Rare, 1 of ? Markers

[Dees_Troy]

This is more of a rant than anything, but I just would like to know why it is that some people seem obsessed with having a rare or unique marker?  Sure, it's nice to have a marker that's not the same as everyone else's, but why is the fact that your marker is 1 of the 8 that Company A made that was a pink to purple fade with flowers on it important?  I can understand this a little bit with some markers that don't have a lot of aftermarker parts or are vintage to near antique, but it's especially odd with autocockers where the thousands of available parts provide a nearly infinite combination of possibilities.

If you want a truly unique marker, get the marker of your choice and send it in for custom milling and anodizing and then add a few of the best upgrades available.  Chances are, this will give you a marker that is truly 1 of 1.  If you want something unique, have it custom made instead of having something that's nearly unique. [end rant]

[bobrox]

i disagree. anybody can mill and anno a gun, but its the factory oddities that are uniqe

[SummaryJudgement]

I agree as well (and disagree){EDIT: so I guess I agree and disagree with both of you a little :wink:} , and here's why:

After having been around for a while, I have owned/shot lots of paintball guns.  I have seen this and that.  And when it comes to my personal gear I do like something that sets it (or me for that matter) apart.  I am not looking for extra attention, I just like to have MY gear.  My gear.  The way I want it.  With my preferences.

I have turned into more of a collector the last few years.  I only make it out to a field 3 or 4 times a year these days .  That (unfortunately) doesn't stop me from buying guns/gear if I think it's a good deal and I can get my money back out of it.  Well you may say "Good luck!  Re-sale sucks these days.", and I would agree, but I make it a point to only get the best deal I think I can.  So even if I can only get $400 for a custom Impulse I have, that's fine because I got it for $200  :wink:

I do like custom one-offs, one of x#, unique/rare bodies, configurations, accesories, etc. if for no other reason than the history of the gun/manufacturer/owner etc.  I find it all very interesting for some reason.

There is no reason behind any of this, of course.  If I played three times a week, every week, all year round, then yes I would need more than one gun perhaps.  But considering how much I get out to play, having the 15 or 18 guns I have is pointless.  I'm not looking for bragging rights.  I don't want to show-off at the field necessarily.  I don't even usually mention things like this unless I see someone post "Hey, does anyone have pics of one of the original Shark Attack mags?"  or "What does Aurora annodizing look like?". I'm thankful that my weird little obsession isn't cars or Fabrige Eggs or something like that.

I have several guns that are one-offs/one of x# and I got them all for the reasons above.  One of three custom annoed Xmags from the factory (signed by Tom Kaye), limited run micromags and microcockers, 1 0f 12 SIC Impulse, Aurora annoed Eclipse Imp with matching accesories, Karta mag, SPANKY Cobra cocker, KAPP Flame cocker, etc.

I love them.  All of them.  I loved the process of getting them.  Dealing with the previous owner I contacted through a forum.  Searching Ebay for hours till I find something I "can't live without".  This usually occurs 3 or 4 times a year.  

So I agree, but I don't actually practice a "logical" paintball lifestyle anyway.  It is totally unnecessary to have "this or that" or even "the other thing".  One (maybe two) really reliable guns THAT YOU CAN HAVE FUN WITH is all anybody should "need".

So now I have reached true gun-whoredom.  I figure one day I will thin the heard significantly and get some TRUE custom gun.  I have visions of a custom Palmer typhoon with some HEAVY modifications.

One day...one day..... :wink:

[bobrox]

^im like you. i have a gun buying craze, except i play almost every weekend and am very tight on money.

[mudd]

Why do people collect rare cars? rare coins? rare motorcycles? I'm guilty. It's nice to have a piece of history that is rare.  Some of us, like me, luck into things of the sort, and sparks a desire for more.  Everyone has their quirks.

[drg]

I personally am not into the rare gun thing and would rather spend the same money building my own. It's been that way with cars for me too. But I understand the attraction for collectors.