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Fair. The thing is, several are of historical interest or collectible, whether or not they are practical.
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Thinking of selling my Ruger Wrangler and buying a .380 Bodyguard on Hold
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Regarding the Bersa, the .22 sounds fun. The .380's specifically a lot of people swear by. They aren't bad priced at about $300, sometimes a little less. However, they are more like a Glock 42 size right?
Jennings! Is it reliable? The same LGS with a Bodyguard had a Jennings .22 used for $50 once... Ha!
no comment on your first question. most of the time I buy broken and neglected stuff and breath life back into them. If its junk I probably have experience with it.... talon, cobra, lorcin, accu-tek etc. I have made them all work reliable... accuracy depends on the barrel most of the time. I have nice stuff too though. Limits? Its hard to dump stuff when you put a lot of time into things. I dont really care about brand names or brand reputations. I study the design and go from there.
If I was just a shooter I would probably limit things more.
I guns were tools to me I would make sure I had...
22 revolver and rifle
20 or 12ga shotgun
Bolt action deer rifle
AR or AK
Wondernine full or midsize of your choice
38/357 4" revolver
pocket or subcompact for carry
then ammo and spare parts. Maybe throw a little mouse or bug gun in there somewhere.
so I guess 8-12 is a reasonable limit from a utilitarian standpoint.
Oh and an aigun. Nothing fancy. Just a multipump with a rfled barrel. You could substitute a youth cricket rifle and some quiet 22 ammo for that. The little mini single shot youth rifles are very handy tools to have around. Everyone should have one kids or not.
That covers utilitarian use and range/plinking fun for 99.9% of shooters. You dont have to go broke or get divorced buying pythons and HKs. Stuff you see on forums is not the norm. I have more fun shooting the cheap youth rifles with my kids then dumping mags on Military style weapons. There is something to be said for slow deliberate fire and taking your time.
Its a wise move. I think you will stumble onto a used single six eventually. They dont really wear out. Even if the finish is gone with a little work you can bring it back. A LNIB one is going to cost you but those are collector guns.
not sure on the Glock. Not really a glock guy. Nice guns but overpriced and as I said... not really a Brand guy even though I do like most Berettas.
most of those cheap little guns can be reliable. I started out learning on those so I didnt mess up nice pistols. Stick to the smaller calibers and they hold up fine for normal use. There are only a couple that are fragile. $50 I probably would have grabbed it. Its basically a free pistol once you factor in the cost of shooting a few boxes of ammo. I recommend those heritage rough riders for $130 for the same reason. They pay for themselves quickly.
when you upgrade from your Wrangler even if you get hosed you are still probably not out much. Thats just one of the beauties of 22lr. They excell at everything outside of self defense or large game hunting.
I've had my wrangler about a year and it's holding up well.
I've had the single six and model 63. The wrangler is a lot of fun, you can wring a lot of accuracy. I think it's utility far out weights it's trade in value.
If it were me, I wouldn't worry about a cheaper throw away 380 option. The ammo is so costly. They are kind of a headache.
Sounds like you do have some good pocket carry options already.
I would think about a hellcat, ec9, or 365 over a body guard at this point.
For a pocket piece for my money you can't beat a 642 or its equivalent. Versatile is the word.
If stepping up from the 642, logically to me that speaks to the new micro 9s. Lcp /bodyguard /pico imo are a step down from an airweight.
I've had the single six and model 63. The wrangler is a lot of fun, you can wring a lot of accuracy. I think it's utility far out weights it's trade in value.
If it were me, I wouldn't worry about a cheaper throw away 380 option. The ammo is so costly. They are kind of a headache.
Sounds like you do have some good pocket carry options already.
I would think about a hellcat, ec9, or 365 over a body guard at this point.
For a pocket piece for my money you can't beat a 642 or its equivalent. Versatile is the word.
If stepping up from the 642, logically to me that speaks to the new micro 9s. Lcp /bodyguard /pico imo are a step down from an airweight.
