Gun Buying Epiphany

[JonInWA]

Lying around while recovering from surgery isn't necessarily a good thing...I looked at the auction sites for a Walther P5, a gun that I've owned several examples of previously.


Found a late model one...Check

Found that it came with 4 magazines (and other extras)...Check

Found that it had been barely fired, and essentially is LNIB....Check

Found that the price was actually fairly reasonable (well, reasonable for a Walther P5)....Check

Then I thought, other than aesthetics, what real role would I actually have for this pistol?

Hmmm.....It's about the same size as my Gen 3 Glock 19 (which performs superbly, and is in excellent condition, and has been judiciously upgraded based on my empirical experiences with it, and with the help of some of the leading lights in the community-with Glock OEM components), has a 8 +1 round capacity vs 15+1, is heavier, less weather resistant, magazines a well made, but expensive (usually $75+), the trigger has a pronounced hitch just before let-off (due to the action mechanically lifting the firing pin into position as a part of the safety system), has a heel magazine release vs the Glock's eminently faster to activate and use button release, and the polymer Walther used for its grips is highly susceptible to being structurally degraded and aesthetically melted by common US gun cleaning/lubricating solvents (meaning I would only use Kleen Bore solvent, or replace the grips with usable, comfortable, but ugly Hogue rubber grips).

Yeah, I'm my own Captain Buzzkill. Not that there's anything inherently wrong with getting something that one likes and is attracted to, but as another p-f member succinctly commented on in a concurrent thread, this forum's membership is more about shooting guns, not about just acquiring them (thanks, Okie John).

Clearly, the Walther P5 would have been a "fun"acquisition, but one that doubtlessly would have languished in the vault after the initial spurt of enjoyment over the acquisition would have (inevitably) diminished. Or, conversely, it would have been a skill-building distraction from platforms that I should be concentrating on.

And then I remembered that these were pretty much the exact same reasons and realizations that I'd had leading to the sale of my last P5....

BOOM-busted!

But still, sometimes making mature, adult decisions that you know are such is a bit of a pain....

Best, Jon

[OlongJohnson]

I did that (Lying around while recovering from surgery) for basically the month of December. Longest time I haven't worked since I was about 14, probably. The habits you get into in order to not go insane when you can't go anywhere or do anything are surprisingly hard to put away when you're trying to get back on the horse.

[Wendell]

Just about every week I am reminded of how strange it is to be aware of having forgotten something which I used to know.

[RJ]

Every time I think about buying ‘another’ gun, my little inner pf-lizard brain whispers you should be Dry Practicing... :cool:

[M2CattleCo]

I have a mental flow chart that I go though that starts with the two Glocks I own and ends up at either buy ammo or shop for another 1911.

[RevolverRob]

Tell me more about this P5 that's a good value that you didn't buy...:confused::eek:

What really helped my gun buying was moving a thousand miles from my FFL to go to grad school. I can't buy anything locally besides ammo. So, I at least avoid temptation most of the time.

That said, retail therapy is important in life. You don't need to partake in it, every day, but if your bills are paid and your debt is declining/gone, and your retirement funds are vested, buy. Be it a book or guns or a knife or a Porsche or custom boots, or whatever.

Just make sure you're getting your priorities straight.

Like right now, I've got my eye on a holster I've always wanted, but instead, I have to pay the tax man.

[Totem Polar]

I’ve got real problems with the minimization thing and the practical/maturity thing, both. I was checking out that Marie Kando show that’s all the hotness right now with Mrs Sidhe the other night. I think there is something there with regard to clothes and old knick knacks and paper trails and shit. But it just doesn’t work with guns. (Picks up old H&R .22) "yeah, this still sparks joy..." (toggle action Erma .22) "Yeah, that’s a big pile of joy, too." (Picks up slicked NY-1 K-frame) "Are you fucking kidding me? Sure, I’d never carry it, but this thing is pure joy!” (Beretta ‘34) “Joy." (Savage 1907) "Oh yeah, that sparks joy, too..." (1911) "*loud guffaws*" (Glock 45) "Sure, I guess... I mean, it’s no K-frame, but it’s up there with bacon.” (Ruger 50th Anniversary Blackhawk) "Oh hell yes; I’ve got so much joy sparked in me right now that I could hug most of the free world with this thing on my hip!"

