Guns are purpose-driven tools. That is something that’s said regularly, and it’s true. When you choose a firearm, you’re selecting it for a specific application. That might be self-defense, home defense, hunting or competition—but you probably have something specific in mind. However, it’s also true that some of your guns should be for fun. While they’re absolutely purpose-driven, that purpose can—and should—occasionally be fun. So, what makes a gun fun?
A Piece of History
If you’ve never considered adding a gun to your collection based entirely on its history, you should reconsider that. Historical firearms of all kinds are a great way to broaden your gun knowledge and have your own metal piece of history in your house. And if it’s a gun with serious historical relevance, you’re also protecting that piece of history for future generations.
A historic gun doesn’t have to be monumentally expensive to be important. For example, an old, battle-worn Iver Johnson revolver in 32 Smith & Wesson doesn’t hold much monetary value. However, when it’s the gun that was issued to one of your relatives generations ago when that person served in the U.S. Cavalry, and for the apparent purpose of putting a horse down if need be, that’s a keepsake. Sure, other guns are worth far more than those below the hundred-dollar-level of the old Iver Johnson, but certain ones have value to you. And they also have a place in history.
The Derringer
Now, it might seem that a derringer falls under the category of history, but there are plenty of new derringers on the market, too. Bond Arms manufacturers fantastically high-quality derringers. They’re worth a look for use as a snake gun or otherwise for fun. Do derringers tend to produce noticeable felt recoil and muzzle rise? Yes, they do, but that doesn’t mean they’re unmanageable or that they are something to avoid entirely. You might discover a Bond Arms Snake Slayer or Cyclops is right up your alley. (The Cyclops is a derringer chambered in 45-70 Government, so if you’re looking for a tiny-yet-mighty fun gun, check it out.)
The (Really) Big Boom
Have you ever wondered why some people have guns with true big bores? Why would someone want a 500 Smith & Wesson or a 50 Beowulf? If you’re a handgun hunter, there are a lot of good reasons to have large-bore revolvers. For example, there are bear, elk, moose…the list goes on. But even if you don’t use your handguns for hunting, big bores are a great idea just for the sake of enjoyment. The Magnum Research BFR (Biggest Finest Revolver) in 500 Linebaugh is a stellar example of a beautiful, solidly made revolver that’s both functional and fun. Never discount the importance of owning at least one big bore revolver simply because you can, and also so that you can occasionally shoot it, whether that’s at the range or to take out a thieving raccoon.
The Safe Queen
Typically, I would say there’s no such thing as a safe queen. All guns are used, no matter what, and that’s largely true. But certain firearms are so gorgeous and pricey that you might hesitate to put them through significant wear and tear. No, they should not reside permanently in the safe simply collecting dust, but you might want to leave them protected more often than not. Cabot is one of the manufacturers that designs these high-end, beautifully crafted handguns. While I highly recommend actually running these guns because they’re so amazing, it’s understandable that you’d want to protect them as well. Consider a safe queen that’s “not-always-exactly-a-safe-queen” as a future part of your firearms collection.
The Duplicate
Maybe you already have a certain model that you like so much you’ve debated getting another. This might seem odd until you consider the fact that guns do fail, parts break, and it’s nice to have a backup. If you’re in the habit of attending classes—especially high-round count classes—having a duplicate second gun is an excellent idea. But even if you aren’t a regular at classes, it can be useful to have two of your preferred model. There’s never anything silly about having a backup.
The Gun for When Friends Visit
A rather common joke in the gun world is that you have extra guns on hand for when your friends visit who are likely to show up unarmed. Whether this is planned (in the case of the zombie apocalypse) or its just for a regular range day, there’s a major benefit to having extra guns. Once you have the members of your immediate family covered, it’s well worth considering having firearms on hand for friends. Guns for friends are great to use for hunting, plinking, and whatever may pique your interest. (It’s your responsibility to be familiar with the laws and regulations in your area regarding who can use what guns, and when and where.)
The Best Caliber Ever Guns
Maybe you have a favorite caliber, maybe you don’t. But if you do (it’s 10mm for me) you might be thinking about building up a collection of different models all in the same caliber. Not all guns are made or perform the same, so there’s a definite logic to having a dozen guns in the same caliber. Never let anyone tell you that you don’t need more guns…you don’t need that kind of negativity in your life!
The moral of this fun gun story is that although guns are tools, they should also be fun to use. If you don’t get any pleasure out of shooting, it can get tedious spending time training, hunting or doing whatever it is that you do.
So, while some pistols might be there specifically for daily carry or to break out during deer season, you can have others simply because they’re cool. There doesn’t need to be some deeper purpose to owning a specific gun beyond the fact that you want it. Own or build one in every caliber. The choice is yours. Just make sure you spend time shooting them all, because no gun should be relegated to a permanent residence in a dark safe.
