collector, enthusiast, hoarder or just obsessed?

[cavedweller]

Are you a: collector, enthusiast, hoarder or just obsessed?
or maybe, just maybe you are a perpetual tinkerer who loves a project?

When you read through AGN threads past and present, it becomes quite obvious to me, that people who enjoy airguns, of all types, have more (many more) than just one or two. I also notice that most airgunners are "tight" or frugal. All good.

But, i also notice a strange thing where the frugal (on various threads) bemoan the high cost of airguns while at the same time they have purchased 5-10-15 or even more than 20 low end el cheapo airguns.

That said.... what is a cheap airgun? (relative term to your income and spending habits) V what is an expensive airgun - same basic definition.

I'm scratching my head wondering..... would ya rather save your moolah for 2-4 high quality airguns or would you rather nickel and dime your money away on a bunch of so so stuff? What is your motive(s) behind your multiple airgun acquisitions? some have suggested it is almost an addiction; i might agree.

Before you share your thoughts.... i must mention that some "relatively cheap" airguns can shoot pretty darn well along side some really pricey airguns.

You might wonder what is my definition of a relatively cheap airgun is = $650 break barrel, to $1100 PCP. but that's my definition.

I am reminded that the market = makers of airguns, cater to various income levels to specifically meet certain price points which will maximize their sales.

What are your thoughts?

 

[SpindleB]

Are you a: collector, enthusiast, hoarder or just obsessed?

To answer the first question: Yes

 

[SpindleB]

Are you a: collector, enthusiast, hoarder or just obsessed?
or maybe, just maybe you are a perpetual tinkerer who loves a project?

When you read through AGN threads past and present, it becomes quite obvious to me, that people who enjoy airguns, of all types, have more (many more) than just one or two. I also notice that most airgunners are "tight" or frugal. All good.

But, i also notice a strange thing where the frugal (on various threads) bemoan the high cost of airguns while at the same time they have purchased 5-10-15 or even more than 20 low end el cheapo airguns.

That said.... what is a cheap airgun? (relative term to your income and spending habits) V what is an expensive airgun - same basic definition.

I'm scratching my head wondering..... would ya rather save your moolah for 2-4 high quality airguns or would you rather nickel and dime your money away on a bunch of so so stuff? What is your motive(s) behind your multiple airgun acquisitions? some have suggested it is almost an addiction; i might agree.

Before you share your thoughts.... i must mention that some "relatively cheap" airguns can shoot pretty darn well along side some really pricey airguns.

You might wonder what is my definition of a relatively cheap airgun is = $650 break barrel, to $1100 PCP. but that's my definition.

I am reminded that the market = makers of airguns, cater to various income levels to specifically meet certain price points which will maximize their sales.

What are your thoughts?

As for the rest, I'm more of a value orientation. Bang for my bucks. Do I need to hit a dime at 50+ yards, nope. Do I need to tune my rifle to some sweet spot to maximize shot count and accuracy, nope. Do I need all the fine adjustments that cost another 1K or more, nope.
Do I want to just shoot holes in paper and occasional pests, yep.
So most of my guns are well under 1K and quite often used. I rather enjoy refurbishing a good rifle gone bad.

That said, I've just started down a new rat hole, classic guns with style.

-- Matt

 

[JDGriz]

Cheap airguns are the most expensive airguns, in a good way some of the time.

 

[coastal drifter]

I like to buy the best I can afford in all things I buy, I believe in the old adage you get what you pay for. As for air guns I have owned many "high end" guns from multiple makers and after years of trials with different makes and calibers I have settled on a small collection for my uses. BTW in my opinion a $600.00 springer is neither cheap nor low quality, I have one of those in my collection too.
I would like to add I do own a couple lower quality air pistols I use strictly for entertainment, plinking cans and targets at close ranges.

 

[Firewalker]

Are you a: collector, enthusiast, hoarder or just obsessed?
or maybe, just maybe you are a perpetual tinkerer who loves a project?

When you read through AGN threads past and present, it becomes quite obvious to me, that people who enjoy airguns, of all types, have more (many more) than just one or two. I also notice that most airgunners are "tight" or frugal. All good.

But, i also notice a strange thing where the frugal (on various threads) bemoan the high cost of airguns while at the same time they have purchased 5-10-15 or even more than 20 low end el cheapo airguns.

That said.... what is a cheap airgun? (relative term to your income and spending habits) V what is an expensive airgun - same basic definition.

I'm scratching my head wondering..... would ya rather save your moolah for 2-4 high quality airguns or would you rather nickel and dime your money away on a bunch of so so stuff? What is your motive(s) behind your multiple airgun acquisitions? some have suggested it is almost an addiction; i might agree.