I probably would have bought the P5.

[Darth_Uno]

Nothing wrong with buying something because you want it, as long as you admit that’s why you’re getting it.

If you want to be 100% practical, you’d get by with 1 Handgun of Choice, and every time you thought about another gun you just put that money into your retirement account. But what fun is that.

[Bigghoss]

Maybe we should come up with a PF flow chart for new gun purchases. Where 90% of the outcomes are "buy more ammo instead".

[RevolverRob]

I’ve got real problems with the minimization thing and the practical/maturity thing, both. I was checking out that Marie Kando show that’s all the hotness right now with Mrs Sidhe the other night. I think there is something there with regard to clothes and old knick knacks and paper trails and shit. But it just doesn’t work with guns. (Picks up old H&R .22) "yeah, this still sparks joy..." (toggle action Erma .22) "Yeah, that’s a big pile of joy, too." (Picks up slicked NY-1 K-frame) "Are you fucking kidding me? Sure, I’d never carry it, but this thing is pure joy!” (Beretta ‘34) “Joy." (Savage 1907) "Oh yeah, that sparks joy, too..." (1911) "*loud guffaws*" (Glock 45) "Sure, I guess... I mean, it’s no K-frame, but it’s up there with bacon.” (Ruger 50th Anniversary Blackhawk) "Oh hell yes; I’ve got so much joy sparked in me right now that I could hug most of the free world with this thing on my hip!"

I probably would have bought the P5.

I think the "joy" thing is a bit...silly - there are lots of practical things that give me no joy - Spatulas, toilet paper, umbrellas, etc. I don't think "joy" is the right metric for beginning to minimize. I prefer the "Swedish Death Cleaning" approach. Declutter to reduce the crap you're leaving to your heirs or estate managers - whatever. If you can get rid of stuff sooner, than later, it's easier to to maintain.

That said - every time I think about getting rid of guns, I slap myself and remind myself that I'm an American, god damnit. A Capitalist, Libertarian, Freedom Live, Beer Drinking, Single Serve Plastic Straw Using - American. And I'll buy what I want. So yea...I'd totally buy the P5.

That said - I do have a plan to start divesting myself of guns. It's still about 10 or 12 years out, before I start giving guns to my nephews and niece, but they're each getting things from me (I don't care what their parents say, they'll be 18 and then 21 respectively). I will not only give from my stash, but allow them to start telling me what they want, so I can give it to them prior to my death, that way there is no question about who gets what.

The only thing my grandfather's I ever wanted was his double-barrel .410 shotgun, he told me I could have it, but it wasn't in the will. Want to guess what I didn't get when he died? :rolleyes:

[Duelist]

I’ve got real problems with the minimization thing and the practical/maturity thing, both. I was checking out that Marie Kando show that’s all the hotness right now with Mrs Sidhe the other night. I think there is something there with regard to clothes and old knick knacks and paper trails and shit. But it just doesn’t work with guns. (Picks up old H&R .22) "yeah, this still sparks joy..." (toggle action Erma .22) "Yeah, that’s a big pile of joy, too." (Picks up slicked NY-1 K-frame) "Are you fucking kidding me? Sure, I’d never carry it, but this thing is pure joy!” (Beretta ‘34) “Joy." (Savage 1907) "Oh yeah, that sparks joy, too..." (1911) "*loud guffaws*" (Glock 45) "Sure, I guess... I mean, it’s no K-frame, but it’s up there with bacon.” (Ruger 50th Anniversary Blackhawk) "Oh hell yes; I’ve got so much joy sparked in me right now that I could hug most of the free world with this thing on my hip!"

I probably would have bought the P5.

I love you, man.

[Lester Polfus]

I hear you. I'm at, or near Peak Fun with 11 firearms.* Usually, when I start jonesing for more, it's a sign I'm working too much and not spending enough time outside shooting. It's also easier now that Tommy The Gun Pimp, my friend with the FFL lives in another state.

