A hypothetical situation

[dmxx9900]

Lets say you live with a parent and dont have to worry about bills and stuff like that and you have a job that pays $10 an hour and you make a monthly income of around $1500 on a average work month.And you have that amount of income for many years how would you afford and budget your lavish and expensive lifestyle you live now?And lets say you have 8 guns to start out with and over a thousand rounds of ammunition all together for all calibers.
1.Bersa thunder .380
2.Taurus 66 .357/38
3.S&W model 10 38 special
4.SKS 7.62x39mm
5.Mosin Nagant m38 7.62x54r
6.Marlin 780 .22 lr
7.Ruger 10/22 .22lr
8.Remington 870 12 gauge
.22LR=around 1000
.22 short=100
38 special=250-300
357 magnum=100-200
380acp=120
7.62x39=260
7.62x54r=40
12 gauge=70-80
Would you stock up on ammunition with current guns or buy new better quality guns with that budget or both?
Would you shell out almost $500 on a PS3 or other superficial stuff you dont really need.

 

[3KillerBs]

When our kids are adults with paying jobs they are welcome to live in our home but they will pay rent enough to cover the expenses of life. So the "no bills" will never happen.

They will also be paying all costs for their own cars.

If any of that $10/hr is left I hope they spend it on what matters most to them and learn valuable life-lessons in setting priorities, budgeting, and making do with what they have which will serve them well when they leave the nest.

Off that list, I'd suggest concentrate on enjoying the .22lr guns, the .38special guns, and the 12 gauge because those are the most economical to shoot. I would advise them to consider trading in the .380 for a 9mm because .380 ammo costs about 50% more than 9mm, which is the most affordable centerfire round to shoot.

IMO, the $500 for the PS3 is better spent on one's education so as to get a better-paying job. Or, at least, on a computer which can be used for gaming, study, and many other things instead of a single-purpose toy.

 

[shooting4life]

I would buy what made me happy. My nice guns make me happy, my ps3 makes me happy, my big TV makes me happy, and my reloading supplies make me happy.

I would buy better guns and a progressive press.

 

[dmxx9900]

I personally am going to get a better education at a technical school similar to a college but much cheaper but will give me a much better job then just with my high school diploma.
It will be around $3000 vs $20,000 in a standard community college.

 

[Soybomb]

Would you stock up on ammunition with current guns or buy new better quality guns with that budget or both?
Would you shell out almost $500 on a PS3 or other superficial stuff you dont really need.

Those two choices are both the same. Save your money, you'll want to buy a house, you'll want to retire, etc. You might even find out that you'll want that real college degree one day.

 

[Eric F]

or buy new better quality guns with that budget

ding ding ding give that member a cigar!

Always buy quality over quality you will be happier in life.

 

[dmxx9900]

My quality guns are S&W model 10,Ruger 10-22,Marlin 780,and my Remington 870 express.
The rest are rough work horse models that arent high in quality but are reliable and will get work done when needed.
Is a Sig Sauer p229 in 40 S&W considered a high quality pistol?

Because I will consider that pistol since I can get one for around $500 and I earn enough income for that not to hurt bad but I can save too.I am very afraid of the November elections though when Barack Obama will very possibly win presidency and can affect handgun ownership and magazine capacity again.I dont want to wait too long and hit myself later for not getting a hi-cap pistol before hand.

 

[Frank Ettin]

Sorry, but I think that you should focus your attention, and available money, on furthering your education, getting your own place and starting to make your own way in the world. And that would include making a budget and sticking to it. And you should also be saving a good portion of your money. Now is the time to start learning good money management habits -- and that doesn't, I'm afraid, include spend every available dollar on guns and ammunition.

You have what you can use to defend yourself, and you have some nice guns to shoot. Concentrate on developing your skills with your .22s and with .38 Sp, and you have your .357 Magnum for defensive chores. So spend your shooting money on ammunition to become more skillful. That should take care of your shooting budget.

But personally, IMHO your first order of business is continuing along the path to fully independent adulthood.

I know this isn't what you wanted to hear. But it's my advice nonetheless.

