Need help with gun collection

[Pants]

I'm going to begin building a collection that I can pass down to my kids, and I'm looking for advice.

I'm not looking for rare pieces or outrageously expensive collectors' items (these won't be "investments"). Just solid, dependable, widely-acknowledged-as-being-good firearms.

I need suggestions for the following:

1) .30-06 rifle

2) .22lr rifle

3) Pump-action 12ga shotgun

4) Side-by-side 12ga shotgun

5) SAA-type revolver .45lc (preferably with ability to accept .45ACP cylinders)


All of them will see some range time and possible field use, but not much. Their main purpose will be as heirlooms, ones which can be used if need be, for generations. They should be easy to come by, and built to last. Basically I'm looking for the standard by which all other guns are judged in each category.

As an example, for #2 I was thinking either a Ruger 10/22 or a Marlin 39A. For #3 I was thinking Remington 870.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Floppy_D]

Dead on with your #2 and #3 choices. For your #1, I don't know if you want a bolt action or an autoloader, but you can't go wrong with a Garand or Remington 700 respectively.

I'll skip #4 and #5, as I don't have enough expereince with either to answer.

 

[learn2shoot]

Why do you want a side by side? - Over Unders are much more practical.

 

[bensdad]

Welcome to the High Road!!

We need some price parameters. But without them, I'll assume average.

1) .30-06 - Savage bolt-action. Or a used Mod. 70 (Winchester).

2) .22lr - Marlin Mod. 60. Everyone should have a Marlin Mod. 60. You'll want more .22s later anyway.

3) 12g. pump - 870. That's a no-brainer.

4) sxs - I have no idea.

5) SAA .45LC - Again, not my forte'.

 

[Pants]

Sorry, should have mentioned, the .30-06 should be bolt-action.

 

[Werewolf]

I need suggestions for the following:

1) .30-06 rifle

2) .22lr rifle

3) Pump-action 12ga shotgun

4) Side-by-side 12ga shotgun

5) SAA-type revolver .45lc (preferably with ability to accept .45ACP cylinders)

1) CZ-550 Bolt Action

2) CZ -452

3) Remington 870

4) You got an 870 WTH do you need a SXS for?

5) Beretta Stampede if you've got your heart set on .45LC (good choice) if not Ruger old style Vaqurero (I despise Ruger but with the exception of the 45LC the Vaquero is pretty well built)

 

[Hk91-762mm]

For a side by side -Id go with a nice used Ithaca or Baker Both can be had used and they wont loose value. As to the rest Id get some Books Look at everything you can read about and something will catch your attention.
Me I go Bonkers over anything Military.

Maby a Nice 1903/A3
Bps or 870
Defiantly get a hi grade 22 like a Ruger or -win 69 =52

 

[bannockburn]

Pants

1) Remington Model 700 or Winchester Model 70
2) Ruger 10/22
3) Remington Model 870 or Mossberg Model 500
4) Stoeger Uplander
5) Ruger Vaquero

 

[xring44]

Sako model 75 in .270 winchester, 2.5 X 8 Leupold scope
Cooper jackson squirrel rifle .22 caliber, 2.5 X * leupold scope
Browning A-5 vent rib, modified choke
Fox Sterlingworth double
Freedom arms SA Revolver

 

[Appaloosa]

+1 on bannockburn's sugestions. They are practical, and won't break the bank.

 

[Neener Neener]

For some reason, even though the practicality for me is non-existent, I love side-by-side and O/U shotguns. They are just absolutely beautiful to me. I would go with one of those!

 

[bogie]

Just buy quality. Buy the best, and you only cry once. But if you keep trading up, you'll spend twice as much, and it'll hurt a lot more over time.

Buy stuff that talks to you. Why are you set on a .30-06 at this point? Maybe there's some other caliber that'd do the same job, but the rifle it's chambered in just seems to come alive in your hands? That's what you want...

 

[coyotehitman]

Rem 700/Win 70
Ruger 10 22 or CZ452
Rem 870/ Mossberg 500
Ruger SXS
Ruger Vaquero

 

[doc2rn]

1) .30-06 rifle- CZ or Ruger 77

2) .22lr rifle- Marlin Model 60

3) Pump-action 12ga shotgun-500 Moss

4) Side-by-side 12ga shotgun- I prefer the over under Beretta

5) SAA-type revolver .45lc (preferably with ability to accept .45ACP cylinders)-I would rather leave a COLT ~python, anaconda, or diamondback

My 5 rifles will outlast me, my Colts are treasures, and my guns are enjoyed by both me and my daughter. The memories of her yelling "daddy I hit it!" will be seared into my memory for all time. Build the memories with them and you will have an effect that lasts for generations. A family that shoots together stays together.

 

[Pants]

Thanks to all who offered advice. My final decisions (I think):

1)

Remington Model Seven MS in .308

2) Marlin Model 60 .22lr

3) Remington 870 Express 12ga

4) Stoeger Uplander 12ga

5) Uberti Cattleman .45lc (with .45acp cylinder from VTI GunParts)

 

[TAB]

1 savage or pre 64 win model 70

2 nylon 66

3 870 wing master

4 no idea( lots of them I know, but all $$$$$$)

5 no idea.

 

[Serial Fan]

Wow.

 

[Serial Fan]

Is Remington still making that MS model? I just looked through the 2008 catalog, but I don't see it.