I think I probably am going to get a big bore revolver though.



* Yeah, I know "nice start."

[pangloss]

If you want to be 100% practical, you’d get by with 1 Handgun of Choice, and every time you thought about another gun you just put that money into your retirement account. But what fun is that.

It's important to save money early in life so you can afford guns and ammo when you are old.

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[OlongJohnson]

My hands-on, mechanical OCD is actually the thing getting me to think about lightening the safe. I've mentioned before that I have a thing with Buck Marks. I like them. I don't want to collect them all, but they make so many that are cool...

Anyway, during January and February, my gun project was getting one that I think is particularly interesting and cool up and running. My Buck Mark prep game is pretty solid at this point, but it has meant working on every part that wasn't a pin, spring or threaded fastener. I've figured out at least three things on this go-round that seem to be firsts/unique in the world of Buck Marks, and it was the first beneficiary of a technology I've been working on assembling for a long time but hadn't quite gotten together (my implementation is both cheaper and better [admittedly not faster] than the off-the-shelf version). I find that satisfying, and now that I have the tools and solutions worked out, any in the future will take less time. But there are still a few details to finalize on this one, and I'm not really looking forward to the next one. There are other things I'd rather do with the time. Like dry firing, going to the range, running a similar program on cars, motorcycles, the house, etc.

Probably won't get rid of any Buck Marks, but I haven't trolled GB for new and interesting ones in awhile. I have sold a few other guns on consignment at the LGS lately, and I'm now more motivated to surplus out additional guns that seemed fun and interesting at the time, but have proven less so over time. There are several remaining where I'm just not interested in investing the time and problem solving to bring them up to my standards, and a few where I've realized that model, even at the best it could be, doesn't work as well for me as some others. Note that it's not clear how I might have reached such a conclusion without the hands-on experience that ownership affords. Fortunately, I have been an aggressive shopper, and I'm not doing too badly selling (except the Glock - that sucked). I should be able to finish some projects and have new gun expenditures covered with old gun money for awhile.


It's important to save money early in life so you can afford guns and ammo when you are old.

On the other hand, you might not have good eyes, grip strength, or intact bodily structures when you are old. So don't save all your living for later...

[M2CattleCo]

Maybe we should come up with a PF flow chart for new gun purchases. Where 90% of the outcomes are "buy more ammo instead".

I own 6 pistols and probably 30 cases of ammo!:confused:

[PGT]

I buy guns because a) I find them interesting b) I find them weird c) I like how they look d) a combo of a/b/c/. I find that I enjoy the process....learning new stuff, watching youtube, reading, then the thrill of the hunt to find a good example. Its never about the need or the actual shooting. I've got dozens of guns I've never fired.

Oh, and here's my P5.

35987

[JonInWA]

You're a sick man, PGT.

You're not helping.

Magnificent P5, and nice grips. Is your finish a combination of Robar NP3 and Roguard?

Best, Jon

[PGT]

grips are English walnut from Grips4U, the gun is refinished by CCR; their "Ceraplate II Dusk" ceramic nickel plating on the slide over NiKote on the frame.

[mtnbkr]

I think the "joy" thing is a bit...silly - there are lots of practical things that give me no joy - Spatulas, toilet paper, umbrellas, etc. I don't think "joy" is the right metric for beginning to minimize.

I've watched a couple of those shows with my wife. My take on the "spark joy" thing is that it's for non-practical stuff that isn't getting used or is surplus. So, you wouldn't use it for your spatula, but would use it for the 3rd place basketball trophy from high school.

Chris

[RJ]

That said - I do have a plan to start divesting myself of guns.



Sure.

We believe you.

Really. :)


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[hufnagel]

yea but...

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lw8cXG7sOak/Tlp0G2VmykI/AAAAAAAACCM/BBJt3Z5cHTo/s1600/ian+malcolm.jpg

I'm always on the lookout for the future ex-Mrs. Walther P5.

:D

Sometimes making bad choices for all the wrong reasons multiple times, is what we need in life.

[gato naranja]

I prefer the "Swedish Death Cleaning" approach. Declutter to reduce the crap you're leaving to your heirs or estate managers - whatever. If you can get rid of stuff sooner, than later, it's easier to to maintain.

