COLLECTION: What do you consider a complete collection?
Posted by neptunelanding@reddit | Firearms | View on Reddit | 106 comments
Hello everyone,
Simple question: At what point will you consider your collection complete? What principle do you follow?
For my part: - A long-range rifle (already have one) - A short-range rifle (.22 Lr) - A semi-automatic handgun (already have one) - An AR-15 - An old war rifle - A revolver - A shotgun - A crossbow
Just out of curiosity, could you tell me yours?
Shynel05@reddit
My initial goal was to complete everything in the Counterstrike 1.6 loadout (and a few extras. But now I know I wont be able to complete that due to the price points of some of my wants.
I will never own: Cheytac Intervention Accuracy International AWM Barrett M82
😔
ConsistentEagle8819@reddit
Make a savings just for guns. That's what I do. Have a monthly goal and shop used. Patience.
neptunelanding@reddit (OP)
Ahah, love that
Independent_Lime9735@reddit
I completed my collection many times over the years, but every year at shot show the chase began again. So as the years pass and my triple digit collection remains mostly unused (most never having been fired) I'm left with the ultimate question of what do I actually want to keep. If they all had to go, what would I fight to hold on to. The ones I use most followed by the sentimental ones I guess.
Rifles 300 win bolt Africa 308 bolt deer 6.5 creed PRS 243 bolt deer / fox 223 semi range 22 semi gallery / hunting 357 lever gallery / Cowboy action
Shotgun 12g O/U sporting clays / driven birds 12g SxS driven/ upland 12g Semi waterfowl 12g Semi IPSC 12g Pump all rounder
Hybrid / drilling SXS 16g / 7x57r rough shooting
Pistols 22 pistol 22 revolver 9mm pistol 357 revolver 40s&w sentimental / target (my first pistol)
Well there is the short list. I will pair it down further after some thought.
neptunelanding@reddit (OP)
Crazy collection. Good job.
Wheatie07@reddit
12 gauge shotgun 20 gauge (one should be full choke, the other wide shot) 1-3 hunting rifles, I have a 308, personal choice Revolver, entirely personal choice 9mm pistol medium sized (hellcat pro, glock, something like that) 45 ACP Pistol 9mm Micro pistol, entirely concealability, pwrsonal choice 22 rifle, just for cheap fun 50 cal desert Eagle AR-15
UllrRllr@reddit
N+1
Melkor7410@reddit
Yup, just one more firearm... ok really, now just one more firearm... I swear this will be the last one...
neptunelanding@reddit (OP)
Can you explain for a foreigner what does that mean? 🤕
Blaqkjaqk1355@reddit
N being the number of guns you own + 1
Essentially keep buying guns until you run out of guns to buy.
Particular_Cost369@reddit
Sounds about right
neptunelanding@reddit (OP)
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
EzP41NB0W@reddit
"N" is a variable that could be any number. The "+1" is just that. So they are saying they always will need 1 more no matter how many they currently have. So essentially, the collection will never be complete. I agree. It's the only right answer.
neptunelanding@reddit (OP)
😂💯
raominhorse@reddit
N is normally used in math as a general definition of number of items in a set. N+1 then means to add one more item to the set. So take your current set and add one to it. Now if you check your current set against your solution of N+1 you’ll find that you need one more item. So basically there is never a complete set and you should always be adding more.
TLDR; Math term for there is never a complete set and you should always buy another gun.
_long_tall_texan_@reddit
This is the way.
TheRumrunner55@reddit
The only correct answer
Orange_fury@reddit
Beat me to it, came hear to say exactly that lol
MArkansas-254@reddit
Lever actions in pistol and 30-30 caliber
Rlfire16@reddit
The 1986 Gun Owners Protection Act dictates that I cannot legally have a complete collection
TheRumrunner55@reddit
With enough money you can!
sorebutton@reddit
Not in my state :/
vbitchscript@reddit
with enough money you can move!
sorebutton@reddit
Yeah...I would not know. bah.
Competitive_Body8607@reddit
Remington 870 or similar Remington 700 in 30.06 AK or AR15 .22 pistol .22 rifle Glock or similar. Throw in an M1 Garand and Springfield 03-A3.
