$2,000 and roles to fill...PART II

[9thchild]

Alright guys, I have done a lot of thinking since I first opened up this question to THR. Many of the responses in the first thread have led me to change the roles that I think need to be filled. For instance, I thought long and hard about combining HD and CCW, but I would really prefer those to be two separate firearms dedicated to their roles. Along those same lines, I do not feel that a dedicated sidearm to sit around in waiting with a tactical carbine is a necessary role. I thought about just phrasing the question this way, "With a budget of $2,000, and a .22LR pistol/rifle already covered, how would you spend it?" However I am almost certain that many responses would recommend dropping most of it on a top of the line AR and ammo, or something along those lines. Obviously, I cannot carry an AR on my person. So I am opening up this discussion again, but simplifying the roles to the following separate guns:

1. Home Defense (light-mounting capability):
2. Concealed Carry (not full-sized pistol):
3. Tactical Carbine:
4. Long Rifle (bolt-gun for hunting/long range work):

So, THR, with a budget of $2,000, your .22s covered, and ammunition considerations aside, how would you fill these roles?

 

[wally]

Four guns, $2000 is very tight these days unless you luck into some good used ones.

But for new with warranty here are my four budget choices:

1) S&W SD, basically the Sigma with a better trigger and "standard" rail, <$400

2) Kahr CW, <$450

3) S&W "Sport" ~$650

4) I'm not much in to bolt guns and only know the low end, but I think a Savage 10 or Weatherby Vanguard would do well here. <$500

IMHO you'd be better in the long run prioritizing your needs and getting exactly what you want as funds permit, unless you are betting this won't be possible after the election.

If the election comes out favorably we could see a drop in prices, you "pays your money and takes your chances".

 

[jon86]

Everyone's priorities and needs will be different. A lot of people don't carry. ( I know, it's crazy.) A lot of people don't hunt. With that in mind, these would be my choices.

Smith and Wesson 642. $380. I can carry this anywhere.

Used glock 19. $450. 3 extra mags $100. So $550.

Last, for HD/hunting, I would pick up a mossberg 500 combo with 2 barrels. I'd probably be just as happy with an 870 express combo.

http://www.impactguns.com/mossberg-...-28in-vr-18-12in-blue-54169-015813541695.aspx


http://www.impactguns.com/remington...0in-barrels-wood-stock-5578-047700255781.aspx

About 365 after transfer.

Then you have $705 left over to buy:
-a sling for your shotgun
-IWB for G19
-IWB for 642
-pocket holster for 642
-speed strips and speedloaders for 642
-carry ammo
-and a bit of practice ammo.

 

[Al Thompson]

1. Home Defense (light-mounting capability):

Glock used 3rd Gen - 400ish at Lawmans or Palmetto Distributors

2. Concealed Carry (not full-sized pistol):

S&W Shield in 9mm is winning me over. 450ish or less if you are willing to get on the waiting list.

3. Tactical Carbine:

AR - Build one from PSA as finances permit or as they have sales... ~ 800, depending on options. I'd grab a couple of their blemished lowers if they are still selling at 60 bucks each

4. Long Rifle (bolt-gun for hunting/long range work):

Used .270, .308 or .30-06. I've seen some nice ones (used) for 400 bucks or so, though that pushes your total to 2050....

 

[JoeMal]

1. Used Glock 17
2. Used Glock 26
3. S&W Sport
4. Savage in whatever model you liked in your price range. Keep in mind you'll also need to spend some money on optics. The Simmons Whitetail is usually onsale at Midway for around $110 and is a good value.

 

[chhodge69]

All used:
1. Mossberg 500 or Rem 870 ~$250
2. Glock 19 $450
3. Arsenal AK $650
4. Savage in whatever caliber you prefer ~$400?

leaving $250 for holsters, magazines and ammo... that's not much.

Personally I would combine roles 1 and 3 into a single gun and purchase a second , smaller CCW pistol (LC9, S&W shield, Officer 1911) as one gun rarely fits all CC situations.

 

[9thchild]

Great ideas Wally. I do wish to get the best guns possible as funds permit, but this 2K budget is part of a much larger "survival readiness" plan. So the 2K represents the most I will be able to spend over the next few years on firearms alone.

