Hey guys and gals, I'm having a little bit of an issue here. I'm torn between either taking a carbine class in March at www.tacproshootingcenter where I just completed an advanced defensive pistol course or buying a NIB Benelli M1S90. The Benelli comes with the pistol gripped butt stock, ghost ring sights, 18.5 in barrel, interchangeable choke tubes and five round magazine. I shot a Benelli M4 just to try out at my last class and, I was hooked. I have an 870 HD but the Benelli was something else. Now, an M4 is out of my price range but the M1S90 is 850.00+tax and where I can afford it. As far as the class goes, I'll either be taking my M1A Scout that has 560 rounds thought it or my Stag AR which, I haven't even fired yet. I have over 8000 rounds of SA surplus here at the house for the M1A but don't have any 5.56 for the Stag. The cost of the class with the M1A will cost about 919.00 in tuition, gear, hotel fees and ammo for the pistol portion. To take it with the Stag will require me to buy ammo for the rifle to test reliability and stock up for the class and will cost up to 1219.00. The Benelli should cost me 918.00 OTD. I really want to take a shotgun class instead of a carbine class due to being an 11B and being familiar with the ins and outs of carbines in general. What do you think?
I really need some input/help on making a decision.
- Thread starter flip180
- Start date
- Status
RockyMtnTactical
Member
- Joined
- Oct 21, 2006
- Messages
- 3,539
Take the Stag.
sacp81170a
Member
Good lord, man! This is almost a "which foot would you rather have cut off?" question. I'd take the class with the M1A over the stag simply because you'll be learning a skill set different from one you should already be familiar with having been an 11B. The tactical and movement principles will be the same, but I assume you are already fairly comfortable with weapons handling skills on an AR. You'll be able to watch the other AR guys in the class to pick up on anything you might not already know, plus you'll have a much cooler weapon. 
However, I only say 'take the class' because I'm more in favor of training with the weapons you have over buying new ones. Given a limited budget, always take training and ammo over acquiring new weapons. Plus, if you really want the Benelli you'll find a way to get it, whether it be by selling or trading some guns you don't use much or by scrimping and saving a little longer. Unless, of course, you're comfortable with your present level of competency. Then I'd buy the Benelli.
However, I only say 'take the class' because I'm more in favor of training with the weapons you have over buying new ones. Given a limited budget, always take training and ammo over acquiring new weapons. Plus, if you really want the Benelli you'll find a way to get it, whether it be by selling or trading some guns you don't use much or by scrimping and saving a little longer. Unless, of course, you're comfortable with your present level of competency. Then I'd buy the Benelli.
I know it is a tough decision.
"I assume you are already fairly comfortable with weapons handling skills on an AR. You'll be able to watch the other AR guys in the class to pick up on anything you might not already know"
I know the AR like the back of my hand which would make sense if I used it for the class but, I am also very familiar with my M1A. Being an ex-grunt makes me very flexable when it comes to using new weapons. The only thing that the Stag has over the M1A is the safety but, the M1A's safety is mounted on the front of the trigger guard and is within easy reach. It is just a matter of learning a new technique to use the safety. I have also added an extended bolt stop to the M1A which makes mag changes as easy as it is on the AR.
"plus you'll have a much cooler weapon."
Do you think they'll like this? Here's the M1A
.
Flip.
"I assume you are already fairly comfortable with weapons handling skills on an AR. You'll be able to watch the other AR guys in the class to pick up on anything you might not already know"
I know the AR like the back of my hand which would make sense if I used it for the class but, I am also very familiar with my M1A. Being an ex-grunt makes me very flexable when it comes to using new weapons. The only thing that the Stag has over the M1A is the safety but, the M1A's safety is mounted on the front of the trigger guard and is within easy reach. It is just a matter of learning a new technique to use the safety. I have also added an extended bolt stop to the M1A which makes mag changes as easy as it is on the AR.
"plus you'll have a much cooler weapon."
Do you think they'll like this? Here's the M1A
.Flip.
Didn't you answer your own question?
Why not do what you really want to?? "I really want to take a shotgun class instead of a carbine class due to being an 11B and being familiar with the ins and outs of carbines in general."
I don't see anything in the other two options that would cause me to try to talk you out of the shotgun class. And even if I did, why should you take my advice??
Why not do what you really want to?? "I really want to take a shotgun class instead of a carbine class due to being an 11B and being familiar with the ins and outs of carbines in general."
I don't see anything in the other two options that would cause me to try to talk you out of the shotgun class. And even if I did, why should you take my advice??
