Author Topic: How do you know when do you have enough guns? (Read 3462 times)

DelGue · « **on:** July 14, 2003, 10:01:08 AM »

A couple of days ago, an older gentleman (65-75) came into the gun store I frequent, to sell his gun collection that he had been amassing over a life time. It was a fantastic collection! He said he didn't need them anymore and no one else in his family were interested in them. The guy was sad that he had no one to past on his legacy to.

After talking to this guy, it made me wonder about myself and my own collection of different firearms. I don't have that large of a collection, but some are very difficult to come by today. When is enough, enough?

Expensive hobby, (A friend once told me that guns are cheaper than women or booze).
Am I alone in this or just being esoteric in my thoughts?
Delgue

Questor · « **Reply #1 on:** July 14, 2003, 10:15:25 AM »

It's only a problem if you think it's a problem. Everybody's got to have a hobby. If you're tired of your firearms collection, take up another hobby, like travel or cooking.

bfoster · « **Reply #2 on:** July 14, 2003, 10:29:39 AM »

IMO guns aren't so bad an investment, provided that you purchase
"investment grade" guns. From what I've seen, the owner of a collection of fine arms may very well do far better in disposing of his assets through a specialty auction house.

Because collecting and learning are so closely allied I'm pretty skeptical about the idea that acquisition of a really "choice" piece will lead to an end of collecting. More likely, as the history of the item is learned, the desire to learn more will lead the collector in new directions.

regards,

Bob

Savage · « **Reply #3 on:** July 14, 2003, 12:12:17 PM »

I wouldn't know how many guns are enough. I find that I always need one more.
Stay Safe,
Savage

jhm · « **Reply #4 on:** July 14, 2003, 02:29:55 PM »

When you have to purchase a few extra plots at the cemetary to burry the safes along side of you then I would say you are nearing the point of having close to what you need :-D :-D

JIM

les hemby · « **Reply #5 on:** July 14, 2003, 03:09:40 PM »

if i ever get enough i will get back to you on this

Robert · « **Reply #6 on:** July 14, 2003, 04:18:17 PM »

Did you at least get a chance to tak to this person? Did you learn anything? Screw the guns. There is a lot of knowledge there that is very valuable if nothing else but a good story to remember a good man when he is gone. If every old gun I have could tell a story...........

ShootnStr8 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 15, 2003, 02:42:03 AM »

If anyone has answer, please don't post it. We don't need that kind of information falling into our wives' hands!

Blessings!

Shootnstr8

securitysix · « **Reply #8 on:** July 15, 2003, 04:39:17 AM »

Quote

How do you know when do you have enough guns?

Well, "enough" is just shy of "too many".

So, how many guns does it take to qualify as "too many"?

That one is easy. You can never have too many guns. Since you can't have too many, you can't really get just shy of too many. Since you can't get just shy of too many, you can't ever really have enough.

Black Jaque Janaviac · « **Reply #9 on:** July 15, 2003, 06:52:37 AM »

Since your post had a serious tone to it I will give a rather serious answer.

Yes, I do believe you can have too many.

Here's why: It's materialism - plain and simple. Americans have a problem with materialism and it is ruining us. We value our things more than our families. Which is why there is so much divorce, and kids growing up without Mom AND Dad.

So, how many is too many? There isn't a straight answer to that. One person may only own one or two, another can reasonably own hundreds.

But here's some clues.

Financially, are you making your way out of debt, or going deeper into debt? If you can buy guns while still making your way out of debt, then you're safe from the money problems.

Familially, is your family doing well? Can you buy guns without having to hide it from your wife (that's being dishonest with her - not healthy in a marriage)? Also guns cost time. Time that could be spent helping your wife with housework, or playing with the kids. Can you afford the time for all your guns? Personally, this is my biggest pitfall which I have to be wary of.

How's your health? Maybe the money/time would be better spent on a pair of tennis shoes and a fitness club membership. Dead men don't shoot very well.

Guns, like beer or wine, aren't inherantly evil. But when taken to extreme, they can be damaging.

There is a piece of wise advice, that Someone with great wisdom once wrote: "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors goods."

What this means is - Don't keep up with the Jones's.

Just because everyone else on this message board owns 1000's of guns, don't feel that you need to get another one. Be happy with what you can afford.

"Beware of the man with only one gun; he likely knows how to use it."

waksupi · « **Reply #10 on:** July 15, 2003, 12:22:56 PM »

I have believed for years a person only really needs to own one gun.

Of each type, model, and caliber.

Charlie Detroit · « **Reply #11 on:** July 16, 2003, 03:27:53 AM »

Quote from: Black Jaque Janaviac

"Beware of the man with only one gun; he likely knows how to use it."

Sorry to omit all the previous points, all of which are valid, but that last quote strikes me as the real pith (no, I'm not lithping!) of the matter. I will admit, however, that I've never been able to abide by it myself. I do, however, try to keep my covetousness under control...I admire nice new guns, andsometime drool over them, but seldom let it get out of control. At present I have 4 rifles (one .54 cal muzzleloader, one .30-30 lever action carbine, one long-range .45-70, and one .22LR) and 4 handguns (one .36 BP revolver, one .45Colt SA, one .45ACP Auto, and one .22LR target auto). They're all different enough that I don't feel too guilty. Besides, it's nice to have some extras if my family decides to come to the range with me.

