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Reducing my accumulation

No this is not a FOR SALE post.

My wife just passed away (she was 11 years younger than me and "supposed" to out live me). My children are not really interested in guns like my wife was and I am.

Prior to my Mother's death she was sold her home and possessions when she moved into a assisted living facility. This kept me from having to deal with her passing AND disposing of her possessions during that awful time. I want to plan for this same kindness for my children. But at the same time, I want to enjoy my remaining functional years with the hobby that my wife and I loved.

I am wondering what your thoughts are on how best we, as older shooters, should gradually reduce our accumulation of guns and reloading equipment and supplies. Surely this thought has occurred to others and I am wondering what your thoughts are on this.

Thanks,
 
My wife and I have a will that spells out who get what in detail, with photos, my kids, her brothers, etc..... everything else goes to the other, if we happen to both pass at the same time......it all goes to the ASPCA for the care of our dogs.

I don't worry about it.
 
Travelor said:
But at the same time, I want to enjoy my remaining functional years with the hobby that my wife and I loved.

I am wondering what your thoughts are on how best we, as older shooters, should gradually reduce our accumulation of guns and reloading equipment and supplies.

It's a simple, if perhaps emotional, process. Decide how much of the stuff is surplus, and sell or give it away over a period of time that makes sense. Stuff that is 'must have' should be identified/described, and instructions for its handling should be part of your will.

Really no different than any other possessions, be they woodworking tools, classic cars, or whatever a person accumulates over their life. If you don't trust your immediate heirs to handle your estate, then appoint somebody else -- like another shooting buddy, after informing him and obtaining his approval -- to take care of it on your passing. Like I said, this is basic estate planning stuff.
 
I feel for your loss. Take a little time before you start selling things. Enjoy the reflection of time you had with your wife. Sounds like you had a wonderful life together.

Then as time passes use your judgement on what goes and wat stays and is passed on. There are firends who spent many days shooting with you who might also want to have some of yours and your wifes things so they can reflect and share the memories. Also there are many youth shooters who could use and put to life shooting items. I have a reloader given to me over 40 years ago by a friend. I now know his grandson and great grand children. I may offer the loader to the grandson as a pass down from his grand father.

Nat Lambeth
 
Travelor,

Sorry for your loss..

I am now 45, with kids and looking forwards to grandkids someday. Part of my accumulation is for that purpose, to pass on to the grandkids or son-in-laws... When and how, cant tell ya. Maybe when you take one shooting and happen to note the fire in their eyes when they handle are particular item ask them if they would like to have it or just give it to em...

So when the time "feels" right, pass em on. If not and they become a burden or just another object, time to sell and enjoy the profits in a different manner... I think your heart will guide you on this one.. ;)

Rod
 
Think on it for a while then "put everything in writing". When it comes to $$ and personal possessions, even family will fight over it. Been there, done that and seen it happen. :(
 
Consult with an attorney about setting up a trust. That is a best way to avoid the delays and potential costs invovled with probate. A trust is not that expensive to set up and in the long run could be a cheaper option.

Wills have to be probated, which usually isn't that big a deal, but in my state the courts have up to 6 months to finish the process. A will does not need to involve an attorney. The key is writing it in a "sane" and "sound mind" way, and having the required number of people sign it. Ideally those signing it should not be named in the will, but that is not a requirement. Examples of how to do a will can be found on the Internet.

Or try to give it all away before you die. I'd rather see them get my assets and enjoy them while I'm alive anyway.
 
Find someone to mentor and bless them by gifting when they show genuine interest.

I have a large amount of shop equipment and some guns. I also have 3 boys. I will not leave my stuff to be scattered abroad because they are not interested in it. I will find someone that can honestly use it and enjoy it.

I will leave to them what they are interested in and the rest I will get the enjoyment of watching someone else really appreciate the gift.

Ken
 
For starters I am sorry for your loss.

My uncle has never had any children. He has a sister (my mom) and three neices and nephews.
He has it setup so that when he passes, a auction company will come in and auction all his properties and belongings off. At the end of all that they will take there part and give my mom a check for the rest. It is not the most economical way but certainly keeps my mom from dealing with a bunch of BS.

Tim
 
Travelor:
I'm so vary sorry for your loss, and cant imagine what its like, and wish you the best.
I'm 66 now and not in the best of health nor is my wife of 43 years, and we have no kids, or other relatives that like to shoot.
So in case I go first, what I did was write down all the guns, what they are, S/N Etc, and my estimate as to there value, and dated it.
Then put it in the safe. I had to lump the reloading equipment and other stuff together as there's just to much stuff.
Then I told her to contact my best shooting buddy, and ask him to offer it for sale at our gun club, and he can have what doesn't sell or he really wants for him self. That's about all I could come up with in my situation.
The relatives will have enough to fight over, in property, vehicles Etc.
My shooting buddy may read this and find its all news to him, but that's ok, I trust him with anything I have, except my dog. ;)
Mike.
 

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