Sharpsshooter's thread on serial numbers got me to thinking about "gun collecting" vs. "gun acquiring".

Are any of you guys serious collectors of a specific category of fire arm? Not talking muzzleloaders here, but cartridge guns.

I've never collected any particular style, make, or category of gun. But I seem to have acquired a bunch of them. I like single shots and have several - two falling blocks and two bolt actions (though I like the falling block actions more). The only "repeater" rifle I have is a Marlin 1884 lever action in .357 Mag - a really sweet little thing. Military rifles hold no appeal for me, nor do semi-auto's or the whole family of black stock stuff, or even classic bolt actions. In the handgun department I prefer revolvers over semi-autos, though I do have a Colt 1911 Officers Model .45ACP, Ruger Mark I .22 LR, and Walter PPK/S .380. The revolvers include two Rugers (.22 & .41 Mag) and two Rossi's (a .357 & a .44 Special - my absolute favorite). One last handgun, a .38/357 Remington Rolling Block is a hoot to shoot. So as you can see, I have a group, not a collection.

What about you?

If I was a collector it would be custom rifles or hard to find rifles. But I am guilty of acquiring rifles. Am I serious about it? Not anymore.

If I won the lottery i'd own all the original Colt percussion revolvers. I had a couple of Uberti Colt 1860's, but having all the originals would be a dream come true.

I'd have to win the lottery to afford some of them. An original Walker is mighty pricey.

I was doing the Pre-64 Model 70 Winchester thing for awhile - but somewhere along the way lost interest. Now I do not have any down from 4 of them.

I Think the distinction is if you collect guns you can never have to many . Everybody thinks its ok to be a collector. But if you acquire guns and you have quite a few you are considered a hoarder and that is considered unacceptable. Shoot they even consider it a disease or obsessive compulsive behavior so you better quit acquiring guns and start collecting.

Point taken Sharpsshooter! You're right of course.

I'm a collector doctor. I swear I am. You should see my spectacular collection of discarded defunct items. I'd be happy to show you to my garage's display area.

I never thought of cayugad as a hoarder. However, I think he gets confused on which gun to hunt with sometimes.

I am really saddened to hear this. You have been a mentor to so many. I feel betrayed, let down. I hope you find help and can regain your former "collectors" passion.

Please seek help.

p.s.
Want to buy a nice Renegade????

Buy a Renegade? I have three or four of them I think. So I will pass. I have actually been looking at a custom flintlock in .54 caliber with all the real good parts. I don't really care if its a fancy carved, shiny brass job. But just to have a real nice flintlock would be the crown to the acquirement (I am not a collector).

As for which gun to hunt with.. which ever one draws my fancy that day. For some reason, I have a real hard time parting with weapons. Now gear I am known to see off, but usually once a weapon finds my home, it has a home for life. I do have some center fire rifles that have not been shot in 30 years... do they count Semisane?

Now that's the cayugad that we all know and love

I feel better already.