The Teaching Imperative

Five Things You Need to Know to Get Started as a Gun Collector

Many people would love to collect guns but there are so many awesome guns out there, that you may feel overwhelmed. Gun collecting is a great hobby so don’t give up! We’ll go over all of the basics to consider before starting, and even go over what our favorite ammo is for using with your collection. We personally like Tula ammo.

Here are five ways that will help you get started.

Choose Which Guns You’d Like to Collect

This is the very first thing to do. You may already be drawn to one type of gun but if you’re a beginner, you need to narrow it down. One of the ways to do this is to research which part of history you like most. This could be World War I or II, the War of Independence, the Wild West or contemporary guns. If you’re drawn to historical weapons, check out Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms and Their Values which is a must have for any gun collector. If you’re after something more modern, your go-to book is S.P. Fjestad’s Blue Book of Gun Values, now celebrating its 35th Anniversary in print.

Go and Look at Guns at a Gun Show and Join a Club

You can search for Gun Shows near you at The NRA website. You can also search for your nearest Gun Collectors organization from the same page. Gun collectors are very sociable and love to talk about their collections so you can get some great information. You will also get to see lots of guns so you can continue to decide which ones to concentrate on as a collector yourself.

Going to a gun club is a great idea because although you can learn a lot of information from the net, books and magazines, to fall in love with one you need to be able to hold it. Gun collectors love to show off their items so it’s a good opportunity to do this.

Sign Up for Magazine Subscriptions

Don’t balk at the cost. If you’re going to collect guns then you’re going to part with some cold hard cash so doing some research will save you a lot of wasted time and wasted money. The magazine websites have a lot of useful information too.

Try:

Ready to Start? Don’t Go Crazy!

For your first gun, try and resist the pistols owned by George Washington. A pair of steel mounted saddle pistols owned by him were sold in 2002 at an auction in New York for a cool $2 million.

Like we said, start small.

Lighten Up

It’s a fact that you will probably make a mistake or two along the way. Everyone does so try not to beat yourself up about it. Take it as par for the course and most of all, remember to enjoy your new hobby. Although we are sure that you will!

Don’t Forget That Guns Are for Shooting

If you need some ammo for your gun collection you need to look at Tula ammo. With the approval of Emperor Alexander II, Tula ammo was founded in 1880 and is still privately owned and going strong today. Tula ammo is known for amazing quality at affordable prices so treat your new collection to ammunition from this historic company.

Choosing Your First Gun Can Be an Exciting Affair

People collect a lot of things as a hobby. Stamps, coins and vintage artifacts are the common ones. But there are some folks out there who like to tread the unusual path by collecting guns and other firearms. It is wrong to consider such people as fanatics or someone to stay away from. Like any other hobby, gun collection is a passion shared by many. Most hobbyists do it for the history associated with the gun/firearm or just out of their sheer interest in guns. If you are also looking towards starting this as a hobby, it can get a little overwhelming to pick up the first gun for your collection. We’ll go over all of the basics, including whether or not 7.62x54r ammunition is right for your collection and how to choose the right ammo.

Taking the Baby Steps in Your Gun Collection Hobby

First of all, you need to choose the kind of guns that you would like to collect. They can be a part of the history like the ones belonging to the period of World War II or from the 18th century. Start from the events that entice you and start looking out for guns from that era. Once you narrow down your interests, the act of collecting guns can be made simple too. Research upon the guns used in that period so that you know what exactly you are looking for.

Read as many magazines or books specializing in guns. Attend workshops, seminars or gun shows. All these will expose you to the various aspects of gun collections, teach you more about handling them and ensure that you have enough knowledge that you don’t get duped. Talk to other gun collectors. They will surely guide you through the whole process and probably give you better guidance. You can learn from their mistakes and consult them when you purchase the first gun for your collection.

Make sure that your first investment is something small. Spending less would ensure that even if you make a mistake, the damage isn’t too heavy on your pockets. You may also like to invest in the right ammunition to make your collection complete—for instance, the 7.62x54r ammunition may or may not be the appropriate choice for the gun collected by you. Choose accordingly.

The Proud Collector

It will take some time to understand the nuances of gun collection. Don’t regret if you freeze your choice on the wrong weapon or take time to learn about guns. Over time, you’ll get the necessary experience and knowledge to become a master in the game. Once you cross that bridge, you can join the squad of proud gun collectors.

All the best.

