Is there ever nothing left to buy?

[harley_davis]

I am at least $1500.00 in ..........

Quit counting $$$. Seriously!!!!!!! You do NOT want to know!!!!

[tompritchett]

" Where did you get that?" O, honey I've had that for a long time .

It is only fair since they use the same trick on us all the time.

[biggumbo]

Quit counting $$$. Seriously!!!!!!! You do NOT want to know!!!!

If your unit is registered as a 501(3)C [I think I got that right] you can deduct a tidy sum of your year's purchases from your taxes as an endeavor for public education and services. Weapons, alas, not included, as they may have a modern usage.
Have found this also helps in easing the sticker shock of that new topstitched hand sewn frock coat when met with a condescending gaze and the unanswerable "Did you just get another coat"?


Cheers...

[Guy Gane III]

Simply put.... NEVER!!!!

[billwatson2]

If you work it right you're wearing stuff out all the time. Personally I'm glad when another pair of brogans bites the dust, it means I must have had a good time and been on the march and in some mud. My haversack just died. It had a good long run and probably was more bedraggled in the end than anything they'd have carried -- just throw it away and draw another when teh straps ripped loose instead of repairing them. Twice.

But here's a related question: When stuff wears out, do you ever throw it away? I finally chucked the brogans that were broken and split in 1994. And I did throw away the old barrel from my Enfield; threads were gone on the cone, afraid someone would get it in years to come and think it was fixable. Dangerous.

I have no idea why I'm keeping some of this sad-looking stuff, except that old cotton shirts do make excellent gun rags. The rest of it isn't even fit for a Sherman's March impression.

[Craig L Barry]

Old shirts do make great gun cleaning patches. I am like you, only I don't always wait for my bootees to wear completely out. I break-in a new pair slowly and keep the still serviceable older ones handy as back-ups.

[flattop32355]

The Stages of My CW Buying Experience:

Stage 1: I need to get this.
Stage 2: Oh, I might need this.
Stage 3: I want this.
Stage 4: Why the he!! did I buy this?
Stage 5: I need to replace/upgrade this.

It's always good to keep at least a few things around the house that you bought, but almost never have used in the field. That way, you can think of them when the "OOOOO, That is soooooooo cool!" button gets pushed while on sutler row, and just keep walking.

[Poor Private]

I find this topic interesting. My wife made my Vet. Reserve Corp jacket, she has sewn up shirts, vests, and other various items as I need them. MY current 2 pair of wool socks were knitted from wool right here on our farm. I knew the sheep, I even had some good meals from one of them. I buy very limited Items from vendors. About the only things I buy now are weapons. My pistols are many and varied from a Colt Paterson up to and through a Rogers & Spencer.
I do buy some disposable items from vendors such as candles, matches, powder and caps. My wife and I travel around Michigan and Indiana, we visit tons of antique stores, second hand shops, the good ole Amish country in both states, we occaisionally find that gem in our wonderings.
The only thing I specifically looking for is a good fitting confed kepi or forage cap. And that I will only buy upon inspection and fitting.

[TheQM]

But here's a related question: When stuff wears out, do you ever throw it away?

Bill W.

I've got five pairs of brogans in the garage. Two pair are wearable.

The other issue, are the uniform items that no longer fit. The one's I just know I'll be able to wear again some day!

[Willow Branch]

If there is such a time, I have not gotten there yet. Or is it realistic to expect to be finished? Perhaps part of the charm is in the steady accumulation of gear? Discuss amongst yourselves.

For me I'm not sure I could say there is nothing left to buy, but I am much more selective in what I purchase. When I buy additional items, I think about utility, authenticity, impression, value, etc.

I find myself looking at more and more items for a civilian impression and have been toying with the idea of doing more SASS events.