For the revolver, it's really tough to be a Redhawk. The Supers are great. But they are really bulky and don't even remotely look "classic". I had a Super Blackhawk. But try as I might with several different grips, it just didn't fit my hand. And that caused my groups to suffer. Picked up a Redhawk in 44mag and it was like coming home to an old friend. That doesn't mean you won't love an SBH. I just didn't.
When you want all the guns, but can only afford one . . .
- Thread starter Jason_W
- Start date
- Status
Demi-human
maybe likes firearms a little bit…
You already have that. Get a nice revolver. Or one in Fourty five seventy if you must have another rifle.
Remember an old adage, beware the man with only one gun. It's likely he knows how to use it.
jamesjames
Member
sounds like you are willing to cash in the Marlin 1894 and start over again. I did that. I had a marlin 1894ss in 44 magnum. I was frustrated that the 1 in 37 twist would not stabilize a 44 magnum round. It was key-holing and not grouping at 100 yards.
I still wanted a lever gun and handgun combination in the same caliber. I always admired the 1892 Winchester action and took a deep breath and bought a trapper-length stainless Rossi 1892 in .357 mag. for $450. It paired with a police trade-in S&W model 64 I got on gunbroker for $300. So I have a pair of plinkers in 38 special and can go 357 in the rifle if I want some punch. I slicked up the Rossi into a race gun and its one of my favorite rifles for the fun it gives.
$750 for the pair. Then you can start looking at a bolt gun in .270 or .30 caliber.
I still wanted a lever gun and handgun combination in the same caliber. I always admired the 1892 Winchester action and took a deep breath and bought a trapper-length stainless Rossi 1892 in .357 mag. for $450. It paired with a police trade-in S&W model 64 I got on gunbroker for $300. So I have a pair of plinkers in 38 special and can go 357 in the rifle if I want some punch. I slicked up the Rossi into a race gun and its one of my favorite rifles for the fun it gives.
$750 for the pair. Then you can start looking at a bolt gun in .270 or .30 caliber.
JONWILL
Member
- Joined
- Apr 21, 2017
- Messages
- 938
This is an excellent idea.
The Rossi 1892 is a great gun 38/357 is perfect for it.
I would get a Ruger Security Six series guns. You should be close to $800 for the pair
Everready73
Member
How about a Ruger American scout in 6.5 creedmoor. Not the wooden stuck you prefer but recoil is only slightly more than a 243 and less then 308. Shorter barrel with the scout version and 6.5 is powerful enough for most American game and it's a great long range round
Stevenvalleyky
Member
- Joined
- Jan 5, 2017
- Messages
- 275
Since you have decided on a rifle and handgun now, I have an idea that's a little different than anything mentioned yet. How about a rifle that shoots great and you get to pick the stock you want. Go buy a new rifle from most manufacturers (I REALLY like the ruger americans for accuracy)with the cheap, ugly plastic stocks, order and install a new stock from Boyds. Still be cheaper than just about all new rifles with wood stocks and will most likely be more accurate than even top of the line rifles made 20 years ago. Out of the box accuracy from Ruger, savage, and Remington bolt guns are amazing these days. Could have a very nice looking and nice shooting gun for $600. Nice wheelguns are kinda expensive, polymer pistols are cheaper.
Or you could spend the whole $1200-1400 of your budget on a Winchester model 70 supergrade.
As for caliber, I like the 243 alot but I think you would be better served with a .308. Since you will be handloading, you can load light .308 loads and be real close to heavy 105 grain .243 loads. They both use the same case. You can also load 180 grain loads that are excellent on Elk out to 300-400 yards. Cheaper to reload than long action calibers like 30-06 and .270. More .30 caliber options for reloading than probably any other rifle bullets. On top of that, barrel life of the 308 is MUCH better than the 243 which is a little overbore and considered a barrel burner.
That's just my thoughts, lots of good suggestions have been given.
Or you could spend the whole $1200-1400 of your budget on a Winchester model 70 supergrade.
