Airgun Priorities -- its' collectability or its' shootability?

[SpringerGuy]

When you buy a vintage airgun for your collection.  What is more important to you its' collectability or its' shootability? 

1. That the airgun is it a collectable?   It fill a hole in your collection.
2. An Airgun I will enjoy shooting?
3. All the above.

[45flint]

I am a collector more than a shooter.  To me the fascination is collecting the many ways inventors came up with mechanisms that propel a pellet without powder. But I have no interest in collecting examples that don’t work no matter how rare they are. I most enjoy bringing a airgun back to its original function and look. Shooting is the bonus of seeing that labor of love realized,    Perfect example below, this 1907 Westley Richards. Came with no grips, fashioned ebony grips to bring it back to shoot ability. But I rarely ever shoot it - work of mechanical art.

[Pellet Fun]

Steve that 1907 is an amazing pistol. You nailed it on those custom Ebony grips. I’m curious if you roughed them out by cutting the initial shape with power tools and did the finish form using hand tools.

[Hoosier Daddy]

Me?
#3... what good is an old rare gun if it wont hit the broad side of a barn.
 That is unless you want a "wall Hanger" for decor.

[plymouthairrifle]

Randy.     I like your question!!  There are so many different types of collectors.  Some guys only will collect as new, tack drivers and look down their nose at anything less.   Some guys collect a certain make or type.  Some guys like to repair or restore.   For some it is the history behind the gun.   We all collect for different reason.   Collect what you enjoy be it a "Mint Piece" or a "Wall Hanger".  There is room in airgun collecting for all our interest.  For the record. I have a whole collection of "Wall Hangers" and I am very happy with them.

[45flint]

Steve that 1907 is an amazing pistol. You nailed it on those custom Ebony grips. I’m curious if you roughed them out by cutting the initial shape with power tools and did the finish form using hand tools.

Cut the shape out with a band saw and all the shaping with a Dremel little drum sander.  The Dremel is the best tool ever invented! Hand finished with fine sand paper, going down to 600 grit. 

[KWK]

Strong preference for a gun that's fun to shoot. For me that means walking or standing and shooting at tin cans, etc. I like to share the experience with someone amazed at the relic. Especially young people. Bench shooting them has it's place but otherwise bores me.
I get excited about repairing and making parts but not much time for it lately. Putting a vintage gun back on line for another 100 yrs. Too bad I won't be here. Commitments. Work. Family

[SpringerGuy]

Everyone's insights are much appreciated.  Sometimes its all about shooting other times about collecting.  Thanks guys.

[Pellet Fun]

Randy, for me it’s all three and add working on them. It bothers me when things are broken when they still have life left. If it’s a beat up rare piece then it’s fine as a wall hanger just to preserve the history.

[Pellet Fun]

Steve that 1907 is an amazing pistol. You nailed it on those custom Ebony grips. I’m curious if you roughed them out by cutting the initial shape with power tools and did the finish form using hand tools.

Cut the shape out with a band saw and all the shaping with a Dremel little drum sander.  The Dremel is the best tool ever invented! Hand finished with fine sand paper, going down to 600 grit.

I wondered if it was a band saw or scroll saw. I can see how the band saw gave you more support. Dremel drum sanders are great. That notch looks perfect. That took some careful work. Slow go. There are some tough compound curves all around those grips. Good job.

[DWTrull]

There is a third option, I love to research air gun history so I buy air guns to study them. working is a secondary concern since they all have parts in them that degrade and wear out over time. Unfortunately I would rather buy the  untouched gun that doesn't work, than one that has been monkeyed with, but is working. I want them as original as possible.

The problem is finding a 100+ year old gun that hasn't been monkeyed with is extremely difficult. 

[bantam5s]

It's just gotta be a gun I want which is a decent shooter and will be enjoyable to shoot.
I have my criterias standards and expectations, and those things are all that matter.
I'm not looking for a safe queen, just a good user that looks good from 5 feet away.
I could not care less whether it's sought after by other people,  that of course factors into whether or not I can get one though.

[Roadworthy]

I don't think of myself as a collector though I have acquired several over the years.  Sometimes it's curiosity and sometimes it's value for the money.  A couple were even given to me.  Though they all shoot well sometimes it's a challenge bringing out the best in them and of course the learning along the way is priceless.  I guess that''s what a hobby's all about.  I can't begin to thank the other members for help and hints along the way.  This is a fantastic group of enablers.

[TerryM]

 I want all mine to be good shooters.  I've sold off a few that I wasn't satisfied with.

[Habanero69er]

I would say I’m a #2.

But I have several MSPs that are Americana & would be hard pressed to ever part with.

[tennx]

I live vicariously thru u folks…I dont have the funds or patience to collect…. im a shooter(with a side of tinkerer)..the oldest gun I had was a 1994 397 (bought new)  when I found GTA..everything else newer…but then I was able to purchase a 100,101 and a 102…all rebuilt(not by me) but not restored…just to round out my selections….its an interesting hobby for sure…good luck

[threesuns]

I’ll go with number 2 as my pick. I like honest wear, I call it battle scares and don’t mind using them as intended.

Like so many I like to tinker and get them working again. I try to keep them looking original but have no problem changing up the internals if parts are unobtainable.

Accuracy is a bonus, some are just fun, others quirky and unique.

My problem is justifying the prices some pieces are bringing today and regretting I didn’t bite the pellet, on a select few, years ago.
 

[Blowpipe Sam]

I collect out of nostalgia.  My first air rifle was a 1400.  All my friends had 760's and 2100's.  First I collected guns I had owned once and wanted again.  Then I started buying guns I always wanted but had never owned.  I'm still in that stage and I am currently hoping to find a Crosman model 1 for a reasonable price.  Shootability is important but I will buy a broken gun I think I can fix.  Investment value is important too.  I've seen the asking price of classic wood and steel air rifles climb quite encouragingly in the last five years

[MDriskill]

My particular strain of Pneumatic Procurement Syndrome seems to be having settled on a few favorite guns - after decades of trying lots of different stuff - and then obsessing over how said faves varied and evolved over time. If this involves makes with some history (your BSA's, Dianas, FWB's, Webleys, Weihrauchs, etc.), you can end up with enough very similar things in the rack to cause others to question your sanity.

[SpringerGuy]

Everyone's answers showed me, airgunners have countless reasons for engaging in the hobby.