Depends on firearm. It makes a big difference when using pump, vs semi-auto vs lever action,.... When it comes to handguns of similar caliber/power it makes no difference. I pick any and shoot good group with single cylinder or single magazine. Unless one is competitive shooter where timing is important reloading speed is of no significance to typical civilian user.What the heck?
You're expecting someone with little firearms experience, who's just bought his first four guns, to become a proficient shot in "a box or two" of ammo (with multiple guns, even)?
Your standards must be ... plutonic.
Did I make the right choice in buying my first Firearms?
- Thread starter Aleous
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Red Wind
Member
You did very well, OP. A very fine beginning 4. 
Corpral_Agarn
Member
You done good, OP.
That shotgun will serve you well. Learn how to use it. Know it inside and out.
I would also have thrown in a .357 mag instead of a second 9mm, but I will say that my 9mm's see the most shooting.
Now get your self lots of ammo and have yourself some practice.
Nice to see a fellow CA member here. we are few and far between.
That shotgun will serve you well. Learn how to use it. Know it inside and out.
I would also have thrown in a .357 mag instead of a second 9mm, but I will say that my 9mm's see the most shooting.
Now get your self lots of ammo and have yourself some practice.
Nice to see a fellow CA member here. we are few and far between.
+1
To elaborate... pattern that gun after you get it with a variety of loads. Be mindful of your ability to make follow up shots with different self defense loads, etc.
In other words.. do as Corpral said!
Spats McGee said:
I thought this topic needed repeating.
Please have a plan for safe and secure storage of your arsenal, whether children are involved or not. This is part of being a responsible gun owner.
ETA: if your budget doesn't already account for a safe, please consider postponing the next few gun purchases until you have one.
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I own a Px4 and think it's a great gun. It took me at least ten years to accumulate as many said guns. I'm happy firearms are becoming more affordable. But hope one would take heed to gun safety and awareness. Like others said learn the basics and keep your head on a swivel. But that's another topic altogether. Congrats bro.
Thank you all very much for the warm welcome and all of the advice and help!
It means a lot to me and all the information you have provided has been invaluable to me.
A wheel gun was sadly out of budget but I would be lying if I didn't say I almost threw my budget choices out the window and almost bought a 6 inch 38/357 Blued Ruger Gp100 as well as a Colt 1911 instead..
I did buy hundreds of rounds of ammo ahead of time when doing my research I happened upon a huge ammo sale. I also have gun locks and seperate locked containers for both my firearms and ammuntion ready. Looking into gun safes as well. Have to add I have no children and only live with other responsible adults.
Thanks to all the advice I received I decided to sell off part of my knife/sword collection as well as try to sell/trade my SD9VE(only because the Beretta was my first choice anyway and didn't think I could afford it when I found the type G I put on layaway) and try and buy a S&W M&P 9 Shield and a RIA 1911 Tactical.
It means a lot to me and all the information you have provided has been invaluable to me.
A wheel gun was sadly out of budget but I would be lying if I didn't say I almost threw my budget choices out the window and almost bought a 6 inch 38/357 Blued Ruger Gp100 as well as a Colt 1911 instead..
I did buy hundreds of rounds of ammo ahead of time when doing my research I happened upon a huge ammo sale. I also have gun locks and seperate locked containers for both my firearms and ammuntion ready. Looking into gun safes as well. Have to add I have no children and only live with other responsible adults.
Thanks to all the advice I received I decided to sell off part of my knife/sword collection as well as try to sell/trade my SD9VE(only because the Beretta was my first choice anyway and didn't think I could afford it when I found the type G I put on layaway) and try and buy a S&W M&P 9 Shield and a RIA 1911 Tactical.
Too late to ask that question after you've laid down the money.
You don't say if your research included handling these and shooting them along with a wide range of others before purchase. Your first handgun has to fit YOU so practice and training is facilitated so you aren't fighting the ergonomics.
The rifles are a good start, but you should begin in stages instead of all at once so you can become proficient with each tool. Buying a bunch of different "tools" all at once leaves you short on budget to start training right away. 0lenty of people have a bunch of guns they are mediocre with when getting good with one or two first is smarter.
You don't say if your research included handling these and shooting them along with a wide range of others before purchase. Your first handgun has to fit YOU so practice and training is facilitated so you aren't fighting the ergonomics.