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I don't think there is anything wrong with getting some of those guns you mentioned, such as Jennings. The only line I place is whether they are safe or not. For carry, are they drop safe, not going to go off by themselves, etc.
My view is it is a good idea to have a few core self-defense guns that are quality and reliable, in a service caliber. Once one has that, it's totally okay to have some fun guns, collectibles, etc. I should have bought that Jennings for $50, to add to the pocket gun collection.
Regarding the nice .380's people are talking about, they are nice, but like you said my next serious priorities that cost $ are a "sporting rifle" such as an AR, hunting rifle, or a .357 revolver. I have the rest really, except a .380 pocket gun.
The reason I mentioned the Glock is not to put it on a pedestal but to say that a Glock 42 or a Bersa .380 are larger than the micro .380's we are referring to, more akin to subcompacts.
Yeah, for subcompact and compact, i'm reasonably set.
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I'd be totally down for a better used .22 revolver. The Bearcats are nice too. Or LCR which is more carry-ready.
The problem is the last time I saw any of those used, they were still $400 or so minimum. Covid pricing? Might be worth it if someone knows they want one.
NO! You dont want to carry a round in the chamber on those cheap guns. The design of the safety is not real positive. Some are a little better than others but I wouldnt trust it. I dont trust a lot of older designed guns either...IE Baby Browning. They are simple strikers. Reliability is pretty easy though as they are simple blowback and unlike delayed systems there is not all that much to go wrong. A lot of these tiny delayed blowback pistols need a lot of things to work in a very small package so reliability wise they can be a little more quirky. Simple straight blowbacks are more snappy but the exchange is better reliability with a wider range of ammo. Everything has a trade off.
Glocks are fine.... just expensive for what they are. I kind of like the looks of the baby ones. More streamlined. Bersa 380 is probably too big for your pockets. I just mentioned it because it was brought up and you also like 22s so its something to think about... the whole 22 for practice and 380 for carry. You could do the same thing with an LCP 22 and 380. I you like the bodyguard I would say just get that. Its a good pistol for that type and that price is pretty good. S&W will take care of you if there is an issue. They are good like that.
I would save up for a decent AR. Its a good system to learn.... parts are easy....proven design... boringly accurate etc. Lots of decent inexpensive bolt actions just have to decide on a caliber. 357... I like used security sixes. Lots of used ones out there with holster wear. Revolvers still look good even when there is finish wear. Besides... utility guns are going to get a little wear. Get a pristine one and you wont want to use it. Lots of 357s out there though.
Yeah... Bearcats are nice. Was going to get one for my youngest sons birthday last year and couldnt do it. He got a rough rider haha! He loves it though. Those bearcats are not worth the money to me. He can shoot the cheapies for a while so he doesnt get spoiled. I will give him a Beretta or nice 1911 when he gets older. They were a hell of a lot more than $400 when I looked. I was checking into the birshead ones though... shopkeeper or something. He likes the safety on the rough rider....said the wrangler looked cheap (he doesnt like paint either) I let him pick. I am hard on my boys (sports and housework) but kind of spoil them with firearms.
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Decision point guys:
Keeping the Wrangler for now. Makes sense. I shouldn't get rid of it for minimal trade in just to claim I'm responsible now, ha!
I put the Bodyguard on layaway. Worst case scenario is I have to pay a $10-15 stocking fee if I decide no.
Keeping the Wrangler for now. Makes sense. I shouldn't get rid of it for minimal trade in just to claim I'm responsible now, ha!
I put the Bodyguard on layaway. Worst case scenario is I have to pay a $10-15 stocking fee if I decide no.
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That's awesome! I hope he enjoys the Rough Rider. How old is he? My son is 12 and I took him to the range for first time in 2021. His first fired gun? The Wrangler.
Bearcats for sure aren't going for $400 new, i meant used. I think they are $550 or 600 new around me.
He is 9 now but he has been shooting for a while. He is pretty good with his youth rifles and 22lr/25acp pistols. Better than I was at his age. I was a BB gun kid.
