So...what gun next?

[MattBeck]

Alright guys, wondering what the general opinion is on my next firearm purchase -

First off, my current collection contains a Mak-90, a Mosin Nagant M44, a Mossberg 500 Security/Field combo 12 gauge, a Swiss K-31 and a Marlin 60SB .22.

Now, about me - I live is suburbia, am under 21 (no handguns, sad), don't really hunt (may do a little bird hunting soon though), but do a LOT of recreational shooting. I have an extremely limited budget, so any firearm purchase is a big purchase, and ammo price is a concern.

So, with those things in mind, these are the guns i'm considering at the moment -

A AR-15 of one kind of another. Would take a little saving up, but I know i need to own one at some point. Plus, ammo is still moderately cheap, aftermarket parts are everywhere, etc.
Now, if its an AR, the question is, A3 Full size, or A3 Dissipator?

A Stoeger SXS Coachgun, for pure coolness, and rec shooting, possibly a little hunting.
Another subgroup, the question here is 12 or 20 gauge? Thinking 12.

Some kind of pistol caliber carbine, probably in 9mm (woo cheap ammo). I'm somewhat attracted the Hi-Point Carbine's price, and while its ugly as hell, i've heard nothing by good things about reliable, decent accuracy, and customer service. I also like the ergonomics of the ugly list b*****d's. If not that, maybe a Beretta CX-4, or a Kel-tec Sub-2000?

A full size Mosin Nagant 91/30, to compliment my M44, they're cheap to buy, cheap to shoot, and it's another one i know i'll own at some point. The issue is finding one i want to own.

Some other surplus rifle, an Enfield or Mauser?

A Garand?


So yeah, lots of schtuff i need (well...really want), opinions appreciated!

 

[dawgtraxx]

M1 Garand...get em while you can
Enfields are great also

 

[MarshallDodge]

The AR is a good choice.
Rock River has some nice mid length models and for the price you get a nice rifle with lots of features.
http://www.rockriverarms.com

Check around on the web and you can find prices substantially less than their list price.

 

[gunsmith]

I would go with

the Stoeger or the storm, the storm or a ruger carbine.
I recently got an AR15 and I am kind of dissappointed, I think
.308 is the way to go.
Get some kind of .308

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

Are handguns illegal in your state for <21 or can you just not purchase one from a FFL? I waited until I was 21 to get my first (one day after, along with a CCW course) but I think most states allow you to have one, you just can't purchase from a FFL (face to face or a gift is ok I believe). IANAL so consult someone who knows for sure!
AR's are very cool because you can have one lower and all kinds of uppers. .22, 9mm, .45, .223, 6.8, .308, etc. That does get spendy if you are on a budget but you can buy uppers whenever you have the $ with no FFL. If you won't be shooting long distances, I like the 16" barrel, dissys are cool.
Coachguns have a lot of cool factor. My dad has a 18.5" SxS 12ga. that is a great "tractor gun". What you want to do with it depends on if it's right for you at this time.

 

[MattBeck]

Handguns, under current Missouri Law, require a police issued Permit to transfer, even for private transfers. Technically, possession age is 18+ in Missouri, but the Permit law makes it illegal to acquire the handgun (even as a gift from a parent, you can't even let a friend/relative take your handgun to the range without you present).

There is an exemption in the law for C&R handguns (doesn't have anything to do with a C&R permit, just as a definition) that makes the transferable without a PTA. However, its a little know law, most people don't recognize it, and i wouldn't want to have to deal with the police. I'm hoping the ligislature will repeal the PTA in the next year or two (it looks like they might, but for now...)