Jason_W
Member
I reloaded for years before moving out here. The only thing I'm missing to get going again is a good scale.
When you want all the guns, but can only afford one . . .
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I reloaded for years before moving out here. The only thing I'm missing to get going again is a good scale.
Demi-human
maybe likes firearms a little bit…
When you can manufacture your own ammunition, really the skies are the limit on what firearm to buy. An inexpensive digital scale will be perfectly adequate for anything but extended long range target shooting. Though a Gempro two fifty is very affordable.
I would suggest going out to a gun show or a very well stocked gun shop and actually picking one up. It's hard to get excited about a picture on the computer.
A nice used firearm in good condition. A plain Jane ho-hummer may speak to you when you pick her up. A wildcat that you didn't really think of as interesting may be more so when you have it in your paws and know that you can feed it too. If you just want something different, go get it!
I'm thinking a Camry, with a twin turbo.
I would suggest going out to a gun show or a very well stocked gun shop and actually picking one up. It's hard to get excited about a picture on the computer.
A nice used firearm in good condition. A plain Jane ho-hummer may speak to you when you pick her up. A wildcat that you didn't really think of as interesting may be more so when you have it in your paws and know that you can feed it too. If you just want something different, go get it!
I'm thinking a Camry, with a twin turbo.
Legionnaire
Contributing Member
Hand loading does dramatically expand your options. I'd never have bought a rifle in 7mm SAUM if I didn't reload.
Skylerbone
Member
I can understand the aversion in the face of a law that assaults your Constitutional Rights, that would be quite the conundrum for me as well. Still, as a guy who reloads more than a dozen calibers myself I can't ever seem to get enough rimfire time in to satisfy that pastime. It is looming, you could buy now and be stocked up, but I get it.
In that case...I swear I've been having nearly as much fun these past few weeks shooting my first pellet rifle. You could buy a walnut stock Hatsan 95 w/scope for $190 and spend $100 on enough ammo to last you years. That would leave enough for a nice AR, scope, and ammo.
Man you were right, too many choices! Best of luck, whatever you decide on.
In that case...I swear I've been having nearly as much fun these past few weeks shooting my first pellet rifle. You could buy a walnut stock Hatsan 95 w/scope for $190 and spend $100 on enough ammo to last you years. That would leave enough for a nice AR, scope, and ammo.
Man you were right, too many choices! Best of luck, whatever you decide on.
Jason_W
Member
An air rifle at some point to fill the niche a .22 LR usually would is a great idea I hadn't thought of.
As for the AR, They've never really been my thing, and I would never capitulate to owning one of the neutered, mutilated California legal versions of the platform.
sky, good points and yes i feel the same as you and jason (constitutional right) .... also been loading since late 70's and at times find myself with a 177 cz pellet rifle in the truck at the same time as, 45/70, 22 mag and 223. .... just incase of different shooting opportunities. Spend most of the summer running around a lot of large farms some very wide open others to crowded with livestock.... so different guns are called for.
North America has gotten a lot more crowed the last 50 years..... just not like it was.... dirt
John Joseph
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If you plan on hunting in the Valley of Stucco and Sadness remember no lead is allowed so rifling twist needs to stabilize lighter copper projectiles.
A pure target rifle is another matter---at least until the State Legislature decides it needs to protect steel chickens, pigs turkey and rams, and paper bulls eyes.
A pure target rifle is another matter---at least until the State Legislature decides it needs to protect steel chickens, pigs turkey and rams, and paper bulls eyes.
Jason_W
Member
Yeah, the no lead thing is a consideration. If I hunt, it will likely just be for small game and lead free options do abound for shotguns.
Hokkmike
Member
I like the .243. If you want recoil that is fun to shoot and a little more versatility go with a slightly lager yet mild round such as the .260, 7mm.08, 6.5x55 and etc. You will be able to hunt any sized deer, varmints if you want, and still be able to shoot lots of rounds at the range without any pain. My only other advice is to get the best quality you can afford. In my opinion one well made reputable quality brand gun is worth a gun cabinet full of cheaper ones. And you know what? - looking and researching in the deciding what to buy phase is half the fun so take your time and enjoy.
John Joseph
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How about a good pump action shotgun? Clay sports, hunting and HD all in one package----lotsa bang for the buck there!
For a handgun, there aren't any on the Roster I'd recommend unless you can find one of the last Browning HPs. If you PPT then K and N frame S&Ws and Colt GMs are attractive, but if you're learning I'd go with a Ruger target pistol first.
For a handgun, there aren't any on the Roster I'd recommend unless you can find one of the last Browning HPs. If you PPT then K and N frame S&Ws and Colt GMs are attractive, but if you're learning I'd go with a Ruger target pistol first.
