A common statement made by potential arms collectors is that “this is a rich man’s hobby”   or “only old men can afford to collect guns, swords, etc.” Of course, this is mistaken thinking, for it is indeed possible for any potential beginner, unencumbered by a surfeit of available funds, to enjoy building a decent collection.

For instance, a man of my acquaintance began collecting guns at a fairly late stage in his life. Married with grown-up children who had already long flown the nest, his interest was piqued when he picked up an old cap and ball pocket revolver. Not a Colt nor a Remington, but one of the lesser (for want of a better term) second-string gun makers from up north. Ultimately, this man built up a fine collection of similar firearms, a collection that won an award or two when displayed. 

The point of this quick preamble is that the collection was based on a core of relatively inexpensive antique pistols, both cap and ball and cartridge firing. With the guns came a need and a desire to research the maker of his firearms and others of similar weapons. Thus was born in that collector the essential activity of locating relevant books, or whatever other literature was out there, necessary to expand his knowledge. He also joined a couple of collector clubs and talked to as many knowledgeable people as possible, and found a fellowship that embraces all those with similar interests. 

So for not too many dollars, and as much time as he could spare in learning about old firearms, including those that interested him, he became a Gun Collector and in later years, something of a “knowledgeable person” himself. One who was happy to share his collecting experiences and to pass on what he had learned to others just entering the brotherhood. His philosophy became that to be a true collector, one must never stop learning, is morally obliged to share their collections with others, and to remind other collectors that they all had to start somewhere. 

And he finds it most acceptable to let the neophytes know that, like him, they can begin their collections from even the humblest of beginnings.