Is the choice between a heap of ammo, or a gun?

[Ignition Override]

Have some of you guys been on the tipping point between these options?
There are advantages to either decision. The amount of cash is about the same for either choice.

Some people feel that a (second) Spanish FR8 could go up in price faster than a heap of surplus
(non-corr.) NATO 7.62, in the next two years or so.

 

[ShawnC]

The way I see it, they're both something I would save for individually. At the last gun show I went to my whole purpose was surplus .308 (it's the only reason I go to gun shows anymore). Both are expensive enough that I couldn't see myself going into a gun store to buy something I've saved up for and been drooling over, then suddenly ditch it for a bunch of ammo.

 

[HGUNHNTR]

I'd much rather have a few guns and a lot of ammo than a little ammo and many guns. Of course many guns and a lot of ammo supercedes both.

 

[vellocet]

Easy. Just get a long Mosin rifle. One costs about the same as the other, and neither will increase too much in value any time soon.

 

[Old krow]

Generally I'd go for the ammo, but it really works out more to be an ammo to gun ratio that I stick with.

 

[huntsman]

normally I'd rather have enough ammo(is there really any such thing) and settle for less guns, but if it was a caliber I didn't have and needed then I'd buy the gun.

 

[Mr.Blue]

I figure I have enough guns now. It's time to increase my ammo reserves.

 

[Psa1m144]

Tough choice and I have found myself with the same problem a couple times in the last year. On the one hand, if you get the gun you can always sell it and get your money back....ammo is gone as fast as it comes (at least for me). Investment or practice? I'm a sucker for more guns...

 

[OARNGESI]

Both are relatively worthless with out the other we all need 16 aks 15 ars 5 of each glock model a couple dozen kimbers maybe a few revolvers and 10000 rounds for each gun dont settle for less

 

[LJ-MosinFreak-Buck]

My next few purchases will be (other than stock making materials and a test subject i.e. another Mosin in the 91/30 flavor) lots and lots of ammunition. I am running out for all of the firearms, and I have a whole un-used closet in which I could store the ammo. Hmm... I think that's a good call on my part.

 

[Fishslayer]

All my guns are in standard calibers, and not a lot of them. Easier to stockpile a few calibers, especially x54R & x39. Loads of cheap milsurp available.

 

[TennJed]

Reload your own.

 

[Badlander]

I'm stocking primers and powder. I don't cast but I have A few bullet molds for just in case.

 

[Reasoned1]

I generally shoot for a ratio of at least 1,000 rounds per gun and go higher for guns I expect to shoot more (e.g., .22 LR and 5.56mm).

 

[Lex Luthier]

Once you have the range of models and calibers to satiate your current collection desires, go for the stacks of ammo. I like to keep a couple thousand rounds of everything I shoot, and about five thousand rounds each of 9mm, .40 cal, and .223. Check out armslist.com.

 

[FROGO207]

I am at the point that I buy a firearm only if it is a great deal these days. I do not buy factory ammo other than rim fire. I am stocking primers, propellant, and gas checks for what I already own however.

 

[smallbore]

Ammo.

 

[Slamfire]

If you buy the guns, the ammunition will come.

 

[22-rimfire]

I think it depends on what you like more. From a practical perspective (cost), it would be better to have fewer fireams and more ammunition. But I can't say that I am always practical and some guns are purchased with the intention of never shooting them. I don't even have ammo for some of the firearms I own. Don't really care as there is plenty of other choices with ammo.

The other side of the coin is more firearms and less ammo... For the average shooter and I would question if they are a "shooter" at all, they don't need more than a couple boxes of ammo for a particular firearm as it becomes a lifetime supply.

Then there is the occasional shooter. I guess of late I fall into this catagory. I have been doing other activities instead of shooting. It is not money. It's time and interest. So, I have ammo for the firearms I shoot, ammo in abundance for my 22's, but less for most of the others.

There is the SHTF argument... That is a scenario that is likely not to happen in the US on a long term basis. Some make extensive preparations and have an abundance of ammo and firearms because of this potential situation. Me... I think it's good to be prepared for shortages, but more than likely a few hundred rounds of ammo is all you will ever need in a real SHTF even. I have enough for any reasonable future event short of a zombie attack that will last forever.

 

[Dnaltrop]

Nope, the only time there was a debate between a gun, and something to feed the gun... my wife bought me a Lee Turret press and 3 caliber dies for it, the primer feeder, and the powder auto-disc.

Presses of any size, and the patience to use them can fund your entire collection just on what you would have spent on off-the-shelf ammo

 

[KAS1981]

Yeah I've been thinking about that lately, too......$500 or $600 for another pistol, or stock up on ammo.

I'm leaning towards ammo.

 

[JTHunter]

Let's see - 2/12 ga. shottys and about 5K rounds; 2/.22LR rifles (1 bolt, 1 SA) & 1 pistol - about the same; a .22 Mag bolt rifle & pistol, about 1K ammo; a .25 & a .32 ACP's with about 100 rounds ea. (.32 shot out - no good beyond 10 yds.); a .243 bolt rifle and a .380 ACP with about 300 rds. ea.
Last one is an AK clone with about 3K rds. of different types (HP, PSP, & FMJ).

 

[JColdIron]

If you want an FR8 I'd get one. They seem to be rising in price and they only made so many of them. They will make more ammo, might not like the price but more will be made.