As for caliber, I like the 243 alot but I think you would be better served with a .308. Since you will be handloading, you can load light .308 loads and be real close to heavy 105 grain .243 loads. They both use the same case. You can also load 180 grain loads that are excellent on Elk out to 300-400 yards. Cheaper to reload than long action calibers like 30-06 and .270. More .30 caliber options for reloading than probably any other rifle bullets. On top of that, barrel life of the 308 is MUCH better than the 243 which is a little overbore and considered a barrel burner.
That's just my thoughts, lots of good suggestions have been given.
Last edited:
Officers'Wife
Member
Usually my weapons are chosen for a specific purpose and fall under cost/benefit considerations. One of the exceptions was when my hubby retired from the army and I decided to give him a remington 600 as a coming home present. Even then I went to the local gunshop, told him what I wanted and a ballpark figure of what I wanted to pay and mentioned I would be cleaning out the freezer the next week and probably making my grandmother's recipe blueberry pie. Oddly enough, one week to the day later he called that he had a 600 in 7.65, used but in excellent mechanical condition for $50 over my figure. He threw in 100 rounds of ammunition and a better recoil pad. Which simply proves what I've always said... The way to a man's heart is a 303 Brit but to his pocketbook it through his stomach.
Jason_W
Member
Something in .308 is in real consideration. I'm eyeing the savage 11 scout. I know that Howa is also making a "scout" rifle. I'm not a stickler about a rifle meeting Cooper's specs to the letter. I just like the idea of a short but reasonably powerful rifle that has backup irons.
For the handgun, there's a local shop that sells agency trade in Glocks for about $450. I can get something in .40 for a song since the round is no longer "in".
Yeah, they'd be ugly utility guns, but they'd keep me proficient while I save a few years for something "nice".
For the handgun, there's a local shop that sells agency trade in Glocks for about $450. I can get something in .40 for a song since the round is no longer "in".
Yeah, they'd be ugly utility guns, but they'd keep me proficient while I save a few years for something "nice".
Everready73
Member
If you are cool with a Glock in 40 Aim Surplus has police trade ins as low as $309 https://www.aimsurplus.com/product....In+GEN+3+GLOCK+22+.40S&W+Handgun&groupid=8630 . The also have some SIG p226 40 cal for 399. Even with transfer fee you are saving some money
J-Bar
Member
This is much like choosing a spouse/significant other/girlfriend/boyfriend/whatever...
You look at the possible choices and if none of them makes your heart race, you keep looking.
If everyone of them makes your heart race then you are a 17-year old boy, and you will outgrow it.
The point is, what turns me on has no bearing on what turns you on, for either companions or firearms.
You look at the possible choices and if none of them makes your heart race, you keep looking.
If everyone of them makes your heart race then you are a 17-year old boy, and you will outgrow it.
The point is, what turns me on has no bearing on what turns you on, for either companions or firearms.
Jason_W
Member
This is much like choosing a spouse/significant other/girlfriend/boyfriend/whatever...
You look at the possible choices and if none of them makes your heart race, you keep looking.
If everyone of them makes your heart race then you are a 17-year old boy, and you will outgrow it.
The point is, what turns me on has no bearing on what turns you on, for either companions or firearms.
Unfortunately, nothing I can afford really makes my heart race, so I have to settle for useful and reliable. I could connect that to your metaphor, but I wouldn't want to run afoul any of our esteemed female forumites and lurkers.
Sauer Grapes
Member
Good advice IMHO. We ''should'' be safe for 3 1\2 more years.
I believe a scout rifle in .308 would serve very well for an all around gun. I'm kinda partial to the Ruger, but nothing at all wrong with a Savage. As to a pistol/handgun, Glock is never a bad choice. Not such a big fan of .40, but if you like it, that's what counts. Those two weapons will be darn useful & versatile.
Jason_W
Member
I'm more or less indifferent to the handgun chambering. I'm not going to be chasing deer with it. 9mm, .40, .45 or .357 mag, it's all good if the grip fits my hand and the price is right.
J-Bar
Member
This is one of the most heartbreaking statements I have ever read in this forum. I hope someday you can have the wonderful experience of finding a firearm that excites you, that you just can't wait to shoot. "Settling" for something less is a waste of money, in my opinion.
