Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
"A Single Firearm" It Would Be-
a NIB 5" Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special 1911 .45ACP~!
a NIB 5" Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special 1911 .45ACP~!
$2000 to start gun collection- what would you buy?
- Thread starter North_Texas
- Start date
- Status
I would lean to some older military guns. They are interesting, full of character, and many are relatively inexpensive.
Swiss K31 ~ $200 - $300 depending on condition and stock (beech or walnut)
Not extremely rare, but certainly unusual with the straight-pull bolt action, very well made and accurate. If you're lucky, you will get one with the issued soldier's name and address on a slip under the buttplate. You can get the original cleaning kit, sling, and bayonet too.
Mosin Nagant ~ $80 - $200
You have quite a few options here but I would lean to a pre-war manufacture with a hex reciever. These are generally better built than the ones built during the war and unlike the ones made after the war would likely have taken some shots in anger. The Finnish versions are considered the best shooters but come at quite a premium.
Mauser ~ $180 - $500+
There are a lot of options in Mausers as well. I would again lean towards a German one that likely saw action in WWII. For more history, look for one that was captured and re-arsenelled by the Russians. The Swedish versions are considered the finest shooters. Yugos and Turkish models are good examples as well and will come in quite a bit cheaper than the first two.
Lee Enfield #4 MkI (MkII if you can find one) ~ $250 - $350+
These vary greatly in condition and the nicer ones can get expensive. Generally considered the finest bolt action battle rifle of WWII.
M1 Garand ~ $900 - $1500
These also vary in condition and the nicer ones get expensive. This would cost as much as any other 3 or 4 gun on my list. But its a Garand!
Yugo SKS ~ $250
Also not rare, but inexpensive to buy and fun and cheap to shoot. A lot of folks who buy the Yugo SKS remove the bayonet and grenade launcher. But for your purposes, they would just make the gun more interesting. Prices on these have gone up quite a bit in the last few years. Now might be the time to buy.
CZ75/85 ~ $500 or less
You can get these new or used. Considered by many to be the finest 9mm ever made along with the Sig P226 and Browning Hi Power. Very accurate, very reliable, and all steel construction makes is a joy to shoot.
CZ-82 ~ $220
Try to get your hands on one of these. For a lot of people, like me, this gun just fits and points very naturally.
Sig P6/P225 ~ $350
Not terribly rare, but probably the cheapest way to get a Sig into your collection. Simply an outstanding pistol and unbeateable quality/price ratio. Also quite suited to ccw if you choose.
I don't know much about revolvers, but have been considering a single-action conversion like an Uberti 1875 Army. These can be had for under $500.
Another way to go if you were more into shooting would be to get a decent AR and a decent 1911. There are a LOT of good guns out there. Smith & Wesson make fine examples of both that could be had for under $2000 total.
Swiss K31 ~ $200 - $300 depending on condition and stock (beech or walnut)
Not extremely rare, but certainly unusual with the straight-pull bolt action, very well made and accurate. If you're lucky, you will get one with the issued soldier's name and address on a slip under the buttplate. You can get the original cleaning kit, sling, and bayonet too.
Mosin Nagant ~ $80 - $200
You have quite a few options here but I would lean to a pre-war manufacture with a hex reciever. These are generally better built than the ones built during the war and unlike the ones made after the war would likely have taken some shots in anger. The Finnish versions are considered the best shooters but come at quite a premium.
Mauser ~ $180 - $500+
There are a lot of options in Mausers as well. I would again lean towards a German one that likely saw action in WWII. For more history, look for one that was captured and re-arsenelled by the Russians. The Swedish versions are considered the finest shooters. Yugos and Turkish models are good examples as well and will come in quite a bit cheaper than the first two.
Lee Enfield #4 MkI (MkII if you can find one) ~ $250 - $350+
These vary greatly in condition and the nicer ones can get expensive. Generally considered the finest bolt action battle rifle of WWII.
M1 Garand ~ $900 - $1500
These also vary in condition and the nicer ones get expensive. This would cost as much as any other 3 or 4 gun on my list. But its a Garand!
Yugo SKS ~ $250
Also not rare, but inexpensive to buy and fun and cheap to shoot. A lot of folks who buy the Yugo SKS remove the bayonet and grenade launcher. But for your purposes, they would just make the gun more interesting. Prices on these have gone up quite a bit in the last few years. Now might be the time to buy.
CZ75/85 ~ $500 or less
You can get these new or used. Considered by many to be the finest 9mm ever made along with the Sig P226 and Browning Hi Power. Very accurate, very reliable, and all steel construction makes is a joy to shoot.
