Traveling WV: Cartridge Collection

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — When Kenneth Simmons of Charleston was just a boy, he would accompany his uncle to local gun shows. While not being able to afford or purchase a firearm at 12 years old, Simmons could buy a bullet or two for 50 cents.

Those small purchases were the beginning of a lifetime of passion and learning for the former United States Marine. Simmons now has one of the most extensive collections of firearm cartridges you’ll ever find.

“Collecting cartridges is just history and how the development has evolved through the ages,” Simmons said. “It can be anything from a .22 caliber through the whole genre.”

Firearm cartridges certainly aren't conventional items to collect. Many people might not even know what a cartridge is. As Simmons explains, a cartridge is not just a bullet.

“A bullet is the actual projectile that goes down range,” Simmons said. “You’ve got a bullet, a case, you’ve got powder and a primer. All that together is a cartridge.”

The collection is massive. Simmons estimates he has anywhere from 2,000 to 3,000 different cartridges from domestic and foreign manufactures. His collection has grown so large that he was forced to begin mounting cartridges on the ceiling to display them properly.

The collection includes cartridges from rifles, shotguns, hand guns and military grade weapons from before the Civil War through modern day.

When asked about how much his collection might be worth, Simmons said he honestly has no idea.

“I’m a history nut. I love history,” Simmons said. “It’s not over money. I’m doing this, pure history and passion. I love to learn.”

Those interested in a history lesson may contact Simmons at 304-382-5263 or email him at tadpole11c@yahoo.com.