MoonshineParadox@reddit
Shotgun, long rifle, and a pistol
JustSomeGuy556@reddit
Here's my list for "I want to be able to do almost any gun related thing with my guns:
Optionals:
This was my answer to a top ten list. I think with the top nine you can do almost anything in the shooting world except for really speciality things.
Rujtu3@reddit
Bolt action high caliber hunting rifle
Ar-15
Pistol
Shotgun
And now to add to the complete collection . . .
mtcwby@reddit
When I'm dead because I'm sure there's just one more. I keep a gun bucket list that I slowly whittle away at but I'm kind of bad about adding more. Current collection is over 50 and I'm still in the lookout for bullseye match guns and high end 22 rifles.
MikeyG916@reddit
When someone says to me, "Man, I'd love to shoot an "insert random gun model here", and I can look them in the eye and ask when?
Thtpurplestuff@reddit
Happy/N+1 where is any number greater than or equal to 1
Humdrum_Blues@reddit
the collection is never complete
Galactic_Obama_@reddit
I think that the #1 priority should be the most reliable general purpose/multirole firearm you can get. In my opinion, a good 9mm pistol should be your first weapon as a start of a collection that covers all your bases. That collection imo should include
Those imo should be the first 5 firearms anyone purchases for their collection, once you have these bases covered you can pretty much do whatever you want. I'd probably spend more money on ammo, optics, slings, and lights for these 5 firearms first before I purchase any other firearm.
penisthightrap_@reddit
depending on hand size you can probably combine CC and full sized 9m into a glock 19 sized compact. I personally don't shoot full sized handguns any better than I shoot a compact
but a micro9 would also be good to have
Galactic_Obama_@reddit
Oh yeah, something like a Glock 19 is a "do it all" handgun. Great example of that. If you could only have one, that's probably one of the best candidates for that.
neptunelanding@reddit (OP)
I agree. Why a 16" AR-15 tho, 14.5" could be enough if you have a bolt-action for long range.
Galactic_Obama_@reddit
Sure. But then you have to either get a stamp or pin/weld the muzzle device to reach a minimum of 16". If you're fine being married to one muzzle device then that's totally fine, by all means go for a 14.5 instead.
My issue with pin/weld is that removing the muzzle device becomes much harder if you need to take it off for maintenance or to change out the gas block. With a pin and welded muzzle device you're going to have to pay a gunsmith to remove the muzzle device for you, which is a royal pain in the ass.
Plus you also lose the ability to direct thread a suppressor, which imo is the best way to mount a suppressor. You'd be forever married for all intents and purposes to whatever quick attach suppressor system that's incorporated into your muzzle device which limits flexibility. So choose your muzzle device wisely if you go that route.
I also really like 16" generally because you are then long enough to find a barrel that uses a rifle length gas system (KAK, criterion). A 16" rifle gas AR is arguably the smoothest shooting AR experience you can get.
neptunelanding@reddit (OP)
I'll be honest, I'm not very familiar with the AR-15 and I've never shot with one, so it's hard to understand everything. First of all, because English is not my native language, and also because I don't know yet all the terms like pin/weld/stamp etc. What is the purpose of these? To add length? If that's the case, isn't it pointless and just get a 16"? The advantage of a 14.5" is to improve maneuverability no? Especially for close combat, when you already have the necessary rifle for long-distance, right?
Sorry, I'm doing my best to understand.
Galactic_Obama_@reddit
In the United States, there are Federal/Local laws that regulate barrel lengths and certain kinds of Firearms/Accessories. Specifically, the National Firearms Act of 1934 (NFA) states that the minimum barrel length for a rifle is 16”. You can still buy Rifles with a shorter barrel than 16”, these are referred to as Short Barreled Rifles (SBRs) and there are a few more extra requirements for you to buy one.
The “Stamp” that I mentioned refers to the Tax Stamp that you have to pay $200 for to buy an SBR or any other Firearm/Suppressor that is regulated under the NFA. This process can be a big pain in the ass, and is typically the barrier that stops many gun owners from buying a rifle with a barrel length shorter than 16”, which is why 16” is the most common barrel length for a civilian AR-15 in the US.
