Thread: Firearms then optics then accessories $$$$

I'm having a shuffle round, selling some stuff and tidying up rifles I have in half ready condition.

I tend to buy a bare rifle because it is "cheap" so I thought I might highlight real costs for beginners. It's never cheap once you actually set it up.

Essential:
Scope
Rings
Bases
Scope covers
Cleaning gear
Test ammo

Optional:
Trigger
Bedding
Suppressor
Dies
Test components


Now that seems simple enough but it's not. I have a Sako and a Ruger. I have a 30mm S&B. The S&B could go on either the Sako or the Ruger but long term is going on the Sako.

Sako and Ruger have dedicated rings that cost a fortune, particularly the Sako. You need to get the heights right, so re-shuffling scopes adds $$$$ every time.

The rifle is the cheapest part. Getting them all set up to use costs time and money.

I try to do one at a time then move onto the next.

I always have two, so if one is at the smith, there's one set up ready to go (failing here currently).

This has always been my greatest annoyance when shooting. I buy two many rifles and never factor in how much time and money it takes to get them to where I am happy with them (and then getting bored and selling them).

Or you can just buy a rifle with iron sights to keep costs down

Or have more than 2 rifles. Think of them as golf clubs with each one for a specific task. Good luck finding a caddy though

It gets even worse when the rifle you have been waiting for pops up second hand set-up with rings/scope/suppressor that's only going on the shelf to be re-set up in the way you prefer

Originally Posted by Tussock

... how much time and money it takes to get them to where I am happy with them (and then getting bored and selling them).

Then isn't the answer (after all that time and money), NOT to get bored with them and sell them?

Originally Posted by Hermitage

Then isn't the answer (after all that time and money), NOT to get bored with them and sell them?

But that answer is boring

Originally Posted by Hermitage

Then isn't the answer (after all that time and money), NOT to get bored with them and sell them?

But some of the fun can be just getting them to that point in the first place. It's the building that is the attraction.

Originally Posted by Ftx325

But some of the fun can be just getting them to that point in the first place. It's the building that is the attraction.

This I understand, the project itself can be very satisfying...but then you wouldn't consider the factors of time and money as it is a project of love.
The trouble seems to be the NEED to sell as bored, then buy another...then spend the time and money...then sell as bored...then....

It can almost be classed as an addictive cycle.

Definition of Addiction by Merriam-Webster
Addiction is a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits. People with addiction cannot stop doing or using something that becomes compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences ie marital/social/financial...

Could say the same of cell phones....

I have just spent way to much on my new tikka.
Will it shoot better than the standard rifle... possible.
Does it look better , hell yeah.
Will I get bored and sell it when another 'must have' toy appears.? I would like to say No as I will lose heaps of money..... but ........
Human nature I think.

Originally Posted by Ftx325

Could say the same of cell phones....

Yeah sort of true but cellphones get better with increases in technology so to upgrade is warranted.
Can't use the same excuse for firearms...

Originally Posted by Ftx325

....Will I get bored and sell it when another 'must have' toy appears.? I would like to say No as I will lose heaps of money..... but ........Human nature I think.

Yeah human nature to a degree. But if you look at it rationally rather than emotionally or additively, there is no 'must have' rifle after you have lets say 4 rifles that you have spent love, time and money to get them perfectly to where you are happy with them.

Four different calibers, four different scopes...the correct weight, stock, accuracy etc. Really why not stop there and be satisfied?

I'm sure it can be done despite human nature....or are we all doomed to never being satisfied and always wanting the next toy?

Greetings All,
I can thoroughly recommend procrastination as, at least, a partial fix for the obsessive buying and selling of rifles. For me this works a little better on the selling side than the buying side and the crowded nature of my rifle cupboards shows this well. Some purchases have lost their gloss after a short time but most are still here waiting for their time in the sun. I feel obliged to take them all for a spin from time to time but must admit that some have not left the safe for a while. Still, there is always tomorrow.
Regards Grandpamac.

It's a valid observation. That $1k project/novelty rifle ends up costing well over $2k when it's all setup.

I used to do what Tussock did, i bought a Sako, spent $$$$....treated the fuker as a safe queen in case i dropped it and then sold the bastard....Norinco & Baikal for this 'winner' now.....

After extreme accuracy obsession to the point my hunting rifle shot sub MIL at 100m, I now don't care. 2"@ 100m = dead deer at far enough. All my ballistics knowledge means I'm not that worried about calliber or groups like I used to be.

The guy I buy a lot of stuff from thinks I'm retarded for this reason. He thinks I should care. He does not realise I have been there and done that and now I'm amusing myself shooting weird guns.

I buy it, shove some factory ammo in it and off I go. Shoot it to its limitations.

Now I'm back full circle, sick of the limitations and want to hit what I want when I want again.

One thing I am ruthless about. When I use a gun I always think "love this thing, I should use it more". Just one outing where I don't enjoy it and it's gone.

Never sell a rifle you have not handled lately. Nearly sold my 338, got it out and cleaned it and thought I must be mad.

Scopes are a one way street. Had Leica Binos, S&B combo and sold both. You can see in the dark with these. You shoot more in that failing light than any other time, much of it impossible to see without the optics. Had to find both again. Binos alone is no good because you can see it but can't shoot it.