Opinions wanted on next purchase

[crazysccrmd]

Just wanted some opinions on my next purchase. I've been given a budget of roughly $500 or so from my wife. I currently don't have much of a collection, a 12g for slug hunting/birds/HD, a Keltec Pf9 and a Keltec P3AT. I'm considering the following options:

1 - a bolt action in 270 or 308, hunting rifle only pretty much

2 - an AK or SKS in 7.62x39, cheap round and decent all around package

3 - 1911, affordable versions could be ATI/RIA/Taurus

4 - .22 of some variety, for extremely cheap range fun

I already have the three basic needs covered (HD, CCW, hunting) so I'm torn between these choices. I think I'd be happy with any one of them but can't make up my mind

 

[docnyt]

It's the 100 year anniversary of the 1911 and that's how I would justify the RIA.

 

[Kingcreek]

I consider a .22 rimfire handgun an essential part of a growing collection.
If an average novice shooter asked me how to best build a startup collection of shooters I would say 12g shotgun, followed by .22 handgun, followed by centerfire handgun, followed by centerfire rifle of some flavor.

 

[ChCx2744]

I am also thinking about getting another AK in 7.62x39, but since you don't already own a .22, I'd strongly recommend you buy a .22. A good .22 in any collection is a must, especially if you like to shoot for fun. I recommend a Buckmark pistol.

 

[leadaddict]

My vote is for the .22 as well. Everyone should have one sooner rather than later because they equal lots of rounds down-range for little money!

 

[mbopp]

Oh, yeah. Everybody needs at least one .22. Personally I'd opt for a Ruger MKII of some flavor and add some drop-in trigger mods.

 

[Remo223]

Id take the 500bucks and one of the keltec's and trade it in on a new 1911.

 

[Sako Shooter]

For a good, relatively inexpensive .22 rifle, move fast and buy a CZ 452 or 453. The 452/453s are being phased out and being replaced with the 455. The 452/452 is a proven tack-driver. Cost is less than $500.

If you have a bit more change, look into the Sako Quad. More accurate than the CZ, plus 4 barrel/caliber options. If you opt for the single barrel .22LR version, cost is about $800-$900.

If money is no object, then look into a Cooper or Anschutz. Cost will be around $2k, but these are arguable the best production .22s made.

 

[Red Tornado]

Definitely a .22. Or two.

For your budget, with a little shopping you could likely find a .22 rifle and pistol. However for one, I'd probably lean slightly toward the pistol. A Ruger or Buckmark would be great. Many other options, but those are the big two.

You might also getting a 10/22 and attending an Appleseed shoot. That would probably be as beneficial to your skills as anything, and would still be under your budget.
RT

 

[crazysccrmd]

That's a lot of votes towards the .22. Anyone have experience with the Chiappa 1911-22? At about $300 I could probably afford that and a Yugo Tokarev M57 I've been eyeballing for a while now.

 

[shotgunjoel]

You could get a Ruger 10/22 and a Ruger Mk 3 or 22/45 for $500. That's what I'd do.

 

[Hunter2678]

Id sell at least one of those kel-tecs or both and use it for a newer ccw or 22 pistol...then use the 500 towards a centerfire rifle.

 

[hso]

Another vote for a 22/45 here.

 

[gordy]

I would go with a S&W 22. revolver or a auto, your choice.
A ak or a sks is and will only be a toy. They will never be anything more than a 5 inch gun. They can hunt, but you would be better off with a 30-30.
Your choice in bolt actions are a good choice. I would go with a 30-06.
It will kill any animal that walks this continent. and ammo will be in any gun shop and hardware store in America.
And as for the 1911, I say buy a colt, have the first.
But what do I know.

 

[HGM22]

Personally I'd get a .22 handgun, but that's only because I already have a .22 rifle. If you want a .22 rifle I'd suggest a Marlin 795. Wait until they go on sale (not including the rebate) and add the $25 rebate for a real bargain (I got mine for less than $100). It is a great little rifle and very accurate. Can't say what .22 pistol to get but everyone will say Browning Buckmark or Ruger Mk I,II,III or 22/45.

Barring (or in addition to) the .22 the WASR AK style rifle might be good if you just want to have some fun at the range. I would pass on a SKS unless you can get a real good deal (I think WASRs are about $300-350 and SKSs are $280-330; just pay a little more and get the ability to use lots of cheap detachable mags). I should say I don't own a WASR but I'd consider one if I was looking into a plinker AK.

If you want a bolt action rifle you might want to check out a milsurp like the K31, Mosin, Mauser, Enfield, etc. These are very good, rugged rifles that are a great deal today. Each has its own peculiarities (K31 very accurate, Mosin is cheap and simple, Enfield is fast, etc.).

Barring ammo and mags, you could get the WASR, a Mosin, and a Marlin 795 for $500. Actually there are plenty of great deals for less than $500.

 

[ridgerunner1965]

if yu dont have a 22 handgun yu def need one. thats a given.and a rifle of the same caliber.after that id get a bolt gun in the calibers yu mention or a 223.

 

[jiminhobesound]

What gun to buy

You might look at the .22/.22 Mag convertible revolvers. Ruger or Heritage. The Ruger will be more than the Heritage and i do not know the quality of the Heritage. However, the revolver will eat ammo just a little slower and you have some flexibility, although not as accurate as the Buckmark, Ruger etc. I had a Ruger mini 14 back in the seventies and i just loved to shoot it. It was quite accurate with factory ammo, I could actually see the action working and there are about a zillion accessories for this gun. There is little recoil or report. Good choice of ammo at a relatively modest price. It was one of the two guns I wish I had never sold, other Super Blackhawk 44

 

[Halagar]

I'd get a Ruger Mk II if I were you. I have one for the wife and myself. Truly one of the best pistols that you can purchase.