But we all have them.
In some cases it was the lure of the newest, bestest, badest.... which turned out not to be. Our focus or interest shifted and we needed this new thing to do that new thing and something had to go, and that was the lessor of the evils to sacrifice from our collection. We could have waited six months, but it would have meant waiting to start this new hobby, or making do for a while and of course, we didn't wanna do that.
So... we all had them, and the reasons...
I'll name a few... and just a few that I let go and why.
My Stepfather was a Marine during Korea, and had a couple guns he kept in the house. The cheapo 9 shot 22 for home protection, and a Springfield 03 Bolt Action. He didn't shoot them anymore, not after Korea, which he didn't talk about. But he kept the guns at home. When I graduated from Marine Boot Camp and came home on leave, he slipped the '03 in the back seat of my car. "You always liked this and I don't need it. You take it." I loved to shoot that thing, but the 30-06 ammo was way out of my price range and a Master Sergeant in my first unit offered me a brand new Ruger 10-22 I could afford to shoot for it. My Stepfather didn't want to see it again... so...
My stepfather, who taught me to work wood, and guided me into manhood, passed unexpectedly a year later. I kick myself every time I think about it.When I was a Young Marine, I didn't drink, smoke, or run around the bar scene like most, so I saved some money. I bought a house as a Lance Corporal, and lived in a small neighborhood filled with retired Marines. Across the street from me was a retired Tech Sergeant... a rank that didn't exist any longer. I began to help him out as often as possible, just to hear his stories of his service in the Pacific. After a couple years, he sold me his Classic Smith and Wesson Model 27 .357 Magnum. That revolver shot like it was radar guided. The old Marine passed while was was overseas. Years later, I was offered a sick amount of money for the gun, and with three kids, my EX ragged me until I took it. Later, I got rid of the Ex-Wife. Of the two, I really miss the Model 27.
When I bought my first house, a small 3 bedroom in that neighborhood filled with Marines... two of my squadron Mates asked if they could rent rooms. Hmmm... I hadn't thought of that.
Suddenly, I actually had a few extra dollars each month and we had been friends for years anyway. One of the guys was a short sawn off farmboy from MO, who would fight you if you claimed John Deer was a better tractor than Massey Ferguson. We avoided the subject... I had found a nice little Ruger Single Six Convertible that was not only a shooter, but also had "Made in the 200th year of our Nation's History" engraved on the barrel. My roommate loved that little gun. I bought a gun belt and holster to go with it. He decided not to reenlist and during our three man private going away party for him, he pulled his wad of exit cash from his pocket and told me he REALLY wanted that gun. I told him it wasn't for sale. (He had been paid for his travel, his unused leave, moving expenses, and last two paychecks.... he had money.) Turns out the gun was for sale. I miss that gun and wish I had kept it. Never saw another like it.
I had reenlisted and gotten a bonus for my Occupational Specialty. I had purchased a pair of 6" Pythons with sequential serial numbers, and a 4" Colt Diamondback 22. When I got to Hawaii, my first daughter was born, and the EX, (SEE above) insisted on Jenny Lind furniture and accessories for the baby. The stuff at the exchange just wasn't good enough. Both Pythons went away, and the Zero Haliburton Fitted Aluminum Case they were living in. The Captain that bought them was thrilled... the EX went shopping. I kept the Diamondback and still have it.
There were others.... but this is a start.
Anyone else?
I made the trade.
That rifle shot like a dream and was a joy to shoot, but one of my Marines was heading home to a wide open Western State... Wyoming, South Dakota, and swore it would be perfect for the varmints. He didn't have anything to trade, but he did have his separation pay and kept dealing out 100s. 
You can only say NO for so long. 