To be honest, I'd like to do it all but money is a problem. After just getting done with the pistol class, I'm pumped to take another and the Carbine class is comming up in March. Going to classes is also a big social thing. You know, leave the wife and kids at home and shoot stuff. I just wished I made more money.
Flip
Flip
ebd10
Member
Training has transferrables that can be used with whatever firearm you have at hand. Another new firearm just introduces another system you have to learn. The lessons you learn at the carbine class will help you whether you are using an M4 or a Marlin 1894.
You're already familiar with carbine principles.
Take the shotgun class and learn something new. Besides you did say: Bragging?
Take the shotgun class and learn something new. Besides you did say:
I think you've already made up your mind (and correctly IMO) so why the heck are you bothering us?
Bragging?
statelineblues
Member
Buy the Benelli - you'll be !
!"I think you've already made up your mind (and correctly IMO) so why the heck are you bothering us? Bragging?"
Not really
.
It's amazing that in the past two or three hours, my decision has swayed back and forth between the three. I haven't shot the Stag since buying it a couple of months ago and really need to take it out to make a true informed decision. I got a hell of a deal on it and need to take it out and shoot it. I've called a friend of mine who is on the Sherriff's dept and, he's going to let me have a couple a hundred rounds of 62 gr. Wolf FMJ's tomarrow and try out. Maybe that'll help me make up my mind. Here's a pic of the Stag that I just took.
Flip
Not really
.It's amazing that in the past two or three hours, my decision has swayed back and forth between the three. I haven't shot the Stag since buying it a couple of months ago and really need to take it out to make a true informed decision. I got a hell of a deal on it and need to take it out and shoot it. I've called a friend of mine who is on the Sherriff's dept and, he's going to let me have a couple a hundred rounds of 62 gr. Wolf FMJ's tomarrow and try out. Maybe that'll help me make up my mind. Here's a pic of the Stag that I just took.
Flip
sacp81170a
Member
Well then, you just answered the question. Buy the Benelli and save up some money for the shotgun class.
BTW, I bought an M1A Loaded last year. Looks like I'll be saving up to buy a Scout. See what ya done did?
"Well then, you just answered the question. Buy the Benelli and save up some money for the shotgun class."
Well then, I guess it is a done deal . should I at least wait untill after X-mas so that I don't fell guilty spending more on myself than I did for everybody else? Hell, I don't know what I'll be in the mood for tomarrow. This sucks. I took the last pistol class with three coorperate guys that have money comming out of their ears. My jaw dropped when I heard one of them had a M-2 (Yeah that's right, the machine gun ). They were amazingly down to earth though and a good group of guys.
sacp81170a, If you get a Scout, get rid of that stupid rubber recoil pad and put a real USGI steel butt plate on it.
Flip
Well then, I guess it is a done deal
. should I at least wait untill after X-mas so that I don't fell guilty spending more on myself than I did for everybody else? Hell, I don't know what I'll be in the mood for tomarrow. This sucks. I took the last pistol class with three coorperate guys that have money comming out of their ears. My jaw dropped when I heard one of them had a M-2 (Yeah that's right, the machine gun ). They were amazingly down to earth though and a good group of guys. sacp81170a, If you get a Scout, get rid of that stupid rubber recoil pad and put a real USGI steel butt plate on it.
Flip
I'd go with the AR
I'm thinking you'd get more from a tactical training class for an AR than you would from a shotgun. Reasoning being that shotgun is not exactly a finess weapon and you are less likely to need specialized training for it to be effective. The M1A seems too specialized to me.
I'm thinking you'd get more from a tactical training class for an AR than you would from a shotgun. Reasoning being that shotgun is not exactly a finess weapon and you are less likely to need specialized training for it to be effective. The M1A seems too specialized to me.
I've made a decision.
I'm going to take the class but, I'm going to take it with the Stag if it checks out alright with my friends ammo tomarrow at the range. If not, I'll have to take my big bang stick which is the M1A. I have a tip for some Wolf ammo and will place an order tomarrow night in addition I'll order some web gear from tactical taylor also if the AR checks out. If it doesn't and I have to take the M1A, I'll just use the SA surplus I have sitting around and order 7.62 mag pouches instead of AR mag pouches from tactical talor when I place my order. I will use my 870 for what ever shotgun class that comes along unless I **** the money to by the Benelli. I'll keep checking the toilet before flushing . Other than a RRA two stage trigger, a wilderness single point sling and a Daniel Defense single point sling mounting plate, the Stag will be going as is. I read Bartholomew Roberts review of the course and it seemed to me that people were taking big money gear, optics and weapons to the course and not having thier stuff checked out before hand. I'll be taking a basic AR, basic gear, years worth of knowledge and training on the platform and an open mind. I'd like to thank everyone for their input.
