Collection or tools?

[enikkor]

Some collect guns for fun and haven't fired some of them. They end up being
Safe queens that never see the light of day. They will be brought out for
admiration & emotional value.

Some used guns mainly as tools. They are instruments to be used, and once
their perceived function or interest wanes, they will be replaced(traded)
for a newer, perceived better version like golf clubs.

I'm more of a "tool" guns owner.I will used them as instruments to the
fullest and once there is a better one or my interest changes, they're
gone. Although I trade rarely. Once a gun is not fired in a year,it's
in danger of being sold or traded.

[Bill DeShivs]

Some of us don't have (or make) opportunities to fire all their guns.
I use guns both ways. I have safe queens that I would use if necessary, and then the "tool" guns-mostly Keltecs that are carried daily.

[joab]

i guess I'm a tweener

I buy my guns with specific purposes in mind but just don't get to use them so they end up in the back

Of course some I buy strictly for the emotional attachment or the John Wayne factor
Those are the ones that usually get shot the most

[44 AMP]

My collection has both. Working guns, which may be traded or replaced as I desire, and "keepers", guns which are kept for their historical, or emotional value, and are shot rarely, if at all, although a couple of my keepers do get shot on a regular basis.

For example, the Chinese made 12ga coach gun is a working gun, it is my current utility shotgun, mostly because if anything happens to it I won't be all that upset. On the other hand, my Granfather's Ithaca double (new in 1909) will never leave my family, and only gets shot in small amounts once in a great while.

The handguns I inherited from my father are also keepers, but get occassional workouts. His 1911 target gun went shooting with me on Father's Day, and turned in creditable groups once again.

My Ruger Vaquero and one of my Blackhawks are potential sale/trade material, but my other Blackhawk is not, because I like it better.

So I have both kinds. I think a lot of people are like that. Most of their guns will be tools, but a couple, or just a special one is a keeper, for as long as they are able to keep it.

[Majic]

There are also the toys. Those that have no definative use but are still taken out and played with from time to time. I have tools, queens, and toys and nothing is discarded just because it hasn't been used for a period of time.

[tony pasley]

I have all 3 classes of firearms, Collector, workers, playtime firearms.

[croyance]

Again, a mix.
All get to the range at some point, but I only got that Python because it was a Python - I already had .357 Magnums, so it wasn't need.
Some of my CCW guns have been bought for the purpose only, definitely work. Wouldn't have some of them if CCW wasn't a consideration.

[Rimrod]

Most of them are either tools or laboratory equipment.

[revjen45]

The two are not mutually exclusive. I acquire guns because they appeal to me. I had an overwhelming case of gun lust for a Steyr S Series, which I satisfied at the Amarillo Gun Show a while back. Usually I like traditional guns- blued machined carbon steel, but the Steyr really appealed to me, so I got one. It wasn't like I was short of carry guns, but now Mr. Steyr is my constant companion. After 1K rds or so it has never malfunctioned with any ammunition I have shot in it. I have sold or traded guns in the past, and for the most part regretted every one I got rid of. I realized a long time back that guns would never get easier to obtain, so I bought them with the idea that I was getting something I intended to keep. I have had the Harley for 17 years, the '41 Indian Chief for 31 years, and the '49 Suburban for 35 years. I tend to get what I think has lasting value and hang onto it, which applies to guns too.

[AK103K]

I have a collection of tools.

[JWT]

Both. A few of the long guns sit in the safe and haven't been fired for years, just cleaned from time to time and admired.

Most, especially the handguns and trap guns, get frequent opportunities to eat reasonable amounts of ammunition.

My wife asks why I keep some of them and doesn't seem to understand that I couldn't part with any of them. They're like old friends.

[Rembrandt]

Have worked hard to afford both.....collectibles and tools.

[2transams]

Both. I have six 1911s and I probably just need two(HD/carry and range). But I buy them because I like them,and I shoot them all...some more than others.

