What do I buy?

[DrCap]

Okay so now what do I do?
The dealer I went to apparently isn't just a dealer but has been a precision rifle barrel maker for 40 years and a 'master gunsmith.' My father's known him for probably 40 years too.

He seemed almost too intelligent about guns.

I explained my concerns about what if the SHTF, he understood my concerns. We talked for about an hour. He had a lot to say about the gun laws.

He told me a 38 special +P is the best choice for my self defense needs. He feels that would be able to shoot a variety of ammo, and the ammo would be readily available in worst case scenario situations.

Recommended a Taurus or Ruger and said I didn't need to spend the extra money on a more expensive gun. He felt a Glock or Browning wasn't worth the extra cost.

Needless to say, he didn't need the sale.
I was thinking I could get a shotgun and a handgun instead, more ammo than I anticipated and still be under budget, but the gun wouldn't look as cool...and maybe be a revolver instead of a cartridge...

 

[werdd]

get a 357, not too much of a kick like a 30-06, but plenty of knockdown.

 

[agentl074]

Go out and try some weapons and find the ones right for you. I recommend a pistol chamberd in any modern combat caliber (9mm, .40, 45, .357Mag, 10MM etc.) For a rifle I recommend any intermediate or full power loadings.

I found that my Glock 20 and AR-10 works very well for me. I just orderd another 100rnds of 7.62 for my AR to top off my ammo cans.

 

[Ozwest]

For personal protection...

It is hard to beat a 12 gauge shotgun.

 

[Ozwest]

A shotgun will beat any hand gun or rifle in close quarters.

I f you want to go hunting. Go elsewhere.

 

[hillbilly123069]

Silent weapons should be considered also.Compound bow.Slingshot.

 

[Gideon]

The Buckmark is a good gun.

Don't overlook the browning buckmark .22 pistol. I love mine. Mark II or buckmark are both great guns.

It took me about 500 rounds in order to grow accustomed to the lack of recoil compared to the .45 I had been shooting regularly for over 20 years, but the Buckmark is a very accurate little handgun.

I once fired a friend's Ruger Mark 2, bull-barrel, and it was a nice little gun also.

I think either one would be a good first-handgun.

Even if you wait to buy gun, just go out and buy lots of ammo.

 

[rwbris18]

On-a-budget

One of the things to consider when on a budget is what you can afford. Like most items, guns come in various qualities. When I purchase a gun, I want the best quality... because I keep them for a lifetime. Now, quality for me means usefulness. If I go Elephant hunting, I'm not going to use a 9mm handgun... even it its the best quality I could find, that would be useless.

But, here is a reminder... a cheap gun that is reliable is better than a "Gold Plated" one that isn't reliable. Dead is Dead.

A 5" group at 100 yards will still get you a deer (AK), as the target at the front shoulder/heart area is about 12".

Get something reliable... even if its used and from a pawn shop.

 

[JohnMeridith]

399 for a glock22 at buds gun shop online. Refurbed with 3 15rd mags. After all the fees I will be in the gun for 435 shipped.

 

[sailor]

An SKS. Dirt cheap, multi-purpose, decent performance. Ever reliable, low maintaince.

Very good for a beginner.