Downsizing and upgrading

I went from triple digits to a couple dozen... downsizing is relative, but I think it is a good thing in most cases. I have plenty of overlap, but I like loading and I like cartridges, and variety in my shooting. I will probably sell off a half dozen more. The rule right now is, if a new one comes, an old one goes... this helps to put new acquisitions into perspective... if I can't let one go, then I don't really need (want) the new one enough.
 
I fear that I will be bored and just start the cycle again. None of this is about necessity this is a passion and a hobby for most of us. I may just sell a couple and upgrade the scope on the rifle I grab the most.
 
As a guy who pared down from double digits to single, I think it’s less about exactly which calibers, and more about styles of rifles. A relatively large range of different calibers can do the same thing, but the rifle style, stock, and optic are usually more specific to use. There is a difference between those who use rifles as a piece other hobbies, and those whose hobby is rifles. Usually it takes a while of having a large discretionary budget to get past the joy of being able to buy whatever you feel like. When the volume of “stuff” becomes a burden, it’s time to pare down. Until then enjoy. If budget is the issue, sell what you don’t use to buy what you will.
 
I have creeped back up again. I keep track of how much money I have tied up in my guns so once it hits a point I sell them and get some liquidity out and refocus my efforts. It's almost time for a purge because I've fallen down a bit of a collection hole. I've got a bunch of reloads to go through then it might be time to send some down the road. Shooting them all will tell me which ones I can't live without.
 
I'm happier with less, and now rotate through those or sell if I want a change. I'll only invest in mods and or upgrades, when I know it's a long term deal. At some point if this is on your mind you'll bit the bullet, take small steps to avoid massive regret, but know you wont get your value back.
 
I don't know how you guys can just have a few guns. I got my license last year and I already bought like 12 haha.
 
Logan370 said:
I don't know how you guys can just have a few guns. I got my license last year and I already bought like 12 haha.
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The all-too-often trend for new PAL holders is a race to accumulate an ‘arsenal’. Quantity is fine, but quality is better.
 
Think I'd be pretty well with the .223 for plinking and fun and shooting the smallest groups I can while the big gun cools down (as has been mentioned) and a 30-06 for, well everything else.
 
Variety is the spice of life, and quality over quantity.
Pick one or 2 rifles rimfire, 1 or 2 in small bore centre fire and a big boomer or 2. Shotgun for hunting and you’re good to go. I always enjoy one really nice scoped rifle instead of half a dozen cheap guns with iron sights.
 
I've been contemplating selling most of my rifles and just buying a really good switch barrel system like the Blaser R8. With .223, .308, and 9.3x62 barrels, It could do anything I need for local rifle hunting.
But I couldn't give up some of my favourites.
I have a really nice Brno 22 F 7x57 that is irreplaceable. Same with an Anschutz fullstock carbine in .22 Hornet. And when I go back to Africa I'll need my Merkel 140 AE double in .450-400 3" Nitro Express, and what rifle battery is really complete without a .357H&H? Either the Sako or the CZ550 would have to stay. And I should keep the Ruger 77 stainless / canoe paddle .30-06 as a rough tough beater. And my Sako L579 Forester Deluxe is just too pretty, well made and accurate to let go. Same with the Griesbach custom Brno ZKK .30-06. And the Krieghoff Drilling 16x16/7x57R is the ultimate in versatility, especially with the .22 WMR inert barrel installed. And I haven't yet hunted with the beautiful and stylish M-S 7x64 carbine that I bought a while ago. Have a new trigger coming from Argentina for that one... There must be one or two I could let go. Let me think. Aw heck.
Forget it.
 
Longwalker said:
I've been contemplating selling most of my rifles and just buying a really good switch barrel system like the Blaser R8. With .223, .308, and 9.3x62 barrels, It could do anything I need for local rifle hunting.
But I couldn't give up some of my favourites.
I have a really nice Brno 22 F 7x57 that is irreplaceable. Same with an Anschutz fullstock carbine in .22 Hornet. And when I go back to Africa I'll need my Merkel 140 AE double in .450-400 3" Nitro Express, and what rifle battery is really complete without a .357H&H? Either the Sako or the CZ550 would have to stay. And I should keep the Ruger 77 stainless / canoe paddle .30-06 as a rough tough beater. And my Sako L579 Forester Deluxe is just too pretty, well made and accurate to let go. Same with the Griesbach custom Brno ZKK .30-06. And the Krieghoff Drilling 16x16/7x57R is the ultimate in versatility, especially with the .22 WMR inert barrel installed. And I haven't yet hunted with the beautiful and stylish M-S 7x64 carbine that I bought a while ago. Have a new trigger coming from Argentina for that one... There must be one or two I could let go. Let me think. Aw heck.
Forget it.
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I think you need to trim the fat. Starting with the griesbach Brno. PM incoming. :)
 
How many kids or grandkids do you have. Does arming your offsprings with guns factor into keeping more. Especially considering registration will be back at some point, hopefully decades away thou
 
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