CZ-82 ~ $220
Try to get your hands on one of these. For a lot of people, like me, this gun just fits and points very naturally.
Sig P6/P225 ~ $350
Not terribly rare, but probably the cheapest way to get a Sig into your collection. Simply an outstanding pistol and unbeateable quality/price ratio. Also quite suited to ccw if you choose.
I don't know much about revolvers, but have been considering a single-action conversion like an Uberti 1875 Army. These can be had for under $500.
Another way to go if you were more into shooting would be to get a decent AR and a decent 1911. There are a LOT of good guns out there. Smith & Wesson make fine examples of both that could be had for under $2000 total.
IBEWBULL
Member
So , what did you finally end up obtaining?
I didn't read all the post here but am wondering.
Sometimes opportunity is the seed for a good investment.
Folks have their taste change , sometimes because of need or just want.
I went the rout of the Glocks AKs and other tools. Now i am more niterested in more of an art quality of steel and wood.
I regret some of the Browning High Powers I had and are gone now. As well a Python which I never shot and a Trap door Springfield with bayonet and frog.
The Colt 1911 and 1911A1s which passed through my hands.
Some of my attemped and failed sales over the years were my Mitchel Arms Stainless Luger, Winchester NRA Commeritive set rifle and musket. The deals fell through and I am glad I still have these.
The best way for me to keep from making a mistake and dumping some guns back on the market has been to give them to those who will eventually inherit them as a gift.
They are still in the safe since some of the kids don't have homes of their own yet.
They have on occasion used them for colateral for a loan from me and the wife.
That worked well and I did get paid back promptly.
Well I got lost in the blog and hope you did not.
I didn't read all the post here but am wondering.
Sometimes opportunity is the seed for a good investment.
Folks have their taste change , sometimes because of need or just want.
I went the rout of the Glocks AKs and other tools. Now i am more niterested in more of an art quality of steel and wood.
I regret some of the Browning High Powers I had and are gone now. As well a Python which I never shot and a Trap door Springfield with bayonet and frog.
The Colt 1911 and 1911A1s which passed through my hands.
Some of my attemped and failed sales over the years were my Mitchel Arms Stainless Luger, Winchester NRA Commeritive set rifle and musket. The deals fell through and I am glad I still have these.
The best way for me to keep from making a mistake and dumping some guns back on the market has been to give them to those who will eventually inherit them as a gift.
They are still in the safe since some of the kids don't have homes of their own yet.
They have on occasion used them for colateral for a loan from me and the wife.
That worked well and I did get paid back promptly.
Well I got lost in the blog and hope you did not.
Baba Louie
Member
- Joined
- Dec 26, 2002
- Messages
- 3,831
But if you knew then what you know now and ony had $2k in your hand to start over... what direction would you go and what specifically would you buy first?
If t'were me, I'd begin w/ .22s. K22, Colt Woodsman or Diamondback, M1922-M2 or Winchester 52. Shoot a lot, or shoot a little; clean, fondle and admire, good for young or old, cheap to feed, fun.
Since you've got shotguns covered, I'd make sure to have a good hunting rifle around as well. Win 70 pre 64 or their Sears and Roebuck Ted Williams equivalent in .30-06 or .270.
Pick an interest to direct your collection, i.e., mil-surps, cowboy, civil war, hunting, colts, winchesters, mausers, EBRs, long-guns, handguns, LEO guns, etc.
Maybe collect something they aren't making anymore that wears a name brand, like Colt DA wheelguns? Or prelock N-frames? Or Lugers?
Here's some free unsolicited advice about collecting... keep it sparse but full of quality. (weed out and discard crap from the getgo) Learn and know how to work on (assemble/disassemble at least) each piece in your collection. Know the history and value. Find a kid or three and pass that knowledge and love on during your collecting years.
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
FYI,
$2,000 can easily be spent on just one firearm; so I probably would
choose a "high end" 1911 from one of the custom manufactuer's~!
$2,000 can easily be spent on just one firearm; so I probably would
choose a "high end" 1911 from one of the custom manufactuer's~!
content
Member
Hello friends and neighbors // It sounds like you have the shotguns covered.
If it were me I'd look for the best bargins at my local pawn shops for classics like the:
Marlin 39/ 39A
Mauser C96 7.63
S&W, Colt Revolvers ,the older the better(sometimes)
For more expensive purchases I research prices from previous years to be certain the firearm is gaining value. If this is not possible I check gunbroker or other sites on my cell.
