How do you prioritize your gun purchases?

[GunnerShotz]

You may be an IDPA shooter, or a Trap shooter, or Skeet, or Cowboy Action, or a Hunter, or only interested in personal defense, or home defense, etc...

But I want to make it clear that this is a more generalized question based primarily on practicality and budget consciousness. If you're on a budget (which I most certainly am, like many others) and you want to enjoy your 2nd Amendment rights, how do You prioritize your purchases?

I realize this is a multifaceted question, and that different people will have different reasons for why they bought their first gun... and why they bought/buy their 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, etc I'm just sincerely curious as to whether or not there is a common thread ....

How do you prioritize your gun purchases?

 

[OARNGESI]

my first gun was a handgun bought it for range fun. now if i see something i like and have the money ill buy it doesnt matter if its a pistol revolver shotgun or rifle.

 

[DesertFox]

I keep my eyes peeled for pieces I have not seen before and buy them when I do.

 

[firesky101]

I am cheap, and want one of just about everything. I keep my eyes peeled and buy when I find a good deal.

 

[forindooruseonly]

I have a running list of things I'm interested in. Sometimes it's a specific gun - like right now I'm looking for a Savage 99 EG, or sometimes it's just features - like pinned and recessed S&Ws. Then whatever I happen to stumble upon gets bought first.

I realize this is a bit different from most since I buy almost exclusively older guns. I don't prioritize for needs - I've got needs covered a long time ago. I just roll with it and when I find something that strikes me and I have some play money, I'll buy it. The chase never ends, if I buy something and miss out on something else, well then there's always next time.

 

[Rail Driver]

Priorities? What are those?

Really, I just buy whatever strikes my fancy that I have enough cash for when I decide it's time to get another gun, unless there's something specific I think I need (such as the time I swapped one of my two 1911s for a snubnose revolver, a pump shotgun and a .22 rifle)

 

[Bullnettles]

No priorities because, like above, those are covered. I buy it if I like it or have it on a running list.

 

[Bobson]

I'm starting my collection, whereas it seems like most people here already have impressive collections, so my answer is likely to differ.

I purchase by category; for example:

1) HD shotgun
2) Hunting rifle
3) Handgun for CC
4) Dedicated backup HD weapon (Handgun)

Etc.

Once those four niche slots are filled, I'll change my approach by prioritizing my "wants." Those first four firearms are my "needs." So far, two down, two to go. Hoping to have #3 filled before the end of the Summer.

 

[Waywatcher]

First, I got guns that I use the most, in order of use. CCW/IDPA, target, hunting, trap, would equal Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun.

Next, after I had a working battery of a handful of guns that do most anything I want, I took note of my Grail Guns (you probably already know them by this point) and keep an eye out for them. It takes time and patience. I found my first Grail Gun a couple weeks ago, a 1969 Wingmaster 870 in fantastic, original condition, choked mod with no rib. I have been looking for at least 5 years and probably looked at fifty of them; but they weren't quite right because of the length, the choke, the neglected finish, etc. Another Grail Gun of mine that I'm still keeping an eye out for is a nice Post-War S&W in .357 Magnum; a Model 27. The more specific your Grail Gun requirement is the less likely you are to find it; but you'll know its perfect when you hold it. To quote from Harry Potter, "the wand chooses the Wizard."

 

[blarby]

I prioritized ( and am still prioritizing) by filling out "slots" if you will.

A training rifle for the wife, and general low cost per round, easy to stockpile plinker/survival gun - this was my bolt action marlin 22. My .30-30 lever could also fill this niche.... but isn't as cheap per round, nor as easy to stockpile as the .22. I can however get real rifle performance at short range, with a nigh infallible action- and a very reasonable cost per round with reloading.

Shotguns for sport and hunting. One for each of us...two mossy 500's.

Pistols for defense and sport. One for each of us- A kimber for the wife, a 44 mag for me.

Rifles for hunting and sport. One for each of us. A ruger .308 match for me, a 7mm-08 for my wife.

Next will be semi-auto battle rifles. I'm leaning towards an FAL, she's leaning towards an AK... probably of polish make.

After that, its pretty much fill the rafters with bullets.

We like all the guns we have, and shoot them all regularly. We've covered a lot of ground in ammo and weapon types, and have a lot of areas of overlap in usefulness. As a result, it would be hard to get jammed up in a shortage of any type that would compromise either our entertainment, our safety, or if necessary our food supply. From entertainment to defense, at just about every range and convenience necessary- we have whats needed.

Some might argue that you need more, some less. But you can't really go wrong with having a marksmanship training rifle, a shotgun, a sidearm, a long-range hunting rifle, and a "battle" rifle as important "slots" in any reasonable assemblage of firearms for household use.

