Current Purchase Help

CapnMac said:

If you are incrementing from Guns = 0 to Guns = 1; then, yes, you should select something for which ammo is presently available.
Which might be a revolver in .32, or even a small auto in .25 (or even 7.62x25 or the like). Or a full size auto in .38super (if both of those are locally available, naturally).

If Guns = Some, then get what appeals most to you; the ammo will become available, it will just take some amount of time.

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I would not recommend someone buy a .25, it is perhaps the most worthless pistol caliber in history, especially in 2021. All the .25's ever made are all tiny pocket guns that were never meant for anything real use outside of scaring off a mugger or a rapist. Sure, emptying the mag into the guy's face and head at close range is effective, but past 10 yards and those little .25's become nearly useless.

A .32 in something like the Beretta 81 or Zastava is a far better and more capable gun.

TTv2 said:

Can turn a .40 into a 9mm if you can find a conversion barrel. Lone Wolf makes conversion barrels for Glock and the S&W Shield. Would be nice if the Beretta Px4 had conversion barrels available, but they'd probably be much more in cost given the design.

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You will also need to change the recoil spring and the magazines at least, depending on firearm model.

Mr. Mosin said:

JMB made the .25 to remedy the shortcomings of the .22 rimfire of his day. It was effective and popular.

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When you can buy 6 times the amount of .22 compared to .25, those shortcomings aren't so short anymore.

SharpDog said:

You will also need to change the recoil spring and the magazines at least, depending on firearm model.

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Those things are easier & cheaper to buy than a box of 9mm right now.

If you like revolvers, that would be my suggestion. Used Ruger GP100s can still be found for $500-550 if you look around. A .357 magnum will give you the option of two calibers out of one gun. Whatever gun you choose you've got to consider the cost and availability of ammo. If you plan on shooting often consider getting into reloading like I recently did. Even with inflated component prices I can still make 50 rounds of 38spl and 357 for $17. It's not a buyers market but it's not likely to change anytime soon. Good luck and enjoy the search!

As of this moment, i would suggest a revolver that i could easily catch my empties and reload....or trade for a few loaded rounds.
Revolvers are naturally more conservative on ammo than autos (IME).
I would look at revolvers that chamber two or more different calibers:
Ruger 50-50
Ruger blackhawk convertibles
S&W governor
Taurus judge
Anything .38/.357
Anything .32mag / .327? (What is it .32s&w? I'm unfamiliar)
22 lr/l/s/.22mag

TTv2 said:

Those things are easier & cheaper to buy than a box of 9mm right now.

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And not always necessary. Glock uses the same spring in 9 and 40. And using hotter 9mm in a sig 226 i doubt you would need the lighter spring

I can help y’all out a little. The OP hates Glocks and S&W9VE pistols and wants a 357/38 of some kind. Maybe a 686 if he can find and afford it. He also wants PPK again if he can find and afford one. The OP really likes revolvers and the 1911. Now that you know this you can point him to the same guns I have been suggesting to him for many months now.

ThomasT said:

Now that you know this you can point him to the same guns I have been suggesting to him for many months now.

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Or maybe since he hasn't bought anything suggested for months. He is a closet Glock fan. 10mm for bear even.

Mr. Mosin said:

would you buy something in whatever caliber you could get your hands on in something resembling bulk, or buy something in the caliber you actually want and only get a handful (if that) of ammunition for it ?

In addition, with... certain individuals having threatened... certain actions against the gun community.... would you go with a revolver or an autoloader ?

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I would get what I wanted, with an eye out as to what is present. I'd say stick with a semiauto, but that said, I'm interested in a certain revolver for the same reason you hint at.

FL-NC said:

As for me, at this point I wouldn't buy anything at all I didn't have ammo on hand for or at least have the components on hand to reload

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I would go the other direction with that, just using my own judgement. As far as I know, most restrictions that have occurred have been to ban further sales, and you're usually presented with some form of grandfather clause. I don't expect they would push something through that would make you turn "regular" stuff in.
In other words, if you want something, you might want to get it.

If you want something in 9mm, I wouldn't panic too much about ammo. What I'm hearing around my neck of the woods is that Academy, Cabela's and Bass Pro are all getting shipments in, and they are pricing it fairly. Like $15 a box of 50. And when I say regular shipments, what I've heard is- not once in a blue moon, but they are getting it 2-3 times a week, and supply is beginning to catch up. And my guess is, the manufacturers are going to focus on 9mm going forward, so it will definitely be the cheapest option 1+ year from now.
And if you buy something new, the store usually holds a box of ammo aside for such purchases.

crestoncowboy said:

Or maybe since he hasn't bought anything suggested for months. He is a closet Glock fan. 10mm for bear even.

