Gun Owners vs Gun Buyers vs Shooters vs ?

BattleRifleG3 · 08-19-2005, 11:20 PM

In my few but full years of gun ownership, gun acquisition, shooting, and discussion thereof, I'm starting to notice several different kinds of people involved with firearms. These categories aren't mutually exclusive, but in some cases we're far more of one than another.

1. Gun Owners - Those who own the guns they have with a purpose for each, valuing every one, and taking very seriously their ownership and carry rights. Buy for real or potential need and shoot as part of their heritage.

2. Gun Buyers - Regularly buy and sometimes sell guns. Are very saavy about the gun market, what's a good deal, and what's going on in the industry. Will sometimes buy a gun because it's a good price, and will frequently have plenty of gun-goals of what to get in the near and far future. Some buy and sell more regularly than they shoot. Are most concerned about regulations and restrictions affecting prices and availability of guns to buy.

3. Shooters - Own and use guns for specific shooting activities, ie competition, hunting, etc. Emphasize practice and practical use over posession, sometimes renting, bumming, or cyclical buying/selling as opposed to actually owning. Are most concerned with restrictions of certain shooting sports and hunting. (Note: Those who can't shoot as much as they used to for medical reasons still count as far as I'm concerned.)

Of course I think we all try to be all of the above. But I think we sometimes miss a balance of them all. For example, I don't shoot as much as I should to hone my skills, focusing more of the technology. I have a number of absolute keeper guns but I do sell some from time to time, sometimes when money is desperately needed or when there's another gun I'd much rather have.

I think there's a value to using one gun for many things for ammo logistics and skill developing reasons. Thus I'm looking to set up a scout rifle for shooting paper, deer, and the possible SHTF use. Also am setting up a multi-barrel shotgun system instead of having a zillion shotguns that still don't cover all my needs. I'm trying to bring myself to part with some of the guns I really don't need as there will be a number that I will still need for practical use. But not TOO much.

Cases in point: I realize if I have an M1, I should have one in 308, so that ammo is less expensive, and guaranteed not to be corrosive. I realize that a super heavy sniper semi-auto SHTF gun is far less practical than an accurate, not too heavy, quickly aimable bolt action. Close range semi-autos should be lighter and use lighter ammo. But I mean X39, not 223.

So where do you guys see yourselves? Think you need to do better anywhere?

lefty o · 08-19-2005, 11:42 PM

im more of a shooter, but there are people that own guns for no other reason than hunting. i think you forgot that one.

Gunnie Ed · 08-19-2005, 11:57 PM

I intend on owning only one gun in my life. not sure as to which gun that is, but i only need one. i'll shoot it as often as i can, maybe every weekend. it will be light, managable, and accurate. also cheap. cheapness is a big factor for me.

Of course, once i get my certification, i'll be doing all three as a career.

Oxford · 08-20-2005, 12:03 AM

I'm more of a gun owner, and collector, with occasional shooting and deer hunting.

BattleRifleG3 · 08-20-2005, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gunnie Ed

I intend on owning only one gun in my life. not sure as to which gun that is, but i only need one. i'll shoot it as often as i can, maybe every weekend. it will be light, managable, and accurate. also cheap. cheapness is a big factor for me.

I think if you're planning to own only one gun, cheapness should NOT be a factor, except with ammo.

I actually intended hunting to be included in shooting.

Oh, and the most insaneof a gun buyer would be a gun "whore" who buys and sells with the shifting shadows, who will buy ANY gun if it's cheap, and who might buy and sell a gun in the same day.

mudtoy67 · 08-20-2005, 12:50 AM

Guess I'm an owner. I didn't buy any of my guns. They were all either given or passed down (same difference i guess). My 700 is pretty much just for hunting, I take it target shooting sometimes but the .270Win puts a hurt on my shoulder. My 12Ga is pretty much just for skeet shooting, it's a breakover with a really long barrel, so i'm not very good with it hunting faster moving targets. And the 22 has been for play and varmint hunting, though recently I researched and found it's actually a pretty valuable rifle, so I plan on taking a little better care of it and shooting it a little less.

I'd like to be a buyer, cause there's so many guns I'd like to have that don't have much practical use. But that's gonna have to wait till I can afford it.

Gunnie Ed · 08-20-2005, 01:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BattleRifleG3

Oh, and the most insaneof a gun buyer would be a gun "whore" who buys and sells with the shifting shadows, who will buy ANY gun if it's cheap, and who might buy and sell a gun in the same day.

