What gun/guns should I spend my $400 on?

[Smaug]

I have finally decided that I don't have the space or time to do woodworking, and so I sold off my jointer and planer and have $400 of play money.

I live in IL-annoy, so carry is not an option. I do reload.

Here is what I have:

• Ruger Mk. II Target
• Ruger Mk. II Anniversary (standard model)
• Ruger KP90 (45 ACP)
• Glock 34 (9mm tactical)
• Smith & Wesson Model 29 w/ 8 3/8" barrel (44 Magnum)
• Remington 788 bolt action w/ Tasco 3-9x40 (6mm Remington)
• Yugoslavian SKS, unmodified
• Ruger 77/22 w/Leupold 3-9x40 (22 LR)
• H&R break-top 22LR 9 shot revolver w/horrible trigger

and here are my initial thoughts:

• Used S&W 686 w 4" barrel for $290 from Centerfiresystems.com -->Used S&W 686
• Like-new Bulgarian Makarov for $150 from aimsurplus.com --> Bulgarian Makarov w/4 mags & two grips
• SW99 for $500 from auctionarms which would be an upgrade from my Ruger P90 --> SW99 in 45 ACP
• Marlin Model 1894 in 44 Magnum to complement my S&W 29 and possibly deer hunt with. --> Marlin 1894 @ auctionarms
• Accessories. Proper Choate scope mount for the SKS, recoil pad for the Remington 6mm, (the plastic one isn't cutting muster) a couple of extra mags for the glock, spotting scope, etc.

Rationale:

• The S&W 686 would be a trainer gun for my mom, aunt and girlfriend. My girlfriend is already pretty good with my Mk. IIs and Glock 34. Mom and aunt have no experience at all and are thinking of a house gun. I would have to buy another set of reloading dies if I bought this gun.
• The Makarov, I have always wanted, and it is a good deal. I would also have to buy another set of dies if I bought this gun.
• The SW99/P99 are so sexy. For no good reason, I'm tired of the P90. I do feel guilty about thinking of replacing the 100% reliable P90 for some reason, but I think I would get over it once I had the SW99. No new hassle for a new caliber here.
• The Marlin just seems like a logical idea. As you can see by my collection, I already have a perfect deer rifle, the Remington. I don't have a nice lever gun yet. No new dies needed for this one either.

Of course I'm open to other good ideas too...

 

[VaughnT]

Well, the Ruger Mk2 target pistol is in my stable and I love her dearly. Certainly agree with that idea.

686? Oh, yea!! I've got about 10k rounds through mine and feel that it is the sweetest dang sixshooter ever. For defense around the house, or carry in the streets, this is a great gun to have. And you can shoot cheap .38's through it, too! This one would be tops on my list because you've got a cheap price and plenty of money left over for new dies or ammo.

SW99? Nope. Had the chance to dry fire one and it had the worst trigger I've ever seen. The lady using it to qualify was a piece of work, but the gun was one I thought about buying. Funny to see the magazine floorplate break about halfway through the qualcourse. I'll have none of it.

Makarov? Everyone that owns one raves about them. Personally, they're cheap and reliably built...and that's all I have to say. Heavy gun. Small bullet. Why buy when there are better out there?

Marlin levergun? That's definitely a must-have. In fact, I believe federal law requires you to have a levergun in a caliber that matches your sixshooter. IIRC, you have a three year grace period from the purchase of one to purchase the other or face time in federal prison. I'd hate to have to report you, but it is my civic duty.

 

[browneu]

Of the list I would get the 686. The one pictured on the website has a firing pin instead of the transfer bar. Another option would be a used CZ75.

 

[stans]

I vote for the 686 with the four inch barrel. It is hard to go wrong with a quality wheel gun chambered in 357 Magnum. 38 Special 148 grain wadcutters up to 180 grain full power magnum loads. Versatile, easy to handle, portable, accurate. What's not to like?

 

[Lord Bodak]

With $400 you could get that Makarov and a very nice Yugo SKS...

 

[Smaug]

Well, so far the overwhelming vote here, on Glocktalk, and at The High Road (which is now open again) is for the 686. I think this time I'm going to get whatever the popular vote is. I trust y'all's experience over my confused and excited state any day.

I may even be able to squeak a Makarov in there too, hehehe.

Keep 'em coming!

