Good second gun idea?

[pricelessppp]

What would make for a good eventual second gun? Either a AR15 chambered in 556/223 or a dedicated 9mm PCC carbine? Looking for something for self defense but still want something fun for the range. Am looking for something that groups good & is also flat shooting. Either a dedicated 9MM carbine or just grab a complete AR15 556/223 then later on grab a 9MM dedicated upper. Then have the option to play with lots of different calibers even eventually try out shotgun gauges hence theirs shotgun uppers for the AR15 also. I think the AR15 is a wiser choice for a second rifle other then something exotic like the CZ scorpion or the AK 9mms. What would y’all recommend for under 800$ during normal times? This is something I might look into after I go shooting for a while.

MODERATOR NOTE: His first gun is a .22lr Ruger 10-22.

 

[Ed Ames]

That depends. If you want to learn and expand your knowledge I’d generally recommend the “first three” as (in no particular order):

1. .22 rifle
2. .22 handgun
3. 12ga pump shotgun

Those three allow you to learn the basics of all the primary types of shooting.

From there, it’s a matter of what you want to do. Hunting, self defense, target shooting, and so on all have different needs.

 

[gunlaw]

Not sure what your 1st gun is but I prefer an ar 10 over an ar 15. Just like the 308 better. Next choice would be a quality 12 gauge.

 

[Texas10mm]

A basic Ruger PCC.

Now 9mm isn't exactly flat shooting but those Ruger carbines are very accurate. I have both the Ruger and a new PSA 10" AR9 and I really prefer shooting the Ruger. It's like a 10/22 for grown ups.

 

[CopperFouling]

What's your first firearm, and what is the purpose of the second one?

I recently posted some thoughts about this sort of situation.

Honestly, if I had to start from scratch, I'd buy one 9mm handgun and focus a lot more on buying ammunition and practicing with it. For the first five years that I was a shooter, I focused waaay to much on buying more guns. Thankfully, I've grown out of that phase (mostly ).

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...hich-gun-to-carry.869943/page-2#post-11535126

When I first started shooting, I focused too much on hardware and not enough on software. You might think about spending the money getting better with the one firearm you already have. Just a thought from someone who has been there.

 

[Obturation]

Hard to beat a 4" barreled 357 mag.
My first gun was a SAA clone in 45 colt, it served me well.

 

[herrwalther]

Not sure what your first gun is so it isn't really easy to recommend a second. For example, if your only gun was a Glock 19 with no interest in hunting of any kind, I would recommend a Glock 44 for you to practice with in .22LR. If your first and only gun was a 10/22 I would recommend some kind of handgun to have for self defense.

 

[LiveLife]

What would make for a good eventual second gun? Either a AR15 chambered in 556/223 or a dedicated 9mm PCC carbine? Looking for something for self defense but still want something fun for the range. Am looking for something that groups good & is also flat shooting.

We went from .223/.300 BLK ARs and added 9mm PCCs during the last "Great Shortage" when price of 22LR became similar as reloading 9mm (around $5-6/50).

Have you considered using CMMG 22LR conversion kits in your ARs?

For training drills, 22LR kits allow the use of same AR controls and they are relatively flat shooting at much lower ammunition cost. The cost savings from 22LR ammunition could allow you to save up the money to fund another AR/PCC of your choice.

 

[lionking]

during normal times? .

lol not sure when normal times will be back but get one of these S&W M&P sporter II , I added a Vortex Spitire 3x , great optic for the money. Rifle is accurate as any Colt or FN I own and so far as dependable.

So right now the rifle pricing is averaging $200 more than before the COVID and protesting started, and elections are coming also, so who knows when "normal" will be back.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Scorpion

 

[FFGColorado]

What would make for a good eventual second gun? Either a AR15 chambered in 556/223 or a dedicated 9mm PCC carbine? Looking for something for self defense but still want something fun for the range. Am looking for something that groups good & is also flat shooting. Either a dedicated 9MM carbine or just grab a complete AR15 556/223 then later on grab a 9MM dedicated upper. Then have the option to play with lots of different calibers even eventually try out shotgun gauges hence theirs shotgun uppers for the AR15 also. I think the AR15 is a wiser choice for a second rifle other then something exotic like the CZ scorpion or the AK 9mms. What would y’all recommend for under 800$ during normal times? This is something I might look into after I go shooting for a while.

