How much is too much? (with a twist)

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daferg2

New member
This isn't going to be a how many guns is the right or wrong amount to collect question, but rather a how many is legally or even morally right?

Here's the thing: I got back into guns a few years ago after the kids had grown up enough that I wasn't worried about an accidental shooting in my own house. I admit I got the bug pretty bad and I've now collected dozens of handguns, rifles, and shotguns over just the past two years (the current total is over 50). Some would even be considered "assault" type or "military" looking.

My question is this: Even though I take part in no illegal activities whatsoever, if the police ever did have to enter my home FOR ANY REASON (accident, fire, whatever), would I be viewed as a criminal or deviant to society just for owning a "cache of weapons and ammunition" or "enough guns to outfit a small country"? Would they / Could they confiscate them?

Don't get it twisted. I'm not a militant, anti-government nut, cult member, or even a registered Republican. I just collect guns the way some people collect stamps.

So, do I have too many or can I continue to build my collection without worry?
 
In the case of a fire or something similar, the cops might look at you funny and your local media might try to paint you as a nut. If you can afford them and its legal, buy away. If you are going into debt buying them or stashing illegals guns, then its a problem.
 
you can have as many weapons as you can financially afford.there is no limit to
the amount you can own.
i "personally" know of an individual who at the present time own in excess of 350 plus assorted fire arms.

happy purchasing...and don't worry about what people think.
 
would I be viewed as a criminal or deviant to society just for owning a "cache of weapons
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Some might claim you are a deviant for owning just one gun. I wouldn't worry about what people think.

If they are legal and you can afford them, buy them.
 
My personal opinion is that the only limits on collecting are budgetary ones and to a lesser extent storage space. On another board someone said the definition of a "militia" is 2 guys going to the range. I have personally given up worrying about how others perceive me, to quote the Richard Widmark character in the movie "The Frogmen" says "People is either take me as I am or leave me alone." I was in an Army mess hall years ago, another soldier saw me putting milk in my tea, he thought that was incredibly perverse.
 
You own a collection, in fact a small one by some firearms collectors' standards. Collecting guns as a hobby is no different than any other collecting hobby - it's something you enjoy keeping for reasons that are of no one else's business. Anyone trying to make you feel bad about your firearms collection isn't someone worth listening to.
 
The issue of "morals" never even crossed my mind, it is absurd and I find no correlation whatsoever with the amount of firearms owned and morality.

Like others have said, you own as many as you can afford and as many as you have space for. It also doesn't matter whether they are all fancy hunting shotguns, or "military" types. In the modern climate, you are looked upon with disdain for owning even one firearm.

:confused:
 
Let's see... you have a "collection" of firearms. So you enjoy mechanical devices of intricate complexity and (sometimes) ornate beauty. Wood and blued steel, intriguing historical markings, some that are American Icons (M1, Lever rifles, a bolt rifle) and some that are interesting to you. And your firearms can be used to defend life, put food on the table or in sport and recreational pursuits.

Is that morally "inferior" to a man who spends hundreds or thousands of dollars to purchase little paper squares with little illustrations on them for no other reason than to take them out of a safe and admire them once in a while? Who looks more foolish when described that way?

I'll bet you like look and sound of steam engines running down the track too. ;) So buy a dozen HO-scale toy steam engines for their intricate looks and operation. Heck, make a small track layout for those rainy no-range days.

I've met one guy who has a copy of every Batman comic book D.C. ever printed. And some original artwork used to create them. Even a "life size" Batman cutout from the movies. Is he morally perverse for his collection (valued at around $18,000)?

If some government official points to a gun collection as a sign you're a "nut job", your lawyer can point out to the media that no comment was made about your train/stamp/comic collection or your collection of some other product. They're all legal hobbies that people enjoy for their own reasons.
 
I dont see any problems. Would probably help to be an upstanding member of society who gets along well with his neighbors and doesnt walk around walmart dressed like che guevera.

Outside of that, if someone tries to give you trouble, probably make it very clear that your a weapons collector, not some wacko militant. Heck, even take some classes on gunsmithing and use that to your advantage too (I have no intention of making it my line of work, but those kinds of classes can only benefit a gun owner).
 
Don't worry about it.

If the Police (Unlikely) local media decide they want to "Brand you", 2 rifles and 200 rounds of ammo will become "An Arsenal".
 
If you are going into debt buying them or stashing illegals guns, then its a problem.
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Nope. No mortgaging the house to buy guns and absolutely nothing illegal (at least not under current law. Hopefully the Brady bunch won't get their way).

The issue of "morals" never even crossed my mind, it is absurd and I find no correlation whatsoever with the amount of firearms owned and morality.
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"morally" was probably a poor choice in words. But, there are those that would look at a gun owner as immoral.

Let's see... you have a "collection" of firearms. So you enjoy mechanical devices of intricate complexity and (sometimes) ornate beauty. Wood and blued steel, intriguing historical markings, some that are American Icons (M1, Lever rifles, a bolt rifle) and some that are interesting to you. And your firearms can be used to defend life, put food on the table or in sport and recreational pursuits.

