It takes me months, sometimes years, to decide on which firearm to purchase. I'm choosy and "thrifty", so I like to research my choices thoroughly. I'm anticipating buying a good long arm before too long, and I'm primarily looking at 4 choices:
1. Marlin 1894css
First of all, it concerns me that it's so difficult to find an 1894, stainless or otherwise. Demand is high and that's reflected in the price. Aproximately $650 for a lever action is steep. On the other hand, it must be a good gun if they're always out of stock and owners aren't selling them. My main reason for wanting this gun is to be a companion gun to my Ruger GP100. Ammo is cheap and plentiful, and will be easy to reload. I'm hoping to push the round's effective range to 75 yards or so. One question: if some moron looter/killer were attacking me with soft body armor on, would this round be able to penetrate it with a hot load coming out of 18.5 inches of barrel?
2. 20" no frills AR-15
I'd be looking at Stag, Bushmaster, or equivalent in quality and nothing more expensive (and this would still be at the top of my price range). I live in California, which means I'd need a "bullet button" and I'd be limited to 10-round magazines. I'm not interested in attaching optics, lights, etc., which I know is why some people want ARs. My reason for getting one would be its range, firepower, proven record, common round, and durability.
3. Ruger Mini-14
I wouldn't want anything other than the newer 580 series Mini-14s with thicker barrel and modified gas system. The problem is that they're getting to be almost as expensive as ARs. Unlike the Marlin, however, it's pretty plentiful here and I could shop around. I hear mixed reviews about its accuracy, but since I'm only planning on using iron sights, I don't mind trading reliability for a little accuracy. The big question with this choice is why not just get an AR?
4. Remington 870P
This would be the cheapest option since I already have the gun. Unfortunately, it's a police trade in with the bead sight broken off and the finish is so worn that it takes to rusting without too much difficulty. If I were to invest my money in this system, I'd spend between $400 and $500 mounting a ghost ring sight, getting it cerakoted, and perhaps fitted with a better stock. 12 gauge is the most plentiful round at my local stores. Whereas there are usually only a few boxes of any given caliber, there are always stacks and stacks of 12 gauge. However, in a confined space like my house, I'd prefer to use a revolver, and I'd be limited by the range outside if I hunt with it.
In the end, I think I'd be happy with any of these choices, but I want to make the best decision. I'd like to focus on one longarm for now and get to know it really well and practice as often with it as possible. Time and money is tight, so I want to keep my collection small and useful. Any suggestions or ideas?
1. Marlin 1894css
First of all, it concerns me that it's so difficult to find an 1894, stainless or otherwise. Demand is high and that's reflected in the price. Aproximately $650 for a lever action is steep. On the other hand, it must be a good gun if they're always out of stock and owners aren't selling them. My main reason for wanting this gun is to be a companion gun to my Ruger GP100. Ammo is cheap and plentiful, and will be easy to reload. I'm hoping to push the round's effective range to 75 yards or so. One question: if some moron looter/killer were attacking me with soft body armor on, would this round be able to penetrate it with a hot load coming out of 18.5 inches of barrel?
2. 20" no frills AR-15
I'd be looking at Stag, Bushmaster, or equivalent in quality and nothing more expensive (and this would still be at the top of my price range). I live in California, which means I'd need a "bullet button" and I'd be limited to 10-round magazines. I'm not interested in attaching optics, lights, etc., which I know is why some people want ARs. My reason for getting one would be its range, firepower, proven record, common round, and durability.
3. Ruger Mini-14
I wouldn't want anything other than the newer 580 series Mini-14s with thicker barrel and modified gas system. The problem is that they're getting to be almost as expensive as ARs. Unlike the Marlin, however, it's pretty plentiful here and I could shop around. I hear mixed reviews about its accuracy, but since I'm only planning on using iron sights, I don't mind trading reliability for a little accuracy. The big question with this choice is why not just get an AR?
4. Remington 870P
This would be the cheapest option since I already have the gun. Unfortunately, it's a police trade in with the bead sight broken off and the finish is so worn that it takes to rusting without too much difficulty. If I were to invest my money in this system, I'd spend between $400 and $500 mounting a ghost ring sight, getting it cerakoted, and perhaps fitted with a better stock. 12 gauge is the most plentiful round at my local stores. Whereas there are usually only a few boxes of any given caliber, there are always stacks and stacks of 12 gauge. However, in a confined space like my house, I'd prefer to use a revolver, and I'd be limited by the range outside if I hunt with it.
In the end, I think I'd be happy with any of these choices, but I want to make the best decision. I'd like to focus on one longarm for now and get to know it really well and practice as often with it as possible. Time and money is tight, so I want to keep my collection small and useful. Any suggestions or ideas?
