dbrown
Member
At my local walmart i can get 550 rds of .22lr for about 17 dollars
What guns would you rather have?
- Thread starter dbrown
- Start date
- Status
dbrown
Member
yes it is.
Telekinesis
Member
Kinda like:
I have $250, here's option A, and B. Which should I get?
You should go with option C. And oh yeah, go find $700.
dbrown
Member
Thats exactly what i was thinking.
epijunkie67
Member
I can totally understand wanting to buy a weapon even if you don't have a ton of money. I often try to tell people that you don't have to be rich to shoot or defend yourself. It's just that the less you have to spend the more limited your options become.
$250 is certainly a lower end price point but even there you should be able to chose from a range of shooting options. Don't think you are going to be forced to choose between a shotgun or a Mosin. Both might be good options depending on what you want to do but I would never consider either a "plinking" weapon.
I did a quick check of Buds online and here are several options for weapons that all fall into your price range. They all use current common caliber ammo so feeding them shouldn't be too painful. How about a .22 pistol for $240?
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...uns/Beretta/Beretta U22 Neos 6.0 22 LR Black/
Or multiple single action revolvers for <$200?
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/577/Handguns/Heritage
What about 9mm, .357, .38, or .380?
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...Round 9MM Compact w/Black Finish / Hard Case/
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...27 Federal Mag w/2/quot; Barrel/Fixed Sights/
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/... 38 Special 2/quot; 6rd Alloy Frame Rubber G/
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/.../Bersa Thunder 380 .380acp Duo Tone, 7 round/
For a rifle you could get something like a Rossi single shot combo like this that has a .22 and a 20gauge barrel for <$200.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/..._id/41858/Rifles/Braztech-Rossi+Rifles/Rossi/
If you want a repeater you can buy something like a Marlin model 60 or a 10/22 for <$200 almost anywhere.
I only use the pages at Buds as an example of your options. Those are brand new weapons. With patience you could find used modern weapons well within your price range.
If you are dead set on only the Mosin or the shotgun I'd go shotgun. But I very seriously doubt you'll get the amount of use out of it that you would from the other options I have listed.
$250 is certainly a lower end price point but even there you should be able to chose from a range of shooting options. Don't think you are going to be forced to choose between a shotgun or a Mosin. Both might be good options depending on what you want to do but I would never consider either a "plinking" weapon.
I did a quick check of Buds online and here are several options for weapons that all fall into your price range. They all use current common caliber ammo so feeding them shouldn't be too painful. How about a .22 pistol for $240?
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...uns/Beretta/Beretta U22 Neos 6.0 22 LR Black/
Or multiple single action revolvers for <$200?
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/577/Handguns/Heritage
What about 9mm, .357, .38, or .380?
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...Round 9MM Compact w/Black Finish / Hard Case/
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...27 Federal Mag w/2/quot; Barrel/Fixed Sights/
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/... 38 Special 2/quot; 6rd Alloy Frame Rubber G/
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/.../Bersa Thunder 380 .380acp Duo Tone, 7 round/
For a rifle you could get something like a Rossi single shot combo like this that has a .22 and a 20gauge barrel for <$200.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/..._id/41858/Rifles/Braztech-Rossi+Rifles/Rossi/
If you want a repeater you can buy something like a Marlin model 60 or a 10/22 for <$200 almost anywhere.
I only use the pages at Buds as an example of your options. Those are brand new weapons. With patience you could find used modern weapons well within your price range.
If you are dead set on only the Mosin or the shotgun I'd go shotgun. But I very seriously doubt you'll get the amount of use out of it that you would from the other options I have listed.
hardluk1
member
Forget the three on your list and buy a basic savage/stevens 300 .22lr bolt rifle for right around 140 bucks. Then you can afford to shot and learnand even hunt with. You will still use that .22 many decades down the road.
22-rimfire
Member
Just starting out.... I ALWAYS recommend a 22 rifle as the first choice. A shotgun is a very versatile firearm, but I find that I personally do not shoot them for fun. So, I lean toward rifles and handguns. I storage is an issue, then perhaps a 22 handgun to start out with. But I would be very familiar with it's operation prior to shooting it.
