - but that is it..
2. Most other semi-auto shotguns, rifles, and handguns(except pocket pistols). Exceptions for certain makes and models. I'm only looking to complete a Beretta and Walther handgun collection.
3. Pump action shotguns.
4. Rimless cartridge rifles. I prefer straight and tapered wall rimmed cartridges.
5. Long guns with synthetic stocks.
6. Most anything in .30 and .40 caliber
7. Anything that even remotely looks like a TC Contender/Encore handgun or long gun.

[mpan72]

Right now I don't "collect" guns, I can't afford that at thia time. I have what I deem important for the defense of my family and myself. When I am able to start a decent collection it will be all over the place. I like revolver's, WWII battle riffles, old CZ's, well built semi auto pistols, pocket pistols old and new, lever action pistol calibre riffles and side by side coach guns. As you can see I like a ton of different guns. It seems like whatever I am reading about at the time becomes my favorite untill I catch some info about something else.
What I do have at this time is my first gun, a j22 Jennings, an H&R .32, a model 10-8, a.22 Marlin bolt action and an hd shotgun.

[yentzer]

In my 20 plus years of collecting I have honed my focus on the marquee guns of historic leading manufacturers ie colt winchester browning etc. As time passed I realized as many of you do just how quickly, and how much investment can be commited to such an endeaver.Now my primary goal has become to search out the highest condition and origonality of the firearm being considered, mostly John Browning designs.Thus to ensure the return of the investment when the time comes to part with it. I understand that there are price shoppers who want the lowest price possible when at purchase, fine.We all work hard for our money, and I would like to see the the highest return on a investment.and yes I do shoot all my firearms that are not still new in box,even a first year production 1894 deluxe in 38-55.to all those aspiring collectors look long, look hard.You are the keepers of history of this great sport. ENJOY !!!!

[Pector55]

I understand that there are price shoppers who want the lowest price possible when at purchase, fine.We all work hard for our money, and I would like to see the the highest return on a investment.and yes I do shoot all my firearms that are not still new in box,even a first year production 1894 deluxe in 38-55.to all those aspiring collectors look long, look hard.You are the keepers of history of this great sport. ENJOY !!!!

Good point. I think that is the reason I enjoy collecting ARs and Aks. Given the cycle of concern over semi-auto bans or even import restrictions, you never know when the market will change.

[normanvin]

I usually walk into the shop weekly to pay on my last acquisition. When it is paid down to with in a month of bringing it home I will start to peruse the used section. What I pick depends on a few things.

1. what pops out to me.
2. price
3. condition.

My collection goes from old military to revolvers to auto loaders to things I think are odd or scarce.

[marinville]

My goal is to have a firearm for every purpose before I buy one that would have the same purpose as one I already have.

Such as:

Pistol for concealing
Pistol for open carry or home defense
Pistol for cheap plinking
Rifle for the Apocalypse
Rifle for small game
Rifle for cheap fun
Shotgun for HD
Shotgun for Clays
Rifle for long range precision / medium to large game.
Main Battle Rifle

I'm thinking:
Glock 26
HK USP 45
Ruger MKIII
Zastava M70
Ruger 10/22
Mosin Nagant M38
Remington 870 police / Kel Tec KSG
FN SLP
Remington 700
CMP M1 Garand / DCI Imbel FAL

I think I would be pretty content with that list. I have about half of it covered so far.

[ruggerio]

i pretty much stick to the ones made with steel,polymer,wood,plastic and the semi auto and pump action along with bolt actions and break open actions and am particularly fond of the small and big ones as well as the short and long ones.

i am a bit into the types that are high capacity and or single shot and the six shooters in single and double action
i must say though that my favorites are the ones that go bang.