How many guns does it take to be considering having “too much”

[CadeH]

Anything beyond 10 is a collection, and I consider collecting to be a lawful purpose as established by Heller and confirmed under the text history and tradition standard of Bruen. How many you can own has never been regulated, thus it is not any person of authority's business how many you can own.

Realistically though if someone tells me they own more than 30 my reaction entirely depends on what they have 30 of. A collection consisting of 1800s, WW1/2, Cold War, modern era firearms? Thats sick. 30 Hi-points? I'm going to laugh at you, but that doesn't change the fact that I am going to be a bit jealous that you own 30 Hi-points for the hell of it and I don't.

Personally I have 25 and they cover different things that interest me. WW2 guns I have a Walther p38, Type 99 Arisaka, Beretta M1934, and a Mosin Nagant. I would like to add an M1 Garand and Kar98k to that part of my collection before I am content with it, but that does not mean I wouldn't purchase other WW2 firearms if the timing and opportunity present themselves. I have a Winchester Model 12, Henry 22lr lever action, and K38 Combat Masterpiece as my "western" style guns, and I would like to add a 45-70 to that. Cold War era I have an M16A1 "clone", a Tula SKS, a converted 5.56 Cugir SAR-2, and a Zenith ZF5. I would like to add several firearms to this category because its my favorite- namely an FN FAL. Modern era I have a plethora of firearms I am not going to all type out.

My current plan is to refocus on quality over quantity. My next rifle I would like to build is an FN FAL, after which I will be saving to sell some of my clones to be replaced with the original. I have a Turk Benelli M4 clone that I haven't had any problems with in the thousand shells run through it, but I would prefer a real M4 in my collection. I need to replace the barrel in my M16A1 with a correct profile barrel, but SB 704 went into effect before I could replenish my savings to a comfortable level post Christmas shopping. My PSA upper on my coyote rifle needs to be replaced with a BCM. My Howa 1500 could also use a better scope and bipod.

 

[irongunner]

...Cold War era I have an M16A1 "clone", a Tula SKS, a converted 5.56 Cugir SAR-2, and a Zenith ZF5. I would like to add several firearms to this category because its my favorite- namely an FN FAL. Modern era I have a plethora of firearms I am not going to all type out.

My current plan is to refocus on quality over quantity. My next rifle I would like to build is an FN FAL, after which I will be saving to sell some of my clones to be replaced with the original. I have a Turk Benelli M4 clone that I haven't had any problems with in the thousand shells run through it, but I would prefer a real M4 in my collection...

I recommend you continue what you're experiencing with the Benelli M4 onto your future H&K SP5 and FN FAL. Why go off-brand initially just to come back to original manufacturer if you know you are going to feel that you're missing out? No knock on Zenith, DSA, PTR, etc. Like you said, refocus on quality.

I am still deciding between the FN FAL and H&K 91 myself. Probably going to be both if I can make it work. I think I'd regret purchasing from the off-brand as well. Granted the "clone" off-brand manufacturer might actually be better, I will likely always question what the original (or closest to) would have felt like. That being said, the high prices from H&K and FN do not preserve loyalty.

 

[CadeH]

I recommend you continue what you're experiencing with the Benelli M4 onto your future H&K SP5 and FN FAL. Why go off-brand initially just to come back to original manufacturer if you know you are going to feel that you're missing out? No knock on Zenith, DSA, PTR, etc. Like you said, refocus on quality.

I am still deciding between the FN FAL and H&K 91 myself. Probably going to be both if I can make it work. I think I'd regret purchasing from the off-brand as well. Granted the "clone" off-brand manufacturer might actually be better, I will likely always question what the original (or closest to) would have felt like. That being said, the high prices from H&K and FN do not preserve loyalty.

Honestly the reason why I won't get an SP5 is because I don't think they are worth the $6,000 they go for here. If I ever left the state or the handgun roster went away I'll sell the Zenith and get one 100%. The FAL is banned by name here and I do not trust DSA's reproductions, so my plan is to purchase an Imbel receiver and build out a parts kit. If its made from milsurp on a quality receiver then I have no concerns about it.

 

[seaeagle55]

The only time the number of guns is “too many” is when you can’t pay the rest of your bills and wonder how you’re going to put food on the table.

If you’re doing that, buy away.

 

[ejhyun]

Well, I guess according the lawmakers buying more than "3 in 30" is too much.

 

[CadeH]

Well, I guess according the lawmakers buying more than "3 in 30" is too much.