Searching out small gun/pawn shops in my travels is fun for me. You really never know what going to pop up in the next town/city.
I also pick up older .22 rifles anytime the price is good.
Let us know which way you go.
If it were me I'd look for the best bargins at my local pawn shops for classics like the:
Marlin 39/ 39A
Mauser C96 7.63
S&W, Colt Revolvers ,the older the better(sometimes)
For more expensive purchases I research prices from previous years to be certain the firearm is gaining value. If this is not possible I check gunbroker or other sites on my cell.
Searching out small gun/pawn shops in my travels is fun for me. You really never know what going to pop up in the next town/city.
I also pick up older .22 rifles anytime the price is good.
Let us know which way you go.
jfh
Member.
As others have said, 2k is not enough. And, the recommendations don't necessarily provide a "base" for the collection--unless you are looking to rapidly expand that collection.
Why not stay, for now, with your Belgian shotguns, and fill out the gauges to all of them? Then, move on to a focussed acquisition--say, some of the guns hso referenced?
You need to have a bit more experience with firearms, I think, to know what you want to do--and not direction from strangers imposing their own wish lists and desires on you.
Get the shotguns sorted out, then pick another area--say handguns, and specifically 1911s as an example....
But plan on spending more than 2K a year if you do this--and start with a shooter to use and to gain shooting experience with.
Jim H.
Why not stay, for now, with your Belgian shotguns, and fill out the gauges to all of them? Then, move on to a focussed acquisition--say, some of the guns hso referenced?
You need to have a bit more experience with firearms, I think, to know what you want to do--and not direction from strangers imposing their own wish lists and desires on you.
Get the shotguns sorted out, then pick another area--say handguns, and specifically 1911s as an example....
But plan on spending more than 2K a year if you do this--and start with a shooter to use and to gain shooting experience with.
Jim H.
orionengnr
Member
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2005
- Messages
- 5,716
Yeah, if you find one, buy ten. Keep one, I'll take the other nine
You are getting some good advice, and some really bad advice here. It is up to you to discern which is which.
I'd go for numbers. New GunsA RIA 1911 base model from Centerfire is under $400. Mill surplus is best bought when you can see them. A Marlin M60 under $200. Base model Uberti 1873 Cattleman is around $300. Rossi .357 $350. snub nose. Mossberg 12GA $200. Hold the rest for ammo and gear. Or buy a Kel Tec 3AT $250
chihuahuatn
Member
Mossberg shotgun ~350
AK (SAR-WASR) or AR-15 ~450-900
Glock or M&P or XD series~450
Ruger LCP~300
~1550 to 2,000 to 2200
Got are your bases covered......
AK (SAR-WASR) or AR-15 ~450-900
Glock or M&P or XD series~450
Ruger LCP~300
~1550 to 2,000 to 2200
Got are your bases covered......
vaupet
Member
If you want to collect guns, i'm with Ceezar, go for milsurps.
If you want to take up target shooting, start with .22lr, bolt action savage or CZ or even an Anschutz "annie for friends" and a mark II or buckmark pistol
As an american you could go the cowboy approuch, levers and wheels. To start I would say Marlin 39 and ruger single six.
You're collection of shotguns won't do you any good at the range except for the 12 gauges for clay pigeon shooting.
My collection started as follows:
Marlin 336 (30-30) first contact
Marlin 39: same feeling but able to burn more ammo cheaper and with less noice
Hämmerli 280 (used): target pistol "olympic" style to learn how to shoor a pistol
Sig mosquito, to get service pistol feeling
Anschutz 64 (used) single shot 22lr, to learn proper rifle technique.
USP 9 mm (used)
At this point I spend about 2500 €.
But beware, it can be adictive. We are now 2 years after I started and I own 20 fire-arms, spend over 15K. (yesterday I spend 2400€ on a schmidt and bender scope) Don't underestimate the money for range fees, ammo, vault('s), scopes or sights, carry cases, hearing protection, glasses,not to mention reloading equipment...
Have fun
Peter
If you want to take up target shooting, start with .22lr, bolt action savage or CZ or even an Anschutz "annie for friends" and a mark II or buckmark pistol
As an american you could go the cowboy approuch, levers and wheels. To start I would say Marlin 39 and ruger single six.
You're collection of shotguns won't do you any good at the range except for the 12 gauges for clay pigeon shooting.
My collection started as follows:
Marlin 336 (30-30) first contact
Marlin 39: same feeling but able to burn more ammo cheaper and with less noice
Hämmerli 280 (used): target pistol "olympic" style to learn how to shoor a pistol
Sig mosquito, to get service pistol feeling
Anschutz 64 (used) single shot 22lr, to learn proper rifle technique.