Deffinitly cant get rid of the wrangler if that was his first pistol. You can probably fix those stick chambers with a little polishing. Old school technique is to hacksaw a slit in a rod and put ultra fine sandpaper in it. Chuck the rod in the drill and spin it the the chamber. Its not hard but might be worth researching it a little. Probably just a burr or rough tooling. Gonna have to keep the wrangler now being it was his first. I wish My grandpa would have handed my first down to me.
Oh yeah... dont worry about the derringer. Those dont count in your overall number. Its a niche conversation piece. Tell your wife its a doorstop or something. Need to hang onto that classic and pass it down as well.
When ready for the first .22 semi auto that little lcr2 .22 are nifty. A beretta neos is what I weaned my boys on. At about the same age as yours. They would shoot the single shots and then I would let them do a little spray and pray at some spinners or a coke can.
D
D
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That's wonderful you've been able to do that with your kids. I think BB guns are a good start for safety and general use for kids. Thanks for the feedback on fixing the Wrangler. I do want to fix those chambers. They don't stop the functioning of the firearm, but they are irritating.
Yes, I think those small semi autos are fun for the kids, and the size matches them probably better. I have a Ruger Mark IV I'll bring next time for him.
The first time I let him shoot a few single shots, with a single round in the mag, from a Glock 19. So, a single shot 9mm lol. And, he shot the range .22 semi auto rifle. It was a Savage I think.
I agree with starling the wrangler now has sentimental juju, it's a cheapie but I wager with minimal care the gun you trained him on could someday be the first one your grandchild shoots, and you really can't put a price on legacy like that.
I think you made the right call putting the bodyguard on layaway, it was a good price especially these days with record setting inflation and uneasiness in the nation still making guns and ammo a hot ticket.
A lot to be said for hanging onto the 22. Worse comes to worse, it's a good candidate for throwing in a bag with a brick of ammo and other general use items.
I keep mine handy out of sight, it's versatile in the country with 22 quiets, or loaded with stingers (some expansion) or velociters (good penetration +/- 16 inches ) depending on what you need to do. From a four inch tube, stingers should expand over .30 and still go about 10 inches. That was the border patrol minimum for penetration, we always look at FBI standards but I wonder which agency had more on the job shooting experience...
I think you made the right call putting the bodyguard on layaway, it was a good price especially these days with record setting inflation and uneasiness in the nation still making guns and ammo a hot ticket.
A lot to be said for hanging onto the 22. Worse comes to worse, it's a good candidate for throwing in a bag with a brick of ammo and other general use items.
I keep mine handy out of sight, it's versatile in the country with 22 quiets, or loaded with stingers (some expansion) or velociters (good penetration +/- 16 inches ) depending on what you need to do. From a four inch tube, stingers should expand over .30 and still go about 10 inches. That was the border patrol minimum for penetration, we always look at FBI standards but I wonder which agency had more on the job shooting experience...
Understood. There may be easier techniques now. Thats just what I was taught. 22lr chambers are pretty small so a rods 1/2 the width might not be stable enough. take off too much and you can wreck the cylinder. 1st thing I would do is chuck a brass cleaning brush in a drill at low speed and get its really clean. Then look for any burrs.
Shouldnt be hard to clear up that sticky extraction though. I polish the chambers on all the junky 22 pocket autos for better extraction. Sometimes its as simple as flitz or even toothpaste on a cutip. Or if you want to go really fine... burt paper (ash) mixed with olive oil.
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Thanks, agreed. When we factor in the first gun for my son, and a good hand me down, that tips the scales to keeping it. Also, a SA .22 revolver is a good handy gun to have in a bug out bag, along with other items. Or for hiking and camping. I wouldn't choose it as my first choice for SD, but if it was what I had on me I have no doubt some Velocitors or Minimags could be used to defend successfully if aimed properly. Out of a 4.6 inch barrel those are going as fast as standard velocity out of a rifle, especially the velocitors.