 

[carbuncle]

I have a couple of lists, one is a big list with a wide variety of firearms on it which I may or may not ever actually get around to buying and the other is a shorter list which I would like to actually complete within the next few years. anything is fair game if I see a good deal and have the cash, but I try to focus on the short-listed items first. Also, I'm trying to avoid getting into certain calibers before I start reloading so I'm focusing on .22, 9mm & .40 right now since I already own guns in those calibers.

 

[Teachu2]

Here in CA, I prioritize handguns by what I want that's available, with priority going to new guns that are going to fall off the CA DoJ approved list and never return. Glock made the decision to not submit G4 guns for testing, so I decided which Glocks were of interest to me and bought G3 versions. I'm avoiding the SSE dance around the loophole, as eventually someone may notice and close it - in a rather nasty way. It doesn't take a lot of imagination to see a liberal judge ruling that if a gun was modified to comply with CA requirements for SSE with the express intent of importing off-list guns, those guns must remain in SSE condition within the state. Great - a long-barrelled single-shot Gen4 G26.....

I buy rifles and shotguns whenever I find a great deal (like a Remington 1100 LT-20 in excellent condition for $150) or even a good deal on a Grail gun. Fortunately, I don't have a lot of Grail guns on my wish list.

And, like many others, sometimes I get an itch for something that doesn't make a whole lot of sense - but I usually end up with one anyway...

 

[Dr.Rob]

I have a short list of things I 'want' vs. things I 'need'. Occasionally a good bargain comes up or a gun show find I can't walk away from.

Most of my 'needs' are filled. Can't see 'needing' another shotgun for instance.

I have a few mild wants. A BHP, another Vaquero in 44 mag. A number of always on the look out for: ie pre-war Colts.

Thing I can't quantify is the 'wow thats a hell of a deal' or the 'buddy needs to sell a few items' kind of deals that come along.

 

[SANDRAT]

I try to keep my collection to what I think I need for hunting and self defense.Occasionally I find something "I never knew I needed until now" That's how I wound up with a STG58,Calico M100,Beretta P9.............

Where I live,we don't have much crime.Biggest danger in my neighborhood is coming face to face with a Brown Bear,Black Bear,or,big maybe,a Momma Moose with calf.I do a lot of hunting and fishing and would rather have fewer guns and put my money into top notch optics,GPS,varmint caller,range finder,Clothing and gear.Best gun in the world is useless to me if it doesn't have quality sights,and I'm wet and miserable out on the Tundra or in the muskeg.

Here's the short list,

S&W 629 DX Classic,goes with me everywhere,would love a 460V or 500

Ruger 10/22,customized w/Silencer,goes with me,killed lots of small game and varmints.No plans to replace it.

Custom AR15 in 6X45 with ACOG,my main Coyote/Wolf/Lynx gun.Had it for years,think I'm very happy with it.

Remmy 870 Super Magnum and Mossy 835,My Waterfowl cannons,only thing I hunt with a shotgun,use the 10/22 for grouse and Ptarmigan.Would truly love to have one of those new Benelli semi-auto's !

Custom 338 EDGE w/ Lawton action,custom 22" bbl,brake,trigger,stock,Sightron SIII tactical scope...........accurate,heavy hitter that does less meat damage to smaller critters than a lot of smaller carts do.Keeps evolving.Every time I cuss the 10# weight with optics,nothing else I look at matches up to it,think I'll Keep It !!!

I've been looking at lightweight mountain rifles in a smaller,flat shooting caliber for hunting Sheep and Goats,but still big enough if I tangle with a Grizz,thinking a Remmy 700KS might do the trick,then I gotta buy optics

 

[captain awesome]

well these are the thoughts that initially enter my considerations;
Laws; what is the most likely to be infringed upon next? Fire arms with 11+ round capacity mags, and this may just be foolishness, but handguns come to mind also.
Need; if I have a purpose for it, such as hunting, SD, CC, HD, SHTF, ect.
Fun; just for the hell of it, or range toys. this is based solely on wants and likes
Collectible; This one can be tricky, you have to move this one to the high priority and then to the back burner based on what politics and the economy is doing. And needs to be opportunistic in nature.

I went heavy on the handguns to start with, and there are really only 3 more handguns that are real high up on my want list(yes I keep a physical list that gets updated frequently)even though I factor all those points in when making my list, What usually wins out are impulse buys or deals to good to pass up.I have needed a varmint rifle for a very long time but still don't have one. Instead, I just bought 338 lapua, and I don't even shoot competitively. maybe I can try to use it for ultra long range coyote hunting.

So ultimately its wants that win out over the more wise purchases.

 

[scchokedaddy]

Only priority here is can I find 2 of them? I finally have all I need, now buying for grand kids. Oh I forgot any A5 I can afford I will buy fer sure.

 

[Havok7416]

I keep what has turned into a pretty detailed spreadsheet detailing the finishes, prices and other sundry options of various firearms I want down to a "T". As it stands now, I am working on the last seven guns on the list then the collection will be complete!

