Air guns : An addiction or an expensive hobby

My parents were pragmatic people who were born during world War I. They raised 5 children, i was born in 1951 and probably the one that learned the least from them to some degree.
To me it certainly is an expensive hobby and not my only one. I fish, own a somewhat modest boat, was a avid archer with a small collection of decent longbows. I also dabble in astronomy with a couple small telescopes as well as a few pair of binoculars.
I've never been able to justify buying the very best of things (finally a little rub-off from my parents) but I always bought the best in quality that I could.

I do have begin to focus on downsizing. I already have with the archery. Next is the fishing.
Downsizing, oh, yeah. The benefit of downsizing in both of our last house sales/purchases has been downsizing each time. Not so much about the space but in getting rid of things that take space!

This year I've repeatedly eyed gear and my own creations from past "addictions", knowing I could sell or donate them without losing quality of life. All was stuff I used or did passionately for years, not impulsive buys. But I have not done them in a long time. It would be nice to gain the space (and NOT to refill it with more stuff, LOL), and it would be nice for my spouse not to get stuck with dispersing it.

At this stage of life, the experiences and knowledge gained from DOING are more valuable than OWNING. Ironic and a bit depressing given that the finances are better than at younger ages, while the body is in inevitable decline.
 
When I decided to jump in I was between a 97 or a TX. No spring compressor plus a walnut stock made me choose the TX. Now that I also have a LGU I am pretty satisfied with out a 97. But maybe someday, they are good rifles.
There is no need for a spring compressor with a 97. There are several YouTube videos proving this.
 
Over the past year and a half, I have dropped some dollars on the PCP way of life. As a kid, I've owned many Crossman, a Benjamin and Sheridan Siver Streak which the later two I still own today. Back then, I worked in a grocery store that provided me the funds to buy them. Fast forward today, OUCH, these air guns today will make a big kid at heart CRY but find a way to pursue his passion. I'm grateful to be able to pick-up OT to pay for that addiction which is an expensive hobby. So, far my arsenal consists of a Daystate Delta wolf .177, a Daystate Huntsman Revere .22, and a FX Streamline .22. Next up a FX Royale 400 .22 or a FX Royale 500. Oh, I almost came close to snagging a beautiful sub 12# FX cyclone from a gent in the UK but the British Customs got me. LOL

Happy Shooting
Obsession