How do you decide what gun to buy next?

[EthanR9]

getting older and selling a bunch I don't "need" anymore but looking for a Henry 22mag..lever or pump.

The little Henry pump action rifles are so awesome! I've wanted one for a while. Don't see them too often though!

 

[NKBJ]

As to the original question, when there is an idea or technique that I wish to explore then I obtain the arm.
For many years now the middle 1800's ways of doing things have held my interests. I've found that brass is grossly over rated.

 

[johntheplinker]

I'm primarily a collector, and my collecting has gotten more focused over the last few years. For many years it was any milsurp, then just bolt actions, then Mosins and non-German Mausers, and now its down to the 3 S's, Sverige, Suomi, Schwiez, and Schwiez is on slippery ground. Most everything else has been sent down the road to free up some space, time and $. Of my collection I've got a few shooters, most haven't been shot or plan to for no reason, then there are a few I WON'T shoot for reasons.
Other than that, I'm set pretty well. Got my hunting, HD, and "contingency" needs covered, some cover multiple needs. That said, if I find something I like better than what I have, I'll buy it, and if I have something I really don't have a need or want, I'll send it away. No safe queens here, all get shot on a regular basis and more than a few have nicks, bumps and scratches from use.
Actually now that I think about it, most of my buying over the last year hasn't been guns at all, but the stuff that goes with them-mags, ammo, optics, etc.

 

[Markus]

I use what I consider to be a very scientifically proven method for gun purchases. It is a multi step process that has worked well for me since the late 70s and one that I am happy to pass on. See steps below.

1) Walk into a gun shop.

2) Look at guns.

3) Spot a gun I like.

4) Ask to see it.

5) Fondle it some.

6) Check comparable prices (Internet on phone has really sped up this step).

7) Fondle it some more.

8) If priced well, go to next step.

9) Announce to clerk "I'll take it!"

10) Fill out needed paperwork.

11) Pull debit card out of wallet.

This next step is crucial...

12) Hand debit card to clerk.

13) Walk out of store with new gun!

 

[flightsimmer]

You don't pick a gun, it knows who you are, it will call out to you, it won't leave you alone, it just keeps calling your name until you respond.
You will lose sleep over it until you finally succumb.
Resistance is futile.

 

[CarnageRush]

A lot of times I will browse the local gun shops, if I see something that interests me I will do a lot of research and make a decision. I like to buy used and I like to use layaway so those also affect my purchases. I also like to browse online vendors to see what they have available. They usually list something I'm interested in when I am out of gun money.

You don't pick a gun, it knows who you are, it will call out to you, it won't leave you alone, it just keeps calling your name until you respond.
You will lose sleep over it until you finally succumb.
Resistance is futile.

This happens as well. I took a long time to decide to buy a Winchester 1887 clone from a local shop. I finally decided that I had to have it and I'm glad I did.

 

[level0]

Guns beckon me like hypnotoad.

 

[newdave61]

I will carefully reason a purchase and then...ALL GLORY TO THE HYPNOTOAD!

15 minutes later I've got a new piece.

 

[Varmint Killer]

I buy sell and trade a lot but what I look for is a gun I can pass down to my kids or grand kids

 

[Spear Dane]

A very simple process my good man:

1. Check bank balances.
2. Go down wish list until price <= total of bank balances.
3. Order