If you time it perfectly 3 in 30 = about 36 firearms per year. Starting your collection at 21 and buying the limit until you retire at 65 would put you at 1,606 guns. If you bought up until you died and with the average life expectancy being 76 for men, that would mean you would have 1,980 guns when you die.
I guess CA defines "Too Much" as 1981 guns

 

[Gawernator]

If you time it perfectly 3 in 30 = about 36 firearms per year. Starting your collection at 21 and buying the limit until you retire at 65 would put you at 1,606 guns. If you bought up until you died and with the average life expectancy being 76 for men, that would mean you would have 1,980 guns when you die.
I guess CA defines "Too Much" as 1981 guns

a fellow autist

 

[irongunner]

You can buy long guns at 18 if I am not mistaken. I'm sure they've implemented some hurdle for the newly minted "adults"

1980+108= 2088

 

[Gawernator]

PPT is exempt from 3 in 30. The answer is infinity.

False

 

[CadeH]

You can buy long guns at 18 if I am not mistaken. I'm sure they've implemented some hurdle for the newly minted "adults"

1980+108= 2088

That requires a hunting license to exempt you from the 21+ requirement. If we are applying exemptions then C&R+COE exempts you from 3 in 30, so the actual answer is infinity lol

 

[ar15robert]

Have some family on my moms side who are crazy libs.Some own a gun or 2 so they claim they like guns too but mention ar 15 they lose it.But anyhow one ask why i have many when one can do the same thing and he enjoys golfing so i asked him when you golf why do you need som many clubs on the course when one club can technically do it all too?

His response was well you need different clubs for different situations so one club doesnt cover it.I then said well theres your answer for my firearms he didnt like that as i told him one caliber is great for short range small game another is good for long range big game another is great for home defense,ones better for target etc.

 

[Radman64]

Who cares if it makes you happy and you can afford it, was a lot of fun in the 90's as ammo was dirt cheap.

 

[Radman64]

My last range trip I shot around 340 rounds of 9mm, in one hour. Lmfao. Yeah they make 1,000 sound like you’re doomsday prepping. That’s just people though.

Same people look at me like I’m insane when I explain a racing slick tire only lasts like 20-40 laps and I need multiple new tires in one day. LOL

In the mid 90's I could pick up a case of 7.62x39, 1100 rounds for 60 bucks in box's, 1000 rounds on stripers for 70.00.
250 rounds of SA belted Vickers .303 in 1945 dated wood cans for 50.00.
8mm was pennies a shot.

 

[Sheepdog1968]

If I had to do it all over again, I’d do it rather differently. It’s really easy to get an ever expanding collection. I’d find one pistol I like and just buy.4 of therm (one to carry, one to train heavily, two back ups). For me it woudl be either a Glock 19 or Sig P365 in 9 mm; I like .45 ACP more but as I’ve gotten older (late 50s) arthritis doesn’t like it. I’d get 4 of therm same 12 gauge pump shot guns (I prefer Mossberg 500). Rifles likely a 30-30 as just too fun and I’m not going to war are versatile enough; 4 of em. Then a pistol and rifle in .22 LR closest in designs to my pistol and rifle. Then, I would buy ammo and do training. Not more after that. If I really wanted to shoot something else, I’d either find a range where I could rent it or use a friends. This approach I’d have what I need, not longer need to worry about any future bans, and a minimal caliber footprint.

 

[akacedar47]

When you have more than 1 for everyday of the year or run out of place to store them

 

[PlinkyDinky]

That's an easy fix: Start carrying 2 a day, and get bigger storage!

 

[tedster]

It's not so much a matter of numerical quantity. It's the feeling of what I feel comfortable with.
It's actually a self-regulating system, just like with any other group of items I like.
Cameras, guitars, guns etc., if I have to many, I start selling by elimination until I feel better.
The art is to stop buying before I feel regretful. Right now I am at such a point.
Of course, it's like jumping of a moving train. But, gotta do it. Listen to your inner gut feeling.

Just yesterday, I picked up a nice find. Before I even did that, I saw myself already negotiating the next one.
I was at the counter setting up an order/store transfer at Turner's. A "must have" gun.
I began having "buyer's remorse" before I even signed & bought. Walked away from the deal before it got serious.

Gotta listen to your inner gut feeling. Had a great day yesterday picking up this gem.

2 revolvers
2 1911
1 HK pistol
2 long guns

I may look into a special order for a WMR rifle, other than that: stay out of gun stores & be happy!