Shameless bump because I am tired of tonks, locks, bans, and states of affairs...

SO, what's your opinion on cheap guns vs. accessories for nice guns ????

EPOCH

My second reply:

I have a set of "requirements" that my guns meet, for example:

1) NRA Highpower competition rifle: modified AR.
2) Tactical carbine: modified AR.
3) Tactical pistol: Kimber or Springfield 1911

and so on . . .

These are all quality arms, with the features required for the task they are intended for. In some cases, they may not have all the features I desire (the tactical carbine may not yet have the Surfire & Eotech, for example), these features can be added as the checkbook permits.

Once you get past meeting the requirements, then feel free to stuff the safe with C&R Mausers, pimped out 10/22s, or whatever fits your fancy. But the way I approach it is to figure out what I think I need for my defense and competition requirements, and fill these first. Then get any "toys" later. Note that there are very useful "add-ons" for the "serious stuff": optics, lights, etc. Properly outfitting the "serious" weapons takes priority over aquiring "toys".

I learn toward quantity.  Sorry guys.  

I bought a Walther P1 (German police surplus) instead of a "real" P38.  I get the same basic gun for half the money, though the pedigree isn't as great.  

I bought a ~70 year old Colt 1911-A1 that had been parkerized which killed its collector value, but it still functions the same to me.  

I have a $300 AK and not a $600 AK.  Runs fine and I dont worry about scratching it.  

If I buy an AR it will be built from a kit, not a Colt.  

I would have no problem buying a police trade in SIG or Glock instead of a brand new in box one.