Justin
Moderator Emeritus
In the last couple of years, the way that I think about a potential firearm purchase has shifted in a fairly significant way. As a result, it's fairly rare for me to purchase a gun simply on a whim.
Rather, I do my best to approach gun purchases with an overall eye towards the applications not easily filled by a firearm I already own.
Furthermore, I now look at such purchases from the standpoint of the overall system required to allow the gun to be used in a way that maximizes it's utility.
So, for instance, if I'm looking to purchase a new handgun, the overall system required to supply it with ammunition, carry it, and keep it up and running is considered.
In order to see the true cost of the pistol, the cost of the following items must be included:
For a rifle or shotgun, the above list would look fairly similar, though with the addition of slings, sling mounts, scope and scope mounting solutions.
Additionally, if the gun is one that is chambered in a caliber I don't already have, the ability to supply ammunition must be accounted for. If it's a gun that won't be shot often and is chambered in a caliber readily available on the commercial market, then an adequate supply must be ordered.
If it's a gun that I intend to shoot with any regularity, then the cost of reloading equipment and supplies must be included:
When looking at a purchase in this way, there are a couple of things that become obvious pretty quickly:
It's a smart idea to purchase guns in calibers that are broadly applicable for more than one use. For instance, 9mm is a cartridge that can easily and adequately fill a lot of roles at a reasonable price.
It's possible to realize cost savings by having accessory compatibility among multiple guns. For instance, magazines for AR15s are cheap and easily available, and the platform itself is flexible enough to fill multiple roles from home defense to competition to varmint hunting.
Anyway, that's just kind of a rough outline of some of my thoughts regarding the purchase and use of firearms, and it seems to make pretty good sense for me.
Rather, I do my best to approach gun purchases with an overall eye towards the applications not easily filled by a firearm I already own.
Furthermore, I now look at such purchases from the standpoint of the overall system required to allow the gun to be used in a way that maximizes it's utility.
So, for instance, if I'm looking to purchase a new handgun, the overall system required to supply it with ammunition, carry it, and keep it up and running is considered.
In order to see the true cost of the pistol, the cost of the following items must be included:
- Additional standard magazines, a minimum of six required.
- Magazine carriers, for a handgun, four.
- Holster(s) for competition and/or carry.
- Required gunsmithing work (upgrading sights, trigger, etc.)
- "Specialty" magazines, if available, a minimum of two.
For a rifle or shotgun, the above list would look fairly similar, though with the addition of slings, sling mounts, scope and scope mounting solutions.
Additionally, if the gun is one that is chambered in a caliber I don't already have, the ability to supply ammunition must be accounted for. If it's a gun that won't be shot often and is chambered in a caliber readily available on the commercial market, then an adequate supply must be ordered.
If it's a gun that I intend to shoot with any regularity, then the cost of reloading equipment and supplies must be included:
- Dies for that caliber
- Tool head
- Powder drop
- Workbench stand
- Powder
- Brass
- Bullets
When looking at a purchase in this way, there are a couple of things that become obvious pretty quickly:
It's a smart idea to purchase guns in calibers that are broadly applicable for more than one use. For instance, 9mm is a cartridge that can easily and adequately fill a lot of roles at a reasonable price.
It's possible to realize cost savings by having accessory compatibility among multiple guns. For instance, magazines for AR15s are cheap and easily available, and the platform itself is flexible enough to fill multiple roles from home defense to competition to varmint hunting.
Anyway, that's just kind of a rough outline of some of my thoughts regarding the purchase and use of firearms, and it seems to make pretty good sense for me.