"Swedish Death Cleaning." That has to be one of the less warm and fuzzy terms ... at least on the face of it. I have bought pistols in the past two years and told my wife that they were something she would have to worry about at my estate sale, but the dismal plausibility of it renders it increasingly humor-free. I'm still fighting the urge to accumulate more nonessential crap that I think is cool (like original old "granger railroad" signage) and I can't bring myself to part with some small WWII souvenirs my relatives brought back, but I have finally come to the realization that any firearm I buy from here on in is not going to benefit me long enough to justify the purchase. Those recent pistols? Cheap 9mm 1911s- because dropping more than $1000 on what is essentially a low-key recreational range toy doesn't appeal to me.

I cleared out any B-list (and lower) calibers some years back, which made life much simpler. Then I got rid of the hunting-only Fuddstuff except for a CZ 452 .22LR bolt rifle, as hunting anything more than an occasional starling or thirteen-lined ground squirrel is behind me. Then I sold anything that was either "too precious to use" or too much of a PITA to get magazines or replacement parts for. Truth be told, out of all the firearms I have turned loose in 45 years, I only get spasms of regret over about three of them. "Flavor of the month" guns will make a man poor.

(I told my eternally cash-strapped kid that my personal experience leads me to believe that a quality M4 Carbine clone with an Aimpoint Micro, a Glock 19 and a proven Remington 870 Police (with an extra Rem-Choke barrel) is all he can afford or needs to have... that and stay off all the damned gun forums if he remains chronically unable to tune out pushers and enablers.)

gn

[muzzleblast]

It seems that my buying decision tree is less complicated than some:

Do I want it? Yes. Can I afford it? No. :mad:

Do I want it? Yes. Can I afford it? Yes. :)

The end.

[Bigghoss]

It seems that my buying decision tree is less complicated than some:

Do I want it? Yes. Can I afford it? No. :mad:

Do I want it? Yes. Can I afford it? Yes. :)

The end.

That used to be how I made decisions. Then I started asking what else could I do with that money. Do I want a Dan Wesson Specialist or do I want to pay off my credit card? Do I want a Glock 45 or working AC in my truck? Hell, if I had taken most of the money I blew on guns and invested it instead of buying a bunch of guns I would eventually sell anyway, I wouldn't have to think about any of this and I'd have a Dan Wesson Specialist.

[serialsolver]

My dad told me, “you work hard all your life you should get something you want”.

I got a lot of stuff I want and when I don’t want it any more I trade it or sell it to get other stuff I want.

It’s grown ups having fun.

Ammunition is like gas. I buy gas to put in my truck to go to work. The gas was use to serve a purpose for a designated outcome.

I buy gas to put in my 1966 ford k gt fastback. The gas is used to run the mustang at high rpm, go around corners, ya know gear head stuff. The gas was spent irresponsibly, but I had fun.

I shot a lot of ammunition thru my work or serious guns in training or schools. It started out as fun or enjoyable but became work. The ammunition was used to serve a purpose for a designated out come.

I shot a lot of ammo thru big bore Blackhawks an n frame smiths, 1911’s, high powers, snubby 38’s....etc. the ammo was spent irresponsibly but I had fun.

Ya gotta be responsible.

Ya still should have fun.


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[Bucky]

I try hard to keep my gun buying purposeful.

That said, I sometime get collecting urges. I have in the past bid on a Walther, but for me it’s not the P5 (as cool as they may be). My interest lies in the P88 Compact.

[gato naranja]

I try hard to keep my gun buying purposeful.

I'm in my 60s now, so much of what was purposeful back in the day when I had permissions (land development and "big ag" killed that), or when my eyesight was still above average (damn targets are smaller than they used to be) no longer qualifies. I have gone through a couple of phases where I "tuned" the gun safe to reflect my circumstances as they changed, but the clock hitting 60 got my attention by the 'nads and hasn't let go.