 

[jnyork]

What fiddletown said. You are 18 and making $10.00 an hour? Get out of the house.

 

[Sunray]

"...monthly income of around $1500..." Before or after taxes?
"... making $10.00 an hour? Get out of the house..." Living must be cheap where you are if you think you can live on $10 per hour.
"...not getting a hi-cap pistol before hand..." It won't matter if Obama gets elected and bans "high capacity" mags Federally.

 

[dmxx9900]

Getting my own place is not a priority since the house I live in will be mine in the future it will be passed on to me and all the stuff in it.You do have a point on the eduction that is my priority getting a good solid career soon instead of just job to job stuff that does not pay the best.
My Taurus .357 magnum has a shaky cylinder since its old and been used heavily by someone prior so its not in the best condition for shooting.

I will spend maybe 10% or 15% of my income on guns and ammo in a 3 month period so the majority of my money is saved and available.
I dont buy guns as often as you may think I only buy one every 3-4 months for $250 or so and $50 for ammo.
By definition I am dependent since I live with my grandmother still but I am independent in other aspects such as making income and taking care of myself.
After taxes SunRay on a good work month but this month I made $1300 it varies one month I might make $1500 and the other maybe $1100 it all depends if computers are available for installation at the schools which is my job currently.
In my area an apartment costs $600 a month on average and cheapest is maybe $400 but thats rent there is then electricity,food,gas,and other utilities so I dont think I will be able to survive very good with my income.

 

[kingpin008]

I'm gonna go with most of the rest here - save your cash. Guns will always be there, security for the future may not be.

I'm 27, still living at home, jobless (hopefully that will change soon) and living on a fixed income. I have less than one thousand in savings. My priorites are finishing school, getting married to my fiancee, and finding the cash to open my own bakery. Right now, I'm behind the eight-ball and playing catch-up when it comes to life and financial planning, and let me tell you, it sucks. Secure what money you can now, so you don't find yourself in my shoes in a few years.

I have a few guns. Mostly .22's, but my fiancee owns a S&W 642 that I shoot a lot. While I would love a 9mm pistol to round out my collection, I realize that I don't have the room in my budget for yet another gun. And sure, I'd love to pick up an AR or AK before the election (even though I'm not as worried about it turning bad as some folks) but realistically, it's not something I can justify when it comes to my bottom line. I'm not saying that I'm a saint when it comes to money - I still spend way outside of my means, but at least now I realize how important it is to conserve what you have when you have it, because you might not have it later.

My advice - you already have a good collection. Learn to use them, and skip the new purchases. If you really, really have to buy something gun-related, buy a press. At this stage you need to be doing everything you can do to save money, not spend it. At least with a press you can start recycling your spent brass.

 

[dmxx9900]

What is all needed for reloading what is a good affordable brand and what powders do I use with my calibers?
Can I reuse brass I shot with?
I have no experience with reloading if you can give me info on it that will help me consider getting into it.

 

[azhunter122]

This isn't really a hypothetical question is it?????? Haha, well I would tell him/her that they need to live in their own homes and start working on their futures even if it doesn't include a family and whatnot. But that is just what I would do.

 

[dmxx9900]

No it is an attention grabber so people can help me out with good ideas and suggestions.

 

[3KillerBs]

I personally am going to get a better education at a technical school similar to a college but much cheaper but will give me a much better job then just with my high school diploma.
It will be around $3000 vs $20,000 in a standard community college.

IMO tech schools are a good investment if the quality of training is good. The skilled trades provide an opportunity to make a good living and to own your own business in time if you want to -- without the crushing debt that goes with a 4-year degree. (So says the owner of a BS that didn't train me to actually DO anything anyone would pay me for).

 

[kingpin008]

DMX - If you've got questions about reloading, there are some great posters here who frequent the reloading section who will be more than happy to help you out. Just remember to read the Stickies at the top of the page before asking any questions - chances are, all the basic info you'll need is already covered in them.

 

[dmxx9900]

Thank you for all your help
one problem I still have is the political situation we have now what if we have another annoying AW ban and Obama would win presidency and he signs it automatically to law?
Sure I could put up a fight but I have limited power in the world of voting and legislation.

