Let's hear it from the long-time gun owners!

[Alan]

With our community growing every day, I’d love to collect some of the shared experiences we have.

For our seasoned owners and collectors, what advice would you offer your younger self when you first began this journey? Share your insights on storage methods, reliable sites, auctions, or anything else you wish you had known sooner.

 

[Shibadog]

Don’t sell or trade anything you like-even if it’ll make you a profit right now-it’ll be worth more down the road and you’ll always regret getting rid of it.

 

[LeverGunner]

I would say, have 3-4 core guns you work with all the time in addition to the half a dozen you trade around to try new stuff. Keeping a scoped bolt gun, an iron sighed levergun, and a sixgun all the time will keep you consistent and help you learn to shoot better.

Don't forget a 22 rifle and a shotgun. The 22 rifle is probably the most important because it will allow you lots and lots of practice. I used to shoot just to make noise, but I eventually decided I wanted to really improve. I went a couple of years where I shot nearly daily.

Don't limit your shooting to only on the bench.

Start learning about reloading early on. Read the manual before you jump into buying gear. This will help you to keep the core guns you have fed, and also dissuade trading them once you have loads developed for them.

It also will allow you to try chamberings that you otherwise would steer clear of. Cartridges like 348 Winchester aren't easily obtained, but they reload without undue expense. After the initial cost of the brass, they reload for the same cost as 30-06.