It's been fun, but it's time for me to move on

Gentlemen, I really have no idea what to say, I'm speechless. When I started this thread, I was just letting people know that I won't be around to answer questions in the future and to possibly keep an eye out for items that will be listed for sale. I had no idea that this thread would turn out like this! I can't thank you guys enough for the kind words of support and encouragement, it truly means the world to me. It's an honor to call you all my friends and being a small part of this community.

It's both amazing and difficult to read all of these posts, it's really a double-edged sword situation. On one hand, it's great to know that I've left a positive impact on this community, and on the other hand, it's really terrible that I'm not going to be part of this amazing community anymore. We've built something together here together on this forum, and the community will continue to thrive for a very long time.

I'm very sorry that I haven't been checking my messages and responding to people, I have a lot to catch-up on. The same thing goes for texts and emails, I'm behind on those too. I'll get back to you guys when I have some time, which will hopefully be soon. I'm in contact with most people in this thread, so after I log off the forum, I'll still only be a call or text message away. I'll do what I can to help people out behind the scenes, but it will be in a far more reduced capacity then my activity on the forums. And maybe you guys will let me come back to do some rifle raffle threada and Christmas gift threads!

Please accept my apologies for not responding to messages in a timely manner, I promise that I'll get to them soon. I've really been focused on selling stuff out of my collection to close friends and getting ready for a bunch of stuff to be included in Rock Island's premier auction in August. I know that some of you reach out with a private message inquiring about acquiring some unique items. I'll reach out to those people soon and see if I can get them taken care of. Anything left over will go to Rock Island, GunBroker, or the forum PX. It's going to be very difficult to part with stuff like Major Dick Culver's M40 and my USMC Desert Storm Barrett M82A1, but they're only material items and I'd much rather spend the time/money doing stuff with my family and trying to take care of my personal issues.

Has anyone else here already completed the collection acquisition and collection liquidation cycle? If so, I'd love to hear your experience with it. It's not easy getting rid of things that mean so much to you, and leaving a community of close friends. So I'd really like to hear anyone's experience with this process, especially if they truly regret selling certain items, instead of keeping a few select pieces. I've only been collecting for 12 or 13 years, so it's a little crazy to think that I've already hit the liquidation part of the collection cycle. I thought I might reach this point in another 30 years, but here we are. If anyone here has any experience with this cycle and how you sold your collection, please post your story here.

Thank you again for everything, gentlemen! I've read through these posts more times than I can count (for a Marine that's anything higher than the number 2, lol), and I can say with all honesty that the meaningful collection of posts in this thread are the absolute pinnacle of my collection! Even though I'm selling my firearm collection, I will always have my collection of friends in this amazing community, and all the memories of good times to accompany me on the rest of my life's journey.

Thank you all for your support and understanding, I truly appreciate everything that you have all done for me and this community over the years! I'll respond to the messages soon, and I'll make a few posts every now and then. The current plan is to stick around until the big auction in August, and then I'm going to sign off. Until then, I'll still be here part time, hanging out with my friends.

Semper Fi!

Ryan Niederman
 
Ryan:

About 25+ years ago I bought a pistol from an older collector who was selling off his collection. He shared his perspective on collecting and later selling off his collection. He said that as he built up his collection, he got to enjoy the search for items and learning the history and details of all the firearms and accessories he collected. Then years later as he was selling them, he found that he got to enjoy them all again as he researched updates, described them, and educated the buyers on the items.

That perspective really stuck with me and influenced my approach to collecting. As I have begun to sell some things I have found that to be very true and have found the process enjoyable.

Dave
 
Alright gents, today's the day, I'm out. Terrible shit just keeps happening and it's the right time to step away from the forums. I have some certificates and other stuff to mail to people, which I'll do asap. Thank you all for everything and best of luck with your collecting.
God Bless! Thank you again for everything you have done for the community!

May the wind carry your wings to success!
 
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Sorry to see you go. Will miss reading about your collection and learning some along the way.

Good luck with whatever endeavors you pursue, and thank you for my amazing gift. I will get a rifle build around it one day I swear. Will find a way to let you know it is done
 
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Ryan, you will be sorely missed here. I enjoyed talking to you on the phone a while back, and sincerely wish you the best. I hope that you make it back this way and that things improve for you. Your wealth of knowledge and generosity here has been absolutley fucking incredible!
 
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Personally, I don’t understand the need to completely cut the cord with former interests and forums. What if things make you change your mind down the road?

But if that’s what you feel you must do, then I’m sorry to see a solid, standup member of the Hide go and I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors!
 
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Talk about a long time in replying...to this thread... but, had a stroke in Oct, 2024 so I understand about not being on and health issues being more important (family too). Anyhoo, just wanted to say thank you for all you've done here.
-sandwarrior
 
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