New primary handgun, CCW, Shotgun, rifle < $1000

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RockyTop

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Ruger P95 stainless - $327
Bersa thunder .380 / Kel tec P11 - $270
Mossberg 500 combo - $280
Mosin Nagant - $112

Total - $989


First of all I didn't plan on buying four guns or aiming for under $1000, it just kind of turned into that.
Basically, I never grew up around guns, although I did buy a handgun a few years after I got out of college but never used it - mainly due to not having anywhere to shoot it. There was one range nearby, but it was at a lake/campground and you had to become a member of the lake in order to have access to the range with cost an additional fee/year. So after having it sit in it's box for most of the last ten years a co-worker approached me several months ago about selling it to him. I did, but then started thinking that having a gun would be a good idea, especially with the current political environment .

But since I didn't really use the last one I owned, I didn't want to spend big $$$ on something I may end up not using much. Of course, I did want something that was reliable, so after looking around I ended up buying a NIB stainless Ruger P95 a couple of months ago for $327 OTD.

After I bought it, I started thinking a shotgun would make for a better HD weapon. I decided I wanted something I could use for HD and for hunting (turkey/deer). But since I'm not an avid hunter and knowing that a HD shotgun would most likely not be needed for that purpose (hopefully), I didn't want to spend a fortune on something I may use ocassionally. So after some research I ended up going with the Mossberg 500 combo because of the 28" and 18.5" barrel's. I also considered the Remington Express, but ran across more negative reviews about it. I'm sure either would've been fine though.

But while shopping for a shotgun I kept noticing the rifles. I initially was just going to get a shotgun since it would serve multiple purposes, but when I came acrosss the Mosin Nagant I figured I might as well get both, especially since the Nagant was so inexpensive, although not as cheap as the $69/$79 I hear many got it for a year or two ago. I know it's not for everyone, but a .30ish caliber rifle for that price and the history sold me on it.

Now that was going to be it, but recently a new range opened in my area. On top of that me and a buddy took a handgun safety / ccw course a couple of weeks ago. So once I completed that I figured I may as well apply for the ccw license. Initially I figured I'd mainly use the cc license to carry my P95 in the truck and when I go hiking. But then I figured that once I get my CCW licensce then I may as well have a smaller concealable handgun. Not to mention everytime I hear a lib mention guns or hear Obama's name thrown out there it makes me want to buy another one. :D Actually, I haven't purchased the ccw yet but right now have it narrowed down to either the Bersa Thunder or Kel Tec P11 which should be roughly $260-280.

Now I'm not going to buy a gun just based on price, but at the same time I think there are quite a few guns out there that are reliable and get the job done without having to spend a small fortune. Personally even though I can afford to buy a $800-$1000 handgun for instance, I just can't justify it for me. In the future that may change, but right now I'm basically a novice wanting a variety without breaking the bank.
 
I have all of those except the Kel-tec and my ruger is the p345. I think you will be very happy with what you got.

That mossberg will prove to be a very versatile weapons system if you accessorize it right.

Depending on the condition of the bore in the Mosin, you may have one very decent med-range rifle.

I'm Wearing my Bersa right now in a very comfy paddle holster. It's become my go-to CCW for warmer months. I just Re-qual'd with it and shot a perfect score.

Our Rugers are different models, but I've heard nothing but good things about the reliability of the one you picked up.

I would have picked up the same kel-tec you got, but unfortunately my state is run by idiots.

You have very good taste.
 
Smart shopping for a few reasons. You got four guns, so if you decide shooting a rifle, or shotty is not something your intested in you still have your pistols... you can grow your tastes, so if you want something different it is based on experience.

So much smarter then the fool who busts out his credit card and buys the latest and greatest over priced, constantly jamming .45 ACP with fancy grips for twice what you paid.

I have a Mossberg 500 and 1894 French made mosin and I love them both, and spend $75 and $110 on them.

Happy shooting.

Leroy
 
Earlier this year, I dropped over a grand when I found a super deal on an AR. I had been saving up spare cash for many months to get to that level, so as I filled out the 4473, I realized that I could instead be buying a handful of the next items on my gun list, all at the same time. I could have bought a couple handguns, rifle, shotgun, and some accessories. Oh well, I'm happier than ever with this rifle. Five toys are not always better than one.
 
4 guns under 1000$ is a good deal, and leaves you with options. Congrats!

Smart shopping for a few reasons. You got four guns, so if you decide shooting a rifle, or shotty is not something your intested in you still have your pistols... you can grow your tastes, so if you want something different it is based on experience.

Thanks. I wanted to be able to fill several areas/niches and then once I see what I like and/or how much I use each go from there.

I'm definitely planning on putting them to use. Going to the range tomorrow in fact.

Depending on the condition of the bore in the Mosin, you may have one very decent med-range rifle.

I'm Wearing my Bersa right now in a very comfy paddle holster. It's become my go-to CCW for warmer months. I just Re-qual'd with it and shot a perfect score.

Our Rugers are different models, but I've heard nothing but good things about the reliability of the one you picked up.

I would have picked up the same kel-tec you got, but unfortunately my state is run by idiots.

You have very good taste.

The Mosin is a good looking, clean refurb with nice looking rifling. I'll finally get to test it out tomorrow. So far I've taken the Ruger there twice and really like it. It's not the fanciest out there and is kind of bricky, but I like it.

Also, what Bersa do you have, the .380 or 9?