 

[bannockburn]

Pants

All great selections; I wish you good hunting in putting your collection together.

 

[MachIVshooter]

Pants-

your #1 choice is a good one.

Seriously, though-make your #2 a Marlin 39A. The Marlin model 60, while a nice gun, is like any other inexpensive semi-auto; that is, it's not really something your grandkinds are gonna appreciate like a premium lever rifle.

I have lots of .22's, and my model 39 (pre-A) is my absolute favorite, even above the heirloom from my father (a Marlin 81G bolt action) and my grandfather's old Winchester model 90 (which, incidentally, is worth a whole lot more than the Marlin).

#3: 870 is a great pump gun, but get the Wingmaster model if you intend it to be passed down and not abused.

#4: The Stoegers are well made, but rough. If it were me, I'd honestly go for an O/U instead of SxS. And it would be a Beretta Silver pigeon or 686.

#5: The Uberti's are excellent guns. Colt's are a bit better, but also 3 times the price. The Uberti will last lifetimes if cared for.

 

[earplug]

I'm curious why you picked run of the mill sporting guns that anyone could buy at a discount dealer?
Your thought of handing down a legacy and buying mundane firearms has me wondering.
.22 Get a German or CZ sporter with a real nice Scope.
Find a price point and shop for a used custom rifle in the same power 30/06 level. 6.5 to 300 Win Mag. The game won't know the differance.
Forget the pump 12 GA and use the money on a better pistol.
Pumps are nice utility tools, not legacy. You don't proudly pass down adjustable wrenches.
The SBS shotgun is a all or nothing in this day and age. I'd pass and save the money.
With the money saved on the pump and SBS, find some nice CCW weapons for all the kids.
Even better is to fund a high quality shooting school course for the family.

 

[MachIVshooter]

Pumps are nice utility tools, not legacy. You don't proudly pass down adjustable wrenches

That depends. I'm rather fond of my grandfather's Winchester model 1897 16 gauge. Gun's also worth a pretty penny these days.

 

[CB900F]

Pants;

For the bolt .30-06, yes a Winchester model 70, preferably either a classic (more affordable), or pre-64, (more collectable). The CZ's are fine guns also, or the Sako if you want to upscale.

I can only add my voice to the masses saying either the Marlin 39A or CZ452. Both are exceptional firearms & worthy of your desire to literally make heirlooms of them. Pass on the 60, it's a mass-market cookie-cutter. It's a good one, but nonetheless.

For the pump gun, the Wingmaster 870, not the Express fer sure, fer sure. But, you might want to consider a good Winchester model 12, or an Ithaca model 37.

I'll heartily second the vote for a good O/U such as the Beretta Silver Pigeon. But I gotta admit that I'm partial to my Franchi Veloce with the English stock, & 26" barrels. It's a 20 & so very quick to the shoulder.

Or, just suck it up & go look at the Kimber shotties. You'll want one, boy will you want one. Then the fun begins.

The Ruger Blackhawk convertible .45 will last forever. Put a brass grip frame on it, a steel shroud, and a set of custom grips to make it yours. You'll love it & so will the grandkids.

900F

 

[alaskanativeson]

Here's my suggestions, take them for what they're worth:

1) A Winchester Model 70 is a legacy kind of rifle. There's enough of them around that a used one in good condition shouldn't be too hard to find. I like your choice of the Remington Seven though. A solid choice in a caliber I like better. The long action should be reserved for magnum calibers, in my opinion.

2) Marlin model 39. This is the easiest choice on your list, it's the consummate hand-down .22 in my opinion. The model 60 is fine but it just isn't the gun the 39, nowhere near it.

3) Remington 870. Second easiest choice on the list. For pumps this is the standard. I'll agree with 900F, I'd choose the wingmaster over the express.

4) I have no recommendation other than to reconsider and go with an over/under like the Ruger Red Label. A side by side is an anachronism, few are made with the kind of quality that will last. A Stoeger? Maybe it will be an okay choice, the ones I've seen are okay at best but are not what I'd choose to spend any of my money on.

5) Ruger Bisley if you're sold on the single action types. I can't stand the hog leg style handles of guns like the Colt SAA or the Ruger Blackhawk especially in large calibers. The Bisley handle helps somewhat although it still isn't as comfortable, practical, and pointable to me as a good double action style like the S&W 29 or the Ruger Redhawk.

 

[Pants]

I'm curious why you picked run of the mill sporting guns that anyone could buy at a discount dealer?
Your thought of handing down a legacy and buying mundane firearms has me wondering.

That's a fair point, and probably one about which you are not alone in wondering. I thought about it myself, in fact.

Maybe this will help to see it from my perspective. The message that would be included in the hand-me-down collection:



"Dear sons and daughters,

These guns are not collectors' items. They're average firearms that any average person might have in the closet, or in the safe, or over the fireplace.

I have never considered it important to make a display of wealth or even of 'good taste' where matters of practical utility are concerned, and these guns are no exception. I have acquired those which will serve their purpose reliably, without regard to prestige or market value.

When we need meat, we go to the supermarket and buy it. If this is not the case for you, please feel free to use these for their intended purpose. They are tools, not 'investments', so don't be afraid to get 'em dirty.

If on the other hand you have the luxury of shopping for your sustenance rather than hunting for it, please pass these on to your own sons or daughters..."