Is that morally "inferior" to a man who spends hundreds or thousands of dollars to purchase little paper squares with little illustrations on them for no other reason than to take them out of a safe and admire them once in a while? Who looks more foolish when described that way?

I'll bet you like look and sound of steam engines running down the track too.
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You definitely get it.

Don't worry about it.

If the Police (Unlikely) local media decide they want to "Brand you", 2 rifles and 200 rounds of ammo will become "An Arsenal".
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You're right. I won't worry about it and this whole question was inspired by a local news story concerning a drug raid where a "large arsenal of weapons were siezed" in a local home. I certainly do not condone the drug use, but the "large arsenal" shown on television was a couple of revolvers, a hunting rifle, and a shotgun that belonged to the unsuspecting father in the household. He was criminalized by the media for owning far less than I do and his only crime was being ignorant of his son's drug activities. Got me thinking that's all.
 
Thanks for this thread, I recently hit the 40 mark and started to wonder about the same issues. In my case, I've decided to try and pare it down to about 25. As much as I enjoy shooting a variety of guns, I do believe in the adage: Beware the man with only one gun.
 
The same way people think people who own hundreds/thousands of stamps are loony is the same way people are gonna think someone who owns a lot of firearms is loony. But guess what? Its legal and its a lot more fun (I think!).
 
Yeah, they could do that to me too. Unfortunately they'd have to climb over the incredible pile of R/C airplanes that I've collected over the last 15 years....

Yeah, they could take them. Then you and your lawyer go get them back. Who cares what "they" think. If your toys are stored safely, it's all good.
 
While I think you'll find after a few more replies roll in that you aren't any different than most of us (if you haven't already), I do have a suggestion that might put your mind at ease.

You could apply to the BATF for a C&R license. They aren't nearly as expensive to get as a full FFL, but it's still a collector's license and will paint you as an "official" collector or small time relic "dealer" in the actual eyes of the part of govt that's assigned to control and regulate the trade of firearms.

The "pro" to doing this is that you'll be licensed by the Feds to own and buy/sell firearms, even if it's only "good" for curios and relics, it'll still paint you in the books as law-abiding, but even more so as willing to consult the Govt and align yourself with them. Another "pro" is that there will be some legal hurdles that you'll be able to jump that others cannot, with regards to some older and antique arms. Also, many different retailers will give you a small FFL discount on any/all purchases.

The "con" would be that you'll have to get very serious about record keeping and following the regulations very much by the book, and you'll also pretty much sign a form that invites the BATF to come and make a visit to your home and/or business to check on you... I think they can do it once a year, but don't take my word for that. Suffice to say-- they will do that, so tidy up the crapper 'cause Big Bro will be joining you for a random lunch!
 
You could apply to the BATF for a C&R license. They aren't nearly as expensive to get as a full FFL, but it's still a collector's license and will paint you as an "official" collector or small time relic "dealer" in the actual eyes of the part of govt that's assigned to control and regulate the trade of firearms.
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That's an interesting idea and it would sound better (even inside my own head) to say I'm a licensed firearm collector. Thanks for the suggestion.
 
I think anybody on this or any gun related forum would be dead meat if the media ever got ahold of us.

Take this guy for example:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,540441,00.html?test=latestnews

now granted, he may have some evil intentions.. but he was seized with dozens of guns and at least 1 AK47 style gun :eek: and 27000 rounds of ammo, militant documents (what is a militant document anyway), 5 newspapers regarding 2001 terrorists attacks. You know that makes him guilty for sure!

Take away the fact that he was possibly planning a terrorist attack, the rest probably isn't too far off of a lot of people on this forum. I'm convince to the media..anything over 999 rounds means you are a nut job! Assult rifle means you are just down right crazy! if you have anything 50 caliber, you are the devil.

Here are the headlines if my house got raided.

local paper said:
In a raid at a local residence today, multiple handguns were found including some that could be easily concealed in a pocket with out detection. Multiple rifles were found including a rifle similar to the one used in the columine massacre. Authorities also found 1500 rounds of ammunition along with pounds of gun powder and other materials used to manufactor ammunition. Neighbors say the resident vocally opposed many of Obama's policies and attended local tea parties. He was said to frequent gun ranges and use targets that often were in the shape of a human form. Our calls to the residence were not immediately returned for comment.
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dang, reading that headline, I'd be convinced I'm crazy too!
 
Many year ago

When my wife and I were newly married, she once asked me how many guns I wanted (I had several at that time), and I told her, I wasn't greedy, I would settle for one of each.:D

Well, I havent got there yet, and I have gotten 2 or 3 of some kinds, but I'll "stick to my guns", and stop collecting when I have one of each. Or when they close the lid. Till then, I'll get what interets me, and the opinions of others be damned!
 
If we worried about what other people "might think" if something "might" happen,then it may not be too fun for the collector!!

Buy them up my friend,buy them up..:cool:
 
If a person has the $$ there's no reason to stop. However money for a rainy day may be better used in an emergency fund versus purchasing your 15th AR.
 
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