Reducing surplus arms on hand....

Adam Helmer · #1 08-04-2005, 12:11 PM

Yes, acquiring fine vintage military arms is fun and I had a "good run" that began in the late 1950s. My collection has many duplicates of two or three or five of the same arms, with "correct" accoutrements. Last Saturday I had a family reunion here at the farm and shot many arms with my sons-in-law, grandsons and other good folks who never shot a military rifle before. Two 14 year old lads, and their dads, used charger clips for the first time in a 98k Mauser and a MkIII Enfield. I realized these hunting buddies missed a lot that many of us take for granted when it comes to surplus arms.

This Christmas some fine vintage arms, not now available in the mint condition I got them, will go to good homes. I look forward to seeing my fine arms in new hands in this year's deer stands. If you go to a few estate sales of good guns, you may make your own advanced preparations as I shall do.

I intend to live another 20 years, or so, and that will be enough time to ensure the new owners take proper care of fine military surplus arms.

Adam

DaMadman · #2 08-04-2005, 04:05 PM

You know that is a great thing you are doing. I hope the people you give them to get as much enjoyment out of them as you do and take just as good care of them too.

I plan to pass my guns on while I am still alive to. I learned a hard lesson about waiting till you are gone to give someone your guns. My uncle left his collection to me when he passed and the day after his funeral someone broke in and stole them out of his house and I never got them back.

I plan on giving mine to who I want before I die so I can see them enjoy them the way I enjoy them

Gil Martin · #3 08-04-2005, 06:36 PM

I started my gun collection in 1958 and never stopped. True, many of the vintage rifles were only $10 or $15 back then. However, today they are very hard to find and expensive when located. I have younger nephews who might have an interest in these firearms, but they seem to lack the attention to detail and meticulous care I employ. I have traded a few guns over the years and the gun shops say my stuff is the cleanest they ever saw.

My goal is to sell one gun a week when I retire and at that rate it will take some years to liquidate the collection. All the best...
Gil

Adam Helmer · #4 08-05-2005, 07:44 AM

DaMadman,

We cannot take our stuff with us when we go and one way or another our prized collections will be distributed, or worse yet, stolen or confiscated.

I am the 2005 president of our county historical society. History should not be hoarded and I have written plans to donate several rolling blocks, trapdoors, M1903s and other historically significant stuff for permanent display. I have established SOPs to preserve the arms that will be displayed in glass cases along with uniforms and kit from past wars. We have a rather good museum at present, but representative arms are lacking.

Gil,

I would like to help you select some stuff for the museum. Be well.

Adam