Some days I think I might depart this vale of tears with nothing left for whomever has to clean the place out but an SP101 loaded with .38 wadcutters and a .177 Weihrauch 30S... and maybe that will be appropriate.

gn

[Darth_Uno]

That used to be how I made decisions. Then I started asking what else could I do with that money. Do I want a Dan Wesson Specialist or do I want to pay off my credit card? Do I want a Glock 45 or working AC in my truck? Hell, if I had taken most of the money I blew on guns and invested it instead of buying a bunch of guns I would eventually sell anyway, I wouldn't have to think about any of this and I'd have a Dan Wesson Specialist.

Same here. Although the majority of my guns were purchased used, so I very rarely lost money unless I intentionally traded down - that is, trade something I’m not using for something I will use (or at least I thought I would at the time).

And that’s my criteria. Will I actually use it. Admittedly I’ve been a poor judge of that through the years, but it’s still what I guage it by.

[Poconnor]

Life is too short for ugly women, cheap cars, cheap beer or booze and cheap ugly guns. Live like you will die tomorrow but plan to live to 100.

[RevolverRob]

"Swedish Death Cleaning." That has to be one of the less warm and fuzzy terms ... at least on the face of it.

And yet, once you get it into your head, it makes a lot of sense and frankly, gets rid of the morbidity of death. There is something not only cathartic about a spring cleaning or a death cleaning, but also in accepting death is coming for us and we can't take it with us when we're dead.

I'm not planning to get rid of any guns right now, but I contemplate what I would keep if I did get rid of stuff. And frankly, the list is pretty short of what I would absolutely keep. As in, I can think of...three handguns, two rifles, and a shotgun and those are all with sentimental value. If I had to narrow it farther, I could get down to one handgun, one rifle, and the shotgun. Which tells me almost everything I need to know about my "needs".

But I live in America and I don't care about need. I can have and want more than the minimum, it's allowed. It's not a crime and I don't feel bad about it. Not bad about it like some "socialist minimalists" would have me believe I should. But then again, I donated 5% of my (preposterously low) annual salary last year, like I have done every year for the past 9 years. I don't write that shit off on my taxes either, because I don't give to get a tax break, I give because I feel I should. And giving to charity takes precedence over everything except paying my own bills.

Meanwhile, when I'm working in the middle of the day, the local "communists" come out and protest outside my office with a megaphone, disrupting my actual work. And trust me, those commies aren't subsisting on cigarettes and coffee...they haven't missed any meals and look like fat, decadent, westerners, who want to take my money to line their pockets and mouths...

Sorry...I've gotten off track here. Point being, I buy what I want and try to use need as a justification rarely. Because what you want vs. need are very different things and people who focus on need-based justifications for things are usually commies.

So how about it JonInWA is it Comrade Jon or not? Buy that Walther...do it.

[gato naranja]

And frankly, the list is pretty short of what I would absolutely keep.

That is one of the surprising discoveries I have made in the past couple years with regard to various hobbies and interests, not just guns.

gn

[Totem Polar]

Meanwhile, when I'm working in the middle of the day, the local "communists" come out and protest outside my office with a megaphone, disrupting my actual work. And trust me, those commies aren't subsisting on cigarettes and coffee...they haven't missed any meals and look like fat, decadent, westerners, who want to take my money to line their pockets and mouths...

Going OT for a sec, but, I am usually VERY live and let live—and I support the right of people to get out and petition for redress, etc.

But when I see hundreds of people outside protesting for anything that smacks of statism, while I’m in a box working my ass off mid-week, it most def bugs me. I’m not gonna lie.

[JonInWA]

And yet, once you get it into your head, it makes a lot of sense and frankly, gets rid of the morbidity of death. There is something not only cathartic about a spring cleaning or a death cleaning, but also in accepting death is coming for us and we can't take it with us when we're dead.

I'm not planning to get rid of any guns right now, but I contemplate what I would keep if I did get rid of stuff. And frankly, the list is pretty short of what I would absolutely keep. As in, I can think of...three handguns, two rifles, and a shotgun and those are all with sentimental value. If I had to narrow it farther, I could get down to one handgun, one rifle, and the shotgun. Which tells me almost everything I need to know about my "needs".