The rifles are a good start, but you should begin in stages instead of all at once so you can become proficient with each tool. Buying a bunch of different "tools" all at once leaves you short on budget to start training right away. 0lenty of people have a bunch of guns they are mediocre with when getting good with one or two first is smarter.
Elkins45
Member
You need a revolver.
sappyg
Member
OP has obviously put in considerable research into his choices. Very well thought out.
I like the revolver suggestion others are making. Can't go wrong with a 357. I would also add a 22lr handgun in the mix. You need all the practice you can get with a handgun and the 22lr will get you there. For every center fire pistol round I fire I probably shoot 10-20 22lr.
I would almost recommend a basic reloading set up of the cartridges chosen weren't so common. I can reload for OPs cartridges except 12 gage but don't because ammo is available and cheap enough. It may be different in Cali. IDK. Now if I want to shoot 38/357.... That's a reloading proposition for sure. Either way, a few hundred rounds of practice ammo is a good start for now but consider buying ammo by the case if you're serious.
I like the revolver suggestion others are making. Can't go wrong with a 357. I would also add a 22lr handgun in the mix. You need all the practice you can get with a handgun and the 22lr will get you there. For every center fire pistol round I fire I probably shoot 10-20 22lr.
I would almost recommend a basic reloading set up of the cartridges chosen weren't so common. I can reload for OPs cartridges except 12 gage but don't because ammo is available and cheap enough. It may be different in Cali. IDK. Now if I want to shoot 38/357.... That's a reloading proposition for sure. Either way, a few hundred rounds of practice ammo is a good start for now but consider buying ammo by the case if you're serious.
I find it somewhat hilarious that when a newbie posts that he has a fairly rounded selection of guns how many folks jump in with comments that he needs even more....before he's even fired the ones he has..
My advice to the newbie OP is to decide is you want to be a shooter or a gun collector. If you want to be a shooter, what you now have is plenty to get started with. Put the brakes on further acquisitions until you make at least a few steps towards learning to make use of what you already have.
I also STRONGLY suggest getting some type of safe to properly house what you now have. After that, spend money on ammo & training. Once you have some hands on experiance you will be far better able to make good decisions about making further adjustments or additions to your collection.
My advice to the newbie OP is to decide is you want to be a shooter or a gun collector. If you want to be a shooter, what you now have is plenty to get started with. Put the brakes on further acquisitions until you make at least a few steps towards learning to make use of what you already have.
I also STRONGLY suggest getting some type of safe to properly house what you now have. After that, spend money on ammo & training. Once you have some hands on experiance you will be far better able to make good decisions about making further adjustments or additions to your collection.
"Arsenal??"
Four firearms are an "arsenal?"
Sounds like how the far left gun hating media and anti-gunners define a very few guns.
They use it incessantly.I suggest you not allow yourself to fall into their trap of using that sensationalistic and flamboyant word for "a few guns."
L.W.
Leanwolf said:
Simple Definition of arsenal
: a collection of weapons
: a place where weapons are made or stored
: a group of things or people that are available to be used
Full Definition of arsenal
1
a : an establishment for the manufacture or storage of arms and military equipment
b : a collection of weapons
2
: store, repertoire <the team's arsenal of veteran players>
I obviously have a different take on this thread than you.
First, the OP asked for input on his selections. Do you suggest we ignore that request?
A few - and only a few - suggested perhaps one or two substitutions as the OP requested, not recommendations for an ever growing arsenal.
Personally, I think nearly all responses were positive in nature.
Alexus, I don't have any experience with any of the guns you mentioned except the PX4. I've got the full size 9mm PX4 and I like it a lot.
I've got a Walther PPQ, a Bersa Thunder Pro 9 UC and the PX4 all in 9mm, and the PX4 is the softest shooting of the 3. The DA trigger pull takes some getting used to, though. I think you will enjoy yours, so train, train, train.
I've got a Walther PPQ, a Bersa Thunder Pro 9 UC and the PX4 all in 9mm, and the PX4 is the softest shooting of the 3. The DA trigger pull takes some getting used to, though. I think you will enjoy yours, so train, train, train.
Sheepdog1968
Member
You've done fine. Get the next two then focus on buying ammo some magazines and taking a solid training class such as Gunsite.