 

[Smaug]

Lord Bodak said:
With $400 you could get that Makarov and a very nice Yugo SKS...

I can understand not reading every reply in a thread like this one, but at least read my whole original post...

I agree Yugoslavian SKSs are a great value. I've got one and I like it a lot.

 

[Lord Bodak]

Oops

I apologize for that... not sure what I was thinking, apparently I'm not getting enough sleep... and I have the Yugo SKS on my mind since I just picked mine up yesterday

Now that I have reread the message... well, my dad has a 686 and has always liked it. But the Makarov seems to be the best value in handguns right now... how long do we expect supplies & prices to stay as they are? If they start to get a bit more rare, prices will skyrocket, while I imagine 686 prices are going to stay relatively stable.

 

[SoCalGeek]

I'm gonna have to disagree with Vaughn- I would highly recommend the SW99. I'd probably get it in 9 or 40 instead, but that's a minor detail. Once you figure out how the trigger system works, you'll fall in love with it. The double action is one of the best i've ever felt on any gun, and the single action is pretty damn good too. Oh, and i'm sure you have heard this before but OH MY GOD is it comfortable. It feels like it was built to fit your hand. Anyway, definitely look into it. Borrow or rent someone's. You'll like it

 

[roo_ster]

I own a S&W 686 & like it a whole lot. Can't go wrong with one in a 4" BBL. .38spl wadcutter to 200gr deer-thumers. Can work the trigger into a DA delight. Real strong and can b ehad with many varieties of grips.

OTOH, you might consider a CZ75 rather than the SW99 in 9mm. Cheap to feed that puppy and just about every guy I know who has one thinks they are the bee's knees.

 

[mokster]

If I were you I would do some research and find the gun I really want the one that offers everything Im looking for even if it means going well over $400 instead of settling for what you can afford now . After that you can run around collecting other deals.

 

[Derm95]

Buy the 686. Its perfect for you, your Mom,aunt and GF training. You might need to put on some Hogue grips for the women if it comes with those big hard wood grips.
Have your cake and eat it too-- if you are bored by the Ruger sell it for a decent price and apply that toward a SW99.

 

[M2 Carbine]

2 Makarovs and a thousand rounds of ammo.

 

[sgtb]

Makarov and Yugo sks with money left over for ammo.

Next choice would be the CZ-75B. Great gun and very accurate.

 

[JimJD]

The Marlin is a very nice choice.
But may I also suggest a pump shotgun?

It'll round out Your collection and whatnot.

 

[Plinkerton]

I have a 4" 686, and I love it. So far it's been the greatest gun to shoot with. Shooting .38's is downright relaxing, and the .357's are a blast.

A shotgun would be a great choice too. Every needs one of those...

 

[000Buck]

You could buy a brand new 6" blue GP100, and then load some 110gr slugs to go 2000fps....for absolutely no reason. Otherwise, I vote for the 686.

 

[Sgt Stevo]

I own a glock 34. . Glock tac light. Great gun. I like it more than my sigs. But it aint no $400 gun...... 3lbs trigger and N/S. If you can get one for that cheap. Jump.....

 

[Berg01]

I'd go with the 686 myself; everybody needs a good .357 Magnum / .38 spl. wheelgun.

 

[Todesengel]

I vote for the Walther P99; The P99 is superior to the S&W99 - get it in 9mm so the women can shoot it easy too. You can choose between different trigger modes; DA/SA, P990 (DAO) & Quick Action (SAO). Walther Facelifted their guns:

They should be available by now.

 

[lee n. field]

If you're tired of your P90, then you'll be selling it, right? That'll bring your total available up into the $700 range.

 

[birdv]

Go for a SKS and 1000 rounds of ammo

 

[Sgt Stevo]

p-99 for $400

I paid $530 for my p-99 .40. That was with a mil discount. Great gun though. Not as good as the 34. But when you are talking about guns that are ALL this good. It comes down to what you can shoot. What you like. And what you think will do the job......

 

[Todesengel]

I paid $530 for my p-99 .40.

I paid $425 for mine NIB.

 

[Sgt Stevo]

I got ripped? Mabe cal has more expensive guns. Or I need a new gun dealer. If you paid a hundred less. I am going to look into this. This sucks. everytime I buy a new gun. Somebody says they can get it cheaper. From now on. I ask the Hr first. then print it out , and bring it with me too the store...