Black Jaque Janaviac · « **Reply #12 on:** July 16, 2003, 04:03:40 AM »

Charlie,

Admittedly I own more than one gun too. I didn't mean to give anyone the idea that I only owned one. My point was cautionary against the "you can never have too many" joke, which, I believe can go to far.

Mikey · « **Reply #13 on:** July 16, 2003, 04:23:48 AM »

No such thing! Even if cautioned against the old 'can't have too many' philosophy courtesy of Monsieur Black Jacque, I really wonder if there is a road too far.

Who cares if ya'll can't shoot more than two at the same time, or if you don't shoot others for a couple of years on end, or that you can't take them all with you (yes, you can, or at least bury them all with you) or that you don't have anyone to leave them to (as in my case).

As long as you don't leave your family wanting and can give them the quality time they deserve, who really cares. For me they are more fun than anything else. I don't have anyone to pass them off to as I purposely intend on outliving all my brothers and friends, even though Buckweet and a few of the others have offered to hold on to them for me well into the next millenium, but I will eventually figure something out.

Boy, even if it's only 2 cents worth I sure feel danged mouthy today. Mikey.

securitysix · « **Reply #14 on:** July 16, 2003, 07:04:16 AM »

Quote from: Black Jaque Janaviac

Here's why: It's materialism - plain and simple. Americans have a problem with materialism and it is ruining us. We value our things more than our families. Which is why there is so much divorce, and kids growing up without Mom AND Dad.

If it is, indeed, materialism, then you are correct. However, for most of us, collecting, shooting, and reloading for guns is nothing more than a hobby. As long as it stays a hobby, it can't hurt anything. The instant it goes beyond hobby into materialism, it is a problem.

Quote

So, how many is too many? There isn't a straight answer to that. One person may only own one or two, another can reasonably own hundreds.

A very good point. Even then, though, the guy who only owns one or two owns a number sufficient for his needs, but that doesn't mean one more would be too many.

Quote

Financially, are you making your way out of debt, or going deeper into debt? If you can buy guns while still making your way out of debt, then you're safe from the money problems.

This is a pretty important question, and should be a major concern. Your hobby should never put you in the hole. It is fine if you just break even, but the hobby comes after clothes for the kids, groceries, house payment/rent, etc.

Quote

Familially, is your family doing well? Can you buy guns without having to hide it from your wife (that's being dishonest with her - not healthy in a marriage)? Also guns cost time. Time that could be spent helping your wife with housework, or playing with the kids. Can you afford the time for all your guns? Personally, this is my biggest pitfall which I have to be wary of.

A very good point here. A cure for this one, though, is to get and keep the family involved with the guns. Certainly don't force the guns upon them, but getting them involved can do great things for the family.

Quote

How's your health? Maybe the money/time would be better spent on a pair of tennis shoes and a fitness club membership. Dead men don't shoot very well.

Again, a good point. However, shooting can be healthy in it's own way. Aside from the excercise gained by setting targets, shooting can have a psychological effect that makes people feel better mentally and physically. Feeling better physically is usually psychosomatic, but sometimes feeling ill is psycosomatic, too.

Quote

Guns, like beer or wine, aren't inherantly evil. But when taken to extreme, they can be damaging.

You'll get no argument from me on that.

Quote

What this means is - Don't keep up with the Jones's.

Just because everyone else on this message board owns 1000's of guns, don't feel that you need to get another one. Be happy with what you can afford.

"Beware of the man with only one gun; he likely knows how to use it."

I'll second that, but I still maintain that you can't actually have too many.

Black Jaque Janaviac · « **Reply #15 on:** July 16, 2003, 10:16:01 AM »

If, by too many, you are looking for a specific number, then no there isn't a specific number.

But where's the dividing line between "hobby" and materialism?

We live in a culture that applies this "can't have too many" philosophy to everything. Can't have too many boats, can't have too many homes, can't have too many cars, can't have too many TVs, you name it.

As Mikey stated, "As long as you don't leave your family wanting. . ." Which is what I'm getting at. As a nation, our families ARE wanting. Obviously, you can't point the finger solely at guns, nor can you strictly point it at materialism. But, I think I can safely say that materialism plays a role in America's family problems.

Guns are a material possession, just like cars and boats.

I agree about the part of getting the family involved. Guns, when properly viewed, can bring the family together. I know, thanks to God, that guns will produce some fond memories for me, my brothers, and my sons.

My point about the guy owning only one or two was in reference to all the other criteria. Meaning, perhaps under his circumstances, one or two is the most he can afford, taking into account income, marriage, etc.

I don't want to give the impression that ever person is currently at the "saturation point". I like to think I haven't reached it myself.