As far as the election goes, I don't buy into the hoopla. A socialist is a socialist, regardless of the flag they wave. Socialist leaders will always seek to limit gun rights. To think that Romney will be any better than Obama is lunacy. The two party system is a fallacy and I encourage people to live in reality.

 

[9thchild]

I never thought about a used Arsenal. That would be perfect. I lean toward AK over AR because of the round.

It would be cool to have a PSA build though, as they are located right down the street.

I think that Mossberg 500 combo is a keeper, that is a lot of gun for $350.

Aside from the trigger and reputation, is there much practical difference between an SD9 and a G19?

 

[metalart]

Agree with build your own ar.. psa is good would throw the Sig sp2022 in there, great gun, <400$ has a rail for a light if you so desire. How long to you want range wise for hunting? you can get a decent used lever 30-30 for around 3 hundred.

 

[tomrkba]

Forget the shotgun. It is not needed. Also forget the bolt action rifle. The carbine will get you to 300 yards with magnified optics. While you can shoot targets with irons, you will not see a bad guy in poor weather and light at distance.

The minimum required is a rifle. A rifle and handgun is a good combination. Optics alone will cost up to half the budget. So, I would do the following:

1) Glock 19 for around $350. Add night sights ($100). Buy two spare magazines ($50). Buy 100 rounds of FMJ ammo to make sure the gun functions ($25). Buy 50 rounds of JHP ammo ($30). Buy a cheap holster and mag holder ($100).

Total: $655+tax, round to $675

2) Bravo Company AR-15 $1,100.

Add three Magpul P-Mags (around $50).
Add a sling ($50).

You'll have to use iron sights. Adding Aimpoints (with magnifier and mount will cost around $900) or a variable optic (SWFA SS 1-4x with quick detach mount: $1,000).

3) Buy one Streamlight TLR-1 ($100). Buy a box of batteries off the 'net for $20. The light can be mounted on the Glock or on one of the rifle rails.

Total: $1,995


If you go with only a rifle, then find a decent AR-15. You need some sort of illuminated optic (again, it's about target location and identification in poor light and conditions). A sling is required, as is a stack of magazines. Some sort of belt holder for one or two magazines would be helpful.

You could go with a non-illuminated optic*, but your performance will degrade as the light decreases. There are several lower cost variables in the $500-800 range (excluding mounts) that may be adequate. If you are not sure, buy good iron sights and add an Aimpoint optic. You need the irons in case the battery goes dead from use or cold.

I used a Leupold VX-3 1.5-5x with circle-dot reticle out to 300. A 100 yard zero made it very easy to use. However, the 1.5x really messed with my times under 25 yards.

I have found that a basic AR-15 with good ammo will score hits on demand out to 300 yards. This should be good enough for any home defense situation you may encounter. If someone is shooting at your house from 1,000 yards, you're going to have a very difficult time finding him--especially if you don't have the right training or experience.

Here are some lower cost variable optics to look into:

Vortex Viper PST
http://swfa.com/Vortex-1-4x24-Viper-PST-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P44570.aspx

Capped Turrets:
http://www.vortexoptics.com/product...-with-tmcq-moa-reticle-capped-turrets/reticle

Burris
http://swfa.com/Burris-1-4x24-Xtreme-Tactical-XTR-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P45510.aspx


Leupold VX R Patrol
http://swfa.com/Leupold-125-4x20-VX-R-Patrol-Tactical-30mm-Riflescope-P49444.aspx


Weaver 1-5x24 Tactical 30mm Rifle Scope
http://swfa.com/Weaver-1-5x24-Tactical-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P49447.aspx

Trijicon Accupoint
http://www.trijicon.com/na_en/products/product2.php?id=AccuPoint&mid=1-4x24




* Take a look at the Leupold Hog Pig Plex. It's a 1.25-4x optic for under $300. It has a decent reticle and 300 to 400 yard shots should be easy.

True 1.0x up to 1.1x is better for CQB and defense. However, prices for scopes with that setting tend to be more expensive.

 

[Al Thompson]

much practical difference between an SD9 and a G19?

Parts are easier to get for the Glock. Lawmans is the state dealer for Glock, so you can drive over and stock up as needed. They also carry 9mm Federal HST for cheap.