With a free $400 to use...

[T.A.Sharps]

I am having trouble deciding my next gun purchase and thought to tap opinions here.

Basically I have a "free" $400 to put toward a firearm. There are about 3 options I am considering so far.

For obvious gun forum opinionated reasons I am not going to mention the make or caliber of the firearms I am considering. I think we all have seen results of that when someone asks for an opinion of a specific make or caliber.

Suggestions are appreciated, but I'm pretty opinionated also, and I have been shopping for a while.

1. Light concealable carry weapon. Currently my only weapon for this is a bulky/heavy 45, it works, but not in the summer. I would only be able to use it for CCW, and some range work. Though, I do need a regular, all weather, carry weapon. This would also be a somewhat more affordable since the options I am considering here are in the $500+/- range.

2. Muzzle loader rifle. Essentially to be able to hunt more than one season. I had a bad experience with BP, it was my first rifle, and a cheap one. Newer nicer, more user friendly designs had been making me reconsider taking it up again, as well as the year I got screwed out of my Shotgun hunt by work. It bad enough having to wait 1 year. It would be really nice to have a second season to fall back on. Would be using it only for hunting, and a few range trips. Defiantly a working firearm I could put to use, just not a whole lot of use all year round. Price wise this rifle of choice will be about $700+/-, there are also ones for less worth consideration.

3. One of those dream pistols you always wanted. But was always just expensive enough that you couldn't afford one. It would be able to fill the role of CCW (better than what I currently have), and even hunting given the right situation. Though it wouldn't be the ideal platform for either. But I sure would shoot the hell out of it every chance I got. Price I'm thinking of is about $600-800. Though can go up and past $1000, depending.

 

[dovedescending]

mmmm... As I told my wife, I feel that any gun owner should have 4 guns minimum. A shotgun, a rifle, a full-size handgun, and a smaller "summer" gun. I'd go with option 1. If you only have one gun for CC, that limits you. Two guns, you can carry almost anywhere in any season.

 

[NinjaFeint]

I'd go with option 1. Around $500 will get you a quality carry firearm. Also, check out used firearms. I have seen lots of lightly used carry guns that were 700-800 new for 500ish used.

 

[desidog]

If you don't have a muzzle-loader; get one...they're fun and more challenging than modern gear.

 

[19-3Ben]

It would be able to fill the role of CCW (better than what I currently have), and even hunting given the right situation.

Sounds to me like you might like the Ruger SP101 customized by someone who knows what he's doing. I got my 3" SP101 worked over by Gemini Customs and I love it. It conceals well, and if I'm out in the woods, it shoots very hot 158gr. .357mag loads with no problem.
$460 for the gun, throw another $300 into smithing (think trigger job, chamfer chambers, recrown, melt job, fiber-optic sight, etc...) and come out with something truly unique, and YOURS.
Even unmodified, they are fantastic guns. Truly fantastic. It's just that with the extra $400, you can really make it something very special.

 

[Robert]

One of those dream pistols you always wanted

Howdah Pistol

 

[fireman 9731]

My vote goes for numero uno as well.

 

[19-3Ben]

You know what, I'm changing my answer.

I'm gonna say get a Kahr PM45. It'll share ammo with the .45 you already own, and it'll be an awesome light, slim, small, powerful carry gun for year round use.

 

[content]

Hello friends and neighbors// CC or DO ALL or BP rifle

---- I don't mind buying used in great working order, holster wear is ok.----

CC: S&W 442 Centennial (hammerless) 1 7/8" .38+P I got mine for $400 otd, great in every way but capacity, 5 shot. Carries well in pocket with small grips or IWB with longer grips.
OR
S&W Model 60 3" .357/.38 if you are not recoil shy and don't mind shiney SD handguns.

DO ALL: S&W 586 6" .357/.38 fun for plinking,SD,HD can be used for hunting. I got mine for $400.
OR
Ruger Security Six (adjustable sights) 4" .357/.38 I got mine for $325, good durable straight shooter.

BP rifle: Cabelas has the Traditions Springfield .50 cal Hawken 1 in 66 for $300

I'm looking at one used for $200 but have very little knowledge of BP rifles. I'll just sit back with the popcorn and get educated on this one.

ALWAYS WANTED:
An M1 Garand or a Trench Shotgun actually used in battle.
OR
A Tommy Gun (no way I know of to get one actually used in battle)