MODERATOR NOTE: His first gun is a .22lr Ruger 10-22.

One son has a Mini-14 and Ruger PC-9, other son has a Ruger AR-15...we all 3 prefer the PC-9..fun, easy, cheaper ammo, takes Glock magazines.....

 

[chicharrones]

What would make for a good eventual second gun? Either a AR15 chambered in 556/223 or a dedicated 9mm PCC carbine? Looking for something for self defense but still want something fun for the range. Am looking for something that groups good & is also flat shooting. Either a dedicated 9MM carbine or just grab a complete AR15 556/223 then later on grab a 9MM dedicated upper. Then have the option to play with lots of different calibers even eventually try out shotgun gauges hence theirs shotgun uppers for the AR15 also. I think the AR15 is a wiser choice for a second rifle other then something exotic like the CZ scorpion or the AK 9mms. What would y’all recommend for under 800$ during normal times? This is something I might look into after I go shooting for a while.

MODERATOR NOTE: His first gun is a .22lr Ruger 10-22.

For me, picking between something in 5.56 vs. 9mm would depend on how far you can shoot for practice, fun, training, etc.

If you're locked in to ranges of 75 yards or less, I'd be inclined to go with the 9mm next.

 

[mdauben]

I'm assuming you are interested in a second rifle, so I'll limit myself to that.

I think I would look at a 9mm carbine like the Ruger PC Carbine. The gun itself has a good reputation, comes in several different configurations, is popular enough to have a nice selection of aftermarket accessories, and falls into your price bracket. The 9mm ammo is about the least expensive centerfire ammo you can find, too, so you will be able to afford to spend lots of time at the range. Its a reasonable choice as a self-defence long gun.

Now, you can't really go wrong with an inexpensive AR-15 (like the S&W M&P Sport for example), and it has both pluses and minuses. Pluses include better range (only really a consideration if you have access to a 200+ yard range to shoot on), an almost endless list of aftermarket parts and accessories, and a general reputation for reliability. On the minus side, while .223/5.56mm ammo is not too expensive for centerfire rifle ammo, its more expensive than 9mm ammo. Depending on where you live (and if you care), an AR-15 may raise more eyebrows than a more "civilian" looking PC Carbine.

 

[AlexanderA]

This question is too open-ended to have an easy answer. We have to know (a) where you are now (OK, you have a Ruger .22 rifle), and (b) where you want to go with your shooting interest. This could develop in many different directions.

I started out, as a teenager, with several milsurps. Those could be had, in those days, for less than $20 apiece (this was in the early 1960's). My first handgun, which I bought at age 22, was an M1911 .45. Then my first "serious" rifle, about a year later, was an AR-15, followed by an M1 Garand.

I think that if I was just starting out now, I would still follow the same pattern (except maybe for the milsurps).

 

[guyfromohio]

Become comfortable with what you have. It’s better to be great with one gun than to have a safe full of queens that you shoot just so-so.

Now if I could only listen to my own advice.

 

[Ignition Override]

Probably a .22LR handgun, to develop good handgun habits as soon as possible.

You might— later — suddenly “fall” for a .380, 9mm etc based on its looks, or even use in a movie/tv show by a Hot Babe (check "IMFDB"). But already having ingrained, very consistent habits with something using ::: far cheaper ammo:::.. One then simply draws on one's skills----or lack thereof.

This is one of my regrets after having the rifle Bug about eight years but suddenly discovered handguns-a WW2 Sauer 38H.

 

[buck460XVR]

I think the OP has a pretty good grasp on what his needs and wants are, even tho his experience is minimal. In today's times a good AR in .223 can be had for under his ceiling of $800 and is as versatile as any other platform. Ammo during normal times is plentiful and relatively inexpensive and .223 is much flatter shooting than any 9mm carbine. I'd suggest waiting till the panic dies down and then go shopping.

 

[sparkyv]

Shoot that 10/22 you got last year first, pricelessppp and provide a range report. Your impressions/results might help with the decision.

 

[Daveboone]

Whatcha interested in? Just personal protection? Target? hunting? I am old school, so I am more inclined to think you need next a good scoped bolt action in .308, 30-06, etc. Versatile, proven very easy access.They may not have the current popularity of the semi autos, but it is the first shot that counts...

