This is probably an all guns subject, but I encounter it mostly with handguns:
Wear and Patina caused by use - How many of you have guns, many, a few, or most, that show wear and tear from use? I catch a lot of static for this. My guns are not investments, they are not safe queens, they are not worshiped, and I don't sacrifice my skin for their skin. My guns show the wear and scars of a life well lived.
I was teaching a class, and I had my two daily carry guns in use for demonstration: An LCP I carry in a leather pocket holster, and a 1911 that I carry in an IWB leather holster. For a class of students supposedly looking to learn, I was shocked at the ridicule I took (I really didn't take it, but that's another story) over scratches around take down pins, muzzle wear, corrosion spots from being carried wet, missing bluing, etc.
I don't believe I abuse my guns, but I buy quality, I maintain them, but above all, I USE THEM. I have purchased several firearms that MOM (Manufacturer's Owner's Manual) stated on the first page "To maintain collectible and investment value ...". In my opinion, this is your first sight in target paper! Tear it out, and see if you can get a shot on paper and how tight a group you can achieve out of the box.