One more firearm...or are you done?

Reflecting on my life, I realize that I have been on quite a journey with firearms. Over the years, I've had the opportunity to use a variety of pistols, rifles, shotguns, and even archery tackle, and I've truly enjoyed each and every one of them. These experiences have shaped my perspective and appreciation for the different types of arms I've encountered.

For those who know me well, it's no secret that my approach to hunting arms has always been practical and unsentimental. I've typically viewed them as tools—meant to perform a job, respected, and cared for properly, but not objects of attachment. However, after a recent buffalo hunt, I found that my perspective shifted. That particular rifle now holds a special place for me, and I can't imagine parting with it anytime soon. Even someone as steadfast as I am can change.

As time passes, I've also noticed that I'm less inclined to try out new firearms. The allure of the latest cartridges has faded for me, and I often find myself repeating the phrase, "there's nothing new under the sun." It seems I've reached the point where I'm more settled in my preferences, but I recognize that others are still actively exploring, buying, trading, and selling new firearms.

This leads me to wonder where others stand in their own journeys with firearms. Are you still searching for that perfect addition, or do you feel content with what you have? The spectrum of experiences is vast, and while I can't account for every possibility, I'm interested in hearing where you see yourself. Take a look at the options and share your perspective.

You may choose up to two options, and the results will only be visible once you've voted.

My journey with firearms has been almost totally sentimental. It is surely why I own and use so many form the golden age before WWII. That doesn't mean practicality isn't a significant motivation - were it not, I would never have purchase an R8. But even the Blaser has a certain elegance as its form follows function.

I also have been a big believer in using guns tailored to particular game. I would no more take a .375 deer hunting than I would a 12 on a quail hunt. The good news is that I usually have several perfect choices when planning a hunt.

Except for the bullets themselves, I am also not much into the periodic new waves of chamberings, the vast majority of which simply replicate designs and performance long in use.

I quit buying guns 10 guns ago.

Paul

Always looking but not buying . I do have some discretionary funds for firearms or accessories or a nice scope.

As for sentimental value it’s now more about the rifles I have used a bit and some experiences I have had with them. Its only value is to me alone and the reasons I configured a rifle for different purposes.

I have said before that I have a functional collection of firearms and it’s simply as above each has it’s purpose.

I once wanted everything and at least examples of different brands, actions or models. Nothing elaborate but things as simple as a Winchester .30-30 some other off the shelf example that I would make use of in different situations. A Remington 7600 pump action, a Beretta shotgun, an Anschutz .22 magnum. I have not owned any of those things and probably never will but I have most of the bases covered for what I do or hope to do in the foreseeable future.

I lie to myself every day…

I tell myself that I’m set.. I have every caliber and configuration I could ever need…

And then I see something I like.. and I immediately start justifying the purchase anyway I can lol

I quit, then buy again, then quit, then buy again…I see a nice big bore or a Hagn single shot or high gloss checkered 9422 XTR or a mint 63 or a really understated elegant shotgun or custom rifle….or I go by the Parkwest booth and order something or I call Matt Roberts and build something…
And there are grade 7 Blaser’s with that thumb hole stock that was made for me…
I need a 12 step program…

I still buy some when the urge strikes. For example, a couple years ago a Pre-64 Win. custom came available. Since I never owned a pre-64 I decided to pick it up. Similarly, I had never owned/used a mid-caliber, i.e., .270, 7mm, etc. So when Weatherby moved to Wyoming and I had also never owned a Weatherby, I picked up a 6.5 RPM. Just 2 days ago, a new Wilson Combat NULA showed up with my name on it. I have one of Melvin's original ULA's, but since I've gone to using some suppressors, I wanted one to be able to screw on rather than having one threaded. So the journey continues!!

I say "no more" just like I go to the cantina for "just one or two" drinks. Currently I am buying different barrels for my Encore frames. After all, it's just a barrel. That's not a new gun; it's an accessory. Right?

Safe shooting

I have a few guns in mind (all rifles) that I keep an eye out for. I find that I am more drawn to the classic chambering and not so much into the the newer wildcats, although I do love my 280AI. I moved away from wood stocks a while back, but the new guys I keep an eye out for all have wood.

I'm not a collector or gun trader. That requires expertise I didn't have the time or interest to develop. I've been shooting the same 30-06 03A3 since I started hunting in 1964. Built a 404 two years ago and I may build another gun purely for the enjoyment (a losing proposition as an investment). I will sell it when finished. Anyone care to place an order? At age 73 it's time to start liquidating rather than accumulating.

Im more to the stage of consolidating. My collection. Only really need a DG rifle then ill be done

I spent many years as a card carrying member of the Gun of the Month Club. But I was always fairly practical about it and only purchased things that I would carry and use. I never bought anything that wasn't in a fairly common or readily available caliber.

But the time finally came when I realized that I no longer had stuff, and now stuff had me. So about 15 years ago I sold off a bunch of guns and paid for my first buffalo and elephant hunt. I can't even remember half the guns I sold but I still think about that first Safari every day.

I am now retirement age and happily still able to get out every single day and enjoy the wilderness, but I have come to the realization that I would be much happier thinning a lot of my herd.

The thought of easing into my golden years with just a few of my trusted companions becomes more appealing every day.

Geez, some of you guys need to get into a counseling program! How do your wives put up with it? My gal never complains about anything ... as long as I keep her pumped up to 32 lbs/sq in. Still, I'm disinclined to push the envelope wasting money on guns I really don't need.

I’m on a vintage British and Scottish gun bender.

farmer_john said:

Only really need a DG rifle then ill be done

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How many of us have said this and ended up with at least four DG rifles?

Best of luck and I hope you find "the one".

I had two rifles made on similar actions to be my do-all combo, and a nice 12g shotgun to complete a working collection. However, I would like to own a sxs shotgun in a smaller gauge and sxs rifle one day. But these are not active thoughts, just “one day I would like….” thoughts.

I’m in the “Buy guns for the grandkids” stage of life.

My local gun range closed at the end of the year, so no close by options to shoot regularly. That removes some of the temptation to buy anything new for me.

All set on the sidearm and scattergun front.

I get bit by a bug from time to time and need to scratch the itch. I'll give three examples: (1) black rifles- had to have one in each specialty caliber I liked; (2) Open Range- ended up with a 44-40 carbine, rifle, revolver and a 45 Colt revolver I imagined Charlie Waite ended up with after the town fight. I still need to complete my holster and belt collection. Also started loading black powder cartridge for these; (3) 300H&H- don't need it, just wanted one, which led me to this site, which led me to 375H&H and 416Rem. Along with dad's '06, my Africa battery is complete...

...but I would like to add a 458 of some persuasion before I call it quits.

BeeMaa said:

How many of us have said this and ended up with at least four DG rifles?

Best of luck and I hope you find "the one".

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Lol I know. But I want to do the big 5 on one nice rifle leaning towards a rigby. And then work on the N american 29 even tho I prolly wont get lucky any sheep draws.

For myself, I really want a quarter bore. I have a small fund waiting to pull the trigger on a 257 Roberts, when one that strikes my fancy comes available.
My wife thinks I have adopted a “one in, one out” mentality, haha!