CAS700850
Member
Recently spent a couple of days in Florida helping my grandparents put his property, boat, and life back togather after Charlie paid him a visit Close enough to hurt a little, far enough away to keep from destroying him), I got to thinking about the need for a long gun in my life. While I was there, Grandpa gave me a pistol to carry while we worked (I flew down on short notice, didn't take a weapon of my own to speed the process). It was a S&W 686, which is perfect because I have one of my own. He also gave me a 12 gauge Remington 870 to keep by the bed, in case of looters. Good news is that both were never needed, everything is back to normal, or better (like the new dock for his boat).
Anyways, this got me thinking about my lack of a long gun. I have several handguns, but not a single long gun. I'm familiar enough with them, and have had a .22 rifle and 12 gauge pump shotgun in the past, both of which were traded off at some point for other things. Now, the need for a long gun has become apparent. The question is: what long gun do I get?
I know the AR-15/M-16 fairly well, thanks to Uncle Sam's Army. And, I know pump shotguns fairly well, thanks to a career in law enforcement. My situation is living with a wife and two kids in a suburban area. The HD weapon of choice is a handgun, so the long gun is primarily for back-up and "just in case the fan gets smothered" purposes. Also, as may be true for many of you, money is not unlimited. My initial thoughts are a 12 gauge pump gun...something that will not break the bank, will be functional in this role out of the box, but can be added to as money and interests develop (lights, improved sights, sidesaddle shell carrier, etc.) Another thought is a pistol caliber carbine of some type, maybe a lever action Marlin, which could be fun in addition to practical.
Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Anyways, this got me thinking about my lack of a long gun. I have several handguns, but not a single long gun. I'm familiar enough with them, and have had a .22 rifle and 12 gauge pump shotgun in the past, both of which were traded off at some point for other things. Now, the need for a long gun has become apparent. The question is: what long gun do I get?
I know the AR-15/M-16 fairly well, thanks to Uncle Sam's Army. And, I know pump shotguns fairly well, thanks to a career in law enforcement. My situation is living with a wife and two kids in a suburban area. The HD weapon of choice is a handgun, so the long gun is primarily for back-up and "just in case the fan gets smothered" purposes. Also, as may be true for many of you, money is not unlimited. My initial thoughts are a 12 gauge pump gun...something that will not break the bank, will be functional in this role out of the box, but can be added to as money and interests develop (lights, improved sights, sidesaddle shell carrier, etc.) Another thought is a pistol caliber carbine of some type, maybe a lever action Marlin, which could be fun in addition to practical.
Any advice will be greatly appreciated.