Advice on Firearm Purchase

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Aleous

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I have recently ordered my first pair of firearms, a S&W SD9VE 9 mm and Marlin 795 22 lr. I have enough funds left to purchase a few more and have narrowed it down to four but can only buy three of them.

List is:
Savage Axis II XP in 308
Palmetto State Armory AR15 in 223/5.56
Ruger Gp100 6in Blued in 38/357
A 1911 in 45(Rock Island Tact, Auto Ordinance, Springfield mil spec, colt 1991)

I generally want these firearms for defense, emergency preparedness, and recreational shooting(possibly hunting something I am slightly interested in)

I believe every firearm should have a general purpose and none should be purchased lightly or on a whim so I have done tons of research but have come to an impasse and would like to ask and hear the opinions of others more experienced than myself. Thank you.
 
In my opinion , get a 1911, a.308,and a good 12 gauge. you would be able to hunt almost any game,and be well equipt for the stuff hitting the fan. Im sure you will get other opinions from folks too but thse are my first choices
 
You have a 9mm for SD, a .22 for small game and plinking. I would add an AR for your "emergency" requirements, a 12 gauge for all around usage, and then invest the rest in ammo, reloading equipment and supplies, and/or some lessons.
 
Buying by committee is never good.
Agreed. Everyone here has their own opinions about what firearms are important or go-to or must-haves. Your best bet is to decide what you want it for, do a little research on the most appropriate firearms for that kind of shooting, make a short list and select something from that list that appeals most to you.

Then, of course, come here and post pictures!
 
Were it not for buying on a whim my collection would have ceased over 30 years ago.
Many of my early notions have been replaced that way so don't take yourself to seriously.
The gun is the cheap part.
 
Given the events in Tennessee today I would suggest buying the AR, lots of magazines and ammo. That rifle will be on the endangered species list one day soon.

The GP100 gives you the ability to shoot two calibers in one pistol. I like versatility.

I personally see no "need" for a 1911. Want maybe, need no.
 
". . .so I have done tons of research. . ." I don't suppose that exhaustive study includes firing any of these shooting irons. That would be the best research.
 
Spend the money on defensive shooting classes with your existing 9mm and go to an Appleseed with your .22, THEN spend money on more firearms. Being taught how to use stuff well isn't as easy as buying stuff, but it has far more benefits.

That said, get as good an AR as you have money to put into.
 
Would if I could, no place to rent for miles and miles and no friends or family that are firearm owners. I have to concede a 1911 is more of a want since I already am going to have a 9mm. The 308 rifle and Ar-15 are pretty solidified. I was trying to avoid a shotgun since their are so many other things I want more but again I have to concede again to it's usefulness and versatility. So it's pretty much down to the Ruger 38/357 and a 12g.
 
I would suggest shooting the ones you just bought for a while. As you make friends at the range, you can likely shoot some of theirs and some of theirs will be the ones on your list. That way you will have more information from which to make a decision. If I had to do it over, I wouldn't probably buy 50% of what I own. They work fine, I just have a different perspective that when I was in my 20s.
 
Palmetto State Armory AR15 in 223/5.56

As a prudent hedge against future legal issues, I'd think about getting a couple of stripped lowers and finishing them up later.

You have a good start on the hardware, don't skimp on the "software" - training classes.
 
Every well rounded shooter should have a good basic 1911 in 45 acp. They are fun to shoot and would not have endured to this date if they didn't have something going for the design and cartridge.
I wouldn't mind having a Rock Island Armory GI standard. Have read great reviews.
Right now I have an old AMT Hardballer, it was the first 1911 in stainless steel and has served me well, but the company is gone and no more factory service.
Definitely get a 1911 in 45 acp...now if you plan to do some deer hunting the 308 would be better. It really depends also on what you plan to do.
Another thing to consider is you don't have to buy them / spend the money , all at once , put the money in the bank, go shooting at a local range, see whats going on , rent and shoot a few guns and see what you like...you might get into cowboy action shooting and need a SAA Colt and lever action Winchester. Don't rush it!
Gary
 
Get the PSA AR15,
then ammo and training.
When you obtain some proficiency with those 3, then consider what else to add.

Perhaps in question is whether you want have a gun collection or want to know how to shoot?
 
Aleous,

Since you don't say what are shooting interests are it is hard to comment on your choices.

However I will say that a double action medium frame .357 is the most versatile handgun. 148 gr. 38 Special Wadcutters are great for paper punching and hunting small game such as rabbits, full house 357 Magnum's for deer hunting and a range of 38 Specials, 38 +P's and Magnums there is no base left unturned.

A 12 ga. shotgun with a long barrel for hunting and a short (18") barrel for self-defense along with a wide variety of ammunition covers everything.

One area you have not addressed is concealed carry which for me none of the guns you listed are my choice.
 
Congrats on joining the 2nd Amendment and free America.

You've made some good choices. You have a 9mm carry/home defense platform and a .22LR plinking and small game platform.

Of your list, I would chose the AR15 5.56 for real SHTF and small/medium game use. It's a premier weapon. Stock up on $10 mags while they are cheap.

I would also chose the .308. It is the only long range gun in your list and can also take large game.

Lastly, I would take the ~$500 and buy either a 12 gauge shotgun, and/or ammo, magazines, and training.

I just bought a used 12 ga Remington Wingmaster for $200.

If you instead desire another gun, it's a coin toss between the revolver and 1911. Both are useful, versatile guns for home defense or carry. The 1911 is easier for concealed carry, while the .357 is more useful for hiking. For me personally it would be a tough choice, but I'd probably elect the versatility and back-woods use of the .357.
 
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I believe every firearm should have a general purpose and none should be purchased lightly or on a whim...

That's because you're just getting started.

You should buy whatever you want. If you get it and aren't happy, sell it and get something else; these are not permanent purchases and if you're like most of us, eventually you'll end up with more than you'll ever "need".

That said, I'd go with the AR because none of the others will be affected by an AWB.
 
Aleous - I agree with Red Wind, based on your list.
That being said, the .223 is too small for deer-sized game but the .308 can be loaded "down" so you can take everything from coyotes to deer.
I also agree that a good 12 ga., pump or semi-auto, would be good for "varmit control" (2 OR 4 legged!) small game, birds, and home defense (with larger shot or slugs) and covers anywhere from 5 to 100 yards.
I also own a GP100 in .357 but went with the 4" barrel as the balance seemed to be better.

Have fun with your decisions!
:D
 
In my opinion , get a 1911, a.308,and a good 12 gauge. you would be able to hunt almost any game,and be well equipt for the stuff hitting the fan. Im sure you will get other opinions from folks too but thse are my first choices
I'd leave out the 1911 since you already have a semi-auto 9mm. I would get the AR-15/M4 and a 12 gauge shotgun.
B
 
IMO, a shotgun should be next on your list.

Take a look at the Remington 870 Express Combo in either 12GA or 20GA. It comes with two barrels to cover most any hunting situation.
 
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