The Fascinating World of Antique Gun and Ammunition Collectors

There are endless reasons as to why you may have an interest in gun collecting, as you may have inherited a gun collection or developed an interest. Certainly antique firearms and ammunition collections are an investment but there are other motivations such as personal preference that captured your curiosity and imagination. Historic associations, artistic features and mechanical ingenuity are other factors which may have inspired you to start or continue with a collection.

Different Approaches to Gun Collecting

First of all you need to establish what you need from your gun collection. There are different approaches in gun collecting, you need to choose which one you want to pursue. Are you in need of a shooting battery and intend to become a serious hunter or competitive shooter? You may have purchased a gun for personal reasons and after that decided to obtain another. Before you realize it, you need a safe to store your weapons. However, you might simply be interested in the historical fascination of antique guns. It might even be a combination of both as many individuals have a serious fascination with fire arms.

Antique American arms for example have unlimited collectors potential and possibilities. The best approach in starting a collection is assembling an arms library and doing your research thoroughly. Visiting museums featuring specialized collections, dealers specializing in arms, gun shows, and visits to gun collector’s shows and homes are a good starting point for prospective collectors.

Attend Gun Shows

You will experience an unforgettable and fascinating opportunity at guns shows offering thousands of antique guns with accessories, literature, ammunition and parts. Gun shows also have the advantage of opening doors to other dealers and collectors as passionate about guns as you are. A great starting point is joining the National Rifle Association. They have regular publications of The American Rifleman with outstanding articles pertaining to gun collectors. Numerous magazines and online gun collectors website cover modern weapons available as well as collectors’ firearms.

The collecting of guns in America has risen to phenomenal heights after World War II. It is a fact that gun collecting is one of the fastest growing collecting pursuits. Prior to the war guns were on the lower end of collectors scale when compared to stamps, coins, rare books, art, etc. At that point only the very early Colts were somewhat of a center piece in a collector’s collection. Although not yet the highest collectors’ item compared to other collection fields in still steadily rise faster than other collections.

DIY Gun Appraisal: Tips on How to Do It Yourself

It doesn’t matter if you own one gun or more than 40 (if that’s the case, let’s be friends), it’s good to know what their value is. Even if you don’t plan on selling your firearm, it’s important to understand its worth. Although the idea of doing a DIY gun appraisal can seem overwhelming, the first one’s always the hardest. The more you do, the easier they become.

Consider What’s Your Gun Worth to You

A gun’s value doesn’t always lay in what someone’s willing to pay for it.

It could be the Colt 1911 that you’ve shot over a 1,000 times and no matter how many other guns you try, nothing feels as good as it does in your hand. Or maybe you have a snubnose S&W Bodyguard that may not bring in top dollar, but your dad gave it to you when you moved out of the house and it holds sentimental value. That’s fine. Never underestimate the personal value of a gun. The first time you sell one that you really don’t want to sell, you may regret it for the rest of your life.

Do a DIY Gun Appraisal to Determine Your Gun’s Worth

While you may feel like there could never be a price associated with your gun, the fact is there is. Every gun has a specific value that’s determined using a variety of things. Some of the most influential factors that impact your gun’s value include:

AGE: In most cases, the older a gun is, the more it’s worth.
TYPE: The type of gun influences its value, and some of the most sought after gun types include 1911s and military firearms.
CONDITION: Perhaps one of the most important factors during a self appraisal, gun conditions can range from brand new and never shot to so old and rusty you can’t fire it
MAKE AND MODEL: When it comes to gun value, the make and model of your firearm makes a difference, with Luger pistols and pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 rifles both having high values.
RARITY: Generally, the harder it is to find a gun, the more valuable it’s going to be.

To complete your DIY gun appraisal, write down all of this information about your firearm and start researching. Check out your local gun shop, go to gun shows, hit some (decent) online forums, or maybe even purchase a Book Book of Gun Values to get the best idea of your gun’s worth.

3 Tips for the Novice Gun Collector

If you’re thinking of collecting guns, there’s a lot of information out there, from the most valuable pieces to add to your firearm collection to guns that are most likely to increase in value. But to the novice gun collector, it becomes overwhelming.

To make things a little easier, and take some of the pressure off, here are three tips to get your collection started, regardless if you’re spending $200 or $2,000.

Novice Gun Collector Tip 1:

Every gun collection must start somewhere, so don’t worry too much about that necessary first piece. While some people collect any and all firearms they can, most have some sort of theme to their gun collections. Some common themes include:

Historical periods, such as World War II era or guns from the wild West
Gun styles, like historic 1911s or flintlock rifles
Manufactures, including Ruger or Glock
Application, such as hunting rifles or self defense pistols

Other times, the collection may have a more general theme, like old guns or guns from movies. And remember, it’s okay for your collection’s theme to simply be “guns I like to shoot.”

