Want a new gun but can't decide...

[Zane]

I'm planning on buying something new in the next month or two. I'm just torn on what to get. I know these threads pop up often, but I've got no one with whom to discuss my thoughts.

I have a .22 pistol/rifle, AR-10 style rifle, shotgun and a very nice 1911 style compact pistol.

Here is what I'm looking at:

1) S&W 460 XVR - I'd probably try carrying this instead of a shotgun for deer hunting. I've heard that 45LC is like shooting .22. I'd shoot this one before I actually decided to buy one as it is a beast. I had a chance to handle one and I was surprised out how easy it was to point and how nice teh single action trigger was. Both the least and most useful option, as it is the only one that would have a definite purpose, but wouldn't go out a lot.

2) S&W 686plus - I don't have a revolver and when we rented one of these, my wife really liked it. I'd probably throw some CT grips on it. She specifically said not to buy a gun for her and to make sure it was for me. She can handle the .45 relatively well. I didn't shoot nearly as well with this as I did the .45. Then again, the grip angle is different and it wasn't my gun.

3) Ruger SP-101 - Nice little pocket pistol. It would need a trigger job and probably some CT grips. I might be able to get this and the 686. A very nice pocket carry pistol.

4) AR-15 - Midway is selling a Sabre Defense upper, on sale right now. I'd have to build a lower (but that would let me put a nice trigger in). I plan on some 3 gun competitions this year. The .308 is a little pricey to shoot for that, but not ridiculous. I blew 5 boxes of ammo at the last one and I figure I would save $25-35 per match with this one. Plus, I figure everyone needs an AR-15.

5) The real splurge - a Full size Wilson CQB with a few customized option. I really want one of these, but I do already have the compact version. The compact is my favorite gun to shoot of all that I own.

For marital harmony reasons, I will only be getting one gun (or potentially the 686 and the SP-101) at this time. There will be other buying opportunities in the future. I know that I could probably buy 3 of the above for the price of the Wilson, but that isn't an option.

Any thoughts?

 

[Eightball]

Any thoughts?

Please the wife, it seems to go over better. 686plus gets my vote, but I like my 620 more than any 686 plus (two piece barrel rather than a one piece, it's more accurate than I am). It'd be a "you" gun (and I'm sure you'd enjoy it), but if she glomps onto it and keeps it.......it's a good excuse to buy something else later

 

[230therapy]

What is your #1 priority? Self-defense? Hunting? Plinking? Competition?

Buy a gun that fills that #1 priority. If it were for carry, I'd recommend that you get another compact Wilson that's exactly like the one you currently have. You'll then have a backup and all your gear already works for it. If you have to use one for defense, that gun will be confiscated and you'll need another.

If hunting is the priority, buy a gun that handles a wide variety of game.

 

[gym]

I think you need to have a budget first. How much are you allowing yourself to spend on this project. Next are you going to use this as a primary or rotation carry gun. Is there a weight or round restriction, and finally do you enjoy revolvers or auto's more?

 

[hawk45]

Wow.. that is quite a diverse list. Agreed with what was stated above. What is the purpose you want to satisfy the most (hunt, defense, plink) then we can help decide better.

 

[orionengnr]

Yep, you need to figure out what your primary goal is first. Carry, HD, fun/range pistol, add an AR "just 'cause", etc.

BTW, that is the first time I have ever seen the SP101 referred to a "nice little pocket pistol". You must have some big pockets.

If it were me, I'd go with the Wilson. You obviously like the 1911 design, and can't go wrong with a CQB. Allows ammo commonality too.

The revolvers are fun, too, but there will be time for that.

Perhaps spend some money on reloading equipment? I know it's not as "instant gratification" oriented but will allow you to shoot a lot more for the same cost, after the initial outlay.

 

[Zane]

What ever I get, it is mostly going to be a range gun, as that is what I do most with anything that I have.

The 460 XVR would mostly shoot 45LC, except for hunting season. It does look cool and would be fun to shoot with friends.

The AR-15 would be a range gun except for a few weekends a year at 3 gun shoots.

I might carry the other 3. I would certainly carry the Gov't 1911 and use that at 3 gun. It buys me an extra inch of sight radius and an extra round. I already carry the compact, so the Gov't doesn't buy me all that much extra.

The Ruger doesn't seem all that big to me, in a 2" barrel and the spurless hammer. I already pocket carry the compact 1911 in a JS Holster pocket holster (certain pants only), so that would be quite a step down in size.

So what is my priority? I don't have one. I have most of the bases covered already. This one is gravy and an "I want."

 

[Ed Ames]

My take on each choice:

If you mostly want a .45C, get a .45C... I'm betting there are several tons of .460S&W guns that have been fired less than 20 times, and with reason. I fired 3 full power loads from one... and went out and bought a .454 Casull Ruger Alaskan. Call me a wimp but 300gr. to 400gr. from the Alaskan is about as stout as I want to go. More to the point, if you are currently hunting with a shotgun and will be in the same area, there is nothing you can hunt with the .460 you couldn't hunt with a .44mag or even .357mag. The argument for the .460 is that you can use spire point bullets with a good ballistic coefficient to make long range shots...but are you really good enough with a handgun to make ethical 100+ yard shots? Last on the list...very very last.

686 or sp101... nice and useful. The 686 is a perfectly good hunting handgun... or go with a .44 magnum for a nice range toy/hunting gun that, loaded with .44 special, makes a great nightstand gun.

AR15... if you are going to shoot 3-gun regularly this seems like a natural choice to me. I don't buy "everyone needs an AR" ... at least not in .223 ... but you have a use for it.

The choice between 686 (or similar) and AR comes down to how much you will really do 3-gun.

Quality full size 1911... again, nice, but also the most redundant. It would probably be third on the list for me.

 

[oldfool]

"I don't have a revolver"..."Ruger SP-101...I might be able to get this and the 686".

sounds like you are mostly already set with other real nice stuff
NO revolver ??? you are long overdue, friend !

get this and the 686, yup
nothing better than a twofer !

 

[gunnutery]

In these polls I don't think I've ever voted against a Ruger revolver. But I went with the S&W on this one as your wife enjoyed it. Plus you say you may still be able to get the sp101 I will say that the sp101 is probably not a pocket gun, but still a great CCW. I carry a 3" model concealed almost daily. Whatever you decide on...have fun.