A gun-shopping hypothetical

[BridgeWalker]

So, lets say, hypothetically, that you and your spouse were finally getting rid of some expensive inherited knick-knacks and were planning on spending the proceeds on guns. Preferably, several guns.

Let's say, also hypothetically, that you really want to max out the recreational and collectible potential in the cash, so several guns rather than one or two really nice ones.

And you've already got a small collection--a centerfire rifle, a pistol, a couple shotguns, and a .22 rifle.

We're estimating about $1500.
What would you buy?

We are thinking of a couple of mil-surps--already have a 91/30, but would like a couple more. We need a .22 handgun, desperately. We need a small carry gun. I want a bolt action .22 as well. We mostly buy used guns.

So, just for fun, what would your shopping list look like?

 

[Soybomb]

A classic well built handgun like a s&w 41, one of their .22 revolvers, or a colt woodsman might be good bets for the handgun.

 

[General Geoff]

Smith & Wesson 610 (10mm auto) revolver.
Smith & Wesson 617 (.22lr) revolver.
AR-15 if you've got enough left over.

 

[Thain]

Neither my wife or I are fond of the AR15 family, this may be heresy to say on THR but we're just not enthusiastic about its looks. I have no doubt that it is a good rifle, but neither of us wants to own one.

Now, I might push hard to add an AK47 to the list. Yeah, its not a looker, but its got that aura of "ugly on purpose" that makes it good looking. Like a bulldog.

We seem to be hovering at a Kel-Tec P3AT, Ruger Mk. II, Mosin `44 Carbine, and... Who knows?

 

[BridgeWalker]

We seem to be hovering at a Kel-Tec P3AT, Ruger Mk. II, Mosin `44 Carbine, and... Who knows?

That stuff is less than $600. We oughta get a 1911 or a neat revolver. Why don't we own a revolver? Dude, what is *wrong* with us!? I agree with soybomb and Gen'l Geoff. We need a revolver.

 

[Just Jim]

In my opinion $1500 won't go far when it comes to the parameters you set. If you just want recreation then it is more than enough and you can buy some good guns for the money. Collectibles might take a little more funds.

Unless you are thinking of buying some collectable 22s which there are many fine examples of. The bigger calibers usually go for more money when it comes to collector status.

Other than that I would buy

Remington 870 pump 12 guage--$300 at most

Smith 617 22LR--- $450

Remington 700 in the caliber of your choice with a good scope--$650

Ammo with the rest of your money as it will be your best investment

jj

 

[pax]

You need a small carry gun, but it should be fun to shoot too. P3AT is a great back up carry gun for people who've already got lots of handguns to play with. I don't see it filling that niche for you guys... hmmm.

Sigh, hate to be the first one to say it, but "get a Glock." You need a Glock 26 -- it shoots the cheapest defensive ammo, and is small for carry, accurate like a big gun, fun to shoot. Add grip extensions as needed.

pax

 

[BridgeWalker]

To clarify, as far as "collectible" we weren't really thinking show peices or investments, more like mil-surps, something that may become a harder to find novelty in several years rather than something that will hold a lot of cash value.

 

[Winchester 73]

How about a concealed hammer S&W 642 38 Special?
15 oz.,6.3 inches long,fires the potent 38+p.Can be easily concealed anywhere on the body.No worry about snagging on the draw.
I've had one for 12 years and its my go everywhere gun.
Easily obtainable used for about $300.00.Or less.
You'll love it.Great for the wife.

 

[MikePGS]

Since i haven't seen anyone suggest it yet (though i may have missed it) why not get a few makarov's? By most accounts they're fun to shoot, ammo is cheap and the prices only seem to be rising on them.

 

[Doggy Daddy]

Gotta agree with Pax on the G26... if it fits your hands.

When I did my qualification for my CCW, I shot 359 out of 360 with mine. At that time, I had only been shooting for less than 4 months.

 

[BridgeWalker]

Pax, the idea is actually for our current S&W pistol to be my primary gun at first. It's big and heavy, but mostly I'm at home, in places I can't carry )school/court, or just walking/hiking, concealing the larger gun won't be a problem most of the time.

The reason for the kel-tec is to have a super-concealable gun for when needed, mostly as back-up to the Smith.

A friend just got a Glock. Will have to play with his. Dunno which one got.

 

[lee n. field]

We're estimating about $1500.
What would you buy?

Would kind of depend on where your interests lie.

already have a 91/30, but would like a couple more

OK, get a couple more. You're down to $1300.

We need a .22 handgun, desperately.

