Arm or Rearm when Cash Strapped

[bearcreek]

A straight talk cellphone

For a lot of people, a "straight talk cellphone" = loss of job. I certainly expect the people working for me to read and respond to emails when they're not at their desks and read attached documents.

You guys must not be familiar with Straight Talk. That's what I use and they have every bit as good of service as the "big" companies. They use the same networks. There is literally zero difference in service or features.

 

[John Joseph]

I think the question of “For what purpose” is a crucial question. There also comes a point where you have to be willing to sacrifice some creature comforts for a little while and free up some funds. A straight talk cellphone, cancel the satellite, don’t eat out for a month. You could free up a substantial amount of money in no time. We don’t realize how much money we absolutely blow on things that’s don’t really matter in the short term.

My question is why, all of the sudden, be seeking to arm, or re-arm?
Is the scenario coming from having no experience with firearms? Or having a firearm(s) that are no longer serviceable? Also what other expenses are being incurred that prohibit or limit being able to afford a firearm?
The answers should have a bearing on any suggestions being offered.

 

[Sovblocgunfan]

For a lot of people, a "straight talk cellphone" = loss of job. I certainly expect the people working for me to read and respond to emails when they're not at their desks and read attached documents.

Of course, the people who work for me are generally paid enough to be able to afford that and a $400 gun once an ever. Just pointing out that one man's "luxury" is another man's livelihood.

I think he meant straight talk the brand name, not straight talk (lack of other features).

For me, if I’m cash strapped and feel like I need to be armed, I won’t be huntin’ where I live (too expensive) and may work multiple jobs/odd hours, or just need something for the house. I am just gonna go with a new taurus 9mm auto and some ammo.

 

[ATLDave]

You guys must not be familiar with Straight Talk. That's what I use and they have every bit as good of service as the "big" companies. They use the same networks. There is literally zero difference in service or features.

Oh, I thought he was referencing an old school talk-only phone, not a network. By all means, get the cheapest adequate network available!

 

[bannockburn]

If I were looking for great deal on a quality gun I would go with the Ruger SR9 for $250 at Sportsman's Warehouse. Bud's has the S&W M&P Shield in 9mm. for $302 if CCW was a bigger consideration. Both are worth the money and 9mm. ammo is still relatively inexpensive. Going the one, all-purpose handgun route I would probably go with a new or used S&W Shield or a used Ruger SR9c (with the spare 17 round magazine it would also make for a good home defense gun).

A Maverick 88 will run you around $206 from Bud's while the two barrel combo (28" vent rib for hunting), goes for $233. There's also the H&R Pardner Protector for $175. With a shotgun I would spend the extra money and get the Maverick 88 combo package. Would make for a decent gun for both home defense and for hunting. I did this awhile back by adding a vent rib barrel with Accu-Chokes for my Maverick 88.

 

[94045]

Stevens 94 12 ga
Asking $75 (Local Pawn Shop).

Yes, I realize single shot is less than ideal.
However a friend's father found even in .410 loaded with #6 (needless to say it wasn't intended for self-defense) it beat the hell out of a sharp stick. At 3' it didn't do his assailant's liver and pancreas much good either.

 

[mljdeckard]

I find myself wanting to get a little bit creative.

Maybe I'm getting spoiled, but I wouldn't go that low. I would tighten the belt, eat some ramen, and cruise the pawn shops for a used G-19. Then a used 870. Then a used Ar. (Or build one, something like a Del-ton kit.) I just don't like having guns with an asterisk, meaning, "I would ditch this thing tomorrow if I had a choice. But I don't."

There are interim options to consider, like a used Mosin or SKS. No shortage of those in the pawn shops.