Next gun-- Help!!!

[LkWinnipesaukee]

Hey guys,

We need a new gun. We went to the club today and found out the rifle range is CLOSED until further notice (golf course near by, you know, the usual Massachusetts Liberals).

Anyway, since it looks like it might be awhile until I can shoot my baby (the AR), I guess I am looking for either a shotgun or a handgun. I really like the 1911s and handguns in general, but would not mind getting more involved with shotguns.

I know this is a broad question, but what would you guys recommend? This is my first year owning guns and I'm somewhat new to shooting and could appreciate suggestions.

Thanks

 

[22-rimfire]

You have a list. So just follow your list. Not trying to be smart, but you have a whole list of firearms that you want. Talk to your Mom and Dad.

 

[10-Ring]

Where will you shoot a shotgun that you can't shoot a rifle? I would look at the 1911 -- much easier to find a handgun range YMMV

 

[RNB65]

Let me be the first -- Remington 870 pump!

 

[LkWinnipesaukee]

The skeep/trap range is still open, as well as the indoor pistol range.

A nice .22 rifle is a possibility too.

 

[22-rimfire]

You can usually shoot a 22 rifle at the indoor pistol range. I do it sometimes, but I prefer an outdoor range. A 22 rifle is not on your list? Get what everyone buys, a Ruger 10/22. Personally I'm waiting delivery on a new Weatherby Mark XXII at the moment.

 

[LkWinnipesaukee]

I shoot the 10/22 but hate the ergonomics and the sights. I do have a CZ 452 that I'm looking at..

So I think I've narrowed it down to a SW 1911, CZ 452, or a Remington 870 of some sort.

Any other decent pistols in 9mm or .45 that are under $700? I would want something that I can eventually carry when I turn 21 and move out of this state.

Thanks again.

 

[22-rimfire]

My favorite 22 rifle is a Remington Model 541-S. The -S or the -T models can be had for around $600 these days. The CZ 452 is a great rifle. I'm just not fond of the bolt. Have you looked at the new Remington Model 5? I picked one up at Dicks and it seemed like a pretty nice rifle, but don't know anything about the accuracy.

Unless you hunt or are planning on getting into Trap and Skeet, I wouldn't bother with a shotgun just yet. Most favor the over-under's for trap and skeet. But a good old Remington Model 1100 is good too.

 

[GigaBuist]

Any other decent pistols in 9mm or .45 that are under $700?

There's plenty, but being in MA I understand that it might be a bit complicated to get anything that'll hold more than 10 rounds. Besides, if you're not 21 yet getting a pistol can be a complicated matter.

I'd vote for a good 870. Shop around and maybe you can find a used Wingmaster at a good price. Clay games are fun and a pump gun will do you just fine at trap. Plus, last I checked, which was over a year ago, you could get some cheap target loads for $15 per 100 rounds. It might be higher now -- I don't know.

Where will you shoot a shotgun that you can't shoot a rifle?

Uhm, on shotgun ranges. Rifle bullets could ricochet and shooters could miss the back berm sending their projectiles way off yonder. A shotgun loaded up with 7.5 or 8 shot doesn't pose a threat to much of anything of substance at any real distance. Before I got into the shooting sports I was at a friend's house where the kids were out shooting hand thrown clays and said friend had his truck parked 100 yards down range. Sure, the shot hit the truck, but it was simply raining down on it. It probably had less kinetic energy than if I had dumped the shot into my hand, stood 10 feet from said truck, and thrown it.