USP 9 mm (used)
At this point I spend about 2500 €.
But beware, it can be adictive. We are now 2 years after I started and I own 20 fire-arms, spend over 15K. (yesterday I spend 2400€ on a schmidt and bender scope) Don't underestimate the money for range fees, ammo, vault('s), scopes or sights, carry cases, hearing protection, glasses,not to mention reloading equipment...
Have fun
Peter
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ArmedLiberal
Member
My first thought is to buy a full case of 20 Mosin Nagants. Tuck them away for 20 years and they will at lest triple in value once all the Russian/Eastern Europe warehouses are emptied out. Except maybe by then there will be about two hundred million Mosins circulating in the US and you'll just break even trying to sell them as collector's pieces.
You might be asking the wrong group of people. I notice that most of the answers here are from folks who can't really imagine buying a gun that they would never use.
If you are really into serious collecting and making some money off of your guns you might be some tens of thousands short on your budget. Guns that you can buy in your price range are more likely to just hold their value rather than making you rich in a few years.
You might want to think about getting into shooting and hunting. The joy you and your loved ones will get out of your guns will far out weigh what you might make in accumulating rare and valuable guns.
You might be asking the wrong group of people. I notice that most of the answers here are from folks who can't really imagine buying a gun that they would never use.
If you are really into serious collecting and making some money off of your guns you might be some tens of thousands short on your budget. Guns that you can buy in your price range are more likely to just hold their value rather than making you rich in a few years.
You might want to think about getting into shooting and hunting. The joy you and your loved ones will get out of your guns will far out weigh what you might make in accumulating rare and valuable guns.
wow6599
Member
If it were me - a S&W M&P in 9mm ($500), Springfield Mil-Spec 1911 ($600) Ruger Mini-14 in .223 ($650) and a Savage MKII .22lr ($225). Just under $2000.
Or you could change up one of the handguns and the Mini-14 and go with a S&W or Ruger .357 and a Marlin 1894 in .357 for about the same price.
Or you could change up one of the handguns and the Mini-14 and go with a S&W or Ruger .357 and a Marlin 1894 in .357 for about the same price.
J-Bar
Member
I read the original post some time ago, and have been thinking seriously about it. I confess I am not able to put myself in the frame of mind of the person asking the question.
I don't think guns in general are very good investments where financial appreciation is concerned. Most of us can sell our guns for about what we paid for them, but there are not many guns that appreciate as rapidly as a sound stock and bond portfolio. (Yes I know about the recent instability, but consider a 20-30 year period.) The POS Harrington and Richardson 9-shot revolver that my grandfather used to shoot rats at the city dump when I was a kid will still bring the $50 he paid for it, but its presence in my "collection" is priceless because of the sentiment and memories attached to it. We pay money for the privilege of becoming a gun's caretaker, before passing it on to a loved one.
I recommend not listening to anyone's recommendation. Invest your $2000 in a savings account or short-term CD until you spot a gun that makes your heart race; one that brings you joy when you look at it in your safe; one that makes you look forward to shooting. It doesn't matter what turns any of the rest of us on...your gun collection is about what interests YOU!
I don't think guns in general are very good investments where financial appreciation is concerned. Most of us can sell our guns for about what we paid for them, but there are not many guns that appreciate as rapidly as a sound stock and bond portfolio. (Yes I know about the recent instability, but consider a 20-30 year period.) The POS Harrington and Richardson 9-shot revolver that my grandfather used to shoot rats at the city dump when I was a kid will still bring the $50 he paid for it, but its presence in my "collection" is priceless because of the sentiment and memories attached to it. We pay money for the privilege of becoming a gun's caretaker, before passing it on to a loved one.
I recommend not listening to anyone's recommendation. Invest your $2000 in a savings account or short-term CD until you spot a gun that makes your heart race; one that brings you joy when you look at it in your safe; one that makes you look forward to shooting. It doesn't matter what turns any of the rest of us on...your gun collection is about what interests YOU!
neededausername
Member
- Joined
- Mar 6, 2008
- Messages
- 249
How about a nice Colt Python?
For collector's guns you can afford, I'd look into C&R's. There are some that are more rare than others - do some homework and buy them now while they're less expensive.
For the most part, I'm also one of those guys who won't buy something just to collect it. At the very least, I'd also second the suggestion for a .22LR rifle - probably a CZ-452. You can afford to shoot more than three times a year that way.
