Thank you for posting this article! It really clicked with me. As a beginner, I'm still figuring out my strategy and it was refreshing to see this "buy fewer, but buy better and train more" viewpoint. It makes sense to me and makes me feel I'm on the right path (for ME anyway) --- to try out many firearms/shooting sports, figure out exactly which 1 or 2 shooting sports I'm MOST interested in, and outfit myself ONLY for those. It's also a good reminder that training (not just practice) should be factored into my budget. ( @High Exposurehas mentioned that last point emphatically a few times too. Seems like spot-on advice).
I know myself... and I have a "collector mindset" with a few of my other hobbies, but I don't want to go down that rabbit hole with this hobby too. If I start buying firearms based on finish, color, newest model, need a new caliber, etc. --- I'll soon be in the poorhouse. For example, I could sooooo see myself with a sweet collection of antique derringers - for whatever reason, I JUST LOVE THOSE! But NOPE! ...ain't gonna do it!! (OK, maybe just ONE... they're so teensy after all.... easy enough to squeeze in a safe, right? See how incredibly weak I am? LOL.)
Still, I'd rather try to judiciously limit my collection from the get-go rather than have to reduce a collection at a later date. At the price of 2 bucks, I'm not going to bat an eye about permits expiring. It's chump change. (There. I'm now on the record. That should help rein me in).
Mind you, I'm not criticizing those of you who are enthusiastic buyers and collectors. If you can afford it... go for it! At least guns seems to hold or even increase in value. So, you see, you're really not spending... you're INVESTING WISELY... (see how nicely I put that? Don't you feel better? Now, everyone, go invest wisely... use all those permits!)