I have to agree with you Jeff, on the post from today but also your earlier one (#11) on the philosophy of buying and owning guns you shoot. I am working full time and have a lot of other interests, so I don't have time to educate myself to the level a collector does. Note that I wasn't asking to become a full on collector in the OP rather than some guidance what would be 'collectible' to at least ensure a decent investment. Investment meaning buying something that holds its value, at a minimum staying with inflation.
I have done a bit more digging since my OP and come to the conclusion that I'll just buy what I consider fun and can come across locally. I.e. non lock smiths, aiming at a .44 mag, an older 1911 in .45 or .38 or Browning HP, maybe a nice .22 pistol, a Ruger Alaskan in 454 Casul etc.
I already described the CA handicap of buying used handguns with the roster, so I expect to acquire at a snails pace!
G