However, I do believe there are people out there, reading this message board, who are neck-deep in debt, or struggling in a tenuous marriage, that take the "can't have too many" line to heart. Of course, they go out and make irresponsible purchases. I just don't want it to be ME that gave them the idea.

Maybe that's the answer. You have too many guns when you start to acquire them irresponsibly.

Mikey · « **Reply #16 on:** July 17, 2003, 08:25:07 AM »

Black Jaque: I will most difinately 'second your cue' on 'responsibility'. I think you have hit close enough to the real heart of the matter to answer the question. Responsibility is one of the most important and powerful aspects of any activity, be it sporting, societal, personal or parental and therein lay our obligations. Too many of us overlook that aspect in favor of diving into the question or issue. Thanks for finally hittin' the nail on the head. Mikey.

securitysix · « **Reply #17 on:** July 18, 2003, 04:33:31 AM »

Quote

Maybe that's the answer. You have too many guns when you start to acquire them irresponsibly.

I can agree with that statement. Your whole post explains it pretty well, but that statement sums it up perfectly.

Black Jaque Janaviac · « **Reply #18 on:** July 18, 2003, 09:47:27 AM »

No way guys! You can't agree with me. This is a message board. We're supposed to argue minutia until we are blue in the face!

kjeff50cal · « **Reply #19 on:** July 19, 2003, 06:56:23 PM »

You have enough guns when your gun safes fall through to the next floor of your abode.... and you don't have a next floor. :-D

Be Safe
KJeff50cal

jerry6stl · « **Reply #20 on:** July 21, 2003, 02:49:51 AM »

There is a very simple and accurate answer to this question:

YOUR WIFE will tell you when you own enough guns !
Purchasing another one beyond that point is not advised.

Mikey · « **Reply #21 on:** July 21, 2003, 03:43:29 AM »

Ooooops! Sorry guys, jerry6 is right, and we all know it. Gotta fess up on this one. Mikey.

Charlie Detroit · « **Reply #22 on:** July 21, 2003, 03:59:54 AM »

Nope, there's no way to know; that's why you hafta keep buyin' 'em.

BruceP · « **Reply #23 on:** July 21, 2003, 03:49:00 PM »

I'll have enough guns when my wife has enough clothes.
BTW Mikey and Jerry6. That was her answer when I told her about the question that started this thread. She knows me well doesn't she. Ain't she great. :wink:
BruceP

jerry6stl · « **Reply #24 on:** July 21, 2003, 04:25:04 PM »

Current wife is a gem, and doesn't complain about the number of guns, days out hunting or fishing, or hours spent reloading in the basement.

Not so with previous wife, who was jealous of any time spent on the abve pursuits. She also carped about my buying a new engraved "Boeing In & Out." Apparently Citori wasn't in her vocabulary....

KING · « **Reply #25 on:** July 21, 2003, 06:17:43 PM »

Well.....I guess I cant stay out of this one. I will never have enough guns,my interests get so convaluted it is almost unbelievable when it comes to shooting sports,or for that matter anything with critters or hunting. I do,sometimes think I have to much to play with(2 quads,three boats,3 canoes,4 outboards,enough fishing tackle to sponser a fishing derby,reloading equipment for whatever the caliber is ya want.0ver 20 longbows,dont wanna know how many arrows). By the way,I am single and no one complains(my three labs dont).Hehehehehehehehe....king....Now all I need is someone to purchase my house so I can get a farm in the U.P.........life will be good

Charlie Detroit · « **Reply #26 on:** July 21, 2003, 06:36:38 PM »

You wanna be a Yooper?

KING · « **Reply #27 on:** July 22, 2003, 06:23:10 AM »

C.D. Ya gots that right. That has been my dream for many years,When I first started as a P.O. back in 70 my dad made me primise that as soon as I could retired,to get out and get up north. I bet in the last two years I have looked at over 30 farms from the Houghton/Handcock area,down to Bruces crossing and west to Otanagon area. Also have been around Seney looking. I have had my house of for sale for some time,and I want a place where I can shoot and have my horses and handle some differant animals when I do Rehab type work. At the moment I have 7 fawns,a coyote,fox,and a bunch of coon cubs,not counting the weasels,and muskrat kittens. I just dont really care for people anymore Charlie,unless they are into the shooting/hunting/fishing type sports. Worked way to many years with the dregs of society. Yup.....I wanna be a Yooper,probably be a Troll for the first few years until I get the language naunces down pat. Heheheheheheheheh Stay safe..................king

Tom W. · « **Reply #28 on:** July 22, 2003, 03:15:03 PM »

I don't understand the question. :oops:

Charlie Detroit · « **Reply #29 on:** July 23, 2003, 04:25:59 AM »

I know what you mean, hey. My late uncle had a cabin at Pine Stump Junction (Near Newberry), and I loved it. I've got a friend lives near Rumley, works for Cleveland Cliffs, if I can get in touch with him (dubious), do you want me to ask him to get in touch with you about property? He might know about something, at least near him.
He's a typische Yooper...Finnish/German...lives in a basement with no house above it (really!). He says he's more German than Finnish, but his dad's first name was Toivo, so I'd kinda wonder about that.