Before you share your thoughts.... i must mention that some "relatively cheap" airguns can shoot pretty darn well along side some really pricey airguns.

You might wonder what is my definition of a relatively cheap airgun is = $650 break barrel, to $1100 PCP. but that's my definition.

I am reminded that the market = makers of airguns, cater to various income levels to specifically meet certain price points which will maximize their sales.

What are your thoughts?

My oh my!

Not a question but a presumptive statement:

"would ya rather save your moolah for 2-4 high quality airguns or would you rather nickel and dime your money away on a bunch of so so stuff?"

First off, I own both top tier and more affordable air guns that all meet my criteria for a "good" air gun in that they are reliable, accurate, provide a good experience and meet the goals intended for the gun such as putting down a critter and/or making a tight group of holes ion paper etc.

$650-$1100 is not cheap, it's not affordable, for many, its way above their means. $100 is cheap, $250 is affordable, I contrast with available powder burners for comparison.

 

[RM100GUY]

I guess I'm just an "enthusiast"...Over the years I bought airguns on the basis of how much I liked the way they looked and in "post internet" years, after 2010 for me, looks and owner testimonials but still having to "buy to try". After joining AGN in '18, which HAS become an obsession, I learned, gained experience, was able to buy and sell somewhat more easily and over time I learned what I prefered...what worked for me. Unfortunately time, age and health have cought up to me, I find my collection includes airguns (fine ones) that don't fit or work for me that I would have preferred to be another brand or style. In hindsight my PCP collection would include Taipan Mutant's and Veteran's, especially the compacts but some standards too, in various calibers...cost wasn't a driving factor as much as playing the field was, in the long run. Springers were easier...A couple HW97's, .177 and a .20 after trying a TX200 and R-9 over the years (decades), not counting collectable Theoben's and my obsession with SLR 88/98's....These days I believe finding Theoben SLR's would be easier to find than a Mutant
compact .177 or .22...But as it's been said "The hunt is most of the fun"...The obsession continues!

 

[beerthief]

I will simply say what i usually say , "how can you put a price on happiness ?" So if it makes you happy to own it then it was worth the money, whatever it cost .whatever it was worth to you .
to answer the question I have bought many guns . Top end ones and lower cost ones Then i got into buy /sell/trade at the air gun shows (so much fun ) but over a year i lose money travel /gas/hotels / meals . If i kept track $$$ i could buy a Thomas . But in the end it makes me happy which is the only thing money can buy .
Stan in KY .

 

[tegridy]

Are you a: collector, enthusiast, hoarder or just obsessed?
or maybe, just maybe you are a perpetual tinkerer who loves a project?

When you read through AGN threads past and present, it becomes quite obvious to me, that people who enjoy airguns, of all types, have more (many more) than just one or two. I also notice that most airgunners are "tight" or frugal. All good.

But, i also notice a strange thing where the frugal (on various threads) bemoan the high cost of airguns while at the same time they have purchased 5-10-15 or even more than 20 low end el cheapo airguns.

That said.... what is a cheap airgun? (relative term to your income and spending habits) V what is an expensive airgun - same basic definition.

I'm scratching my head wondering..... would ya rather save your moolah for 2-4 high quality airguns or would you rather nickel and dime your money away on a bunch of so so stuff? What is your motive(s) behind your multiple airgun acquisitions? some have suggested it is almost an addiction; i might agree.

Before you share your thoughts.... i must mention that some "relatively cheap" airguns can shoot pretty darn well along side some really pricey airguns.

You might wonder what is my definition of a relatively cheap airgun is = $650 break barrel, to $1100 PCP. but that's my definition.

I am reminded that the market = makers of airguns, cater to various income levels to specifically meet certain price points which will maximize their sales.

What are your thoughts?

I have always been a “quality over quantity“ type of person. I currently have one air gun and am saving for an Alpha Wolf. There is no one right or wrong answer - happiness is the truth. Just don’t let anyone act superior because they have one large collection, or one very high end gun. That was their choice.

 

[Croxton63]

I’m an airgun voyeur. I enjoy seeing what’s out there, but only own 2 a HW50s and a Beeman R9. I plan to shoot them for a year before considering another one. Bring left-handed makes it a bit easier to resist temptation. That doesn’t stop me looking at what’s out there. FYI someone on Craigslist in the Denver area is offering a Feinwerkbau 150 with a tyrolean stock and peep sight.

