As Fingers McGee, I am a 2nd generation collector and my collection is NIB. Not including variations, the basic 2nd generation series has 2 'C' models and 11 'F' models. Therefore, I try to keep the size of my collection to around that basic number and try for exclusivity instead of quantity. But since some are pairs, or others may have some 'special' engravings, I am now at 18 guns. I think I'll stay firm at that number, and will cull out some to replace with others as I find them. Last year I was very fortunate to find a consecutive pair of Colt 2nd generation 1861 Navy Stainless Steel (F1310). Though this added to my set total, I could not pass these up because another like them will not come up for sale again during my lifetime (only two other people have one - and the whereabouts of the remaining three is unknown).
I agree with Gaucho Gringo's remarks - a lot of the BP collectors are grey haired folks and not a lot of youngsters are interested, but.....................I am not collecting these as an investment and my heirs can do with them as they want.
Rob