Shooters On A Budget

well instead of putting towards a new gun i decided to buy 2 scopes and 2 mags. now all i need is a hand rail system for my gsg5 and i can put flashlight and laser and a grip. my 4595 is already decked out now that one of the scopes is in mail....but i wanted that S&W 6.5 357 for $280 otd but i knew if i came home with another gun a week befor wedding i would be dead lol....

well i know i cant afford a 500+ gun now but maybe later? who knows.

I try to figure whats the most bang for the buck. Right now I feel the CZ82 is it. So I bought a couple of em. And mail ordered a couple cases of ammo.

We are constantly reminded of all the cool stuff out there we 'should' buy or that we 'need'.
And as soon as we buy something, we often want something else. That's why gun manufacturers are starting to be like car makers - constantly introducing new 'stuff' or variants, most all of it unnecessary.
I suggest making do with what we already own, really learning and mastering it. Maybe try that for a year. Make a decision to put off major gun-related purchases for 6 months or a year.
Other than that, it's a matter of priorities.

For me it's simply trying to plan ahead to make sure I have enough ammo components on hand to get me through the next few months' worth of matches -- and that I can cover the upcoming match fees.

I spent years drooling over gun catalogs and shooting publications, but the more I actually shot, the less I desired to buy more guns and ammo that would cut into my shooting budget. So, now I don't have much need for more guns or more accessories, but I do run through a lot of ammo, and attend a goodly number of competitions.

I cut the match fees cost down as I can by volunteering to work over half the matches I attend.

Well, to use your examples:
Black gun.. hmm my buddy just got one of those and he'd probably let me shoot it if I ask him so I don't need one just yet. If I still want one after a few trips to the range than I'll think about it again.
Night sights... well I can point shoot out to 7 yards so I'm not adding all that much to home defense by purchasing those so, no.
Fancy stocks... that probably would look cool but it won't make me shoot any better sooo not right now.

For me firearms are about doing, not having. Ask yourself 'what am I going to do with this new gun' and not 'how cool would that be?'

If you're on a budget take your time, do your homework, try out new stuff before you buy, never buy on impulse and never pay retail.

I decide what I want and what I will pay for it and then I wait till it shows up.I go to gunshows 5 or 6 times a year and sometimes I have waited years to get a gun I wanted.For example I'm currently in the market for a stevens crackshot but refuse to pay over 300 for it i have wanted this gun for 13 years now. I have enough guns now that any new ones are a want and not a need.

How do those of you on a budget determine what you will buy next?

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Kids really cripple an ammo/gun budget. So I mostly buy ammo. The next purchase I make is going to be a reloading setup...or a Marlin 39a if I ever happen across one at a pawn shop. I'll drop $200 out of the savings account on it and hopefully pay the rest off within 90 days. Just can't seem to find one.

Not the place to go into reasons for my procrastination but I finally realized the need for PD/HD. So, I just recently purchased my first handgun 4 weeks ago. Here is my perspective on the line of progression.

First purchase: I wanted something reliable, comfortable to my hand and a proven design. I bought an XD-9

Second purchase: I will be getting my CCW very soon and plan to carry every second I am legally allowed to. The XD will be with me when convenient but feel I need something smaller for certain types of clothing, etc. Bought an LCP

Third purchase: After attending my first NRA class I decided that I really enjoy the challenge and want to continue taking more classes. Also I want to get very proficient with the CAR stance/technique. Range days are costing me a good bit buying 9MM and .380. So, next purchase: Either a Ruger Mk III or Browning Buck Mark in .22. Hopefully that will allow lots of practice and ease up on the wallet.

Somewhere very soon I will buy a HD style shotgun, probably a Mossberg 500 for the usual home scenario.


Also, the LCP and .22 are handguns that my wife will feel comfortable shooting.

I feel that the four weapons above will round out the basics. I planned a budget that took into account what all of this will cost and saved accordingly.

What's next I don't know but in the future I'm thinking rifle.

Later, well, as I've done the research, read as many forums as I can find, drooled over the manufacturers websites and so on..............sure are a lot of cool looking items out there.

being young and single i pay all my bills first then by guns and ammo after that it usually turns out in my favor

Everyone is on a "budget"; the size of the budget just varies by percent of discretionary income we are willing to commit to shooting...

But anyway, for me it is a simple prioritization based on what is holding my interest at the moment. My "wish list" of stuff is not a FIFO queue: since match shooting is my focus right now, anything I want/need related to that goes instantly to the top of the list. There is stuff on the list that would be nice to have, but has been sitting there for years. 2-3 years ago when match shooting was a low priority item for me and most of my financial commitment to shooting was going into collecting rifles, that stuff was mostly at the top of the list. The stuff you buy will simply change based on your interests at the time.

JoeMal said:

How do those of you on a budget determine what you will buy next?

Some people out there have enough money they can buy what they want, when they want it. But not everyone is that fortunate.

So what's your thought process on buying new firearms, accessories, etc? How do you rationalize what comes next to your collection?

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I’m always buying ammo, on the rare occasion when I do buy a new gun it really has to be something I’m passionate about and the process is a long one to avoid impulse buys.

I limit calibers and don't buy gadgets or holsters unless absolutely needed (I view those purchases as investment losers) for me it’s keep it simple and other than ammo purchases for my hobby are few and far between.

I'm at a time where my shooting needs are covered. Mostly just buying reloading supplies now. I'm aways on the look out for a great deal for a gun the last one was $249 for a Ruger GP-100 in 38 spl only. It has become one of my favorite range guns. A S&W 3913 is high on my list but have not been able to find one for what I will give for it.

