I can be anal about some stuff, but carry guns are not one. They ARE tools, and i like the character they acquire. Maybe it is because of the pride I take in the hand tools my Father handed down to me that were well-worn. I knew that was by his hand, and that made them more special and made me feel closer to him once he departed. One day, your kids might feel the same about your nasty scratched stuff. Firearms are not "collectible" to me, in the sense of "safe queens". If I own one, it will be used. My rifles are used in prone position on concrete with a shooting mat and still get scratched all the time, though I am careful. We USE our tools. Relax.