I've been thinking lately about my guns more as actual tools of defense and protection rather than as a fun hobby. It's made me think about whether I should focus on a particular platform and focus on equipping up with that platform and all the related accessories and parts. I've always been more of a collector with a bunch of different guns from different manufacturers, but I' m thinking about focusing going forward on just the P320C and P365 as my main tools and getting multiples of those rather than having a broad collection of other guns, mags, holsters, parts, etc.

Anyone else given this any thought?

Yes. I like to do both. I think you need to decide which guns you will carry and which ones will be on the nightstand.

Nope. I inherited a wide variety of firearms from my dad, and have bought my own variety.

So 1898 Swedish Mousers through P320 X5 and lots in between. I like to appreciate different design and function.

It’s a fun hobby, and I’d be ok with pretty much any for self-defense. Some might not be the best options, but they’d all get the job done.

I agree with feersum dreadnaught above. I DO have a S&W revolver slant to the collection, but the other variations are what make it fun for me.

I think focusing on ONE make or model is a bit boring.

I like having a BHP, Walther PPK, Python, various 1911's, SIG's, Single actions, CZ's, H&K's, High Standard target .22's, etc in the accumulation as well. Variety the spice of life and all that.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: FN in MT,

I did this a few years ago. I have a few guns that I shoot purely for recreation, and have come down to two handgun platforms for concealed carry / defense. I beleive that my competentcy has increased with those platforms as a result of that focus.

I like having a bunch of different range guns, that's what makes it fun for me.

Then I have a small collection of "TOOL" guns that I use for home protection or carry, etc. These are just tools for me that I really have no care if they got lost.....A S+W bodyguard, S+W shield, etc. all DAO/striker fired.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: jimmy123x,

I only buy platforms sans my one revolver. I have Beretta subcompact/compact/full size and HK compact/subcompact currently. I don’t look at semi-autos as single one off pistols, I look at the platform overall as I want small, medium, and large.

I have even standardized my rifles to a degree. My 556 piston rifles, are the same. One is stamped with a 10.5" barrel, the other is full size. Pair of AK's. One of my two shotguns is also an AK style. And all my long guns charge on the right, even the ELR. So I have standardized everything I possibly can.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Prefontaine,

This is an interesting topic for me personally, as I have guns that I am fond of that I would not otherwise buy today, and the older I get the more "utilitarian" my thinking becomes about guns. Since I can't take them with me on a permenent basis, this question comes up in my mind as well from time to time. It's harder to think about too since my grown children don't have interests in guns, our great 2A, etc. I don't like the idea of passing on and some schmuck gets a python for $150 and lets it rust because he nor the seller knows what they have.

I collect N frame S&W revolvers in .357 S&W Magnum, and P series Sigs., I accumulate a buncha other stuff.

I've thought about selling a couple of HKs and getting 3 G19s so I'll have one of if not the most ubiquitous pistol in the last 25 years for each of my kids. It's not my favorite but it's like a Toyota Camry, it just works and parts are everywhere.

You should have all the types of guns you want, that's a mighty fine thing.

Having said that, in my personal opinion, I believe that self defense weapons should be standardized so that in the middle of the night, or an attempted robbery, you're tired, when your adrenalin shoots up high in a flash, that you need to just know exactly where the safety is, the mag release is, the exact spare mags are, without having to look.

Let's take Glock, as an example. It's my personal belief that your bedside gun, car gun, garage gun, personal concealed carry,whatever have you, all need to work exactly the same way. No having to stop and think, and even look, at where the safety is, which way to push it, where is the mag release, how to clear a jam. When seconds, and fractions of seconds count, life and death, you MUST IMMEDIATELY without fail know exactly, by rote, know how to use that weapon. Same with shotguns, keep them alike and simple so that you can use them as needed if and when the time comes.

Buy and keep all the different kinds of guns you want and have fun with them.

When you life is at stake, having to look and figure out how to operate that gun may be the last thing on this earth you ever do, it's too late.

There's an old saying, goes like this, "Amateurs practice until they get it right, Professionals practice until they CAN'T possibly get it wrong." Now apply this to what I'm referring to, I hope this makes sense.

Best wishes, good luck to you.

I have serious stuff and also fun stuff I could run in a serious situation. Nothing wrong with fun guns but I keep a few as my serious get to work stuff.

I have a variety but I 'use' a pretty standard set for carry / home defense, I.E. Glocks and AR15s.

I'm all for having a bunch of different firearms, but I think it's stupid to chose your daily carry by "feel" or what firearm hasn't been carried in awhile.

Carry what makes sense, even if it's always the same gun, even if that's boring.

I have several different styles and platforms, but I only carry Glocks for consistency.

I follow the logic of OKCGene -

To supplement what he has said (if I may) -

If I were to have to use my carry weapon in any kind of situation - it is a natural assumption that the police would be involved at some point.
At that point it is also my understanding that the weapon involved is held by law enforcement for the duration of the investigation. Ideally it gets returned at some point. My guess is that in some cases it may take a while, in other cases it is never returned.
Should that be how it plays out, I would be much happier turning over an easily replaceable Glock than a fine, highly collectible S&W, Colt, H&K, Kimber or what have you.

So the logic is collect and enjoy what you want, but for security use something (especially if multiple copies are on hand) that is as familiar as your right hand and as common as paper towels.

None of my carry guns have safeties that’s about as standard as I get. My carry regiment is LCP>365>custom Glock 19 cutdown aka 26L.

Two totally different subjects. I standardize on my carry\house gun, but I collect whatever interests me.

^^^^^^^^^^

The same. My collection is spread out a little bit, including single actions (my latest itch), lever actions, pre-lock revolvers, European semi-autos, 1911s, PCCs, etc. But I pretty much standardized personal defense, sticking to the Glock platform, along with ARs.

quote:

Originally posted by SgtGold:
Two totally different subjects. I standardize on my carry\house gun, but I collect whatever interests me.

pretty much this

variety is a plus

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If the priority is focused on HD / CCW, how is the term “collecting” relevant?

Actual use in a SD setting is very low probability for most people. I understand and support the right to protect against that low-probability risk. But that can be easily accomplished with a single unit.

A collection - of any size - implies an enthusiasm that extends beyond SD and that resulting hobby will enjoy much greater use. I see no reason to de-emphasize the activity that will yield the most activity.

I understand the tendency to standardize and I struggle with that notion too. But I know such thinking is quite illogical in the context of the above truths.