Novice Gun Collector Tip 2:

If you don’t know what gun to buy, but want to start your collection with a bang, choose a gun that’s either no longer manufactured or one that’s imported. Be sure it’s in good working condition and of a decent quality. Imported, high-quality guns almost always hold their value and those that are no longer available are only going to become harder to find, increasing their worth.

Novice Gun Collector Tip 3:

When you can, buy the best. That doesn’t mean you should cash out your 401(k) to buy a gun you can’t afford, it means when given a choice between an okay gun and a good gun, opt for the good gun if it’s in your budget. Again, don’t break the bank. Every gun in your collection should be two things: a gun you like and a gun you can afford.

Why the 45 ACP Ammunition Is Still a Firm Favorite

Although gun lovers purchase all types of guns, almost all of them own a pistol. Many people love the pistol because it is small and therefore easy to conceal. They also like the fact that it is lighter to carry around. When faced with a situation where you have to fire in a hurry, the pistol comes in handy.

This ease of use is the reason it’s used by everyone from law enforcement to people using it for self-defense. If you have the automatic Colt pistol, you need to use the right ammunition which happens to be 45 ACP ammunition.

This type of ammunition was first developed by John Browning in 1905. It has a colorful history and was later made popular by John Browning Classic Colt 1911 pistol. It has been in regular use by the police, civilians and the military since then. Many people confuse the 45 ACP with the .45 Colt although they are different. The latter is slightly longer and delivers a more powerful round.

Why Is 45 ACP Ammunition Popular?

If you love a cartridge that us simple to reload, this is the ammo for you. It is a low-pressure cartridge that usually produces a full powder burn once it is fired. If you use the Colt pistol for self-defense purposes, it is an extremely effective gun in an emergency. The interesting thing about this type of ammo is that although there is far superior ammo out there, it still has a huge fanatical base. Many people who own handguns aren’t happy unless they have a Colt gun that can work with the 45 ammo. Their reasons range from historical while some of them own the pistol because it was handed down by their parents.

Many handgun owners also say that having the Colt pistol makes them feel safe because it has a reputation of being able to stop someone coming at you far much better than many other types of guns. This can be attributed to the power of the ammo. While this ammo is not the cheapest in the market, it does not deter people from keeping their pistols. In terms of accuracy, it is not the most accurate and only delivers the best results when the target is close.

Although many other types of far more superior ammo exist, it has not in any way convinced the true lovers of the 45 ammo to change their mind.

Who is Nicolas Maduro?: A Look At Venezuela

Nicolás Maduro Moros is the current President of Venezuela. Born in 1962, Maduro became the President of Venezuela in 2013 when his predecessor, Hugo Chavez, died from cancer. In 2018, Maduro was reelected to the office by a with 67.8% of the vote. The legitimacy of the election was in question and deemed as fraudulent by neighboring countries, including Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Brazil, the United States, and Canada.

Previous to serving as the President, Maduro was the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2006 to 2013 and served as Vice President to Hugo Chavez from 2012 to 2013.

Controversy

Currently, Venezuela is undergoing an extreme socioeconomic crisis. Many blame Maduro for his governmental policies, referring to him as a dictator. At present, the country is experiencing hyperinflation, the Venezuelan exchange rate is plummeting, and there is mass emigration to neighboring South American countries and the U.S. Over 3 million people have fled Venezuela since 2015, citing starvation. The IMF predicts that the Venezuela’s inflation rate will reach 1 million percent by the end of 2018, the highest rate seen since the beginning of the 20^th century.

The huge reduction in oil production, Venezuela’s main source of income, has caused severe decreases in resources including food and medicine. Maduro has recently put a plan in place to revitalize the country’s wealth by mining for gold in the Orinoco Arc. The plan may be sound in theory, but to date poor treatment of workers, environmental crimes, and murder have been the only outcome of Maduro’s mission.

Citizens believe that Maduro’s form of socialism is what will be the downfall of the country, not the lack of oil.

There are other controversies surrounding the President, including his place of birth. By law, a citizen must be born in Venezuela to serve as the country’s president. In the past it has been stated that Maduro was born in Colombia, not in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas. No proof has been brought forward to substantiate the claim though.

Background

Maduro attended Liceo José Ávalos, a public high school. He allegedly became interested in politics during high school, but never graduated.

In 1979, Maduro was named as a person of interest in the kidnapping of American, William Niehous.