For the most part, I'm also one of those guys who won't buy something just to collect it. At the very least, I'd also second the suggestion for a .22LR rifle - probably a CZ-452. You can afford to shoot more than three times a year that way.
Curator
Member
An M1A, 1911 .45, and a Remington 870 12 gauge
Bentonville
Member
- Joined
- Jun 18, 2006
- Messages
- 527
I agree with those who suggested historical arms. When I first started I got an M1 Carbine that was purchased from the DCM back in the 1960s. It has a flip peep sight, original magazine release button and the original safety. I will never get rid of my WW2 arms (unless times get really bad financially). I also have a 1943 all-correct Springfield M1 and a 1942 Colt 1911A1 with all correct parts. The M1 has seen a lot of use and handling but the other two are very nice. The fun of collecting something in the nature of WW2 arms is they are legal to own, they are shootable (except for my 1942 Colt. I wouldn't want to scratch it an any way because of it's condition and value.) and you can learn about the history of the arms and how they were used to win the amazing victories in two theaters of conflict.
There are still many men out there who will gladly talk about using their weapons in battle. I have interviewed a lot of veterans who enjoyed talking about their experiences, both in WW2 and Korea. A couple of guys used the M1 carbine in Viet Nam. Plus, you get to learn about cleaning, caring for, and maintaining these basic arms. These weapons also led me to an interest in WW2 knives and bayonets as well. They are almost as fun to collect as the firearms, imo.
This knowledge of operation, cleaning, and maintaining will prepare you for any gun you may own in the future. Well, this is all just my opinion. If I hadn't gotten interested in the Carbine to start with, I wouldn't have gotten interested in talking to vets and to reading about the War. I am better for knowing those men and for learning about the history of my nation in a time when there didn't seem to be any gray area between good and evil.
There are still many men out there who will gladly talk about using their weapons in battle. I have interviewed a lot of veterans who enjoyed talking about their experiences, both in WW2 and Korea. A couple of guys used the M1 carbine in Viet Nam. Plus, you get to learn about cleaning, caring for, and maintaining these basic arms. These weapons also led me to an interest in WW2 knives and bayonets as well. They are almost as fun to collect as the firearms, imo.
This knowledge of operation, cleaning, and maintaining will prepare you for any gun you may own in the future. Well, this is all just my opinion. If I hadn't gotten interested in the Carbine to start with, I wouldn't have gotten interested in talking to vets and to reading about the War. I am better for knowing those men and for learning about the history of my nation in a time when there didn't seem to be any gray area between good and evil.
Erik M
Member
A basic AR15 from a reputable manufacturer (I prefer Doublestar) $700
A Mossberg/Remington 12 gauge shotgun $300
A Glock 19 for a range & nightstand gun $450
A .38 special of any flavor for a range gun / plinker $350
Remainder of cash spent on ammo.
If you are looking to spend cash on an hierloom class weapon you could look at the Colt SAA, Pyton, or Diamondback among a plethora of other wonderful creations. Personally I like the early Smiths and Ruger wheel guns, which are what I have invested in.
A Mossberg/Remington 12 gauge shotgun $300
A Glock 19 for a range & nightstand gun $450
A .38 special of any flavor for a range gun / plinker $350
Remainder of cash spent on ammo.
If you are looking to spend cash on an hierloom class weapon you could look at the Colt SAA, Pyton, or Diamondback among a plethora of other wonderful creations. Personally I like the early Smiths and Ruger wheel guns, which are what I have invested in.
If I had $2000 to spend on a gun collection and already had a few shotguns, like the OP does, I'd buy:
1. A pocket revolver: S&W 442/642/638/438/ruger LCR.
2. A glock 19/23/26/27 for CCW.
3. That leaves you with about $1000 more. BUY AMMO. You'll need to learn to shoot your new handguns, as well as enjoy those shotguns.
1. A pocket revolver: S&W 442/642/638/438/ruger LCR.
2. A glock 19/23/26/27 for CCW.
3. That leaves you with about $1000 more. BUY AMMO. You'll need to learn to shoot your new handguns, as well as enjoy those shotguns.
Cards81fan
Member.
- Joined
- Apr 5, 2009
- Messages
- 429
All the way up to $2000? Definitely this:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=206242330
Things like 1911, Hi Powers, etc... that are still out there in higher volumes would wait. The older Browning shotguns would be a close second to Colt wheelguns.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=206242330
Things like 1911, Hi Powers, etc... that are still out there in higher volumes would wait. The older Browning shotguns would be a close second to Colt wheelguns.
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