Ruger Mark I,II or III. New or used, somewhere in the $150-$400 neighborhood, depending on how which model, new or used, and how factory pimped up it is. Let's say $300. You're down to $1000.

Ruger Single Six, whatever they run.

We need a small carry gun.

XD subcompact or equivalent micro-Glock. Ruger SP101. Classic S&W snub nose. Marginally, the same thing in a Taurus. $3-$400. You're down to ~600.

I want a bolt action .22 as well.

CZ's supposed to make a good one.

So, just for fun, what would your shopping list look like?

Ah, what would I spend it on? That's a different question.

A 1911, prob. a Springfield Mil-Spec. Spare parts, magazines, accouterments, a decent progressive press. Spend the rest on reloading consumables. All that would suck up $1.5K easy.

That, or an EBR.

 

[Vaarok]

Get a K-31 and M-39 while you can.

 

[BridgeWalker]

Get a K-31 and M-39 while you can.

Yeah, there's a K-31 available locally for a pretty good price. Hope it's still around when have the cash. Gotta make sure it's in good shape.

 

[Thain]

I've been considering a S&W 642 .38 Special for a while now. I spend more time out-of-the-house than Delta9 so our first carry gun will be my primary CCW. I've heard great things about both the snubby and the P3AT, and we could spend years posting away at the pros and cons of either.

We'll probably only be able to settle this by trying both, weight, concealability, and shoot-straight-ability are going to be the factors here.

Oh, and Just Jim, I've already got an 870. (Might try to get a second barrel for it though... Skeet/Trap/Duck length is a bit long for HD)

 

[3 gun]

Marlin .22~$150

Ruger 22/45~$200

SKS~$200

Mossberg 500 12 or 20ga~$150
~$200 with extra 18.5" barrel.

Ruger SP101~$350

This "collection" would cover 99% of all the fun you can stand. Truth is here in Ohio these prices are high. The only one that might be hard to find is the SP101. I'd hold out for the 3" model. Get a 22mag for more pest control power if needed. I'd stay away from odd calibers unless you reload. Spend the rest on ammo.

 

[Thain]

We're pretty much set for shotguns. I'm rather fond of my 870, and have odd twinges of jealous whenever I here my wife talk about her Montefeltro.

 

[glockman19]

Sigh, hate to be the first one to say it, but "get a Glock." You need a Glock 26 -- it shoots the cheapest defensive ammo, and is small for carry, accurate like a big gun, fun to shoot. Add grip extensions as needed.

I agree, Get a Glock 26 or 19 and a revolver. I like the S&W 686. Comes in many barrel sizes. Also, look at the S&W 640.

Small guns easy to pocket carry and can shoot 9mm, .38 & .357 rounds.

A nice combo is a lever gun and pistol that shoot the same round a .38/.357Mag or .44Spcl/.44Mag.

For the .22 handgun get the Browning or Ruger, I lean towards the Ruger Mark III Hunter with fluted barrel.

I'd forget about the .22 Bolt action and get a Remington 700 in any caliber or Savage.

 

[MASTEROFMALICE]

For pure "recreation" it is nearly impossible to beat the .22 pistol. You can shoot it all day for under $10 and targets are plentiful for it, you probably have a trash-can full of them right now.

If you're looking for something which will double for more serious work a 9mm is nice, again because of the cost of ammo.

The .357 Magnum, though, would probably be my first suggestion to you. The .357 is top-tier for use against humans and the .38s can be shot all month long with no discomfort.

 

[CU74]

I'll second the K31 and M39, plus the Ruger Mark II for your .22 "need". I have some and I like them all.

IMHO, once one has the Mosin 91/30, the M39 is a natural next buy, and no old rifle accumulation should be with out at least one Swiss K31.

 

[jdorian]

How about a .380 pistol or something small, just something to use until you can get to a bigger weapon. Then you can always use it as a carry weapon later on. Unless of course you are going to get a 1911, because those are just really cool. A .40 or 9mm in used condition can be had for $300, so you could get two pistols, and still have enough money for ammo, extra mags, and other fun stuff.

 

[Beetle Bailey]

Service Grade M1 Carbine from CMP
Glock G26
CZ 452 Standard/Trainer/Military/whatever they are calling it now
Ruger 22/45

 

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

Since you don't like ARs, I would definitely go for the AK, maybe 2. Plan on them being banned, and your grandfather AK will be worth quite a bit more in the not too distant future.

 

[Richbaker]

CMP Garand.....get 2 Service Grades and ammo!