That would be more of a Gun "Pimp."

Despoiler · 08-20-2005, 01:31 AM

I am a gun owner/shooter. I own a lot of guns and I try to shoot them often, but I really don't know a lot about guns that I don't own or that I am not planning to buy. I really don't have the time follow all of the guns out there. As far as selling guns I did that once and I have regretted it since, I won't sell a gun that I own. I would rather keep it and not shoot it than to regret later selling it.

Lonegun1894 · 08-20-2005, 01:35 AM

I have bought and been given quite a few firearms. I have sold a few, but only the ones that i bought to sell in the first place. I dont mean in terms of running a business or trying to make a killing or anything. More like a few times when one of the group i shoot with tells the others they want a (insert model here) at whatever price, and one of us finds it, buys it, then gets the reimbursed for it. Yall know how that goes. All are law-abiding, and none of us has ever sold/given/loaned/etc to anyone we think might use it for illegal purposes--if we think someone might do that, we wont even hang out with them. There are enough criminals without turning ourselves into more.

As far as being a gun pimp, well, we all shoot each others guns, often several in one day, so i guess that would make all of us "gunwhores" huh?

Paul

Johnny_Revolver · 08-20-2005, 01:44 AM

Owner / shooter here.

Big Dog · 08-20-2005, 05:24 AM

I'm an owner/shooter mostly. I do have a range buddy who is a big-time Gun-pimp, a real 'wheeler-dealer'. Works for me, as I've gotten a few very good guns from him!

You did miss the 'Gun Collector' - a special class of gun owner who buys for 'historical interest', and rarely would ever think to shoot it! That would reduce it's 'historical value'. At least half his collection are 'unfired' or 'unissued', with 'all-matching numbers'. The rust spots and dings in the stock are badges of honor, adding that 'patina of history' to an otherwise unremarkable weapon. He knows the least tiny difference between al thirtytwo of his M91/30 Mosin-Nagant rifles, and has their serial numbers memorized. But, he has no idea how they shoot.
He has all the accessories - bayonets, ammo pouches, twelve different cleaning kits. But his ammo stock is woefully low - after all, he doesn't have time to shoot, he's making the rounds of the gunshows and pawnshops searching for that next 'collector's prize'. :nod:

Mick · 08-20-2005, 05:47 AM

owner/hunter, I don't really get into shooting for the jollies of it, except for sighting in/practice, really just a means to an end. It's a dang sight easier to shoot a deer than hit it with a rock.

Shaun · 08-20-2005, 07:41 AM

I intend to own at the least one of everything if possible and all will be shooters. I have a policy that says every rifle I own must get a kill. Once a Kill is obtained the rifle goes into retirement and regulated to targets. If I have an outstanding year hunting then rifles can come out of retirement and go back into service.

jerry · 08-20-2005, 07:45 AM

owner/hunter/shooter
I've only sold off a couple few guns that I've bought.

Rufus Rhastus J · 08-20-2005, 08:50 AM

guns are good. it makes little differance what the gun is...as long as it shoots. A friend I once worked with said it to me this way: "No matter how bad the economy, no matter how ill I may become, no matter how poor I am...no matter how many guns I own.....there will always be room in my life for another gun."

practical · 08-21-2005, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lonegun1894

As far as being a gun pimp, well, we all shoot each others guns, often several in one day, so i guess that would make all of us "gunwhores" huh?

Paul

Wouldn't that be more a "Gun John"?

Apollyon67 · 08-21-2005, 07:22 PM

Heck I love owning, buying, and shooting them. Talking, discussing, marveling at their qualities, histories, futures. Reloading, competition, events. Other gun enthusiasts.

Oxford · 08-21-2005, 07:43 PM

I went over to Cabela's this afternoon and drooled over all their display cases full of guns. However, their prices were very high IMHO. But...I did find and buy a carrying case for my Model 94 30-30 rifle. It only needed a 39" long case and most were much longer...so the picking was slim.

