What should I buy?

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adp

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I currently own three handguns and am planning to purchase one more. My collection thus far:

* S&W 617, 10-shot, .22lr revolver, 4" barrel
* Ruger SP101, 5-shot, .357/.38sp, 3.06" barrel
* CZ82, 12-rd mag, 9x18 Makarov, 4" barrel (I believe)

I'm looking for something that will compliment these three firearms, and that will not be too expensive to shoot. If this were two years ago I'd say a .45 acp semi-auto, but have you seen the price of rounds? The thought of spending $200 for 300 rounds is less than appealing.

Assuming the ammo situation will not substantially improve before my purchase permit expires (ugh, I live in NJ, and it's only good for 90 days), I was thinking of purchasing a gun that shoots the 7.62x25 (Tokarev) round.

These firearms are inexpensive, accurate, and like the Makarov carries some initeresting history. The milsurp rounds are fairly cheap as well, and pack a wallop.

Thanks in advance for your recommendations.
 
4" or 6" .357, S&W M-66 or 686

Or a Smith .40 M&P

Both because 9mm is so hard to find right now.

I'd rather have a good gun I shot once in awhile over a crude mil-spec surplus pistol I'd shoot more often.
 
Something in a .40S&W, like a Glock or S&W M&P, might be the way to go right now. On the few occasions that I have found handgun ammo available it has usually been for the .40S&W.

Another way to go would be another .357 revolver. A Ruger GP-100 or a used S&W K or L frame could give you compatability with your Ruger SP-101 and also allow you to shoot .38 Special ammo in both guns.
 
If you like firearms history, real or simply the "culture" of historical guns, you're probably due for a good single-action revolver.. for ammo compatibility, one in .357 Magnum.
 
"Ball & Cap" Single-Action revolver from Strum & Ruger. I believe blued and stainless versions were offered in the past.
 
something in 9mm, like a CZ75. I know 9mm is hard to find right now, but when/if things return to normal, the 9mm ammo isn't too much, certainly cheaper than 45ACP.
 
thanks

Thanks for the input.

You guys "get it" as far as the type of gun, caliber compatibility, caliber diversity, etc.

So you don't think I should base my choice on the current craziness with respect to ammo?
 
the ammo situation is temporary. The majors would be fools not to spend capital to increase production *if* they feel like we are at a new tier of demand. But more than likely once the hoarders stop buying again, stuff will show back up on the shelves. I would not make a long-term decision such as a firearm choice based on a temporary ammo situation.
 
How about a Sig Sauer P226 or P229? They're well made, slick and accurate. Also, should you get one in 40 S&W, you can at your leisure buy a 357 Sig barrel and shoot that as well. There are even kits that allow you to shoot 9 mm Parabellum and 22 LR out of one.
 
The ammo problem will go away as soon as the hoarders stop or run out of money.

Get a 9mm, M&P 22, or target .22 (Ruger or Browning Buckmark) and have fun.
 
Hi adp, I have only been shooting about 6 months, so I have limited experience. Had a Glock 19, sold it. Picked up a CZ 85C in Duotone 9mm. At 6' and 185 lbs, gun fits my hand perfectly. I shoot once a week and just started getting 1" groups at 30-40'. Thats shooting 124 gr stock Aquila ammo. If you get the chance try 1 out. Check out reviews. They don not have a firing pin block so the trigger is awesome!! Yes they have 10 rd mags if you live in NJ. Damascusgunshop.com is where I bought mine. Great people to work with too.
And yes, not much around in 9mm anywhere.
 
find yourself a good quality large frame older 357mag or 44mag revolver with a 6"barrel, you won't be disappointed. Preferably a Smith, Ruger, or Colt. They are unbelievable.

My newest Smith is a 1972 28-2 4" that someone threw in their sock drawer and never shot. I bought it use at my LGS for twice what I paid for my first one. My weekly shooter is a 1957 28 6" and it is unbelievable for accuracy and quality. I've been shooting it hard since 1984 when I bought it used.

You won't be sorry!
 
The 7.62 x 25 round is largely under-rated, so a CZ-52 or Tokarev would not be a bad, inexpensive choice. I would personally go with the CZ although I own both. You used to be able to get 9mm conversion barrels to boot, so it is a versatile platform. The round itself can run pretty hot...enough so to penetrate a vest. I picked up a couple thousand rounds for not a lot of money, so it isn't expensive to feed.