Thanks, Flip.
I'm going to take the class but, I'm going to take it with the Stag if it checks out alright with my friends ammo tomarrow at the range. If not, I'll have to take my big bang stick which is the M1A. I have a tip for some Wolf ammo and will place an order tomarrow night in addition I'll order some web gear from tactical taylor also if the AR checks out. If it doesn't and I have to take the M1A, I'll just use the SA surplus I have sitting around and order 7.62 mag pouches instead of AR mag pouches from tactical talor when I place my order. I will use my 870 for what ever shotgun class that comes along unless I **** the money to by the Benelli. I'll keep checking the toilet before flushing
. Other than a RRA two stage trigger, a wilderness single point sling and a Daniel Defense single point sling mounting plate, the Stag will be going as is. I read Bartholomew Roberts review of the course and it seemed to me that people were taking big money gear, optics and weapons to the course and not having thier stuff checked out before hand. I'll be taking a basic AR, basic gear, years worth of knowledge and training on the platform and an open mind. I'd like to thank everyone for their input.Thanks, Flip.
DMK
Member
If it were me, I'd get that AR to the local range ASAP to test it and sight it in. Even if the only range you can get to is 25 yards.
No matter which you choose, bring the other rifle and it's ammo with you if you can. That way you have a plan B if something breaks. "One is none, two is one."
That said, I'd rather shoot an AR all day and focus on the skills than have my shoulder take a pounding from .308 out of a carbine which would distract me from getting the most out of the class. The AR will probably be a lot easier to make quick follow up shots too. You're there to learn, not look cool or show off.
Learn the form at class. You can always practice what you've learned with AR on the more challenging weapon later.
No matter which you choose, bring the other rifle and it's ammo with you if you can. That way you have a plan B if something breaks. "One is none, two is one."
That said, I'd rather shoot an AR all day and focus on the skills than have my shoulder take a pounding from .308 out of a carbine which would distract me from getting the most out of the class. The AR will probably be a lot easier to make quick follow up shots too. You're there to learn, not look cool or show off.
Learn the form at class. You can always practice what you've learned with AR on the more challenging weapon later.
I'll be hitting my friend up for 210 rounds of ammo which is seven magazines worth. Out of the twelve mags I have for the gun, I have seven AR-Stoner mags that will be my primary mags if they function ok. I also have two Brownells and three Bravo company magazines for back up. The ammo he's giving me will be the same ammo I'll be ordering so, I'll not only sight the rifle in but, I'll use it to wring out the Stag to ensure function. Let's just say that I'll be comming home without any ammo.
Flip.
Flip.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
flip180,
I have a way you can take the Shotgun class and almost have the shotgun you want with money left over.
You already have a Remington 870, right? All you need to do is buy a tactical stock conversion kit for your 870. That should cost you around $69. Then look around the local gun shops or on Ebay for a new Remington 870 Police / Home Defense Barrel. You should be able to get one new for between $100 and $125. For under $200 you can convert your current shotgun to the model used by most Law Enforcement Agencies and take the class you really want to take.
Hope this helps but in any case you can convert your 870 to a Tactical shotgun for very little compared to buying a new gun. I converted my son's 870 and he is happy I did. He has a tactical shotgun when he wants it, he can use the long barrel when he wants to shoot skeet and he can use it for deer with the slug barrel he bought for the same shotgun. One 3" magnum receiver, two stock kits and three barrels equals the best of three worlds.
I have a way you can take the Shotgun class and almost have the shotgun you want with money left over.
You already have a Remington 870, right? All you need to do is buy a tactical stock conversion kit for your 870. That should cost you around $69. Then look around the local gun shops or on Ebay for a new Remington 870 Police / Home Defense Barrel. You should be able to get one new for between $100 and $125. For under $200 you can convert your current shotgun to the model used by most Law Enforcement Agencies and take the class you really want to take.
Hope this helps but in any case you can convert your 870 to a Tactical shotgun for very little compared to buying a new gun. I converted my son's 870 and he is happy I did. He has a tactical shotgun when he wants it, he can use the long barrel when he wants to shoot skeet and he can use it for deer with the slug barrel he bought for the same shotgun. One 3" magnum receiver, two stock kits and three barrels equals the best of three worlds.
yongxingfreesty
Member
- Joined
- Oct 3, 2005
- Messages
- 1,396
get the benelli!
- Status