But I live in America and I don't care about need. I can have and want more than the minimum, it's allowed. It's not a crime and I don't feel bad about it. Not bad about it like some "socialist minimalists" would have me believe I should. But then again, I donated 5% of my (preposterously low) annual salary last year, like I have done every year for the past 9 years. I don't write that shit off on my taxes either, because I don't give to get a tax break, I give because I feel I should. And giving to charity takes precedence over everything except paying my own bills.

Meanwhile, when I'm working in the middle of the day, the local "communists" come out and protest outside my office with a megaphone, disrupting my actual work. And trust me, those commies aren't subsisting on cigarettes and coffee...they haven't missed any meals and look like fat, decadent, westerners, who want to take my money to line their pockets and mouths...

Sorry...I've gotten off track here. Point being, I buy what I want and try to use need as a justification rarely. Because what you want vs. need are very different things and people who focus on need-based justifications for things are usually commies.

So how about it JonInWA is it Comrade Jon or not? Buy that Walther...do it.

You're quite the pot-stirring enabler, aren't you, RR?

I did some checking-the P5 I was considering (emphasis on the word "was," sportsfans). It is one of the desirable late, if not last production improvement P5 variations, incorporating a new hammer, as well as the immediately preceding frame-mounted adjustable trigger stop.

Slightly more than 12 years ago, I traded my remarkably similar P5 (with only 87 guns separating my old one (which I'd ordered purchased BNIB) and the currently offered one. It was a one-for-one trade on my .40 FN Hi Power Mk III.

So: If I was to contemplate a "reverse trade" of sorts, that would require answering some due diligence questions, such as;

-Would I likely shoot the P5 better than the Hi Power? (Not likely the Hi Power's SA trigger is actually remarkably good )

-Would I likely use the P5 more than the Hi Power? (Possibly, I only used the hi Power once or twice at the most in the last year, but not likely-A single stack, fairly thick, heavy and a bit bulky DA/SA really doesn't generate much current traction regarding my needs/desires/duties)

-Is the P5 more desirable to me than the Hi Power? (After some reflective contemplation, the answer objectively is "no.")

So-No P5 for JonInWA at this point. It would be a purely discretionary purchase, but there are other things and avenues much more deserving of my attention.

But here's the listing, for any interested: https://www.gunbroker.com/item/800356180

(Notice me in turn most generously enabling others)

Best, Jon

[Bigghoss]

I still have a bunch of guns I don't need that I won't get rid of. But I've reached a point of saturation where I can't shoot and enjoy all of them. Maybe if I had more time to shoot and a vault where I could display everything I'd be more inclined to keep/acquire more guns.

My Ruger P94DC is a really nice gun but shooting it isn't much different than shooting my P95. I bet a nice P89 would shoot pretty similar too if I ever get a strong desire for a metal Ruger. I think selling my P97 and P94 and getting a nice P90 would fill both rolls.

My Vertec is a cool gun. But the grip is odd for me so there's no reason to keep it on top of all the other nice Berettas I have.

I think classic Sigs look cool. But I don't need West German examples of the P220 and a P226. I'm going to sell both and get a MK25 or something.

And there's a bunch of others I could list. That will still leave me with a bunch of fun guns and some money and space for the fun guns I still haven't gotten yet. And if I'm being honest, shooting one nice gun is about as fun as shooting another. The experience might be slightly different, different enough to buy several different guns for the heck of it. But I can get about as much fun from shooting a Beretta as I can shooting a Sig or whatever. I think I'd have more fun shooing one gun very well than from shooting several just good.

I mean, if I wanted to go full minimalist I'd sell all my AK's and milsurps and revolvers and end up with a few Berettas, a couple AR15's, and a couple shotguns.

[MattyD380]

I don't necessarily think acquiring new guns and becoming a better shooter have to be mutually exclusive. When you try new things, you learn--about the hardware and how you interface with it. Two recent examples for me, were a Browning Hi Power and Smith 66-1. Within a few range sessions, I was shooting the BHP as well as I've shot anything; apparently the ergos and the trigger work for me. And shooting the 66-1 made me more aware of the virtues of a good DA trigger.