So I guess it's all about the great deal or what I think is a great deal.

On non-essential purchases, write down the item being considered and wait 30 days. If you still want it and have budgeted the money, buy it. Impulse purchases are often (but not always) regretted.

I don't consider guns a "need". I may want or desire one, but I don't need one.

For anyone that does need a gun, they need not only a gun, but also the ability to use it effectively which calls for training and practice -- rather than more hardware.

Well, What I want and What I need is different to me.

I NEED A SAFE!
I want more guns.

You understand? I only rationalize first but what is needed and then to what I want.

I been wanting a new shotgun. SXS style. In 12 GA or 20GA. But...There is always lawaway plans for such things. As for now, A safe is what I need to get.

This would be the way I would have to put it for myself personally..

I've kind of come to the conclusion recently that my budget needs to be heavier on the training side. I'd rather be really good with the guns I already have than just ok with a few more.

I get paid weakly (yes, the spelling is correct), and try to put away 10 bucks per paycheck for firearms and such. My stash is in a coffee can that sits high on a shelf in my garage. For the past year or so, I've been trying to save for a Ruger MK3, a picture of which is glued to the can. Problem is, whenever I get close to my goal, an emergency comes up. For example, I learned just this morning that my Caravan needs a $300.00 (plus labor) air conditioner evaporator. Goodbye Ruger MK3!

Suffice it to say that I try to plan my purchases wisely, and as Towboat_er suggested, the CZ82 is about as good as it gets in terms of best bang for the buck.

When I find something I want I'll start saving until I can go buy it. Over time I have amassed a respectable small gun collection and a safe to store them. But finding enough disposable income for today's high ammo prices to feed all of them is a growing problem. So I am forgoing my next couple gun purchases to buy a full ammo reloading set up.

Sure there are guns I'd like to buy, but I need a reloading set up so I can enjoy what I already have more.

I build my requirements for the task. I first review my current gear and determine if it can be modified to fit the task. If so, I only change the minimum necessary.

If the current gear does not match, then I start shopping BASED UPON THE REQUIREMENTS. I divide what I find into three groups: "adequate", "advanced", and "top line". "Adequate" means it will do the job to the minimum requirements, "advanced" means it exceeds the requirements AND requires more skill than I currently to use properly, and "top line" means highest quality and performance available.

Generally, I try to find gear that will meet the requirements for multiple tasks. For example, a 1-9x tactical scope could also be used in hunting if I can easily move it around. The rifles would then require the same style rail to mount the scope. If it works for multiple tasks, then I save money overall. I also try to buy used from manufacturers with lifetime guarantees (and original papers if possible). The guarantee allows me to send it in for refurbishing if needed.

I do NOT get all wound up about "top line" gear. It's really fun to spec out an Accuracy International sniper rifle with $3,000 scope, but ultimately it's just a waste of time.

I also factor in training if I don't know how to use the gear well. A $3,000 1911 tricked out for IPSC does me little good without a few classes from Grand Master IPSC shooters. Sure...it's neat and looks good in the safe, but if I cannot perform well with it, then it's effectively useless for the designated task. Better to buy a Glock, practice frequently until I can shoot at the level of a $3k gun. Otherwise, I have found I'm just burning money that could be spent on trips and training.

Once I have identified gear and picked the bucket I want ("adequate", "advanced", or "top line"), I prioritize the list and start buying the gear. The gun does not have to be first. Sometimes I buy accessories first, especially if Midway or similar is having a sale. However, I do stick to the list unless something new comes out that is fantastic. I can always upgrade later.

I buy something when my wife will let me get away with it. I have been on a handgun kick for my last 2 purchases (Glock 17 and Rock Island 1911).

I spend a lot more money shooting than buying guns. I buy loading components. I take at least one training class every year. And I shoot. Matches, formal and informal practice sessions. I'm at the point in life that I spend my money learning to use what I have well than buying more hardware.

Don't let money "burn a hole in your pocket." That is a fast way to get into debt and to buy things that you don't need. Maybe saving money is better than to try to figure out what to spend it on.
If you have to wonder what you will buy next, consider if you should buy it at all.

Jerry

I first tell myself how many years I worked extra hours to keep the family going. Now no bills except utility, kid is long gone with three of his own. Wife gets what she wants and while I feel sorry for myself I drive to the LGS and buy something I "need". Works for me.

I've been building and flying RC airplanes for 38 years. That hobby started out fairly expensive but as time went on I bought, traded, bartered till I was well equipped with everything I would ever need. Then I got to the point where I was building on the side for profit. After a time I got to where I was THE GO-TO guy in this area with a huge collection of the best and the hardest to find aircraft, radios and peripheral items. For the last 20 years I have not spent one dime from my discretionary income or household money on that hobby. If I want something new for the RC habit I just sell something I no longer want.

When I decided to add firearms to my hobby and necessity list I took inventory of my model stuff, separated out a few things I would never need or use again, announced a sale and covered my firearm budget. Not gonna go that far with guns but I may still sell a couple more of my desirable (to others) airframes to get over the "hump".

I'm guessing that with firearms it would be the same thing. You get a little here, a little there and eventually you have a stash of things that you can sell or trade for something else.

It's just that first step that hits everyone's pockets the hardest.

I am the guy around here that will buy a firearm when someone is hard up and needs some cash now. I keep a bank account for this specifically with my "mad money" in it. I will give a fair deal and offer to sell back when the person is able to buy it back with a little amount interest added on. Got most of my firearms that way. Nothing special but all adequate for use intended. My priorities are reloading stuff these days and always will jump on a deal when I have the extra $$.