When do you buy a gun?

[Paraguy]

There was a recent article stating that James Holmes purchased the rifle right after he failed a college exam.  I could personally have armed a third world nation if that was my practice.  Anyway, it got me wondering what prompts the good guys to buy a gun.  I bought one to "celebrate" the election of BHO or after a pay raise. 
Fortunately for me it has always been a positive reason and experience when I buy a new gun.  Anybody care to share what gets them in the buying mood when it comes to getting new firearms?

[tt11758]

The mere SIGHT of a new firearm puts me in the buying mood.   

[mkm]

I have a really tight budget like many these days; so, most of my purchases have required a need and a lot of justification.  Since it's only me, I, thankfully, don't have to debate it with anyone else.  My first few were "payments" and/or gifts.  Hunting rifle, shotgun, Glock 19 for my 21st birthday, etc.  The last few have been a little more spur of the moment.  A pistol after returning home from spending the summer in China because driving my Super Duty to the gun store and buying one felt like the most American thing I could do.  My most recent purchase (an AR which I have yet to actually see and is beginning to frustrate me, but that is a different topic) was a culmination of things.  I've wanted one forever, prices have somewhat settled back to mostly reasonable, I could afford it at the time, and I'm unsure about the future availability of them.  For the most part, gun buying for me is a long process of talking myself into it.  I do have a list of "buy now" firearms that if found for a certain price will more than likely come home with me without much debate.  However, most of these guns are hard to find, especially at the price I want to pay.

Buying is always a happy experience though.

[tombogan03884]

Whenever I can afford one I want.
I don't need any other motivation, just $   

[PegLeg45]

Whenever I can afford one I want.
I don't need any other motivation, just $   

Yeah, tell me about it. 

[Sponsor]

[Mericet]

Lately it is only when I need a project for school.

[mortdooley]

When I find a really good deal on something I wanted anyway the temptation is hard to resist. Sometimes I luck into something but many times I research and save until the time is right. The only time politics came into it was right before the beginning of the background checks becoming law, now I just show my CCW.

[twyacht]

Gun buying, for me started with my late Grandfather. It was a used Ruger Police Service Six .357. (wish I had it back). I just turned old enough to purchase my first handgun. It was a memorable time watching my Grandfather handle, inspect, and haggle on my behalf.

I learned much from that simple purchase, and throughout the years saving, planning, and purchasing more is a special thing.

Right up until Nov. 08.... Than things changed, bought my first ever 9mm Nov. 9th 2008, after BHO won the election. Went to BassPro and put a full size FNH on plastic fearing I needed a caliber that will always be available.

Than between 2009 and 2011, I acquired at a much faster pace. Built an AR, got my C&R License, BOUGHT LOTS & LOTS OF AMMO. Spare magazines, etc,...even primers even though I don't reload. (Barter item),...

Some were special like my Garand, Luger, and SS Ruger Blackhawk, some were deals like my Moisin's, and Saiga AK.

The right place at the right time in today's day and age is important, but it always comes down to $$$$$....

If BHO steals another 4 years, I'm going to Murfreesboro, TN, and hand-picking a Barrett.

That will be a special purchase. If Romney wins, I'll just save up for one,......

[TAB]

Its been proven in many, many studys that shopping ( and buying) can raise your spirts.

[kmitch200]

Its been proven in many, many studys that shopping ( and buying) can raise your spirts.

Buying tequila and Cialis can have that same effect.