I hope you find what you are looking for.
Jason_W
Member
This is the sort of thing that gets me going.
http://www.blaser-usa.com/index.php?id=56&L=1
Yeah. I'm weird
J-Bar
Member
Jason_W
Member
A really nice drilling or combo gun is definitely a life goal. What I'm getting in the immediate future are tools to regain and then maintain proficiency in the interim.
It's sort of like if you really want a luxury car or sports car, but can't afford one yet. You buy the Toyota Camry for now so you can get to work, but you don't get too excited about it.
huntsman
Member
I like doubles myself but if you want cheaper "cool" how about a Ruger #1 international? .243 or .30/06 shouldn't break the bank to shoot.
MidRoad
Member
http://cz-usa.com/product/cz-557-sporter-short-action/
Cz makes a great rifle,very accurate and they usually end up with nice wood. Top it off it a Leupold scope and you have one hell of a setup. CZ's full stock rifles are beautiful too,also something to look into. And if you don't mind straying into a "nicer" synthetic stock check out Tikka. The t3x upgraded the stock from the plain t3. And they are one smooth accurate rifle too.
If I was in your shoes I'd go for a rifle that can reach out there a little more. Than save for a nice handgun. I LOVE my gp100 and you can get a used one for about 500-550 .You have 2 ,shotguns already so I saying save for those last. And hang on to the Marlin, even if it's not a JM. As lone as it doesn't give you problems why off load it?
Cz makes a great rifle,very accurate and they usually end up with nice wood. Top it off it a Leupold scope and you have one hell of a setup. CZ's full stock rifles are beautiful too,also something to look into. And if you don't mind straying into a "nicer" synthetic stock check out Tikka. The t3x upgraded the stock from the plain t3. And they are one smooth accurate rifle too.
If I was in your shoes I'd go for a rifle that can reach out there a little more. Than save for a nice handgun. I LOVE my gp100 and you can get a used one for about 500-550 .You have 2 ,shotguns already so I saying save for those last. And hang on to the Marlin, even if it's not a JM. As lone as it doesn't give you problems why off load it?
bassjam
Member
Seeing as how you are lacking a .22 in your arsenal, I think that's the logical next step. If you've got the cash CZ makes some really nice bolt guns, and then pair it with a Mark IV or Buckmark.
Skylerbone
Member
If we're just throwing out odd combos how about an AR and bolt action .22? To me recoil is something to be mitigated to the extent possible, which is what an AR does, and rimfires are reasonably inexpensive to practice with.
For my money, and if the trigger angle were different, a Thompson Center with the initial clambering of your choice.
If none of those strike your fancy then a modestly priced sporter weight .22 that will always pay you back in ammo savings and skills development. No more worrying (excessively) over burned out barrels or aching shoulders. A .22, Sinclair rest, and a rear bag. Throw in a VX-1 while you're at it and you're at $700.
I still shoot from my 30 year old rest and bags, still shoot the cheap Marlin I bought 24 years ago. Lifetime items leaving you money to spare.
For my money, and if the trigger angle were different, a Thompson Center with the initial clambering of your choice.
If none of those strike your fancy then a modestly priced sporter weight .22 that will always pay you back in ammo savings and skills development. No more worrying (excessively) over burned out barrels or aching shoulders. A .22, Sinclair rest, and a rear bag. Throw in a VX-1 while you're at it and you're at $700.
I still shoot from my 30 year old rest and bags, still shoot the cheap Marlin I bought 24 years ago. Lifetime items leaving you money to spare.
Jason_W
Member
I'm avoiding rimfires, and here's why:
An asinine new California law goes into effect in January that requires a background check every time we purchase ammo. I'm not willing to play that game, so Come Jan 1 2018, I'm a handload only guy. That's my form of civil disobedience on the issue. If I can't handload my own, I'm not shooting it.
An asinine new California law goes into effect in January that requires a background check every time we purchase ammo. I'm not willing to play that game, so Come Jan 1 2018, I'm a handload only guy. That's my form of civil disobedience on the issue. If I can't handload my own, I'm not shooting it.
- Status
Similar threads
