Can't say I know how many is too many, not even for my own purposes. I have all my needs covered with four guns in 12ga, two 20s and one 16ga to which have been added then subtracted a couple other 20ga guns, a 10ga 2 7/8", and a 28ga. Now I am sort of inspired to play with a .410 double for some reason but haven't found one I like yet. Will it come and go, displace one of the four, or increase the count permanetly - I don't know. One thing is certain if I don't use it, it will not stay as I am not a collector.