J_L_A
Member
I'd pick the shotgun. I've owned the Mosin rifle and my shoulder couldn't take it. It beat me to death.
dbrown
Member
I think im just going to get a ruger p95
The-Reaver
Member
Get an old Wingmaster 870
Bojangles7
Member
I've got about a dozen rifles and a few pistols. The only firearm I own that I've never shot is my Maverick 88. I would sell it but they're so cheap I might as well keep it.
stonecutter2
Member
Get a Mossberg 500. They're great for the price and you won't regret having one (though i do not like shotgun recoil - hurts my shoulder).
Personal defense should take precedence over plinking, when you think about it.
Then save for a 22 rifle like a Savage or a Ruger 10/22 for super cheap plinking fun, or buy a 9mm pistol for plinking.
S&W Sigma pistols are pretty nice, revolver-like trigger pull (long) that takes getting used to a little, but they're just around $300 to $350.
Whatever you buy, make sure it's something you can get plenty of ammo for, and practice with it - and be safe.
Shotgun is my choice, I used to have a model 11 remington, and I sold it, and was kicking myself for years I just went to a gun show and found a model 11 receiver with the mag tube attached, and got it for $5.00 Just like a kid a christmas!! in the process
of rebuilding it with all the parts from the year it was made! or as close as possible. as far as Im concerned this is one of the finestest shotguns ever made and mine was made in 1939 and it needs no reblueing on the receiver,
I would not get a Mosin Nagant unless I already had something to shoot. Lots of folks love their Mosins, but they are about the most awkward rifles ever made and is not a good rifle to learn the proper handing of a bolt action. I don't have much experience with the Nagant pistols, but the one my father had was quirky, to say the least.
Shotguns are fun if you're into trap and/or skeet. Bird hunting is also quite fun. But, while not harsh with the right loads, they do have a bit of recoil.
But for a first time shooter, the best bang for the buck is to get a .22 rifle and go do a lot of shooting. Go put out a bunch of clay pigeons at various ranges and bust'em, pick out an empty soda can or water bottle and make'm dance. When that gets too easy, start doing it with empty shotgun shells or even rifle shells if you think you're up to the challenge. It's also lots of fun to hunt rabbits & squirrels with a .22 rifle.
While you're enjoying your .22 and how cheap it is to shoot, save some that money you're saving because this is your first firearm, not your last
Shotguns are fun if you're into trap and/or skeet. Bird hunting is also quite fun. But, while not harsh with the right loads, they do have a bit of recoil.
But for a first time shooter, the best bang for the buck is to get a .22 rifle and go do a lot of shooting. Go put out a bunch of clay pigeons at various ranges and bust'em, pick out an empty soda can or water bottle and make'm dance. When that gets too easy, start doing it with empty shotgun shells or even rifle shells if you think you're up to the challenge. It's also lots of fun to hunt rabbits & squirrels with a .22 rifle.
While you're enjoying your .22 and how cheap it is to shoot, save some that money you're saving because this is your first firearm, not your last
The Mosin should be out of the question.... You currently do not own a firearm and you need something for home defense. The Mosin would be one of the worst choices for a weapon to defend yourself inside your home.
If I could only have 1 weapon for home defense it would be a 12-ga. pump.
Second choice: 12-ga. SxS with short bbls.
I have both...plus various handguns.
If I could only have 1 weapon for home defense it would be a 12-ga. pump.
Second choice: 12-ga. SxS with short bbls.
I have both...plus various handguns.
BADUNAME37
Member
- Joined
- Aug 10, 2008
- Messages
- 4,434
I made a decision about fifteen years or so ago that I like the guns I have, and I refuse to sell or trade any of them so that I can end up with another one. Every time I have sold and traded guns, I have lost my shirt. EVERY SINGLE TIME.
It was this realization, and the realization that I really have all the guns I need, I can count them on my two hands, they are not exotic guns or overly-expensive guns, they are just guns that each serves its own purpose. If I need to blister a woodchuck in the farmer's field at 200 yards, then I have a gun for that. If I want to carry a pocket pistol, I have a gun and holster for that. If I want to handgun hunt big game (as in deer and black bear), I have a revolver for that.