 

[Vana2]

I like to buy the best I can afford in all things I buy, I believe in the old adage you get what you pay for. As for air guns I have owned many "high end" guns from multiple makers and after years of trials with different makes and calibers I have settled on a small collection for my uses. BTW in my opinion a $600.00 springer is neither cheap nor low quality, I have one of those in my collection too.
I would like to add I do own a couple lower quality air pistols I use strictly for entertainment, plinking cans and targets at close ranges.

I'll just cut/paste this post from coastal drifter as we seem to be on the exact same page!

For decades it was one airgun (FWB 124) to cover all bases. Then, as I became more discerning, it became specific airguns for each interest/discipline. Now I have multiple airguns for the same application.

Guess that I would have to answer "YES, to all of the above", to the OP's question

Cheers!

 

[JaceSpace1369]

Not sure where I fit in, I've bought airguns from $250 - $1600 but most of those were discount or on special. I've only ever bought 1 rifle for retail price the kalibrgun cricket tactical 44 .22. Most guns I trade, I never have more than 4 guns on hand, my buddy has the other 10plus and we switch guns around.

For me low cost airguns are under $600, mid tier at $750-$1100 and expensive is $1200 and up.

 

[Firewalker]

Cheap airguns are the most expensive airguns, in a good way some of the time.

The most expensive guns are the most expensive guns ALL of the time.

Just look at the aftermarket availability of parts.

 

[maxtrouble]

Left-handed shooter. It was very hard to find left-handed rifles or pistols when I fell into this rabbit hole. Right -handed rifles and pistols were everywhere. To get a left-handed rifle the only ones available was the Daystate Huntsman / Wolverine and the Air Arms TX200. That was it.

Pistols were even more expensive and a left-handed pistol required an aftermarket grip if you were lucky.

Fast forward seven years and most manufacturers make left-handed or ambidextrous offerings. I have gotten used to having to "Buy Once Cry Once" on my shooting gear.

I purchase my air equipment like golf clubs. Each has it's own role and function. I still have to buy aftermarket stocks to get a true left-handed rifle, thank goodness CSUK cranks out stocks. Otherwise I would be whittling my own stocks and that is a scary thought.

Life is too short to shoot cheap airguns. Saving up for a nice rifle is part of the fun of the sport. Shooting that nice rifle always puts a smile on my face. YMMV.

 

[JDGriz]

The most expensive guns are the most expensive guns ALL of the time.

Just look at the aftermarket availability of parts.

I posit that there can exist an airgun which is so well made that it is not aftermarket improvable and that it never breaks.
Something olympic 10m pistol or rifle, probably, or a springer. It wont be the funnest of airguns, but it is possible.

 

[Joekrooz]

I’m an enthusiast, borderline obsessed. It’s funny, I used to think I had the worst airgun addiction until I met some others with it just as bad or some way worse.
It’s funny to me how this hobby has progressed over the past 10+ years for myself. Started off with springers, wanting only .177, never heard of PCP guns. Why would I want to get involved in that ridiculousness? A couple years in, let me try this Benjamin Discovery with hand pump and see what this pcp thing is all about. Fast forward several years and a closet full of lower and many higher end guns and piles of accessories. My love for this hobby has never diminished since I got hooked.

 

[Poopshoot55]

Enthusiastically obsessed

 

[Firewalker]

Life is too short to shoot cheap airguns. Saving up for a nice rifle is part of the fun of the sport.

So, no shooting until you save enough for a "nice" airgun?

All I hear is, "You young people with little money that are raising a family, no "cheap" airguns for you, you need to wait a decade or two until you've saved a couple grand for a "nice" one."

Is that accurate?

 

[cmatera]

Yes to all three, but I'm losing it. There are fewer and fewer places to shoot. If you own a lot of land (I've owned parcels as big as 477 acres), you're stuck with all the maintenance, which does not appeal to me at 69 y/o. On smaller parcels, there are more and more municipal rules, HOA rules, and subdivision rules.
it is getting more and more difficult to sell, ship or receIve payment for anything gun related PB's and now even airguns.
I owned mid to high priced airguns since 1997. Hearing all the talk about budget guns and wanting something to tweak around with in winter, I bought an Umarex Notos, Gamo Urban and AirVenturi Avenger, all in .22.
I was really impressed an wonder if I wasted all my money on those higher priced guns, especially since even if like new they can hardly be sold unless you are willing to lose 50%+

 

[Firewalker]

I just emptied a tin of CPHP's last night shooting a $350 airgun from the bench from 10m at a 100 bull card and had a blast doing it.

I shot a full tin of .30 slugs last fall with my Sniper Maverick at 100 yards and had a blast doing it.

What message are we trying to send to the new airgunner that just owns a Red Rider?