View Poll Results: What kind of gun guy are you?
Owner	19	76.00%
Buyer	13	52.00%
Shooter	17	68.00%
You forgot an important category	2	8.00%
I hate guns, they scare me, waaaaaaa	1	4.00%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 25. You may not vote on this poll

08-19-2005, 11:20 PM	#1
BattleRifleG3 Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Western PA Posts: 11,401 Trader Rating: (0)	Gun Owners vs Gun Buyers vs Shooters vs ? In my few but full years of gun ownership, gun acquisition, shooting, and discussion thereof, I'm starting to notice several different kinds of people involved with firearms. These categories aren't mutually exclusive, but in some cases we're far more of one than another. 1. Gun Owners - Those who own the guns they have with a purpose for each, valuing every one, and taking very seriously their ownership and carry rights. Buy for real or potential need and shoot as part of their heritage. 2. Gun Buyers - Regularly buy and sometimes sell guns. Are very saavy about the gun market, what's a good deal, and what's going on in the industry. Will sometimes buy a gun because it's a good price, and will frequently have plenty of gun-goals of what to get in the near and far future. Some buy and sell more regularly than they shoot. Are most concerned about regulations and restrictions affecting prices and availability of guns to buy. 3. Shooters - Own and use guns for specific shooting activities, ie competition, hunting, etc. Emphasize practice and practical use over posession, sometimes renting, bumming, or cyclical buying/selling as opposed to actually owning. Are most concerned with restrictions of certain shooting sports and hunting. (Note: Those who can't shoot as much as they used to for medical reasons still count as far as I'm concerned.) Of course I think we all try to be all of the above. But I think we sometimes miss a balance of them all. For example, I don't shoot as much as I should to hone my skills, focusing more of the technology. I have a number of absolute keeper guns but I do sell some from time to time, sometimes when money is desperately needed or when there's another gun I'd much rather have. I think there's a value to using one gun for many things for ammo logistics and skill developing reasons. Thus I'm looking to set up a scout rifle for shooting paper, deer, and the possible SHTF use. Also am setting up a multi-barrel shotgun system instead of having a zillion shotguns that still don't cover all my needs. I'm trying to bring myself to part with some of the guns I really don't need as there will be a number that I will still need for practical use. But not TOO much. Cases in point: I realize if I have an M1, I should have one in 308, so that ammo is less expensive, and guaranteed not to be corrosive. I realize that a super heavy sniper semi-auto SHTF gun is far less practical than an accurate, not too heavy, quickly aimable bolt action. Close range semi-autos should be lighter and use lighter ammo. But I mean X39, not 223. So where do you guys see yourselves? Think you need to do better anywhere? __________________ Trust is earned, not... GIVEN away. - Worf

08-19-2005, 11:57 PM	#3
Gunnie Ed Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: three clicks left of center. Posts: 808 Trader Rating: (0)	I intend on owning only one gun in my life. not sure as to which gun that is, but i only need one. i'll shoot it as often as i can, maybe every weekend. it will be light, managable, and accurate. also cheap. cheapness is a big factor for me. Of course, once i get my certification, i'll be doing all three as a career. __________________ http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95.../warinmine.gif

08-20-2005, 12:03 AM	#4
Oxford Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Gladstone, Missouri Posts: 12,948 Trader Rating: (0)	I'm more of a gun owner, and collector, with occasional shooting and deer hunting. __________________ "If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right".

08-20-2005, 12:50 AM	#6
mudtoy67 Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Houston,TX Posts: 72 Trader Rating: (0)	Guess I'm an owner. I didn't buy any of my guns. They were all either given or passed down (same difference i guess). My 700 is pretty much just for hunting, I take it target shooting sometimes but the .270Win puts a hurt on my shoulder. My 12Ga is pretty much just for skeet shooting, it's a breakover with a really long barrel, so i'm not very good with it hunting faster moving targets. And the 22 has been for play and varmint hunting, though recently I researched and found it's actually a pretty valuable rifle, so I plan on taking a little better care of it and shooting it a little less. I'd like to be a buyer, cause there's so many guns I'd like to have that don't have much practical use. But that's gonna have to wait till I can afford it. __________________ BDR Remington 700BDL .270 Win Grandpa's 12 gauge Winchester 63 22LR

08-19-2005, 11:42 PM	#2
lefty o Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: mn Posts: 4,672 Trader Rating: (0)	im more of a shooter, but there are people that own guns for no other reason than hunting. i think you forgot that one.

08-20-2005, 01:31 AM	#8
Despoiler Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: The Occupied Territory of California Posts: 2,231 Trader Rating: (0)	I am a gun owner/shooter. I own a lot of guns and I try to shoot them often, but I really don't know a lot about guns that I don't own or that I am not planning to buy. I really don't have the time follow all of the guns out there. As far as selling guns I did that once and I have regretted it since, I won't sell a gun that I own. I would rather keep it and not shoot it than to regret later selling it.