Maduro began his professional career as a bus driver for the Caracas Metro company. He ventured into formal politics in the 1980s, when he became an unofficial trade unionist representing fellow bus drivers.

At age 24 , Maduro lived in Cuba with other South American leftist militants. He attended a one-year course at the Escuela Nacional de Cuadros Julio Antonio Mella. Reportedly Maduro studied under Pedro Miret Prieto. Prieto was a close associate to Fidel Castro and senior member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of Cuba.

Maduro’s introduction to Hugo Chavez is unclear. The Cuban government allegedly assigned Maduro to work as a mole for Cuba’s Dirección de Inteligencia, with the aim of approaching Chávez.

In the early 1990s, he joined The Revolutionary Bolivarian Movement-200 (MBR-200), a political and social movement founded by Hugo Chávez in 1982. In the 1990s, Maduro also co-founded the Movement of the Fifth Republic, the main supporter for Chávez’s presidential election in 1998.

Maduro rose quickly through the political ranks:

1998 – The Venezuelan Chamber of Deputies
1999 – The National Constituent Assembly
2000 – The NationalAssembly
2005 – Assembly elected Maduro to the position of Speaker
2006 – Appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs

In 2012, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez appointed Maduro as Vice President. Shortly after Chavez’s victory and Maduro’s appointment, Chavez announced that he would have to return to Cuba for cancer surgery. Chavez secured Maduro’s position as President by naming the VP as his successor.

Sanctions

In 2017, the United States sanctioned Maduro following his election. The U.S. labels him as a “dictator,” which prevents him from entering the United States. In 2018, Donald Trump placed more sanctions against Venezuela regarding their gold mining operation, forbidding any U.S. entities from participating in the process or from buying any of the gold mined in the country.

Winter Travel Safety

If you travel in winter you may be confronted by some unexpected things such as snow, ice, power outages, and more. If you travel by car, you could hit traffic delays, accidents, and breakdowns. Experts report that extreme cold kills faster than extreme heat, yet many people know little about extreme cold preparedness.

Winter Gear

Appropriate clothing is important when going out into extreme temperatures, even if your intention is to go to the grocery store. Wearing layers protects you from wind and snow as well as more dangerous problems like hypothermia. Hypothermia means that your body loses heat faster than it can make it. Extreme cold leads to stress on the nervous system, heart, and other organs.

Winter gear should include several layers of clothing made of waterproof or insulated materials to stay dry and preserve body heat. Synthetic fabrics like polyester or natural materials like wool are best for base layers; outer layers should be weatherproof against wind, rain, and snow.

Driving in Bad Weather

Weather experts warn drivers to stay inside when storms or extreme temperatures are in the forecast. If you must travel in bad weather, let someone know your departure and arrival times, along with your route. A mechanic should check your car to make sure that the brakes and exhaust are functioning well, that your tires are adequate, and that all fluids, including antifreeze, are full. Carry additional washer fluid to combat slush on the highways.

Emergency gear should include:

First-aid kit
Thermal blanket
Compass
Kitty litter or sand for traction
Water
Tire chains
Food
Flashlight
Batteries
Emergency signals/signal flares
Bright-colored cloth to mark the vehicle in a snowstorm
Extra boots and gloves

Stranded

If you become stranded while traveling, winter survival dictates that you should stay with your car if at all possible. Leaving your car is dangerous, particularly if the there is a snowstorm, since the chances of being found diminish. Your car provides shelter and has heat as long as it has fuel. Run the motor for ten minutes every hour to stay warm. Crack the window to allow for ventilation and, if there is a lot of snow, make sure the car’s exhaust pipe is not clogged.

Tie a bright cloth to the antenna to signal distress.

Shelter

If you must leave your vehicle for some reason, you may need to build a shelter to protect yourself during a snowstorm. Stay as close to your vehicle as possible. A snow wall will create a wind block and help to keep you warm. Stay as visible as possible so that you may be found. If traveling with another person, use body heat to keep warm. Move around as much as possible to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.

How to Store Ammunition Properly

Gun enthusiasts often buy ammunition in bulk, whether it’s for stockpiling, hunting, or target shooting. Ammo storage is key to protecting your investment. The rules for proper ammo storage are simple. You don’t need a gun vault or special equipment to keep your rounds cool and dry.

Temperature

Everyone will tell you that the first rule of storing ammunition is to keep it cool and dry. Experts store ammo in a temperature controlled environment, usually inside the home. You can use a gun vault, closet, or any location that isn’t subjected to fluctuations in heat and humidity. A basement may work fine in some cases.

