How many guns is enough?
I had another of my frustrating gun experiences today. I stopped at my local dealer (big mistake) on the way home from work today. My brother had mentioned a side-by-side there that I should check out, so I did.
Loved the gun. Good price. Had the money. Didn't buy it.
I have reached some kind of weird state where I just can't seem to make a gun purchase. This is particularly frustrating because guns have been a lifelong passion…and I am a little over 50 now.
But, I have learned some things about where one can find oneself in this hobby (these may be true of other hobbies, or "passions", as well).
1. One is never satisfied with the next possession. The hunger never ends. Shortly after one gun is purchased, the hunt is on for the next one.
2. "Retail therapy" is a myth. Buying something gives satisfaction for a very short time.
3. The possession of a safe full of guns (or anything) provides little joy in and of itself.
4. The more guns that are owned, the more each individual gun's meaning is devalued. When I only had one rifle, one shotgun, and one handgun, they each meant a lot to me.
5. Accumulating too much can lead to a very negative circumstance, and reactions. I have been tempted to sell ALL my guns, simply because I had become overwhelmed. I know that would be stupid, and I would regret it, but I have been tempted. I know others that have gotten themselves into financial trouble because of this.
I guess I am tired of the same old cycle…study it, investigate it, inspect it, buy it, shoot it, stick it in the safe, get bored with it, sell it. We can kid ourselves that we are "making money" in this cycle, but who are we fooling?
True, there are exceptions. If I find I really start to enjoy a specific activity, like trap shooting, then I have no qualms about going out and buying a trap gun. But at my age, I have about done it all. And, I have the guns now that allow me to enjoy the activities I actually participate in at this time in my life.
So, I am trying to kick the habit. It will be difficult. I spend most of my time outside of work thinking about guns, talking about guns, reading about guns, attending gun shows, or going to gun stores. All of which is ok, and probably good, except when I get myself upset over making or not making a purchase. I need to quit doing that.
I know everyone's situation is different. Some are thrilled to get anything they can, be it due to very limited funds, or a nagging spouse. But I have funds, and no one to nag me about spending my money as I see fit.
I am posting this on the shotgun forum because, of all guns, the shotgun is the most versatile, and having one shotgun with choke tubes pretty much is all that is "needed". One can perhaps justify a larger collection of handguns, or rifles. But there is very little one can't do with one good shotgun.
Does anyone else wrestle with these thoughts? Has anyone found a "cure"? Don't tell me to "just buy it". I already know that doesn't work.
bluedsteel
I had another of my frustrating gun experiences today. I stopped at my local dealer (big mistake) on the way home from work today. My brother had mentioned a side-by-side there that I should check out, so I did.
Loved the gun. Good price. Had the money. Didn't buy it.
I have reached some kind of weird state where I just can't seem to make a gun purchase. This is particularly frustrating because guns have been a lifelong passion…and I am a little over 50 now.
But, I have learned some things about where one can find oneself in this hobby (these may be true of other hobbies, or "passions", as well).
1. One is never satisfied with the next possession. The hunger never ends. Shortly after one gun is purchased, the hunt is on for the next one.
2. "Retail therapy" is a myth. Buying something gives satisfaction for a very short time.
3. The possession of a safe full of guns (or anything) provides little joy in and of itself.
4. The more guns that are owned, the more each individual gun's meaning is devalued. When I only had one rifle, one shotgun, and one handgun, they each meant a lot to me.
5. Accumulating too much can lead to a very negative circumstance, and reactions. I have been tempted to sell ALL my guns, simply because I had become overwhelmed. I know that would be stupid, and I would regret it, but I have been tempted. I know others that have gotten themselves into financial trouble because of this.
I guess I am tired of the same old cycle…study it, investigate it, inspect it, buy it, shoot it, stick it in the safe, get bored with it, sell it. We can kid ourselves that we are "making money" in this cycle, but who are we fooling?
True, there are exceptions. If I find I really start to enjoy a specific activity, like trap shooting, then I have no qualms about going out and buying a trap gun. But at my age, I have about done it all. And, I have the guns now that allow me to enjoy the activities I actually participate in at this time in my life.
So, I am trying to kick the habit. It will be difficult. I spend most of my time outside of work thinking about guns, talking about guns, reading about guns, attending gun shows, or going to gun stores. All of which is ok, and probably good, except when I get myself upset over making or not making a purchase. I need to quit doing that.
I know everyone's situation is different. Some are thrilled to get anything they can, be it due to very limited funds, or a nagging spouse. But I have funds, and no one to nag me about spending my money as I see fit.
I am posting this on the shotgun forum because, of all guns, the shotgun is the most versatile, and having one shotgun with choke tubes pretty much is all that is "needed". One can perhaps justify a larger collection of handguns, or rifles. But there is very little one can't do with one good shotgun.
Does anyone else wrestle with these thoughts? Has anyone found a "cure"? Don't tell me to "just buy it". I already know that doesn't work.
bluedsteel
Oh well, at least I got old with the Model 12. Then a brand new Browning .22 Auto showed up. Took a little horse trading to get there, but my dad was a car dealer back then, I learned a thing or two from him! :wink: Then I got a new Model 70 Winchester in '65. 