I dont think Obama would ban conceal carry he would lose too much for that but he would like registration and purchase permits for handguns and allow bans/heavy restrictions in certain places which would put me SOL I would have to disobey it if there where no grandfathering for it since I already own handguns.
If you have more suggestions please go ahead and type it in.

 

[kingpin008]

If you're worried about a ban, my suggestion would be to contribute as much as you can to a pro-gun group like the NRA, GOA, JPFO, etc and learn how you can fight to keep the 2A as ummolested as possible. Even $35 to the NRA or NRA-ILA goes a long way towards helping our side.

Buying an AR isn't going to stop a ban from being passed, and a ban being passed won't stop guns from being available. Look at the way gun companies reacted to the '94 ban. Granted, any new ban would almost certainly be worded differently, but regardless - if we don't support those groups who are fighting for us, and we don't write letters and make calls on our own, we'll be lost.

 

[dmxx9900]

Every time I purchase from Midway USA I let the NRA have spare change from my purchases.So I do donate to them problem is we are a minority the general public in alot of areas do not care if we have another AW ban especially elmer fudd type gun owners they just care about being able to own their hunting rifle and there shotgun.

Most people in the general public care only about sports and if Obama will win and make "change" happen and if American Idol will have another winner.They could care less if this country is falling apart because there excuse is they make believe our country is fine and everything the government tells us is true then everything will be fine in their minds they are living in dream world because they are too lazy and cowardly to do anything in reality.If I do vote I might as well vote Mccain he is our best choice we have that has a chance of winning normally I would vote Ron Paul but because he has almost 0% chance of winning I might as well vote for the guy closest to my views and who can win.

I bet I know more about what is going on in this country then most people in the general public who are much older and "experienced" then me.

 

[mnrivrat]

The most consistant thing about life is change . What is there today will be gone tomorrow, and replaced with all sorts of surprising moments.

This being a firearms forum, my best attempt at advise is to determine a reasonable amount of your income to spend on firearms and accessories. While your figuring that out, spend some of the time to also determine how much you should save, how much more education you should go for, and just learn to budget a bit overall.

Make sure some emergency cash is there - you will need it. Enjoy the time you have with less responsibility, but be aware , it won't last forever.

 

[EHCRain10]

im in a similar situation financially and in order to curb my purchases, i have a self imposed budget. For every fun purchase that I wish to make, I have to put the same amount of money into savings. Always go with quality over quantity when buying guns.

 

[dmxx9900]

Like I said I only would spend 10-15% of three month income on one gun and ammo.The rest is conserved and left untouched only for small things like $1-$30 if I need it otherwise money will be left intact and I should be able to rake in interest.
The computer install job I have currently only lasts till October up till early November depending how much computers are left installing then I have to quickly get a new job then does not matter what (just not fast food job hate the idea) as long as it is permanent and can sustain over 1k a month.I am not buying a another gun anytime soon not until I have a complete look at what I will have on October and if I have a job inline for November.

I might become an HVAC technician because on October or November I will look and see if I can start out that type of job as a helper and see how I like it they take people with no experience who are willing to learn and the start pay is more even at entry level and if I stay with it I go to technical school and get certification for that job and become a professional at it later then and make a really good income.Computer programmer is another option I will look into if one thing goes bad.

 

[nova1824]

stand up

Your parents deserve a rest take the bull by the horn
move out. let them rest.. buy your toys if you can
join the world the rest of us are in. you sound like you have a good job. stand up and be counted.

 

[scrat]

That or stop buyin guns and ammo. If i had to do it all over again. I would have been investing. Back when your right out of high school living on your parents money and in between going to school and college. I would have done a better job on securing a sound financial future. saving money buying and paying off a good car quick. Most people will think of the times they have and doing stuff with there friends. Not realizing this is the only and last time you have like this. Once you get going and get on your own. Thats it your on your own for the rest of your life. No more parents. Sure it really makes sense to help your parents too. To give them a sense of freedom. Help them pay some bills. But at a young age living at home bills free. Man save that money invest it. That time is short lived. Build your credit right. get your education in line and start securing a good financial future.