 

[JTHunter]

If you already have a handgun (rifle) you like, having a rifle (handgun) in the same caliber would probably be a good choice.
As the moderator added that you already have a 10-22 rifle, you might consider one of Ruger's semiauto pistols to go with it. If you desire a little more accuracy, despite being slower to shoot, consider the Ruger Single Six revolver. It is a single action however but comes with the second cylinder that allows you to shoot .22 Magnum loads. And, with its 6" barrel, it is more accurate than most semis until you get a much longer barrel.

 

[labnoti]

Handgun. If you're under 21, you can still own one, but FFL's have agreed to be restricted from selling you one. They are prohibited, you are not. I can't offer any advice on how to have a thoughtful and generous uncle though. Of course, if you're over 21, then just get a handgun. I appreciate rifles and shotguns but I have almost no use for them. I just can't justify putting money and time into shotguns, carbines or rifles because I know I will not have one when I need it. I always have my handgun.

Once every several years I will get a big game tag and I have a rifle for that. Even if I paid the big fees to hunt out of state, which is really the only way to guarantee that I'll hunt even once a year, I still wouldn't get much utility out of a rifle and I could conceivably hunt with a handgun instead. I haven't yet, but plenty of other people here will tell you they do. I will get the shotgun out for birds, like quail in the fall. Still, there might just be a few days a year I can hunt birds. If you have good opportunities to use a rifle or shotgun, then by all means enjoy them -- even if it is blowing up watermelons or shooting cans of soda at 250 yards.

You mentioned self-defense and for that, handgun. Your first handgun does not have to be your EDC. Pick whatever is fun or appealing to you without regard to trying to carry it. Don't worry about cartridge "effectiveness" for the first handgun -- it's more important that you can and do shoot it -- so make the cartridge choice based on what you can afford to shoot plenty of and what is fun to shoot. I'm not going to recommend a type of handgun or any particular cartridge, but I will recommend a large handgun, and not a subcompact or pocket gun. Get something big and easy to learn on. Handgun classes are the most widely available firearms instruction around, so find a good class and do it.

 

[brasscollector]

My vote is for an AR15 in 223/5.56. A 9mm carbine is not going to be "flat shooting" past normal handgun ranges although it would be cheaper to shoot than a 223.

 

[rskent]

I think the AR15 is a wiser choice for a second rifle other then something exotic like the CZ scorpion or the AK 9mms.

I agree completely.

AR15:

Modestly priced

Easy to learn

Easy to train

Highly effective personal defense weapon.

I don’t know why everyone doesn’t have one or two laying around.

 

[FFGColorado]

I agree completely.

AR15:

Modestly priced

Easy to learn

Easy to train

Highly effective personal defense weapon.

I don’t know why everyone doesn’t have one or two laying around.

That's a big maybe..probably not the best in just about any home, when you hear the floorboards creaking upstairs in your typical 1500 sq ft house...

I can think of more than a few better choices for that stumble around in jammies in the middle of the night, scenario.

For the zombies that are breaching your fence line? You bet...

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I agree completely.

AR15:

Modestly priced

Easy to learn

Easy to train

Highly effective personal defense weapon.

I don’t know why everyone doesn’t have one or two laying around.

I'm not asking for anyone to agree with me but I can provide a little reasoning on this.

The first gun I ever bought was an AR15. It was a bull barrel 24" gun, and it shot very nice. I sold it because of a few reasons, but mostly because I realized for long range shooting there are better cartridge choices than 223/556, I realized I had no interest in varmint or small game hunting, and that particular gun was heavy as you would expect for a gun meant for distance.

So later I bought a P556 pistol with the notion that the smaller and more maneuverable size would make it a better PDW. It was, but it was also a short barrel so it was extremely loud, far bulkier than any of my largest handguns, and it served no purpose.

I sold that gun also, and I realized that for me, the AR15 is a mostly uninteresting gun, chambered in a cartridge I have no practical use for, and that serves no purpose. My other guns are fine for defense and I think they are more fun to shoot.

I am also into pistol caliber reloading/handloading, so for me a PCC in a cartridge I already load for makes more sense. That's why I own a 357 lever gun and a KRISS carbine in 10mm auto. It thumps pretty good.

I also have a mortgage and need to buy a new truck in the next few years, so despite how cheaply you can build an AR, to me it's still just money wasted as I do not care to invest my money on things tha tI know will just sit around.

But if folks like having lots of options, and have the money to spend, an AR or two may be a good option.