Americans love guns, and owning them is part of the great Second Amendment. It’s estimated that about 32% of Americans own a gun. They might own it for self-defense—however, many more own firearms to start a collection. But why, you might ask? Here are some great reasons you should collect guns and how you can get started.
Why Collect Firearms?
There are many reasons why someone might choose to collect firearms. Some have a passion for history and a desire to own a piece. For others, tracking down rare and sought-after models is challenging. And for many, it’s simply the joy of owning something beautiful that they can take pride in. Whatever your motivation, there are plenty of good reasons to start collecting firearms.
Some of the benefits of firearms collecting include:
- It can be a great hobby: Collecting firearms can be fun and rewarding. It’s a great way to learn about history, meet new people, and get outdoors.
- It can be profitable: If you choose to sell your collection, later on, you can often make a profit. This is especially true if you focus on rare or valuable models. For example, when sold, George Washington’s saddle pistol cost more than a million dollars. If you’re lucky, you can have a one-of-a-kind gun in your collection.
- It’s a great way to learn about firearms: If you’re new to firearms, collecting is a great way to learn about them. You’ll get to handle different types of guns and see how they work. This can be a valuable experience if you ever need to use a gun for self-defense.
- It can be a social activity: Joining a gun club or attending firearms shows is a great way to meet new people. You’ll have the opportunity to learn from experienced collectors and make new friends.
Now that we’ve covered some benefits of firearms collecting, let’s look at how you can get started.
Five Ways To Start Collecting Firearms
Do Your Research
Before buying your first firearm, it’s essential to do your homework and learn as much as possible about the different types of guns. What is your budget? What style interests you? What kind of maintenance will be required? Once you’ve answered these questions, you’ll be better positioned to start shopping around.
Find a Mentor
It’s always helpful to have someone experienced to guide you when you’re starting any new endeavor. Find a friend or family member who collects firearms and pick their brain for advice. If that’s not an option, seek a local gun club or instructor who can help point you in the right direction.
Attend Gun Shows
Gun shows are a great place to find new additions to your collection while also getting some hands-on experience with different types of firearms. Just be sure to use caution when dealing with private sellers, and always follow all safety precautions when handling guns! Here are some of the best gun shows you should visit:
- The NRA Annual Meeting and Exhibits: This is one of the largest gun shows in the country, with over 800 exhibitors.
- The SHOT Show: The SHOT Show is a trade show for the firearms industry, so it’s not open to the general public. However, it’s a great place to see new products and find deals on firearms if you’re in the business.
- The Texas Gun Show: The Texas Gun Show is held several times a year in different cities around the state. It’s a great place to find rifles, shotguns, and handguns at reasonable prices.
Set Up Your Collection
Once you’ve made your first few purchases, then you’ll need to set up your collection. First, you’ll need a place to display your firearms. A robust gun display cabinet can show off your collection while storing your guns safely. After, you’ll need to consider how you’ll organize your collection. You can do this by types, such as revolvers, pistols, or manufacturers. It’s relatively easy to set up your collection initially, but once it has grown, it can be challenging to keep up! That’s why it’s good to get organized.
Stay Organized
As your collection grows, staying organized and keeping detailed records of each piece in your possession will become increasingly important. Not only will this help prevent costly mistakes (like accidentally selling or trading duplicate items), but it will also come in handy if you ever need to insure your collection against theft or damage. A simple Excel spreadsheet should suffice for most collections but feel free to get as creative as you like!
So there you have it – five tips to help get you started on your journey as a firearm collector! Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process! With a little bit of patience and perseverance, you’ll have a collection that you can be proud of, and who knows – maybe one day you can sell your collection for over a million dollars!