Covering my bases and filling my safe (a long range plan)

[Batty67]

Hello. Just got back into shooting and firearms in general. I also just got a decent Winchester safe that should comfortably carry about 12 long guns
(500 lbs). (Now I just need to get it moved from my minivan to my basement!)

At present, I have a modern (Auto Ordnance) tacticool M1 carbine in a choate stock with forward/scout rail and Vortex SPARC red dot. Nice and fun to shoot, if expensive with .30 carbine. I also have a Sig P299 in .40S&W for home defense/range time, and a CZ RAMI (decocker) in 9mm for CC.

Of course, that safe M1 carbine will need company! So far, my long-term (as in it will take a few years) plans to fill-it are (1) a ruger 10/22, either tactical, or possibly the target/tactical (I should get this within the next month or so); (2) a semi-automatic 12 gauge shotgun, either an FN-SLP, or maybe a Benelli M1; (3) some sort of AR build; (4) maybe a mini-14 or mini-30because I like carbines; and (5) a full-sized M1 Garand or M-14 clone. NOT a hunter, so don't need a dedicated hunting gun. Oh, I think I'm set, practically at least, for pistols, but I'd like to get a nice .45 semi-automatic at some point, though I've heard that is an expensive hobby that can get out of control quickly...

How does this general plan sound? Suggestions? Thanks.

 

[AlexM]

You've got some good choices. I can tell you what I prefer but your own shooting style should dictate what you choose. Personally I'm more of a "feel" type shooter than a technical one. If the gun fits right and feels right then I lean towards it over other models that might be "technically" better. For example there's nothing wrong with Springfield XDs but I can't stand them myself, again they don't feel right to me. In the end though being proficient is the most important thing. Front sight on target, smooth trigger press, and you're gold.

However, to get to your specifics. I'll give you my opinions on what you listed.
(1) Ruger 10/22 Tactical would be my preference. Not as many tweaks but I can be less forgiving with it.
(2)I prefer the Benelli shotgun models, but I think that's mostly because I have lots of experience with them.
(3) AR series are simply the best, I love them, but there's just TOO much to say what you should get. You'll have to spend some time here and decide a personalized load out that works best for you and the desired use. Best advice I have here is I think it's better to focus on a specific use and gear it to fit that. Don't put an 4x scope and by-pod hoping to do close quarters. You get the point.
(4) Carbines are cool but I'd just ask the question of Ammo on this one. Are you using it enough to necessitate cheaper ammunition? If not then go for something that'll have some power behind it. A carbine is still shoulder fired so you have a chance to increase the power of the round while maintaining good control.
(5) I prefer the M1 to the M14 for the shear historical factor to it, and that cool sound when the clip empties.

You've obviously left out the M249 SAW Machine Gun, and the M203 Grenade Launcher as you prepare to deck out your Infantry squad, but all in all you've got it pretty covered.

 

[Dueling1911s]

1. the s&w m&p15-22 is an excellent plinkster, cant go wrong with the ole 10/22 either
2. i shoot a benelli m2 for bird hunting and she's a powder puff recoil wise
3. get a stag, good quality, made in house, and affordable. quad rails are pure evil. you will end up spending more on the "ornaments" than your "evil black xmas tree"
4. forget the mini 14's and 30's when you have an ar15 all ready.
5. springfield m1a loaded model. barrel, flash hider, trigger, and sights are all national match parts so you get great accuracy for less money than a full national match gun

you need a nice high end 1911 like wilson combat, ed brown, night hawk, or les baer.

 

[leftyz]

I just want one of everything, heck while we are at it, make it two

 

[RaceM]

Generally my practice is to cover short, medium, long, and very long range. So, pistol, 22 rifle, 12 gauge, carbine, and high-powered rifle respectively.

On the 10/22 tacticool isn't a necessity. Mine's stock except for bigger mags and a scope. Does fine out to a hundred yards. YMMV

 

[Fishslayer]

Get a reloading press. If you want to do any serious stockpiling it's the only way to go. You can take it a step further & cast your own bullets. Lead is going for about $1/lb.

Don't overlook the commie rifles. You can feed an AK or SKS for pretty cheap with a few spam cans of milsurp 7.62x39.
Quite a few Nazis found out the hard way that a Mosin Nagant in 7.62x54R can be quite effective. Steel core milsurp is about $80 for a spam can of 440 rounds.

 

[Telekinesis]

I'd add a good AK and maybe another battle rifle as far as long guns go. Possibly a nice, accurate bolt gun too. You can always have fun hitting steel plates at long range!

You may want to add to the pistols too. Maybe a Glock (*gasp*) just to try it and have a gun you can abuse without worrying too much about. And who knows, you may end up loving it like all the fan boys say you will!

That's just the bare bones. You've still got a lot of room if you ever want to look into NFA toys! I think every *real* gun needs the option of wearing a suppressor! Especially Sig pistols. And then there's full autos and SBRs.... Just think of how much fun a short AK with a suppressor and subsonic ammo would be!