For more about what else is regulated under the NFA check this out, or any other number of online resources. https://www.atf.gov/rules-and-regulations/national-firearms-act
There are 2 other ways to get an AR-15 with a barrel length shorter than 16” without having to go through the NFA process,
Buy a 14.5”, 13.9”, or 13.7” barrel and then buy and permanently attach a muzzle device that brings the overall length of the barrel up to at least 16”. To permanently attach the muzzle device, a gunsmith will drill a hole through the barrel and muzzle device, insert a pin, and then weld pin in place. You are able to remove it, but it requires a gunsmith and costs time/money. This is known as “Pin/Weld”. For all intents and purposes this attachment is permanent.
Buy an AR-15 pistol. An AR-15 pistol functions the same way as an AR-15 rifle but doesn’t have a traditional stock and has a barrel length shorter than 16”. You can buy a “brace” to put on the AR-15 pistol that looks like and can function similar to a stock. These firearms meet the technical legal definition of a pistol and thus are not regulated by the NFA. AR-15 pistols are not legal everywhere in the US (neither is the AR-15 for that matter)
One of the advantages of a shorter barrel length is just as you said, you get a shorter and more maneuverable rifle. The military’s M4 rifles use a 14.5” because it offers adequate velocity for the projectile without being difficult to maneuver in close quarters with. The 16” barrel offers slightly superior velocity but the difference is negligible, and both 16" and 14.5" are arguably equally easy to maneuver with. Because you have to either pay for the tax stamp or get a muzzle device permanently attached to bring it up to 16”, I don’t see a reason to go with a 14.5” over a 16” unless you are comfortable paying for the tax stamp or if youre cool not being able to change out your muzzle device. Plus, for you to be able to remove the rifles gas block you need to first remove the muzzle device.
I own a suppressor and the most simple and lightweight way to attach a suppressor to an AR-15 is by directly threading it onto the end of the barrel. You can choose muzzle devices to pin/weld to a barrel that have an integrated quick attachment system that allows you to put a suppressor on faster than direct thread, but there are multiple different kinds of quick attach systems and your suppressor has to be compatible with that system to be able to attach to the muzzle device. Having a permanently attached muzzle device limits your options regarding ways you can mount a suppressor to your rifle.
The 16” barrel is just the easiest and most accessible for most people and is a great balance between maneuverability, projectile velocity, and you generally have the most off-the-shelf options to choose from when buying an AR-15. For a little more info about barrel lengths and gas systems, here is a great series of videos. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRAERgkjmiuOCuwCLq8xYIuboELdg1uFh&si=HRmLwR5KYoRz2ShR
I hope all this makes sense!
neptunelanding@reddit (OP)
It's completely crazy, I didn't know. In your country, so passionate about firearms, I'm quite shocked that it's so restrictive. Where I am, automatics are banned, only semi-autos are allowed, but there are no length restrictions. For someone who doesn't have that issue, I suppose you recommend a 14.5? In any case, thank you for taking the time, your answer is great and I'm learning a lot. Will also watch all the YT videos tomorrow!
Galactic_Obama_@reddit
I think 14.5" with a mid length gas system is probably the best for multi purpose all around general use. 14.5" mid is perfect if you want to shoot both suppressed and unsuppressed and be able to change between both reliably using something like an adjustable gas block and a quick attach muzzle device.
However, for a rifle that stays suppressed 100% of the time I think there are better options. That's kinda why I'm a fan of a 16" barrel with a rifle length gas system. Generally, these kinds of rifles are usually under gased and can struggle to shoot unsuppressed reliably with weaker ammo or a heavier buffer. However, if it is going to be suppressed 100% of the time then you don't have to worry about that. The suppressor adds additional dwell time/back pressure to drive the action. You can put an H1 buffer in there and use a non adjustable gas block and you'll have probably one of the most pleasant to shoot AR-15 setups as you can achieve. Will be perfectly reliable with a wide variety of ammo types.
neptunelanding@reddit (OP)
Here's the translation:
It's very technical. I will watch your videos and get back to you! Can we MP on Reddit, as I was hesitating between several models for my purchase and I'm so afraid of making a mistake. 😂😂😂
Galactic_Obama_@reddit
It's hard to make a "bad" choice, and you don't have to overthink it or get very technical. It's just my hobby 🤪 so I really enjoy the technical side of it.