I guess there comes a point when you've been around the block on actions, ergos and calibers and you know what you like. But still... perhaps a little context can be beneficial. Beyond that, a true appreciation for firearms goes beyond purely utilitarian considerations: there's history, mechanical interest, pride, etc. all valid reasons to want to own a gun, I think.

And... I've always wanted a P5.

[Bigghoss]

I don't necessarily think acquiring new guns and becoming a better shooter have to be mutually exclusive.

They don't. But I only have two hours a week to hit the range. So shooting my fun guns takes time away from shooting my also-fun-but-also-serious guns.



Beyond that, a true appreciation for firearms goes beyond purely utilitarian considerations: there's history, mechanical interest, pride, etc. all valid reasons to want to own a gun, I think.

All reasons why I do own guns.

[1986s4]

The question I ask myself before I buy a new/used gun is; what am I going to use it for? Will I carry it? Such as my Smith M13 3" or Beretta 92c. Will I compete/train with it? Such as my full size Beretta M9, Smith M13 4", Smith 686 4". Which is not to say I haven't acquired strictly fun guns, the last being a Colt 1911 in .38 super auto. Which has become my beater/competition and past carry pistol.
I had a Walther P5 that I did carry and compete with but after not to many rounds I noticed that the aluminum frame feed ramp was wearing where the bullets made contact. It was a fun experiment but down the road it went.

[JonInWA]

The question I ask myself before I buy a new/used gun is; what am I going to use it for? Will I carry it? Such as my Smith M13 3" or Beretta 92c. Will I compete/train with it? Such as my full size Beretta M9, Smith M13 4", Smith 686 4". Which is not to say I haven't acquired strictly fun guns, the last being a Colt 1911 in .38 super auto. Which has become my beater/competition and past carry pistol.
I had a Walther P5 that I did carry and compete with but after not to many rounds I noticed that the aluminum frame feed ramp was wearing where the bullets made contact. It was a fun experiment but down the road it went.

The P5C was even worse-it had a plastic filler piece that the hammer strut was embedded in. Never really liking the P5C that much myself (I freely admit it was an aesthetics thing), I gave it to my wife for her bedstand/PDW use. At one point, I either dry-fired it, or took it to the range, and I discovered that the plastic filler piece had crystallized and broken (in retrospect, not unusual at all when the polymer that Walther used at the time was exposed to US cleaning and/or lubricating solvents), and the hammer strut had no traction, rendering the pistol literally unfirable. Off to Earl's Repair it went, and after the repair I immediately divested myself of it. Anecdotally, I've heard that the 3,000 British MoD L102A1 contract pieces had that plastic filler replaced with a metal one, but I've never been able to actually verify that. (the hammer strut for the P5 was attached to the metal frame via a metal hanger attachment, so it was only the P5C that was problematic in that regard)

Best, Jon

[Joe in PNG]

I've got both "serious" guns, and "just because" guns.
The serious ones are the ones to be carried and trained with.

The just because guns are the ones that I got just because. Usually because they're things I find interesting (pre-war Colt pocket guns), or because they're a crazy good deal (most of my S&W revolvers), or just fun to shoot, or all of the above.

I don't sweat the label of not being a "serious shooter" all that much anyway.

[deputyG23]

I have fought the urge to replace my gen 2/2.5 9mm Glocks with gen 5 models for about a year. With nearly forty firearms in the house and no more than twelve of those going to the range in a given year, the herd needs thinning. My son moved to MD a couple of years ago which makes the process of gifting firearms to him increasingly difficult for any firearm and illegal for some of the items I currently own. My daughter and son-in-law live locally and will probably end up with the majority of the firearms that are left when I die. They are both occasional shooters. I don't hunt anymore and most of the long guns are Fudd stuff. If I had to cut down to six firearms, I would keep my Colt 20" AR-15, G19, S&W 442, Remington 511 .22 bolt gun which is incredibly accurate with standard velocity ammo, an 870 with multiple barrels, and either my WWII Winchester DCM Garand or my '49 20 gauge New Ithaca Double with Miller selective trigger. Giving up my K Smiths would pain me the most....