I bought a Colt Python just because it was good deal. I sure didn't need it,and I haven't fired it yet either. But it doesn't do anything my 686 can't do.

This goes back to the "how may guns do you need" question. Doesn't matter. Some have a specific purpose and some are just nice to own. That being said,I won't buy a gun knowing that I'll never shoot it. I believe guns are for shootin'.

[JohnKSa]

I won't own a handgun based on collector's value or aesthetics. I'm not saying I don't take aesthetics into account, but it's NEVER the primary issue in a purchase.

On the other hand I WILL buy a handgun purely for function even if I don't like the way it looks. It's always nice to get both but if it comes down to one or the other, function will always win in my book.

I don't own handguns I don't intend to shoot, and I start thinking about selling them if it turns out that I'm not getting any use from them.

[robc]

Most of my handguns don't really fit neatly into any category. Two were gifts. One was purchased from a friend to help him out financially. The rest were purchased on the spur of the moment. I've never planned a handgun purchase.

That's not exactly accurate. I know I'm gonna get a handgun a few days before I get one, but I never know exactly what it will be. For example, right now I need (want) a new carry gun, another 1911, and a H&R revolver (used). I don't know which one will strike my fancy next time I make a purchase.

[hamster]

for me they are more toys that can be used as tools. my number one reason for purchasing a handgun wasn't for self defense. i enjoy putting holes in cardboard, its fun, therapeutic, and beats a video game any day. on the other hand, i did purchase some hollow-point ammo just in case i have to use them to put some holes in a bad guy.

[BillCA]

Most of the guns I purchase are "working" guns in that they get fired from time to time, carried or otherwise exercised. That said, I do have a couple of "safe queens" but that's a rarity for me.

Generally, I buy guns that appeal to me for one reason or another. The main criteria for me is personal defense and most of my handguns are purchased with that use in mind. That is not to say that either of the .32 Longs I bought are gonna be used as primary carry pieces - these are because I've always liked the .32 revolver for some odd reason.

I dont buy a gun because it's uber-taticool or it has some new design or feature. As such, I tend towards more "classic" guns when contemplating one.

Some guns become familiar old friends after lots of holster or range time. Those guns are almost impossible to part with for sentimental reasons.

[Magnum Wheel Man]

of guns I've purchased, they all get fired at least once ( I won't buy something just to keep in "unfired" condition )...

... that said, since I inherited a good portion of my collection, we have several that I have not fired...

... there are a few Nazi semi autos that are now safe queens, & a couple that I can no longer get ammo for ( at least reasonably easily ), along with the damaskus barreled shot guns of my wifes long gone relitives & a few others that would require "pop gun" handloads, so they may just as well stay unfired by me...

[P97]

I have both, Collector or Antique grade guns and using guns. Some are both.

[hj28rules]

Mine is a 'mix' also. I have several single purpose pistols: Para Tac Four .45ACP for home defense, Taurus M66 .357 for snake/varmit control and a CZ 83 .380 for CCW/personal defense. My CZ75B 9mm, Ruger MKIII and my Ruger P95DC are range pistols.

[BigJimP]

I don't look at them as expendible tools / or tradeable. I look at them as long term acquisitions - and I tend to buy top of the line guns in a variety of styles but usually revolvers and 1911's.

I expect to continue to collect, shoot everything I collect and pass them down for several generations in the family.

[Cliff47]

Mine are not a collection, I accumulate based on what whispers to me at the local purveyor of fine firearms (just ask my recreation fund!).

[odsixer]

For me, my handguns are just candy, living in Canada if I ever used one for SD I'D probably be the one in trouble, which is total bull**it
Shotty's and long guns however I buy mainly for hunting and HD.

[bigghoss]

tools

[Sgt.Fathead]

I buy tools in all shapes, sizes and uses and among these are my firearms BUT I have inherited, as others have stated, some things I am unwilling and/or unable to shoot and won't part with. That said, if I am purchasing something, it is entirely for use and hard use at that.