BullRunBear
Member
Aleous, Welcome to the forum. You've made a great start. I have the Marlin 795, Savage 308, and Maverick 88 12 ga. They are affordable, solid performers and an excellent value. With basic care they will meet your needs for decades, although you'll no doubt add to the collection.
You've already mentioned getting training, so I'll echo what others have said. A safe or some means to secure the guns and any ammo especially if there will be children around. I don't know if California law requires that. If there are other adults in the house, they should get safety training as well. Time to start amassing ammo.
Another vote for a 357 magnum revolver as a future purchase. They are versatile, fun, used versions are affordable, and with 38 special ammo they are good for home defense. They are capable of great accuracy. If at some point you want to start reloading, the 38 special is about the easiest cartridge to begin with. Unless it's for concealed carry, get one with at least a 4 inch barrel.
Enjoy the process of getting to know your guns and welcome to the hobby.
Jeff
You've already mentioned getting training, so I'll echo what others have said. A safe or some means to secure the guns and any ammo especially if there will be children around. I don't know if California law requires that. If there are other adults in the house, they should get safety training as well. Time to start amassing ammo.
Another vote for a 357 magnum revolver as a future purchase. They are versatile, fun, used versions are affordable, and with 38 special ammo they are good for home defense. They are capable of great accuracy. If at some point you want to start reloading, the 38 special is about the easiest cartridge to begin with. Unless it's for concealed carry, get one with at least a 4 inch barrel.
Enjoy the process of getting to know your guns and welcome to the hobby.
Jeff
Milkmaster
Member
Just remember to add a nice lever gun to your collection at some point. You will not regret it and likely will collect another one or two if you spend much time shooting it.
Hondo 60
Member
Aleous - You're the only one who can say if you made the right choices.
For me it's all about how it fits my hands.
I have small hands & short fingers.
So what works for me might or might not work for you.
I'm a pretty decent shot, but I had one gun that I just could not hit the side of a barn with - from the inside!
I took a little bit of a loss when I sold it, (but not much) that's just the way it goes.
Also found that a Ruger Blackhawk is a bit too big for comfort.
Unfortunately, you're just gonna have to try 'em & see if they're right for you.
Just my 2¢ worth.
Good Luck
For me it's all about how it fits my hands.
I have small hands & short fingers.
So what works for me might or might not work for you.
I'm a pretty decent shot, but I had one gun that I just could not hit the side of a barn with - from the inside!
I took a little bit of a loss when I sold it, (but not much) that's just the way it goes.
Also found that a Ruger Blackhawk is a bit too big for comfort.
Unfortunately, you're just gonna have to try 'em & see if they're right for you.
Just my 2¢ worth.
Good Luck
Reloadron
Contributing Member
If you are happy with those choices then you made the right choices. The only person you need to please is you! What I or anyone else may think really matters not. So the question is are you happy with what you have and plan to have?
Ron
Doc7
Member
I think you made great choices, I would recommend either a 22 pistol/revolver instead of a second 9 mm handgun though.
That Marlin will be your most used one of the bunch and should be great if it went through the right QC guy. I have an excellent post-acquisition Marlin mode 60 ("Remlin") like yours is if it is new, and I guess I got lucky because it shoots awesome and is my favorite firearm. The Marlin 60 is the tube-fed version of the 795.
I don't think you will be lacking for anything, in any part of the lower 48, with your firearms, for "general" usage and trying out new things like long-range, 3-gun, varminting, whatever. If you really find a niche you enjoy (or "survival/prepping" focus) you may choose to specialize/accessorize further in that niche, but if everyone was issued those 4 as their first 4 they would be able to at least try every aspect of shooting out.
That Marlin will be your most used one of the bunch and should be great if it went through the right QC guy. I have an excellent post-acquisition Marlin mode 60 ("Remlin") like yours is if it is new, and I guess I got lucky because it shoots awesome and is my favorite firearm. The Marlin 60 is the tube-fed version of the 795.
I don't think you will be lacking for anything, in any part of the lower 48, with your firearms, for "general" usage and trying out new things like long-range, 3-gun, varminting, whatever. If you really find a niche you enjoy (or "survival/prepping" focus) you may choose to specialize/accessorize further in that niche, but if everyone was issued those 4 as their first 4 they would be able to at least try every aspect of shooting out.
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