[PNWTO]

I'm currently torn between two thought patterns on gun buying:

1. Be minimal and monitor any materialistic or consumptionist desires. Train more with my tools and focus on H2H, BJJ, and blades since I can't legally carry at work and the job is of enough significance I won't play the NPE game. This job puts me in frequent contact with the general public so mindset and MUC is key. For guns, I really can't argue that my defensive line-up of a MP340, G19, G43, and 590A1 are more than capable of any tasks that may occur. I am the limiting factor in those tasks.

2. On the other hand, with some of the current laws that may happen in WA and the general direction of state politics, I should probably buy anything that could be prohibited in the future and I may one day wish to have. So any autoloaders with "hi cap" mags and other murderous features are prioritized.


I really don't believe in collecting anything and only have one such handgun that I don't fire or even look at often, which a S&W "Safety Hammerless" 3rd model that had a few adventures in a detective's belt during Prohibition.

[GAP]

I'm currently torn between two thought patterns on gun buying:

1. Be minimal and monitor any materialistic or consumptionist desires. Train more with my tools and focus on H2H, BJJ, and blades since I can't legally carry at work and the job is of enough significance I won't play the NPE game. This job puts me in frequent contact with the general public so mindset and MUC is key. For guns, I really can't argue that my defensive line-up of a MP340, G19, G43, and 590A1 are more than capable of any tasks that may occur. I am the limiting factor in those tasks.

2. On the other hand, with some of the current laws that may happen in WA and the general direction of state politics, I should probably buy anything that could be prohibited in the future and I may one day wish to have. So any autoloaders with "hi cap" mags and other murderous features are prioritized.


I really don't believe in collecting anything and only have one such handgun that I don't fire or even look at often, which a S&W "Safety Hammerless" 3rd model that had a few adventures in a detective's belt during Prohibition.

Go the minimal route.

My basic advice for self-defense and life in general:

1. Get good at wrestling and choking people.
2. Get strong at Deadlifting, Squatting, and Pressing
3. Buy a few 9mm Glocks, common mags, parts, and holsters
4. Spend “extra” money on ammunition & experiences with your family

Trust me, this path leads to a much more confident, productive, and enjoyable life.

Don’t be the guy that lays in bed at night and contemplates trivial shit. You will be much happier if you can minimize your desires. Your achievements (E.g. technical skill development) is what can give you true satisfaction and make you happy. Continually buying something new, just replaces your previous desire, until the next one comes along; that concludes my Philosophy lesson for this evening.

[breakingtime91]

I have a mental flow chart that I go though that starts with the two Glocks I own and ends up at either buy ammo or shop for another 1911.

funny how life works..I was trying to convince myself to move to gen 5 but then realized that I don't even like glocks.. so I have two gen 4 glock 19s in the safe and am saving up for another 1911..

[ubervic]

Go the minimal route.

My basic advice for self-defense and life in general:

1. Get good at wrestling and choking people.
2. Get strong at Deadlifting, Squatting, and Pressing
3. Buy a few 9mm Glocks, common mags, parts, and holsters
4. Spend “extra” money on ammunition & experiences with your family

Trust me, this path leads to a much more confident, productive, and enjoyable life.

Don’t be the guy that lays in bed at night and contemplates trivial shit. You will be much happier if you can minimize your desires. Your achievements (E.g. technical skill development) is what can give you true satisfaction and make you happy. Continually buying something new, just replaces your previous desire, until the next one comes along; that concludes my Philosophy lesson for this evening.

BRAVO.

It took me many, many years to realize & embrace the wisdom offered in this gem of a post.

[Hieronymous]

Like many on this forum I am interested in improving my shooting skills, primarily with a focus on self-defense. And I generally agree with the ethos of keeping it simple and spending money on training and ammunition. However, for me, it is, at the end of the day still a hobby. With work, kids and diminishing time to shoot, keeping that hobby alive relies in part on purchasing new toys now and then. My concession is that I won’t buy another gun safe. If I want something new and I don’t have space, I get rid of something.

Here’s my P5, Purchased many years ago when I worked at a gun store. I love the machining on the barrel of this thing. I say go for it!


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