But you can pick up just about any AR-15 off the shelf and it will be reliable, dependable, accurate, fun to shoot, and will work with most ammo. You don't have to worry about much of the stuff I've mentioned unless you are building your own rifles.
I always recommend that your first AR-15 is one that you just buy off the shelf. Most ARs you can buy are going to probably be 16" or a similar length regardless of the country you're in, and will probably have either a carbine or mid length gas system. It'll also likely have either a fixed front sight block or a non adjustable low profile gas block.
These are among the most reliable setups as you can get. They're tough, durable, and consistent. Instead of spending time/money trying to customize or optimize your first AR, buy lots of ammo and spend lots of time shooting it. That is the best usage of your time and money when you first buy any gun.
Galactic_Obama_@reddit
All good! 👍 We all start somewhere when it comes to knowledge and understanding of firearms. Let me type up an explanation for you, one moment.
devugl@reddit
I agree with this list but would add in a 22 Lr rifle and pistol.
Galactic_Obama_@reddit
Agree with that completely! I think a 22lr pistol is probably the best training tool, not to mention it's so much fun to shoot!
AlphaTangoFoxtrt@reddit
Complete?
tbrand009@reddit
Unless I somehow manage to obtain one of every model of firearm ever made, it will never be "complete."
But for what I really want to feel like I've got a good collection going:
• Self defense gun
• Home defense gun
• Semi auto pistol (one in .22, one in another caliber)
• Revolver
• AR pattern
• AK pattern
• A shotgun (at least one in 12ga)
• Rifle in .22lr or .22mag
• Lever action rifle
• Bolt action rifle
• A hunting rifle
• A battle rifle
• A historical military rifle, pistol, or shotgun
• Something that looks really cool or bizarre
Some guns can fulfill multiple roles.
Brokenblacksmith@reddit
whatever is in your safe the day you die.
Thee_King_John@reddit
For me it goes like this.
billoo18@reddit
I do not understand this word that you speak of? /s
sobrietyincorporated@reddit
22lr:
Pistol - Ruger Mark IV Rifle - Ruger 10/22
9mm: Sub - p365 x/xl/macro Duty - G17/p320/Canik TP-9 PDW - AP9 / AR9
45acp: Duty - 1911
357 mag: Rev - Colt Python Lever - Henry / Marlin
5.56: AR15
Mini-14
.308: AR10 Remington 700 Springfield M1A
12ga: Remington 807 Mossberg 5XX
If I was stuck to one caliber: 9MM pistol and PDW
Badfly48@reddit
To me the biggest differentiator is action type. So a complete collection would need:
Semi Auto (preferable rifle)
Bolt Action
I think you'd get the most mileage/variety out of the above without getting too far into the weeds.
sobrietyincorporated@reddit
1911 isn't da/sa if that's what you're getting at.
sorebutton@reddit
I would not put 1911 and DA/SA together.
Badfly48@reddit
I just mean a semi-auto pistol with a hammer really. I'd hesitate to say a gun collection would be incomplete without a 1911 but I'm sure many would disagree.
fordp@reddit
I really agree on the unique actions.
Personally I swap the 1911 for a browning hi-power (availablr as SAO and DAO). I never liked 1911s though most of my friends own multiple.
The CZ 75 in DAO would certainly round out a collection.
sorebutton@reddit
I never shoot mine, but it seems like one of those classics that should be on the list.
neptunelanding@reddit (OP)
Like that.
GlassBelt@reddit
410 shotgun
concealed carry pistol
revolver
PCC (e.g. MP5 or substitute)
22 rifle
22 lever gun
machine gun
There may be some overlap in categories. Once you’ve got all those covered you have a pretty well-rounded collection.
MisterMarimba@reddit
Not today, fed. 🤣
But really, at my house, I keep my fun range toys, EDC guns, a coupe of suppressed SBRs, and a couple of 12ga shotguns.
