My evolution summed up in one word/picture:
In a few more words, I was introduced to a variety of quality pistols and revolvers in a number of calibers from the very beginning, and my interests ever since have reflected that history. My first purchases were as varied as a Beretta 92FS, a S&W Model 41, and a 10" Freedom Arms Model 83 in .454 Casull.
I like a number of current-production guns (pistols more than revolvers), but I'm most interested in high-quality rare and/or out-of-production handguns and, increasingly, today's semi-custom and custom 1911s. There are a number of today's mass-production polymer pistols that I like, and I own several and plan to own more, but they are a much lower priority for me than dozens of the aforementioned guns at present since I have all of my practical needs covered.
Viper, I suppose I'll use your list as a template for my own thoughts and preferences, and I'll add some at the end.
So what have I learned right or wrong?
1. That used guns are a much better deal these days.
2. That caliber does matter but so does capacity.
3. That you will buy for EDC and end up with a lot of similar guns that can potentially fill the same purpose. G26, PPS, CZ75 P-01, XDm.
4. That at some point, you will want to consolidate your calibers but change your mind later on.
5. That you buy guns not because you need all of them, but because you are addicted and want one of each.
6. And for me personally, that my guns must be guns I can EDC with, not just safe queens regardless of caliber. If they are too big to carry, I don't need them.
1. I generally buy new if I want something being produced currently (and I mean the
exact variant/generation I'm looking for -- a Mark III Hi-Power is not an equivalent substitute for a T-series Hi-Power, and a SIG Sauer P210 is most definitely not an adequate stand-in for a Swiss SIG P210-6, for instance); I'll buy used if I stumble across a deal on a pre-owned one that could pass for new. That said, most of the guns I want aren't made anymore -- aside from high-end 1911s and a few high-end European guns, like the Pardini GT9/GT45, Werle Luger, and Korth PRS -- so I'm necessarily buying many things already owned by someone else. I look for them in as close to new condition as I can find them, though.
2. For self-defense, I agree that caliber (up to a point) and capacity matter. With modern bullet technology, I think that a top 9mm +P round is as up to the task as any other common SD round. Capacity matters at home. I will sacrifice capacity for size and weight in a CCW.
3. I like many different kinds and brands of guns, so ending up with many that could fill the same practical role is inevitable, but I looked for just one EDC from the outset.
4. I personally have never wanted to, nor really understood the urge to, consolidate calibers. By my quick count, I currently have handguns in 16 calibers, and I'm looking to expand further.
5. This is very true for me. (In certain cases, I even want two or three of something.) My practical needs were met a long time ago. Everything from here on out, unless I need to replace a CCW or HD pistol, is strictly for fun.
6. This is definitely not one of my personal criteria. A lot of my guns would be impractical and undesirable as CCWs for a variety of reasons.
7. I don't do a CCW "rotation." My EDC is literally my
everyday carry weapon, dress permitting.
8. I enjoy both collecting and shooting. When I find something I want that's rare and desirable and also in unfired/NIB condition, it will stay that way with me. However, when possible I will generally buy a second of the same gun to use as a shooter.
9. I don't care for engraved guns, though I can appreciate the beauty of the finest ones. I don't care for commemoratives/special editions that are mostly nothing but the standard production gun with different grips and roll marks (sometimes with regrettable embellishments, such as the tribal tramp stamp on this
hideous thing); the differences in a special-edition gun will need to be more substantive than this (such as with the steel-frame, frame-safety, SAO Beretta 92 pistols).
10. I get a kick out of Soviet Bloc military surplus guns, even if they aren't the most refined pieces. I'd like to find one of the 5100-series-steel Norinco 1911s at the right combination of condition and price too. I don't have any interest in Nazi militaria, however.
11. I find metal-framed guns much more satisfying to own and shoot and much more attractive than polymer-framed guns. My primary and secondary CCWs are poly pistols, though, so I recognize that they fill certain roles quite well.
12. I need to take time to learn about and then acquire some black rifles.
tl;dr:
MOAR!
).
