Choosing Your Firearms, What Would You Do Different?

[Ninask]

Most gunners have some idea of what they consider to be a complete collection, to cover their hunting/self-defense needs,
over the years you get more saavy in what to buy,
what to avoid, your selection of calibers, etc.
What would you do different, with your vast knowledge and experience through the years in selecting your guns, ammo, supplies?
Speaking for myself, I thought of a few things that came to mind:
1. Buy primers and powder on a regular basis
2. Select fewer calibers and focus supplies for those calibers retained
3. I would buy quality over quantity and select fewer higher quality firearms
4. Have spare basic parts, firing pins, etc. for all firearms
5. Invest in a quality safe
N

[bsg]

it appears that your wisdom didn't come cheap; it seldom does.

[Gene1986]

Good points. Only thing im mad at myself is never reloading or learning how. Would have saved a lot of $$$. Maybe soon I will learn.

[Rosereader]

My rules are similar and... Different.
I agree with 1, 3 and 4. 5 I want to be on track with but have to work with a locked footlocker bolted to my (admittedly very heavy one-piece) bed frame. Just because I move a lot (at least once a year) and cant afford a nice safe... Yet. BTW a bolt of felt to protect each gun and a lot of silica packs are my friend.

But I disagree with number 2, and add a bit to number 3.
Number two because I feel that multiple calibers and gauges broadens your field of experience and makes you a better, more rounded shooter. That, and it is fun! And to add to 3 is that if there is a weapon that you have no experience with, endeavor to obtain it and train with it. Never know what skills might come in handy!

That said we're all in a state of learning. Don't reach the end of your lesson 'till you die, eh?

[sohappy]

I think too many people don't test out a firearm before purchase.

[Rosereader]

I think too many people don't test out a firearm before purchase.

And far fewer will buy a lemon and make it sing.

[jeffyhog]

I wish I had gotten an FFL 03 a long time ago, so I could have enjoyed the surplus rifle game. I realize now that I really missed out.
I wish I had bought a Garand from CMP back when I knew I should.
I wish I had started reloading long ago. Late to that game as well, but at least I'm on my way.

[bsg]

i have learned that procrastination is sometimes a sure way to put something off until that something is no longer obtainable.

[Rosereader]

i have learned that procrastination is sometimes a sure way to put something off until that something is no longer obtainable.

Amen brother. Wish I bought more magazine "repair kits" when I had the chance. I feel the bite now.

[SonofWWIIDI]

I wish I had gotten an FFL 03 a long time ago, so I could have enjoyed the surplus rifle game. I realize now that I really missed out.
I wish I had bought a Garand from CMP back when I knew I should.
I wish I had started reloading long ago. Late to that game as well, but at least I'm on my way.

This too, is my lament.

i have learned that procrastination is sometimes a sure way to put something off until that something is no longer obtainable.

Never put off until tomorrow, what can be put off until the next day, or the next, or next week, or next month...

[morfeeis]

I wish i had bought a pistol whose line came in different calibers so i could train with cheaper ammo and keep the same form factor.
spent money on training rather than gear.
found a group to train with rather than wasting so much time at the range.
I wish i had never sold my hipoint c9 (dead serious).

[TeddyBallgame]

Good points. Only thing im mad at myself is never reloading or learning how. Would have saved a lot of $$$. Maybe soon I will learn.

^THIS^ having the time now to reload, I could've made a science out of it with my own ammo

I need some more variety, I own 4 Berettas, one Browning HP

I'm waiting to see how Peruta lands, and, if we get our right back, I'm seriously looking into SSEing a M&P Shield...then again, might just end up getting one anyway

not interested at all in the California compliant version though

[VictorFranko]

1. Invest in a quality safe
2. Buy primers and powder on a regular basis
3. Select fewer calibers and focus supplies for those calibers retained
4. I would buy quality over quantity and select fewer higher quality firearms
5. Have spare basic parts, firing pins, etc. for all firearms

After having my home broken into and burglarized one week ago, I took the liberty of rearranging your priority list.

Because I bought a safe a little bigger than I thought I needed, the burglars only got my wife's "daily wear" jewelry, everything else of value (e.g. camera, silver coins, cash, passports) was in the safe along with all of my firearms, safe and sound.

[jarhead714]

My only regret in being 12 years old when Roberti-Roos went into effect.

[toby]

Buy with your brain and not with your eyes.