At my family farm, we keep EVERYTHING else.
And we totally do NOT have secure storage offsite, on properties that don't belong to our family members.
Practical_Republic53@reddit
One of everything
NoNameJustASymbol@reddit
Start with your highest priority need working to lowest priority. Then you'll have a complete, for the moment, toolbox.
NoNameJustASymbol@reddit
I see none here hunt the muzzle loader season. I'm good with that.
DumbNTough@reddit
"An accumulation is not a collection."
You can accumulate firearms endlessly.
A collection is a subset of your total inventory organized around a specific theme.
"American Infantry Rifles of the Second World War" could be a collection.
"Experimental Semi-automatic Pistols of the Late 1800s" could be one.
"Smith and Wesson Revolvers" could be (a big) one.
You can come up with categories that mean something to you, research a list of the arms that should go in it, then set about acquiring examples of each.
neptunelanding@reddit (OP)
Cover effectively all distances on every field (nature, urban) sounds a fine collection to me :)
Novel-Counter-8093@reddit
AKSU SVD PKM and an NSPU 1PN51
im a simple guy
MunitionGuyMike@reddit
A lot of people say N+1 in relation to guns.
But I like N+1 being the amount of collections you have.
Jk. Find the things that interest you and collect them. It doesn’t have to be a theme to it.
Just make sure to also spend money on more important things like food and rent. Budget accordingly and live within your means. Don’t be impatient
BeenJamminMon@reddit
A basic collection is "complete" with 5 guns:
-Pistol
-Rifle
-Shotgun
-.22lr
-Modern fighting rifle
With these five, you can participate in most shooting activities. Then you can actually complete your collection by pursuing your favorite activities.
neptunelanding@reddit (OP)
Right!
fordp@reddit
About 20 guns to have a nice range
neptunelanding@reddit (OP)
💸
dnoginizr@reddit
Prolly never going to finish my collection. Gotta cover your bases first long range, short range, home defense. Then it's on to what you like. I'm collecting ones I think are cool and grew up seeing in movies and video games. Scar H, mk14 EBR, Savage 110, jericho 941, M240, spaz 12, MP5... stuff like that prolly won't have the money for some, but I have a list that will complete my collection.
UstuckWHATinurAss@reddit
At least one of every gun ever made.
neptunelanding@reddit (OP)
😂
OleRockTheGoodAg@reddit
B4NND@reddit
When I have a functioning Davey Crocket...
For home defense.
Mimicking-hiccuping@reddit
Just one shotgun? You need a semi, a O/U and a side by side.
Either-Angle-6699@reddit
Depends what you’re doing. A 9mm handgun with a suppressor will do pretty much anything most people need a gun for if you don’t have any hobbies related to firearms.
My complete list to where I’d be comfortable with mostly anything firearm related would be.
General purpose/ rifle(AR-15/AK-47)
Long range/hunting rifle(6.5/308/30-06 bolt action)
Concealed carry pistol
12 gauge shotgun.
If you’re talking calibers then these are the most important in deciding order; 9mm, 5.56, 12 gauge, 22lr, 308, 45acp.
That’s all of course my opinion, I’d love to hear everyone’s .02.
Ornery_Secretary_850@reddit
That's not a collection. A collection has a focus. Like collecting all the variations of the Ruger MK II.
You have an aggregation or conglomeration.
For a collection it's when you have every variation ever produced.
For the rest, it's N+1.
Inevitable-Sleep-907@reddit
Well when I pass my collection is complete and it will become my son's collection
GreyBeardsStan@reddit
I will never consider it complete because there are many I am trying to acquire.
However, if I had to limit to hard use/heirloom only, I could cut it to 10.
bammann45@reddit
Ability to compete in every sport you enjoy, in every category… and win.
Common-Act-2692@reddit
Ak 47 u forgot
Able_Twist_2100@reddit
When I have all the guns I will make more guns.
Paladin-Steele36@reddit
When I own all the cool guns
cowboy3gunisfun@reddit
Ideally, it's never complete. I may be happy with what I have currently, but new stuff comes out all the time. There are also things I would buy if I had excessive amounts of money (win the lottery kind of thing), but don't feel the need to save up for. I just do my research when I find something that interests me and then determine if I need it now, can wait, or if it goes on the "lotto" list.