08-20-2005, 01:35 AM	#9
Lonegun1894 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Waco, TX Posts: 206 Trader Rating: (0)	I have bought and been given quite a few firearms. I have sold a few, but only the ones that i bought to sell in the first place. I dont mean in terms of running a business or trying to make a killing or anything. More like a few times when one of the group i shoot with tells the others they want a (insert model here) at whatever price, and one of us finds it, buys it, then gets the reimbursed for it. Yall know how that goes. All are law-abiding, and none of us has ever sold/given/loaned/etc to anyone we think might use it for illegal purposes--if we think someone might do that, we wont even hang out with them. There are enough criminals without turning ourselves into more. As far as being a gun pimp, well, we all shoot each others guns, often several in one day, so i guess that would make all of us "gunwhores" huh? Paul

08-20-2005, 01:44 AM	#10
Johnny_Revolver paid up and is now a Join Date: May 2005 Location: Queensland, Australia Posts: 1,198 Trader Rating: (0)	Owner / shooter here.

08-20-2005, 05:24 AM	#11
Big Dog Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tallahassee, Florida Posts: 10,020 Trader Rating: (0)	I'm an owner/shooter mostly. I do have a range buddy who is a big-time Gun-pimp, a real 'wheeler-dealer'. Works for me, as I've gotten a few very good guns from him! You did miss the 'Gun Collector' - a special class of gun owner who buys for 'historical interest', and rarely would ever think to shoot it! That would reduce it's 'historical value'. At least half his collection are 'unfired' or 'unissued', with 'all-matching numbers'. The rust spots and dings in the stock are badges of honor, adding that 'patina of history' to an otherwise unremarkable weapon. He knows the least tiny difference between al thirtytwo of his M91/30 Mosin-Nagant rifles, and has their serial numbers memorized. But, he has no idea how they shoot. He has all the accessories - bayonets, ammo pouches, twelve different cleaning kits. But his ammo stock is woefully low - after all, he doesn't have time to shoot, he's making the rounds of the gunshows and pawnshops searching for that next 'collector's prize'. :nod: __________________ Moderator of: AR15/M16, M14/M1A, New/Beginning Shooters and Militaria/Collectables.

08-20-2005, 05:47 AM	#12
Mick Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Emerald CQLD AUST Posts: 977 Trader Rating: (0)	owner/hunter, I don't really get into shooting for the jollies of it, except for sighting in/practice, really just a means to an end. It's a dang sight easier to shoot a deer than hit it with a rock. __________________ OzHunter Give me a six-pack and a red dirt open road (Adam Brand)

08-20-2005, 07:41 AM	#13
Shaun Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 8,585 Trader Rating: (0)	I intend to own at the least one of everything if possible and all will be shooters. I have a policy that says every rifle I own must get a kill. Once a Kill is obtained the rifle goes into retirement and regulated to targets. If I have an outstanding year hunting then rifles can come out of retirement and go back into service. __________________ "Homeland Security is the responsibility of an armed citizen" ME http://webpages.charter.net/s.s.v/

08-20-2005, 07:45 AM	#14
jerry Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 10,759 Trader Rating: (0)	owner/hunter/shooter I've only sold off a couple few guns that I've bought. __________________

08-20-2005, 08:50 AM	#15
Rufus Rhastus J Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: West, Central Florida, Third World America Posts: 6,339 Trader Rating: (0)	guns are good. it makes little differance what the gun is...as long as it shoots. A friend I once worked with said it to me this way: "No matter how bad the economy, no matter how ill I may become, no matter how poor I am...no matter how many guns I own.....there will always be room in my life for another gun." __________________ "They cannot be trusted.....The Romulans (our politicos) are without honor." Worf

08-21-2005, 07:22 PM	#17
Apollyon67 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Southern Maryland Posts: 2,222 Trader Rating: (0)	Heck I love owning, buying, and shooting them. Talking, discussing, marveling at their qualities, histories, futures. Reloading, competition, events. Other gun enthusiasts. __________________ "To err is human, to repent divine; to persist devilish." Ben Franklin

08-21-2005, 07:43 PM	#18
Oxford Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Gladstone, Missouri Posts: 12,948 Trader Rating: (0)	I went over to Cabela's this afternoon and drooled over all their display cases full of guns. However, their prices were very high IMHO. But...I did find and buy a carrying case for my Model 94 30-30 rifle. It only needed a 39" long case and most were much longer...so the picking was slim. __________________ "If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right".