Considering this, what would be your next purchase?

[nachosgrande]

I'm sure you're all sick of this type of thread, but I'm having trouble making up my mind and could use some help. I have a birthday next month and was trying to figure out what to get next. So far I have:

1. Ruger P95 (9mm)
2. AK 47 (7.62 x 39)
3. Remington 870 (12 gauge)
4. Winchester Model 61 (.22 cal)

What I'd like to get:

1. Bolt action with scope in 30-06, .308, etc
2. .357 Revolver
3. 30-30 lever action
4. 1911 in .45 cal

These would just be for plinking. Not sure how much use I'd get out of the bolt because Ohio doesn't let you hunt with them. Course, they wouldn't let me use the 30-30, either. I know these are fairly random choices, just guns i've drooled over for some time and look like fun for the range.

 

[Mello]

They all look like fun.

Which would you be able to spend the most time actually shooting given the restrictions that your state's laws put on you? Also, consider the cost of ammo. Lower cost = more shooting.

If you can't hunt with the rifles, seems like you could shoot the handguns more as the ammo is less expensive.

So, if you are now consider those two handguns; do you prefer a centerfire revolver or auto pistol? You can shoot 38spl out of the 357 as a cost saving measure too.

My first centerfire handgun was a S&W Mod. 19 with a 6" barrel (357 mag). Still love that gun. Slick action and tack driving accuracy not to mention a beautifully polished blue finish.

 

[Duke of Doubt]

I'd get either the bolt-action full house rifle for long distance marksmanship or the .357 revolver for home defense with some really nasty destructive loads. I assume the Ruger is your carry piece.

 

[Titan6]

If you are just plinking get the .357. It is the cheapest to shoot of them all so you will get the most use out of it.

 

[Robert]

1911. Everyone should have a 1911.

 

[BADUNAME37]

I second the 1911.

 

[Huddog]

From what you've got listed I'd go with either the .357 or the 1911. But the hole in your collection would be better filled by a pocket gun I believe, maybe a S&W 442????

 

[nachosgrande]

Thanks for the help so far, to answer your questions, I'm already getting a pocket gun (either a Kel Tec P11 or a Taurus 605). For those that think I need a good bolt for long range fun, I'm not sure I have the time or finances for that sort of thing, regardless of how much fun it looks like. Is it easier than I think to do long range work?

 

[yokel]

The rifle and the pistol carried by Sgt. York back in 1918.

 

[Texpatriate]

Given the choices you listed, your situation (no centerfire hunting), and the current political situation (or potetial situation at least), I personally get the 1911 first. I'm not saying that semi-auto pistols are going to get banned anytime soon, but of the four you listed, the 1911 is the most likely to get banned under some sort of 'no semi-autos' ban, which HAS been proposed in the past (though with no serious support. call me paranoid but that's how I prioritize lately.

 

[BADUNAME37]

Is it easier than I think to do long range work?

Depends. If you buy a really good rifle that is extremely accurate and excellent optics to go with it, then all you really need to do is find out which ammo the gun likes best.

If you reload, then you may be spending quite a bit of time working up a really accurate load for the gun (time + money).

If you want tack-driving accuracy, you can either pay up front for a really good gun (say $1,000 to $2,500 plus optics) or buy a Remington, Winchester, Savage, Marlin, etc. and glass bed it yourself, making the barrel free-floating. A trigger job is usually a must. A reliable and accurate scope is not cheap. As with a lot of things, I believe you get what you pay for. Buy cheap and you may be very disappointed and wish you never bought to begin with!

 

[Huddog]

Glad you got the pocket gun. I guess the truth is you pick what you like and you spend your money.

 

[cerberus65]

You need a Beretta NEOS or Browning Buckmark next. .22 pistols are the ultimate cheap practice.

Of your list of 4, I'd probably get a .357 next. And then get the 1911. The .357 is a great, versatile round. Plus, as was already pointed out, you can shoot cheaper .38 Specials. .45 is great too but not as versatile and not as powerful on the top end. I love my 1911 dearly and shoot it better than any other gun I have but I would still get a .357 first and a .45 second.

 

[alaskanativeson]

How about this for an idea: Instead of the 30/30, how about getting a lever rifle in 357 or 44? If you get a 357 revolver later you can share ammo, it's a great brush gun which you can use for deer-sized critters and smaller, and the ammo's reasonable. Not to mention the fact that you can get this in the Marlin 336 which is one of the finest lever rifles ever made, you have a real winner.

 

[gidaeon]

Nice well balanced collection you have thus far!
building on cereberus' thought ...or a Ruger Mk II\III of course Enjoy your decision. IMHO make semi-auto or any potential military surplus priorities for now.

 

[JBinMontana]

4. 1911 in .45 cal

 

[Geneseo1911]

You have the four basics covered: 12ga, centerfire rifle, centerfire handgun, and .22. The choices you presented are all pretty good. A long range bolt gun would be a good choice, everyone should own a wheelgun, and I've always wanted a lever-gun too, but I think if you're only going to own one gun, it should be a 1911. But I'm biased. Get it. You'll love it. It's the standard by which all semi-auto handguns are measured. And few measure up.

 

[Firethorn]

I'd have to go with the AK47; I already own at least an equivalent to everything else.

Not a bad list though.

 

[OAKVILLE SHOOTER]

As others have said, I would go with the 1911.

By the way, I have a Taurus 605 and love it.

 

[Lone_Gunman]

I vote for 1911 also.

 

[ShadyScott999]

1911

 

[Hikingman]

1911, you're ready for a pistol, right? Go out and practice and enjoy the hobby!

 

[si vis pacem]

Every collection needs a 1911. Many collections need several!

As for another option, a .308 bolt action would be excellent. I am partial to Steyr.

 

[OAKVILLE SHOOTER]

Well, I already posted for the 1911.

But, if you just want to plink, how about a handgun in .22lr? The cheapest thing out there to shoot, and lots of fun to boot.

 

[BullpupBen]

How about a .357 levergun?
That way you can find cheap ammo to plink with, you'll have ammo for your revolver if you buy a .357 later, and if you find yourself in a place where the law permits it, you can hunt everything from squirrels to deer.