The Guns of 2011 ... and 2012

2011 was not the best year for me. For numerous reasons (big and small) I didn't go shooting very much this year. I like to go at least once a month if I can but didn't get close. In fact I went for a three month stretch without practicing at all.

As far as guns go I bought few this year. Most of my purchases in 2011 were for more practical firearms, much of my money spent on rifles (and accessories). I did manage to pick up a couple more antique Smith & Wesson revolvers. Yes, I know I have a problem.

I did sell some more guns that I haven't been using. Despite being the "year of the 1911" I sold two of mine, both Colts, a 1991 that I never shot much and a pre-war commercial model that I've owned for almost two decades. The gun had all original parts but was reblued and although I had it for 19 years only managed to shoot it 3 times. Finally I decided it had to go. I guess this was just the right time to sell, I put it on a popular auction site and the gun went for nearly $400 more than I thought it would. The buyer seemed very happy to get it at that price. I was happy, he was happy, can't ask for more than that.

As for buying this year the gun I wanted most, a 1911 match pistol, I didn't get. I just spent too much on other things.

For 2012 there is not much I'm wanting and I certainly don't need anything. I might buy another 10/22 rifle and I'm also still interested in a Kel-Tec KSG or Beretta Nano, if they should ever actually get them in production. I could probably talk myself into another military type rifle. Then there is of course the aforementioned 1911 match type pistol. If I did buy one it would probably be a Colt or a Baer Monolith.

I also have pistols that I might customize including several revolvers that could use action work. I need to do something about my carry pistol too, my 1953 Colt is a great gun but if I'm going to keep using it I will have to put some money into fixing its "problems." At the very least it has to have better sights installed if I'm going to keep carrying it, my middle-aged eyes can't see those tiny sights very well anymore.

But if I'm smart what I should to do for 2012 is use all my allocated "gun money" to buy more ammunition (before prices go up yet again) and needed parts and accessories. I should also continue to streamline my collection of impractical collector guns and replace them with more "useable" tools. If I'm smart ...