Learning to appreciate what I have and not keep wanting more has been more of a lifestyle change for me more than anything. Being self-employed, with very little to no work in the past three years has reinforced that lifestyle in me. Most days, anymore, I don't even have a dollar bill in my pocket! Fortunately, my wife works, so when we need building materials so I can work on my house, we can at least purchase what we need. We don't get any help from "Big Brother" as I apparently have not paid in enough to get out. Go figure.
It was this realization, and the realization that I really have all the guns I need, I can count them on my two hands, they are not exotic guns or overly-expensive guns, they are just guns that each serves its own purpose. If I need to blister a woodchuck in the farmer's field at 200 yards, then I have a gun for that. If I want to carry a pocket pistol, I have a gun and holster for that. If I want to handgun hunt big game (as in deer and black bear), I have a revolver for that.
Learning to appreciate what I have and not keep wanting more has been more of a lifestyle change for me more than anything. Being self-employed, with very little to no work in the past three years has reinforced that lifestyle in me. Most days, anymore, I don't even have a dollar bill in my pocket! Fortunately, my wife works, so when we need building materials so I can work on my house, we can at least purchase what we need. We don't get any help from "Big Brother" as I apparently have not paid in enough to get out. Go figure.
Old judge creek
Member
Long ago I learned two things: never sell a gun or real estate.
About three years ago I realized that I had accumulated every gun I ever wanted (forget "needed") and yet, there are still some few "wunna those'd be cool to have" on my list. If I see one, I'll buy it if the mood strikes me. I don't intend the previous two sentences to be snarky, but rather a statement of what you can do over 50 years or more of active accumulating.
As for the original post, the question seems to be one from someone starting out and wondering which two shooters he should choose first.
My answer is: IMO EVERY man needs a basic battery of 5 guns. Those should be (in no particular order)
a centerfire rifle
a centerfire handgun
a rimfire rifle
a rimfire handgun
a 12 (or 20) gauge shotgun
Action types and calibers are personal choices and should depend upon a host of variables, beginning with "WHAT do you intend to actually shoot with the gun?" Robins? Rabbits? Robbers? Rhinoceros? or a herd of scimitar waving al-qaida storming down Elm Avenue?
Frankly, if I could only have two shooters, I do believe my choices would be a Mossberg 500 combo 12 ga pump with the short riot barrel and long hunting barrel with the Ventilated Rib. Big Five regularly sell this package here in California for $279.
My other choice would be (east of the Mississippi River) a S&W L Frame 357 magnum or here in the west perhaps a S&W N Frame 629 in 44 Magnum (critters are indeed bigger out here in the west). Both of these shooters should wear 4" barrels, IMO.
A good wheel gun is critical to have in your battery IMO and is more versatile than any other handgun - PERIOD!!!
Having said that, I'll add that during most of my swamp and woods, and river running in the south before I was 35, I was carrying my old reliable Ruger Blackhawk 357. I killed boar, bobcat, even a bear with it. The bear was dropped in its tracks with a single round of Lee Jurras' Super Vel (130 grain bullet at Warp Factor purty-dang-close-to-speed-of-light). I was once treed by a pack of feral dogs and fought them off with it as well. So, I can attest to the adaptability of the venerable SA revolver.
For years, I packed a S&W 3" 629 Trail Boss in the boonies. Following a close scrape in the desert about 7 years ago, I started carrying a 45 ACP. The critters that'll get'cha out there are not 4 legged. My carry piece was my full sized Kimber until I found a Glock 30 SF. Now I carry it.
And there's a 12 ga Coach Gun always close at hand. Yes, I still have my Mossberg 500, but the Coach Gun is a mite handier across the forks of my ATV.
So there ya go - one old man's opinion.
About three years ago I realized that I had accumulated every gun I ever wanted (forget "needed") and yet, there are still some few "wunna those'd be cool to have" on my list. If I see one, I'll buy it if the mood strikes me. I don't intend the previous two sentences to be snarky, but rather a statement of what you can do over 50 years or more of active accumulating.