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Did you even read my post above yours? He hates Glocks and says they don't fit hid hand. He hasn't bought anything for months because he just now got a job and his first paycheck.

ThomasT said:

Did you even read my post above yours? He hates Glocks and says they don't fit hid hand.

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I quoted the post above mine. Therefore yeah, likely read it. Was clearly a joke. Hence the bear gun part

And I gave more serious advice a long time ago. Used 686 or the 226 in 40

crestoncowboy said:

I quoted the post above mine. Therefore yeah, likely read it. Was clearly a joke. Hence the bear gun part

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Puleese don't get him started on bears. He ask me enough questions like it is.I did send him an email and told him he needs to check on his thread. A little input from the OP would help everyone. So far as I know the only 9mm he wants is one chambered in the 1911.

ThomasT said:

don't get him started on bears

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Lol. But every handgun thread that mentions 357 or 10mm has to include bears. Its a mandate

I have spent a lot of my life roaming through the woods here in Tx and in Colorado and have never yet spotted a bear or even poop I thought might be a bear stool. I am puzzled by the many bear threads. They are right up there with SHTF threads.

And yes I suggest Glocks to the OP all the time just to razz him. He takes a strong stand against them and tells me in no uncertain terms he does not want a Glock.

lsudave said:

I would get what I wanted, with an eye out as to what is present. I'd say stick with a semiauto, but that said, I'm interested in a certain revolver for the same reason you hint at.
I would go the other direction with that, just using my own judgement. As far as I know, most restrictions that have occurred have been to ban further sales, and you're usually presented with some form of grandfather clause. I don't expect they would push something through that would make you turn "regular" stuff in.
In other words, if you want something, you might want to get it.

If you want something in 9mm, I wouldn't panic too much about ammo. What I'm hearing around my neck of the woods is that Academy, Cabela's and Bass Pro are all getting shipments in, and they are pricing it fairly. Like $15 a box of 50. And when I say regular shipments, what I've heard is- not once in a blue moon, but they are getting it 2-3 times a week, and supply is beginning to catch up. And my guess is, the manufacturers are going to focus on 9mm going forward, so it will definitely be the cheapest option 1+ year from now.
And if you buy something new, the store usually holds a box of ammo aside for such purchases.

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Obviously this is a very new development, and is 100 degrees opposite over what I have observed for the last year. My point was more leaning to the idea of being able to place a newly acquired firearm into immediate use.

ThomasT said:

I have spent a lot of my life roaming through the woods here in Tx and in Colorado and have never yet spotted a bear or even poop I thought might be a bear stool. I am puzzled by the many bear threads. They are right up there with SHTF threads.

And yes I suggest Glocks to the OP all the time just to razz him. He takes a strong stand against them and tells me in no uncertain terms he does not want a Glock.

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Funny, if you roam through my back yard in NW Connecticut you'll see bears but watch out where you step. That's why I carry my 357 at night when I walk the dog. So, there ya go a post that includes bears, 357s and bear poop.

I have never bought a handgun simply because it was there and likely never will. Already having plenty of guns I am not worried about what is there today being gone tomorrow. When I do buy a gun it's because I want that particular gun. That being true of all guns not just handguns. However, to each their own I guess.

Ron

Good deal. Found a source for ammunition?

FL-NC said:

As for me, at this point I wouldn't buy anything at all I didn't have ammo on hand for or at least have the components on hand to reload. As far as a wheel gun or auto, I am strictly a auto type. Unless I needed to kill an animal so dangerous that a 45 ACP wouldn't be enough, and I would require some type of magnum. Not a concern here in Fl., unless we get an infestation of dragons or some such next.

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Well, we ARE being infested with dragons from NYC...................

I'd get some ammo first. Any ammo commonly used. Then get the gun. Much easier in troubleous times.

Mr. Mosin said:

To all the kind posters- thank you for your input and advice. I have, of now; settled on a Charter Arms Bulldog Classic. It fits my current needs/wants, and can still be had locally for a semi-normal price.

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Good luck with it and post your review after shooting it. That's a 44 special, correct? I've never shot a 44 special and i,'m curious about the recoil shooting out of a 21.8oz gun. I've read the 44 spl is not as violent recoil vs 357 magnum due to lower pressure/velocity. I wouldn't consider 357mag in a gun that weight.