Decisions, decisions

[USAF_Vet]

So my wife also has an expensive hobby, but one that makes more money than it consumes: raising, breeding and showing pedigree American Bulldogs.

She wants to keep a pup from this litter, which I'd rather sell since we don't need another dog. I've entered into negotiations that is she gets to keep a pup, I get a new gun. So, what to get?

I've got a tentative agreement on $400, so that's my starting point. I can probably throw another $100-200 on top of that, if need be.

I've been wanting a 1911, and have looked at RIA models.

I'm also in the middle of an AR build, and $400 would go a long way to finishing that.

I also want an AK, but that ship has sailed, and cheap AKs and AK pistols are hens teeth.

Any good C&R options out there these days?

I'm good on shotguns, and don't care for bolt actions. My wife recently acquired a 1978 vintage Marlin 336 in .30-30, and a 1963 vintage Norinco SKS, all matching, in very good condition. So I'm leaning more toward pistols, and novelty guns.

 

[USAF_Vet]

Also, not a big fan of DA revolvers. The cylinder swings out the wrong way. SA revolvers, though, are high on my want list.

And not really hyped up on .22lr guns.

 

[larryh1108]

If you don't have a 1911 then that should be the way to lean. I believe every gun hobbyist should have at least one. It's a piece of American history as well as a fun gun to shoot. You can also accessorize it to make it truly unique and "yours".

 

[HexHead]

Also, not a big fan of DA revolvers. The cylinder swings out the wrong way. SA revolvers, though, are high on my want list.

And not really hyped up on .22lr guns.

Charter Arms Southpaw in .38 Special would suit you. It's in your budget, the cylinder release is on the right, and cylinder opens to the right, for left handed shooters. US made and a lifetime warranty.

 

[bannockburn]

An RIA 1911 would make for a decent choice in your price range. Add a little bit more to your budget and you could be looking at a Ruger SR1911 or a single action Vaquero.

 

[Kaeto]

Charter Arms Southpaw in .38 Special would suit you. It's in your budget, the cylinder release is on the right, and cylinder opens to the right, for left handed shooters. US made and a lifetime warranty.

Here's another vote for the Southpaw. I have one myself as my primary carry gun.

 

[sawdeanz]

If you want an ak and don't have a 762x39 rifle look into either the new century arms fully us made examples ($500) their pap thingy or a vz2008 ($400 with a bunch of mags)

 

[LockedBreech]

The Rock Island Armory basic GI .45 1911 is a nice pistol. I bought one purely to learn the 1911 platform (and because I got a screaming deal) and it's well within your price range.

 

[Ranger Roberts]

A 1911 is a solid choice. I started off with a Colt Gold Cup (inherited from a relative that passed). My next 1911 was a RIA. It's a really nice gun and I still have'shoot it regularly. Now in my 1911 collection I have a Springfield, a few Colts and my newest 1911 obsession are STI's.

***Fair warning though. 1911's, Mosin's and rimfires mulitply in your safe (not with each other of course, that would just be silly)! You get one and the next thing you know you open your safe and there are more!***

 

[USAF_Vet]

The RIA GI is on my short list, and I'd read about the VZ2008, but had no idea they were that inexpensive. Actually I was reading about the VZ58, but similar enough.

I've kicked around the idea of a southpaw Charter, but not really willing to go for one sight unseen. If it had a .44 special chambering like their bulldog, that would be a different story.

I've looked at the Vaquero, but prefer the Blackhawk. I prefer the grip on the BH over the birds head on the Vaq.

On 1911s, I prefer the full beavertail and the skeletonized hammer.

I know, I'm a picky SOB.

 

[courtgreene]

Since you want a handgun and you mentioned C&R, one of those Russian Tokarev Pistols should fit you nicely. The great great great grandfather of the 5.7, I've heard some say. I have no experience with them, but I want one.

 

[ATLDave]

Man, you need to bargain harder! A dog costs a heck of a lot more than $400 over its life! (I should know, I've got 4 of them right now.) Your wife is going to commit many thousands of dollars of family resources... you ought to be looking at a full custom 1911 to keep it fair!

 

[USAF_Vet]

Well, I pushed for 50% of the sale price of registered/ papered show dog. I'm the breadwinner, so its not like I couldn't budget aside the cash over time and just go out and buy a gun. Plus, I also just dropped over $3000 on a new Snap-On tool box for work a month ago... So I figure that plus the gun is a fair trade for the pup. Don't want to push my luck too hard, and we have the holiday expenses to cover soon, too.

 

[JSH1]

Ruger Single Six in .327 Federal Magnum. SA revolver and novelty cartridge.

 

[ms6852]

I would finish or put the money towards your AR you are building. This is an excellent opportunity to purchase quality parts instead of settling for something less because of price.

 

[Doc7]

+1 to finishing the AR. Buy a nice trigger and another upgrade or two for it that you otherwise wouldn't have gotten, and end up with a real high quality piece.

 

[kitsapshooter]

I know the price of bulldogs. If you are only getting 400 for gun money you are being cheated. you better check the wife's bra (maybe with her in it) for money.

 

[USAF_Vet]

I know the price of bulldogs. If you are only getting 400 for gun money you are being cheated. you better check the wife's bra (maybe with her in it) for money.

And $3300 worth of tools and tool box.

Rarely do lesser known kennels sell for more than what we're asking. $800 for a pup is a stretch for an American Bulldog unless you are selling from a well known, multi championed kennel. $3700 is a fair price, I think.