doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Managing a Collection

I'm curious about the different metrics or qualifiers that people use to manage their collections. Myself, I don't have room for a lot of guns, so each one has to have a very specific purpose, and within that, I categorize by make, gauge, action type, and stock configuration, in that order. Those that meet my defined criteria stay in my safe, and those that don't, I move along. For those of you with large collections and likely much larger wallets, this may not garner much thought, but perhaps it does. I'm curious what parameters you all have for collecting. With so many choices available at shows and on the net, it's can become hard to remain selective.

If it comes up and rings the door bell, I invite it to come in.
Mike

p.s. As I get older, I have been giving many suitable shotguns and 22 rifles to the local boy scout organization.

Our Pioneer Gun Collectors Club, built a wonderful 5 stand shooting range at the local Scouting Center.

http://amarillo.com/stories/022410/our_ourtown2.shtml

Quoting one of the Scout leaders "Amarillo does not have mountains, and we do not have rivers, BUT we do have shooting"

Shooting Sports Camp -
Shooting Sports Camp will expose Scouts to Shooting Sports disciplines and activities in the areas of Archery, Rifle, 5-Stand, Trap, and Action Archery. Saturday evening will be packed with Shooting Sports related demonstrations and exhibits. The NRA has generously provided some of our camp materials. For Dates and to sign up go to the activity, program, and training Page.

http://www.goldenspread.org/Programs/Camps/Camps.htm

I manage mine by not buying a larger safe. My self imposed rule is that all my guns have to fit in my safe. So while my collection has not increased in size, it's quality has gotten markedly better over the years.

I have to admit that I have recently broken my rule and have taken advantage of some available space in my son's safe. All we can do is try......

Bob, I made a mistake and bought too small of a safe. Now what am I gonna do?

I'm with Bob; let the safe do it. Helps with the wife management, too.

I have an unfortunate tendency to buy guns I like and I like a lot of different guns.There is no more room in the house for safes. I thought that might cure the problem-now I have guns in corners,closets etc but I can stop any time honest-------

Hi, our house has a walk in bank safe with fire wall 360, two doors (main vault (dial) and day door (key)) 6'x8'x10'.

I can store a lot in it, but running out of room!!!!

I'm happy with mine!

All the best!

Greg

I decided to follow the same path as Bob. Just beginning the path to upgrade the quality while keeping the numbers similar. Although there are a few that will stay regardless, just for sentimental reasons.

I only started about 6 years ago to actually collect and recently got to the maximum capacity of the safe (it has changed over time because I have customized the interior to increase capacity LOL). I recently sold a couple of guns that don't fit the direction my tastes have gone in and gave away a .22lr to some kids who needed one.

Now when I am thinking about what I may buy next, I am also thinking about what will leave the nest. It's heartbreaking! LOL

Mark: I truly think and hope I have enough guns to get me through the 'long haul' now. I really would like to retire some day. With that thought in mind one has to realize you have to pull the reins in on spending somewhat. Also, you can only shoot one at a time. I think for me 'gun collecting' can almost be a sickness! How many guns does one guy really need?

buzz.thats funny!as my buddy says its not about need its about want!!!!!!
i keep telling myself to weed some out but as soon as one goes another better one shows up!