As for the original post, the question seems to be one from someone starting out and wondering which two shooters he should choose first.
My answer is: IMO EVERY man needs a basic battery of 5 guns. Those should be (in no particular order)
a centerfire rifle
a centerfire handgun
a rimfire rifle
a rimfire handgun
a 12 (or 20) gauge shotgun
Action types and calibers are personal choices and should depend upon a host of variables, beginning with "WHAT do you intend to actually shoot with the gun?" Robins? Rabbits? Robbers? Rhinoceros? or a herd of scimitar waving al-qaida storming down Elm Avenue?
Frankly, if I could only have two shooters, I do believe my choices would be a Mossberg 500 combo 12 ga pump with the short riot barrel and long hunting barrel with the Ventilated Rib. Big Five regularly sell this package here in California for $279.
My other choice would be (east of the Mississippi River) a S&W L Frame 357 magnum or here in the west perhaps a S&W N Frame 629 in 44 Magnum (critters are indeed bigger out here in the west). Both of these shooters should wear 4" barrels, IMO.
A good wheel gun is critical to have in your battery IMO and is more versatile than any other handgun - PERIOD!!!
Having said that, I'll add that during most of my swamp and woods, and river running in the south before I was 35, I was carrying my old reliable Ruger Blackhawk 357. I killed boar, bobcat, even a bear with it. The bear was dropped in its tracks with a single round of Lee Jurras' Super Vel (130 grain bullet at Warp Factor purty-dang-close-to-speed-of-light). I was once treed by a pack of feral dogs and fought them off with it as well. So, I can attest to the adaptability of the venerable SA revolver.
For years, I packed a S&W 3" 629 Trail Boss in the boonies. Following a close scrape in the desert about 7 years ago, I started carrying a 45 ACP. The critters that'll get'cha out there are not 4 legged. My carry piece was my full sized Kimber until I found a Glock 30 SF. Now I carry it.
And there's a 12 ga Coach Gun always close at hand. Yes, I still have my Mossberg 500, but the Coach Gun is a mite handier across the forks of my ATV.
So there ya go - one old man's opinion.
Snowdog
Member
- Joined
- Dec 24, 2002
- Messages
- 4,606
As much as I like history, I think the 1895 Nagant revolver is a horrible choice for defense.
I love my Nagant revolver, but the incredibly anemic round and terrible DA trigger pull relegates it for plinking and collection only, IMO.
A military surplus pistol such as a TT33 or the ilk (I'm quite partial to the Yugo M57) or CZ82 are good choices and you still get some historical value as well.
A used, modern handgun would probably be ideal for your budget though. For example, the last SOG catalog I received (issue 238), a police trade-in Ruger P89 is selling for $229.
With enough diligence, you might find similar deals at your local gun shop or classified ads.
I love my Nagant revolver, but the incredibly anemic round and terrible DA trigger pull relegates it for plinking and collection only, IMO.
A military surplus pistol such as a TT33 or the ilk (I'm quite partial to the Yugo M57) or CZ82 are good choices and you still get some historical value as well.
A used, modern handgun would probably be ideal for your budget though. For example, the last SOG catalog I received (issue 238), a police trade-in Ruger P89 is selling for $229.
With enough diligence, you might find similar deals at your local gun shop or classified ads.
22-rimfire
Member
And what some of the others have said. But that is just my opinion.
12 ga shotgun is the most versatile HD firearm. Remington 870 and Mossberg 500 are probably the most cost effective. You can find them in your price range.
Your choice of the P95 is okay. I am not a fan of Ruger centerfire pistols, but I love their rimfires. I find the older centerfire models "utilitarian"... about the best word I can think of about the P95 and similar Ruger offerings. But it would be a good HD firearm and very shootable to learn on at the range.
I think you would be very happy with a Glock pistol in the caliber of your choice (9mm, 40 S&W, 45ACP) and they are not extremely expensive guns; but unfortunately they don't cost $250 either. They are incredibly easy to shoot and they last.
- Status