But there are a lot of options out there and you have been given a bunch of really good recommendations. Probably why I own a few more than 100 handguns.
 
ADP;

There are several good suggestions that have been posted, the larger .357 being one of the best IMHO. But, thinking of the future, and versitility, I'd be haunting the used inventory of every gun shop around looking for a 1911 platform .45 that will also take a .22 conversion top end. If you're really lucky, or wear a halo as an issued item, you'll find somebody's trade-in that included both already.

Another thing to think of is that currently there is no 4473 requirement for the .22 conversion kit.

900F
 
You've got three good ones. In your place I'd consider either a .22 semi-auto or a 1911. Like CB900 suggested, if you can find one with a kit, you'll kill two birds with one stone. A 9mm is nice, but it's close to your CZ82 in power, function, and practicality, and I don't think it would add enough advantage to your collection.

I love the 7.62x25 but recently sold my CZ-52. Great well made guns, but the cheap ammo's corrosive, some of their triggers are really bad, weights a ton, and it was no longer practical for me. YMMV. But, they do make a BIG boom if that's important.
RT
 
I am gonna go against the grain and still say I think you would benefit from a 1911 of some flavor. I see plenty of plinking and medium bore action in your handguns, but I dont see anything large bore in .40, .44, .45, or .50. Maybe a BHP in .40 would be about right.
 
Buy something with some power. A Ruger .44 Magnum, a 10mm Glock or if round count in a non extended magazine is important ... a 17 round Wonder Nine.
 
adp said:
I currently own three handguns and am planning to purchase one more. My collection thus far:

* S&W 617, 10-shot, .22lr revolver, 4" barrel
* Ruger SP101, 5-shot, .357/.38sp, 3.06" barrel
* CZ82, 12-rd mag, 9x18 Makarov, 4" barrel (I believe)

I'm looking for something that will compliment these three firearms, and that will not be too expensive to shoot. If this were two years ago I'd say a .45 acp semi-auto, but have you seen the price of rounds? The thought of spending $200 for 300 rounds is less than appealing.

Assuming the ammo situation will not substantially improve before my purchase permit expires (ugh, I live in NJ, and it's only good for 90 days), I was thinking of purchasing a gun that shoots the 7.62x25 (Tokarev) round.

These firearms are inexpensive, accurate, and like the Makarov carries some initeresting history. The milsurp rounds are fairly cheap as well, and pack a wallop.

Thanks in advance for your recommendations.
Click to expand...
Unless you have plenty of .22lr and 9x18 ammo squared away I would pick .38/357. Had grumpy ole' fellaw complaining about lack of .22 ammo blaming some 'foreign powers or people' for the shortage. 'Sir, please just go home....we be glad to contact you when some comes in and is available'
 
You might want some variety. Don't know your budget, so:

Single action: a Ruger Blackhawk in 357 or 45 Colt. The 45 Colt version is available with an extra cylinder for 45 ACP. If you wanted fixed sights for some reason the Ruger Vaquero in the same calibers. There's a decent chance that both could be found used in good shape.

Semi: a 45 ACP. Unless you want a traditional 1911 style, look at the S&W M&P. If it's half as good as my M&P 9mm, it would be a winner.

Other: a 22lr semi target pistol. The possibilities call for a seperate thread. I will say that the Kadet conversion kit for my CZ 75b is as good as any dedicated 22 semi.

Go for the gun/caliber you want and the ammo will follow eventually.

Give some thought to reloading at some point. For 38/357 and 45 Colt it allows for a lot of versatility and some savings. Unless you are shooting a lot the gear needn't be expensive and it is a fun adjunct to the hobby. Just for future consideration.

Good luck with the search and welcome to the forum.

Jeff
 
I just purchased a S&W M&P 40 as 40SW seems more available in my area and once the ammo panic dies down you can drop a 9mm barrel into it for cheaper range ammo. Plus I liked it's ergonomics over others (glock for example).
 
ADP, Dear Fellow,
You have all you need in that Ruger SP 101... learn to use and appreciate it.
If you really need "reinforcement" go for a Mossberg 500 in 12 gauge, 00 buck.... lovely instrument in close quarters.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Why waste time learning when ignorance is instantaneous.....
Thomas Hobbes
 
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