Regarding the Bodyguard, I know many people don't like the micro .380's. But, the reality is, besides the BA derringers the micro .380's are about as small as one can get with an almost service caliber (was service caliber in Europe). They have their place.
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Thanks, I've never polished a chamber or firearm besides cleaning. I don't want to make a mistake. Hmmm.
Maybe this would be a good gun to learn on, as it's not a super expensive one.
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chicharrones
needs more ammo
Speaking of polishing, thanks to Ruger's QC in the 21st century I had to polish the chambers in my Bearcat and Single Six. I probably should have sent both guns to Ruger, but I'm stubborn and it was a learning experience.
My method was rather gentle. I took a metal slotted tip (for .22s) that is meant to attach to a cleaning rod, and chucked that tip into one of my variable speed handheld drills. Then I'd put a cloth cleaning patch (t-shirt type) into the slotted tip and folded it over and around the tip to fully cover the metal. I poured on a bit of Mother's wheel polish on the patch, then inserted that patched slotted tip into a chamber and start up the drill. Going slow until I got the feel of it, then increasing speed some more, but never going high speed.
It's important to let the polish go from wet to dry, otherwise it really won't polish. Friction from the patch spinning will get the cylinder quite warm. Checking the patch is important, as once it gets overly dirty/browned, it needs to be changed out. This is not a fast procedure as you will need to run through several patches per chamber, and you may have to do it all again once you do some test firing. But the end result is much easier ejecting empty cases, about like you'd expect in a centerfire revolver.
Here's an old pic I've shown many times of my Single Six's magnum cylinder. The chambers were originally as rough as the centerpin hole.
View attachment 1052264
My method was rather gentle. I took a metal slotted tip (for .22s) that is meant to attach to a cleaning rod, and chucked that tip into one of my variable speed handheld drills. Then I'd put a cloth cleaning patch (t-shirt type) into the slotted tip and folded it over and around the tip to fully cover the metal. I poured on a bit of Mother's wheel polish on the patch, then inserted that patched slotted tip into a chamber and start up the drill. Going slow until I got the feel of it, then increasing speed some more, but never going high speed.
It's important to let the polish go from wet to dry, otherwise it really won't polish. Friction from the patch spinning will get the cylinder quite warm. Checking the patch is important, as once it gets overly dirty/browned, it needs to be changed out. This is not a fast procedure as you will need to run through several patches per chamber, and you may have to do it all again once you do some test firing. But the end result is much easier ejecting empty cases, about like you'd expect in a centerfire revolver.
Here's an old pic I've shown many times of my Single Six's magnum cylinder. The chambers were originally as rough as the centerpin hole.
View attachment 1052264
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chicharrones
needs more ammo
Speaking of Bearcats, it sure seems they've become a collectible for adults and not kids. Maybe they've always really been that way, considering I didn't get a Bearcat until middle age.
Currently around here, I've seen Bearcats are in the $525 to $700 range depending on stainless, blued steel, old style, new style, condition, etc.
My particular stainless Shopkeeper wasn't cheap either. I got it second hand back in 2018 for $467, and that was marked down from the original price that had kept that gun sitting on the shelf for months.
Currently around here, I've seen Bearcats are in the $525 to $700 range depending on stainless, blued steel, old style, new style, condition, etc.
My particular stainless Shopkeeper wasn't cheap either. I got it second hand back in 2018 for $467, and that was marked down from the original price that had kept that gun sitting on the shelf for months.
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Nice job!
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Yeah, I actually like them possibly more than single sixes. But as you said, they are expensive.
SwampWolf
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Interesting. We're all different (fortunately) but I'm on the edge of being eighty years old; have owned well over a hundred guns in my lifetime and can honestly say I was never "bored" by any of them. Some were/are more "interesting" than others but none were ever boring to me.
Targa
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If there is a gun I could see myself growing tired of it would be a SA .22 revolver. Big hands, small cartridges and a loading gate just equals a tedious operation for me. With that said, I would still very much like a Bearcat Shopkeeper for my collection.
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