Storing ammo in attics, vehicles, and outdoor buildings (like sheds) are never a good idea since they get hot in the summer. Heat and humidity cause big problems with ammunition. It can change the chemical composition of the gun powder, causing misfires. It can also cause corrosion of the casing. If that happens, you should just throw it away and start with a fresh batch.

Ammo Storage Containers

Ammo storage containers are available online and at most retail stores that sell ammo. You don’t have to purchase the most expensive one on the shelf, in fact, any airtight container will work. Some argue the merits of plastic versus metal. Others will use household containers like Tupperware. Adding moisture-absorbing packets (desiccants) to the container will help with the humidity. If you have children, add a lock to the container for safety.

Avoid using old metal containers as the seams aren’t usually airtight.

Shelf Life

Experts say that ammunition can easily last up to 50 years or more. Ammo stored in the original box should be used in the next 12 months or less to prevent damage to the cartridges and your weapon.

Surplus Ammunition

Surplus ammunition can be a great buy. Smart buyers ask the sellers how the ammunition has been stored as incorrect storage can make the ammo useless or dangerous.

Labeling

You should label ammunition for a number of reasons. First, it will prevent a novice from mixing up calibers. Second, it will make it easy to locate the caliber you’re looking for without opening the airtight boxes. Dating the boxes will allow you to rotate stock as you purchase new ammo.

Safety First

Safety is key when storing guns and ammo. Kids open drawers, boxes, and everything they aren’t supposed to, and that includes ammo storage containers. Parents must teach their children how to respect guns and ammo at a young age, so the kids know that they should never be touched without adult supervision. A gun vault or locked ammunition box (and gun box) are imperative if you have children or there will be children on the premises. You should always store guns and ammo separately. If you keep a loaded gun in the house, make sure that it is under lock and key to avoid accidents. This safety guide offers tips and ideas of how to keep your home and ammo safe.

Iconic Guns in Movies

Directors give guns roles just as they would famous actors. Movies have featured firearms from the beginning. The public’s reaction to weapons in movies have often caused sales to skyrocket, making the guns more popular than they might have been otherwise. Film critics and gun experts argue over the most iconic guns in popular culture, including movies. This list details some of the most iconic weapons on the silver screen.

Smith & Wesson Model 29

Clint Eastwood gave the S&W Model 29 its screen debut when he played San Francisco detective “Dirty” Harry Callahan in the 1971 movie “Dirty Harry.” The movie was the first in a series in which Eastwood carried a Model 29 44 Magnum. S&W built the Model 29 in 1955 and released it on the market in 1956. Remington produced the first ammunition, using a 240-grain bullet with a muzzle energy of nearly 1,200 feet per second.

Although there was a more powerful gun on the market, Callahan called the Model 29 “the most powerful handgun in the world.” Smith & Wesson enjoyed great success with its Model 29 as the movie became an instant classic. Director John Milius owns one of the original Model 29s. It is on display in the Hollywood Guns display at the William B. Ruger Gallery.

Walther PPK

James Bond 007 uses a lot of weapons and is known for his guns. Many weapons have been used throughout the fictional legend’s movie career but the most iconic is the 7.65mm Walther PPK. The Walther PPK is the handgun that James Bond used in the original Ian Fleming novels. The Walther PPK described in Dr. No, Bond’s first film, was actually a PP (“police pistol”), a larger model than the PPK. Bond changed models when he used a 9mm Walther P99 in Tomorrow Never Dies, however, he went back to using a PPK in Spectre.

The 1911

This gun wins the day in many movies from westerns to modern day classics. Although it’s over 100 years old, aficionados and collectors love the 1911. It plays a great role in every movie it has appeared in, including a stylized version in “Supernatural,” and as the enforcer used by Jeff Bridges in the “The Big Lebowski.”

Beretta 92

The sleek Italian-made Beretta 92 shows up well on screen. Many movie heroes have used the flashy 9mm including Mel Gibson in “Lethal Weapon” and Bruce Willis as John McClane in the “Die Hard” series.

Colt Single Action Army

No western would be complete without an appearance by the Colt Single Action Army – AKA the Colt Peacemaker. Marshals and villains carried this gun, and it was stowed behind many bars. Wyatt Earp carried a Colt SAA, although it wasn’t the gun he used at the OK Corral. The guns are still used in Cowboy Action Shooting.

The Next Icons

Moviemakers continue to use a wide variety of weapons in their movies – real and fictitious. Along with the Desert Eagle and many ARs, guns will always play a part on the big screen and in popular culture.