Hard for Me to Justify Gun Purchases

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EvanWilliams

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HI, guys. I really love guns but as I get older my practical side has kicked in.
I find it hard to justify buying the SIG 556 or AR that I lust after with the knowledge that I have a very good shootin Mini-14 in the safe. I can't justify buying any bolt action hunting rifle or tactical one as I have a superb SIG SHR 970 in the safe. Shotguns? Would love a Benelli M4 or a Krieghoff. Got 2 Brownings, one a Gti and the other a Sporting Clays and a Mossberg 500 for the house. Handguns? A Kimber would cure cancer in my book. Can't do it. Got a Colt Defender that will not say die. Springfields or HKs. Want 'em but don't need 'em. Got a couple of Glocks (26/33) and a SIG P239. 1903? Got a Mauser 8mm. 22? Ruger 10/22. Lever? Marlin 30-30. Snubbie? NAA 22lr.

I figure I am going to have to start buying guns for my wife or dad. That might be a good work around!!

I do have a legitimate hole in the battery. I don't have a 308 semi-auto. I am thinking M1A. Anyone have a strong argument against it? AR in 308 maybe?
 
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If you insist on getting a 308 fighting rifle just get a FAL but I highly recommend you skip the 308 and get an AK-47 in 7.62x39mm.:uhoh:
 
The French manufactured MAS 49/56 has been called the "poor man's M1a".

They're originally chambered for the French 7.5mm but many have been converted to .308. They're about 1/3 the price and fun to shoot.

The trick is to get a good conversion, some conversions are major headaches.
 
Evan, my son. 'I want one' is reason enough.
"...I don't have a 308 semi-auto..." It have to be .308? Look into a CMP M1Rifle. Jump the hoops, shoot the matches even if you don't have to and buy one. No rifle is quite like an M1. And I've shot a whole bunch of assorted battle and commercial rifles. Not one comes close to an M1. Including the real semi'd M14 I have. There's just something about 'em.
Here first. http://www.thecmp.org/eligibility.htm
Then here. http://www.thecmp.org/m1garand.htm
"...what I've been looking for is a ar-style .308..." It's called an AR-10. The current crop isn't the same as the originals, but the ATF won't let you have one of them. Originals were select fire. The current crop isn't exactly inexpensive and mags are cheap though.
http://www.armalite.com/Categories2.aspx?Category=f4bd4a13-55d1-41aa-aea0-49488ec48776
Commerical FAL's are hit or miss. Unless you can get a real one. Not all were select fire.
 
How to justify?

I would go for "cuz it's cool, and I can afford it, and if I own it, it will bring me pleasure."
 
You seem very wise in your gun purchases. I absolutely love the M1A's and would go that direction. You won't be disappointed.
 
Very few of us "need" the guns we own and even fewer shoot them with any regularity.

OTOH, you could just treat the collection as a continuously improving minimum set of firearms as you look for the ideal example of each type you "need".


Could we also grow up and drop the very tired childish jokes?
 
That is why I come here. I read a good bit but the knowledge and judgement I find here is outstanding. I did consider Class III. My friend who is an old gun nut has some class III stuff. I fired full auto and enjoy it but not so much that I would shell out the money for class III. He has discouraged purchasing full auto. His take (Vietnam vet) is that it is not useful.

I don't have to have a 308. The other alternatives mentioned are greatly appreciated. I actually like the profile of the MI as there is no box mag sticking down. Gonna look into the M1 as alternative to MIA. CMP route for sure.

If my gun choices have been wise it is thanks to my buddy who turned me on to guns and gave me good advice all along the way. I still rely on him but supplement with knowledge from you guys. However, he is 64 years old and I am 38. I think long and hard before opening the wallet. He buys what he wants and if it turns out to suck, he sells it or sticks it in the safe. I have never sold a gun!
 
If you just had the guns you needed it would be a 30-06 bolt gun, a 12 gauge shotgun, some .22, and a .357 revolver. Everything else is just gravy.
 
When I was 16-25 yrs old, I was all about justifying purchases and I had a constant struggle between my "guardian angel" and the little invisible gun gremilin. Years pass and I can honestly say, if you need justfication, you're just playing mind games to make yourself or others feel better about your choosing to spend the money. Have fun. You only go around one time.
 
Hiya Evan,
Like others have said --- buying firearms is a PLEASURE !! Some people drink or smoke or chase women -- some do all three and STILL BUY FIREARMS !!!

You sound a little bit younger then me -- both my parents are passed on is why I say that -- if nothing else , "buy" a gun for your Dad , WIfe , future child or even YOUR DOG !!!

Comfort yourself in knowing that Guns RARELY lose value --- examples; the Colt Gold Cups I've had/have I paid $500 for new in box -- value today , $800-$1200. Most all the S&W revolvers I have were $300/$500 -- value today; $500 -$1500 . The H&K 91 that I paid $500 for is worth OVER $1500 and the Springfield M1A "loaded" that I bought 10 years ago for $750 is selling for $1200 AT LEAST !!!

I'd say get a SA M1A --- if most of your shots will be around 300 yards , get the Socom 1 or the Scout ----- if most of your use will be over 300 yards , get the longer brl.
Or a AK-47 type rifle !!!
 
Speaking for myself. . .guns are a tool. Mine are multi-functional and used/maintained regularly. My recent purchase, a 22/45 (plus 1k rds) will be used for plinking, hunting, defense (yes. .don't know about you, but I would not want to get hit by several well placed rds of .22), backpacking & used by a young female neighbor who is participating in a women's intro to firearms class. It has been broken in (250 rds) and completely cleaned. My wife got to break it in, which gave her the opportunity to acclamate herself to it. Gotta love Multi-functionality.
 
My guns are shooters. There's no more room in the gun safe (or the budget) for collector pieces. My justification for purchases is the enjoyment I derive from launching bullets from different guns, plus maintaining them and doing an occasional modest upgrade like new grips. The ammo shortage situation has changed everything, I won't buy anything unless I believe there'll be ammo available to feed it. I'd like to get another .380, for example, but be damned if I'll fork over $400-500 for a pistol that's gonna cost the proverbial arm and leg to shoot.
 
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I guess it's all in what you like. Even after I quit shooting I intend to keep buying just because I like to collect them.

Like I tell everyone "I have my first gun, but I don't have my first wife." Besides that, my first gun looks brand new but not so for my first wife:barf:
 
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