Good point, Brian.
Here is another consideration: much like the greenery who grows xmas trees for us all, so we can have a real Xmas tree at Xmas, I nuture and keep firearms, I research them, and sometimes fix them up to how they once were (no refinish, but perhaps parts replacement or simple repairs) and I keep them in great condition, so you guys can have them in the future. I preserve them and educate others about them so the people after me can have a nice, original, high condition, working firearm which is also often collectible. Then, just like a xmas tree, months after you get it, you guys can toss it, neglect it, burn it, put it in the trash, or drag it behind your truck and dump it off at some remote location. I promise not to cry too much.
Its a reality that I have to accept. After my guns leave my nest, they will have to fend for themselves. Its only natural. I hope that their next caretaker looks after them and cherishes them the way I did, but of course, that does not always happen. In a way, I am provding everyone with a steady stream of their favorite old time guns, so they can shoot the snot out of it, carry it, or neglect/punish the gun. Without people keeping guns nice, original, etc, you guys couldn't brag about shooting or carrying collectible firearms.
In all seriousness, often times shooting them is not a problem, but they are an investment to me often times, so I don't care if I shoot them, and other times I flat out don't want to shoot them.