Earlier this year, I dropped over a grand when I found a super deal on an AR. I had been saving up spare cash for many months to get to that level, so as I filled out the 4473, I realized that I could instead be buying a handful of the next items on my gun list, all at the same time. I could have bought a couple handguns, rifle, shotgun, and some accessories. Oh well, I'm happier than ever with this rifle. Five toys are not always better than one.

I didn't want to imply that 4 or 5 are better than one high end rifle/gun. It really all depends on each person's situation. I know there are many out there with $1000+ rifles/handguns who thoroughly enjoy them and get their money's worth out of them.

Right now, for me though, covering my bases with a variety of reliable and less expensive guns is my best option.
 
Let see what I have here:

Russian Makarov: $200
CZ-82: $175
Winchester Defender: $200
Converted Saiga x39: $400

Total: $975

Right now the only semi-automatic handguns I have are in 9mm Mak so I decided to include them both. More than likely the CZ will become my CCW piece when I get my Virginia permit. The Winchester is the only shotgun I have but it's a joy to shoot and it looks intimidating. Finally the Saiga I purchased a couple of years ago and converted myself. Unfortunately to keep the price tag under a grand I would have to leave the Kobra sight at home.

Overall I think I did pretty well since I bought these a few years ago before prices get a little kooky.
 
You did great!

Here is my list (which still needs some filling in).

Springfield XD .45 compact --CCW $450
Springfield XD 9mm subcompact--wife's CCW $410
Norinco 982 12 gauge-- Home defense $120
Hi-point 995 carbine tricked out--fun gun/plinker $350
Ranger 18 bolt action .22--varmints $50 (free)

The total comes to $1,380. Take off the "fun gun" and the gun I got for free and you have $980.

I still need a rifle (probably a Mosin or possibly an AK/SKS) and I'm thinking about a S&W 642 airweight for a smaller CCW/pocket gun.

~Norinco
 
Russian Makarov: $200
CZ-82: $175
Winchester Defender: $200
Converted Saiga x39: $400

Not bad, some good choices. BTW, how easily is it to find 9x18? I wouldn't mind looking into a cz-82.



You did great!

Here is my list (which still needs some filling in).

Springfield XD .45 compact --CCW $450
Springfield XD 9mm subcompact--wife's CCW $410
Norinco 982 12 gauge-- Home defense $120
Hi-point 995 carbine tricked out--fun gun/plinker $350
Ranger 18 bolt action .22--varmints $50 (free)

The total comes to $1,380. Take off the "fun gun" and the gun I got for free and you have $980.

I still need a rifle (probably a Mosin or possibly an AK/SKS) and I'm thinking about a S&W 642 airweight for a smaller CCW/pocket gun.

Good prices on those XD's. A buddy of mine got a XD .40 subcompact right before the election last Oct. for around that same thing ($440).
 
I believe it would make a little more sense on this budget to buy a single handgun large enough to use well, but small enough to conceal without difficulty. Something like a Commander 1911, Glock 19, or a 2-3" barreled K Frame.

Handgun: $400 Used Glock, S&W, Ruger, or Taurus
Shotgun: $300 Used Winchester, Mossberg, or Remington
Rifle: $300 SKS, Mauser, or .357 or .30-30 lever gun

This is still bargain-basemetting, but it's a good deal better than trying to split your resources *4* ways. Honestly, I think most folks would be best served by getting a good handgun and rifle first, and adding shotgun and deeper concealment sidearms and other pieces as additional resources become available.

A Moisin-Nagant is sturdy like truck, but it's close to the last longarm I'd want if I could only have one. I'd take any decent bolt-action .22 Magnum rifle first. Those are easy to find, reasonably inexpensive, have better sights, have better ergonomics, shoot inexpensive ammunition that could still stop a human-sized threat at 125 meters, and have real safeties. :rolleyes:

John
 
I believe it would make a little more sense on this budget to buy a single handgun large enough to use well, but small enough to conceal without difficulty. Something like a Commander 1911, Glock 19, or a 2-3" barreled K Frame.

Handgun: $400 Used Glock, S&W, Ruger, or Taurus
Shotgun: $300 Used Winchester, Mossberg, or Remington
Rifle: $300 SKS, Mauser, or .357 or .30-30 lever gun

This is still bargain-basemetting, but it's a good deal better than trying to split your resources *4* ways. Honestly, I think most folks would be best served by getting a good handgun and rifle first, and adding shotgun and deeper concealment sidearms and other pieces as additional resources become available.

A Moisin-Nagant is sturdy like truck, but it's close to the last longarm I'd want if I could only have one. I'd take any decent bolt-action .22 Magnum rifle first. Those are easy to find, reasonably inexpensive, have better sights, have better ergonomics, shoot inexpensive ammunition that could still stop a human-sized threat at 125 meters, and have real safeties.

Those are some good suggestions. If I had planned from the beginning to get more than a handgun then I'd likely have done something similar, especially in regards to the one pistol that was both powerful enough yet concealable. I'd probably gone with a Glock 19 or Springfield XD 9 or 40 subcompact.

I do like my Ruger though. And the Mossberg is more than fine. The Nagant is more of a novelty and in the future I may get something else and doubt I'll have much trouble unloading the Mosin.
 
A close friend of mine got a 24/7 recently. He's really liking it so far, and it was $410 with tax. Minty-fresh new.

J
 
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