C.W. firearms is such a complex category for collecting, I think one should sit down and really think hard about what they want (I know, the answer to that question is: We want it all!). Research and education should be first of course, but when it comes time to buy, the first thing to consider is what you can afford. It is always better to be patient and wait until you can afford a good quality firearm than rashly buy a junker. I believe that you should subcategorize into a specific type or field. Muskets, carbines, or revolvers? I think a good cavalry carbine collection is top notch. I specifically collect Union Navy issued and Indiana identified weapons. It is still a wide array of weapons, but considerably narrowed down. That being said, I say this: If you're going to do it, at some point everyone should own a Spencer.