John Joseph
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"For the rifle, I'm being super picky and nothing out there seems to meet my requirements. I want a short-ish barreled rifle in a chambering that offers moderate recoil so that I don't forget how to deal with recoil. It should have backup open or aperture sights so I can shoot it while I save for a decent optic, and above all, I want something that is balanced for offhand shooting. My first performance goal as I get back into shooting is to be able to consistently put hits inside an 8" circle at 100 yards from an offhand position. Getting there will eat a lot of ammo."
A Swiss K-31, or Swedish Mauser for less recoil. Tack drivers.
A Swiss K-31, or Swedish Mauser for less recoil. Tack drivers.
1stmarine
Member
IMO it is not so much the gun nor the caliber what might get you excited but what you do with it.
Two calibers quickly come two mind, specially if cost could be an issue. Both amazing calibers often overlooked.
A) 223/5.56 ...B) 308
If you reload this will give you amazing possibilities in very reasonable budget, specially the 223.
You also have endless options including affordable rifles that shoot fairly well out of the box.
The biggest issue with the 223 bolt action is that makers seem to resist installing barrels with 8 or 7 twist like we have in service carbines.
But this is not a huge thing for many, unless you want to get good at long range or hunt with the heavier bullets.
Whatever you save from either caliber you can put towards reloading equipment and glass.
I bet there is nothing you need to do with a rifle that you cannot do with these calibers with great accuracy.
Furthermore there is nothing other calibers mentioned before can do that you cannot do with the 308 in practical terms.
If you reload you can push 110gr pills like laser beams and 180gr loads that will take down the largest game if needed.
So in practical terms the thing could become a "243, a 6.5, a 7mm and 338" all together including hunting with premium hunting loads
but amazing deals in budget / training.
The 223 reloaded can produce amazing accuracy and it is an excellent all around caliber to have easy to maintain that means you shoot
more that means more fun.
Extreme accuracy and getting good at it is something should get anyone who likes shooting excited.
And remember, it is not a bad idea to have rifles in current service rounds and if you reload even better.
components will be always there.
I woudl consider a savage, even an old stevens 200 (same thing). Those are good actions and allow you to swap calibers very
easily and inexpensively if needed, perhaps between seasons and still get great accuracy. The thing is anytihng with the accustock
is going to be better than the other stocks like the xp.
Perhaps one of the best values is this 308 with a 5R barrel and accustock that is not the greatest stock in the world but it is aluminun
bedded and it works vs. the tupperware stocks you get with most budget rifles.
http://www.cabelas.com/product/shoo...ctical-bolt-action-rifle/1695199.uts?slotId=3
Check out the reports in the forums and folks are getting 1/2 moa with federal gold match and black hills ammo that is crazy for something out of the box
with that price.
There are othe like the predator (not the xp) with the accustock but those are
more expensive and why spend more right?
Two calibers quickly come two mind, specially if cost could be an issue. Both amazing calibers often overlooked.
A) 223/5.56 ...B) 308
If you reload this will give you amazing possibilities in very reasonable budget, specially the 223.
You also have endless options including affordable rifles that shoot fairly well out of the box.
The biggest issue with the 223 bolt action is that makers seem to resist installing barrels with 8 or 7 twist like we have in service carbines.
But this is not a huge thing for many, unless you want to get good at long range or hunt with the heavier bullets.
Whatever you save from either caliber you can put towards reloading equipment and glass.
I bet there is nothing you need to do with a rifle that you cannot do with these calibers with great accuracy.
Furthermore there is nothing other calibers mentioned before can do that you cannot do with the 308 in practical terms.
If you reload you can push 110gr pills like laser beams and 180gr loads that will take down the largest game if needed.
So in practical terms the thing could become a "243, a 6.5, a 7mm and 338" all together including hunting with premium hunting loads
but amazing deals in budget / training.
The 223 reloaded can produce amazing accuracy and it is an excellent all around caliber to have easy to maintain that means you shoot
more that means more fun.
Extreme accuracy and getting good at it is something should get anyone who likes shooting excited.
And remember, it is not a bad idea to have rifles in current service rounds and if you reload even better.
components will be always there.
I woudl consider a savage, even an old stevens 200 (same thing). Those are good actions and allow you to swap calibers very
easily and inexpensively if needed, perhaps between seasons and still get great accuracy. The thing is anytihng with the accustock
is going to be better than the other stocks like the xp.
Perhaps one of the best values is this 308 with a 5R barrel and accustock that is not the greatest stock in the world but it is aluminun
bedded and it works vs. the tupperware stocks you get with most budget rifles.
http://www.cabelas.com/product/shoo...ctical-bolt-action-rifle/1695199.uts?slotId=3
Check out the reports in the forums and folks are getting 1/2 moa with federal gold match and black hills ammo that is crazy for something out of the box
with that price.
There are othe like the predator (not the xp) with the accustock but those are
more expensive and why spend more right?
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