BigBL87
Member
I got into a discussion with a friend the other day who is considering getting into gun ownership (which here in Illinois is no small task). He asked me what he should buy first, and what I thought a minimum collection should include if he could only buy 3, 4, 5, etc.. After my spiel about use determining what to buy, here's what I came up with in order (not surprisingly it mirrors my small collection, although I bought the 22 and centerfire handgun in opposite order) :
1. Shotgun - First because of its versatility, low cost, and near constant availability of ammo. Also, here in Illinois if you eventually want to hunt deer, this or a muzzleloader are your only options as far as firearms go. I got a combo with an 18.5" barrel and a 28" adjustable choke barrel so it can pull double duty.
2. 22 rifle/pistol - I went with a rifle myself because I prefer long guns but either way this is for cheap practice and cheap fun. Even with high prices on 22 right now, it's still less than half the price of 9mm to shoot.
3. Centerfire handgun - Revolver or semi, it's personal preference. Arguably the best for home defense in some ways, but that's debatable. If you want to concealed carry, this is also pretty much your only option for that.
4 Centerfire rifle - I went with an AR15, mainly because you can't deer hunt (with a rifle) in Illinois so I didn't see the use in a larger caliber for me. I'd like to add a bolt action .308 if money were no object, but alas I am not made out of money and it would just be for fun shooting.
What would your guys' list be? I felt like my list covered most of the bases, particularly with the hunting restrictions in Illinois.
1. Shotgun - First because of its versatility, low cost, and near constant availability of ammo. Also, here in Illinois if you eventually want to hunt deer, this or a muzzleloader are your only options as far as firearms go. I got a combo with an 18.5" barrel and a 28" adjustable choke barrel so it can pull double duty.
2. 22 rifle/pistol - I went with a rifle myself because I prefer long guns but either way this is for cheap practice and cheap fun. Even with high prices on 22 right now, it's still less than half the price of 9mm to shoot.
3. Centerfire handgun - Revolver or semi, it's personal preference. Arguably the best for home defense in some ways, but that's debatable. If you want to concealed carry, this is also pretty much your only option for that.
4 Centerfire rifle - I went with an AR15, mainly because you can't deer hunt (with a rifle) in Illinois so I didn't see the use in a larger caliber for me. I'd like to add a bolt action .308 if money were no object, but alas I am not made out of money and it would just be for fun shooting.
What would your guys' list be? I felt like my list covered most of the bases, particularly with the hunting restrictions in Illinois.
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