MidniightToker@reddit
I buy whatever I'm nostalgic for when I can just barely afford it.
jarredjs2@reddit
To me a collection is different than necessities. IMO you “need” a good carbine rifle system, shotgun system, pistol, and possibly a heavier rifle. When I say system I mean a quality file with good optic, light, sling, suppressor etc. The collection is much larger and includes range toys, historical guns, cool stuff, spare/backups etc
GaybutNotbutGay@reddit
Im 18 so handguns not included. Old surplus rifle for funsies AR setup for home defense/general purpose Alternative rifle chambered in 5.56 for funsies Battle rifle, probably an ar10 or g3 derivative Magazine fed 22lr Newer tactical pump action Interesting old shotgun like a model 11, a bolt action, double barrel
HolyShitidkwtf@reddit
Not sure I'll ever be finished with my collection. More than once I've told myself I had everything I needed. That was a lie. I seem to find new things I need almost every time I go to the gun store or talk about guns. I didn't know I needed a 50bmg until I talked to a guy who had one for sale. I didn't know I needed a Taurus Raging Hunter .460 S&W until I saw one at the gun shop. I imagine I don't know what else I need until I come across it.
GrenadeJuggler@reddit
Not as much of a complete collection, but a basic starting point for me.
You can cover everything from hunting, to target shooting, to self defense, and anything in between with those four. The ammo for these is also easier to find and not as expensive as other popular calibers.
SufficientOnestar@reddit
My OCD,ADD FOMO is triggered now.
ottermupps@reddit
22 rifle, 22 pistol, 556 AR, 12 gauge shotgun, 9mm pistol, 308 (or similar size cartridge) bolt action.
Once you have all that you've got a really solid base. Having a thousand rounds per caliber per gun is also a good baseline for ammo stockpile.
To really narrow it down: 22 rifle, carry gun, shotgun. That'll do you for plinking, defense, and hunting.
Clunk500CM@reddit
Don't forget the magazines for the guns needing magazines.
Superb_Extension1751@reddit
Not mine.
Never mine.
Gunalysis@reddit
Hunting rifle, hunting shotgun, hunting handgun, competition rifle, competition shotgun, competition handgun, fighting rifle, fighting shotgun, fighting handgun, plinking rifle, plinking shotgun, plinking handgun, heirloom rifle, heirloom shotgun, heirloom handgun.
With careful consideration and great taste, that might mean just three guns, or as many fifteen if you want very specific guns for each.
Dak_Nalar@reddit
"Art is never finished, only abandoned"
awesome_jackob123@reddit
Such wise words for someone who only has one Oscar
Matrix920@reddit
Depends on you personally and what you like to own/collect, you and only you will know when that time comes
No_Routine_1195@reddit
It's not a collection, it's a toolbox filling all your needs. Collection is assembled for your pure enjoyment, and only complete when you deem so.
DrunkensAndDragons@reddit
No such thing. When does a museum have enough art?
retromullet@reddit
No such thing as complete, but for a long time I had a rule that I wouldn't buy something unless it filled an actual practical role or allowed me to do something I couldn't already do with what I owned.
For instance, I spent a decent amount of money for a young person with little money on my Beretta 686. That said, it allowed me to shoot sporting clays, trap, skeet, and hunt upland. Some people have zero interest in those things, and from a practicality standpoint it'd be a useless gun to them. For me it's part of my "complete" collection.
At some point you fill out that practicality column, for the most part, and then it moves into the n + 1 mindset which is totally fine and where I'd say I'm at these days. That said, it has almost come full circle in that I own so much something has to be really, really enticing to get me to be interested. I'd rather spend the money on ammo.
Radius8887@reddit
Whatever catches my fancy. Ive never collected with any specific goal in mind.
stevenrodgersBCB@reddit
Rifle cartridge (308, 30-06, 6.5 creed, etc)
5.56 AR-15
22lr rifle
9mm handgun
12 gauge shotgun
Threather19@reddit
One is none, two is one, three is a few, four is collection. Variety doesn’t matter.