 

[bannockburn]

When I first started buying guns it was those that I really wanted: a SAA, a Colt Government or Combat Commander, and a S&W J frame snubbie, a Remington 870, and a Colt AR-15. What I could actually afford was a different matter. Eventually I obtained those that I really desired and began to look for those that were of interest to me but didn't necessarily had a specific purpose in mind for them.

Lately I would have to say CCW and HD guns have priority as to my selection process for purchasing.

 

[bracer]

I was given my first rimfire rifle in 1948 and purchases my first center fire big game rifle in 1952. A varmint rifle, shot gun was gotten in 1956 and hand gun in 1957. I then had all the firearms hunting tools I would ever need to hunt small game, varmints, big game, and birds. But there were times when after paying off bills, saving for a car, house, and retitrment I had some money left. There has ben a bunch of new cartridges and firearm models come out since 1957 some sounded good to me so I would get it but I dident need it. But it has ben fun trying out the different firearms . Nevered had a plan to get a collection it just happened.

 

[Sgt_R]

Needs before wants, with the definition of each term to be interpreted by the individual.

My primary interest in firearms is for self/home defense, so my first 2 firearms purchases were a Mossberg and a Glock. Someone else's primary interest in firearms may be for hunting, in which case they might prefer to spend their money on a Model 700 with good glass. There is no 'one size fits all' answer.

R

 

[Agsalaska]

I satisfied all of the needs long ago. Now I just buy what I want whenever I get the itch. Usually it is when I see a good deal on something. Last gun was a model 10 from Buds for $269. Nowadays thats a good deal. I dont even shoot that much. I probably haven't shot the last four or five guns I have bought. So why do I buy them? I dont know.

 

[mdauben]

Whatever I want the most, at the time I have the money to buy it!

 

[22-rimfire]

It has been a while since I had a prioritized list of firearm needs. But my approach was pretty practical and use oriented. At the beginning, I did not necessarily buy the best or the worst, but I always tried to buy well made firearms based on my knowledge level.

For me the priority went this way:
(1) 22 rifle for hunting, plinking, and target shooting. I chose a semi-auto 22 rifle the first time because I wanted the gun to be fun to shoot.

(2) Centerfire rifle for deer hunting. I chose a Mossberg 243 for both deer and varmint shooting. I later went with separate rifles for these purposes.

(3) Handgun for self defense (home, plinking, and hunting). I initially chose an H&R 22 revolver. Then, I chose a Colt Diamondback in 22 and purchased a Colt Python as my home defense and potential hunting handgun. Times have changed as have the prices. So, I would probably not choose either at the beginning now if I were on a strict budget. Probably Ruger Mark II/III to start and then a used S&W Model 10 or 15. In a semi-auto, a Glock would be my choice to start with if they feel good in your hand. I feel you just can't go wrong with a Glock.

(3a) I would be very interested in a small handgun for carry and discreet transport now but that was not a priority when I first became interested in such things.

(4) Shotgun for hunting and potential home defense. I chose a 20ga Remington M870 to start with. Home defense was a low priority when I already had handguns that filled that niche for me. Now I would buy a 12ga Remington M870. Not much difference.

(5) If I were younger, undoubtedly, I would purchase a SKS or similar rifle for fun and potential defensive use. Not much a fan of the Mosin Nagant rifles even though they are inexpensive. I tend to want a US caliber or a very common military caliber. I lean toward the Ruger Mini 14.

Make a mental list and keep some cash around for gun purchases. Hit the gun shows to see what is available both new and used and the pricing. Then research pricing a bit more as you need to be aware of what a fair price is for the guns you are interested in. When you find it and you have the money, buy gun. Simple.

Wants.... those are for unbudgeted purchases (but you have the money available) that generally are bargains or something that fits into your general future accumulation. It's fun to be a bit spontaneous.

 

[HGUNHNTR]

When I was young I wanted one of everything. THe older I get the more discerning I am. I look for quality guns that look like they would be fun to own and shoot. That might be an old Smith revolver, it might be a new auto pistol or rifle. Whenever something trips my trigger I buy it, and if I end up not being too in love with the gun I'll give it away or sell it off and buy something else. It's a good way to keep the inventory fresh, exciting, and full of guns you enjoy owning.

 

[CountryUgly]

I buy based strictly on what I like. I don't even pay attention to the price to start with. Like recently I was looking for my first 1911. I read a bunch of comments and reviews online and narrowed my choices by that down to 3 guns. A mil-spec SA, RIA 1911A1, and a Colt. Next I figured my budget to about 800-1k. All fell inside my budget so that was a non issue. Next I went and shot them. I bought the one I shot the best and that I liked the feel of the best. It was the RIA. It grouped better for me and was the only one that functioned 100% with the 3 different rounds I fired. That's how I do it. First personal attraction, second how well it fits in my budget, third how well I shoot with it. The one that fits all 3 the best gets a new home.