I am getting a new gun for christmas. I have gotten the okay from the wife, but need to keep it under $1,000 not including scope or other goodies because I plan on getting that stuff during boxing week. I hunt, target shoot, and buy many of my guns with prepping in mind in case shtf. I often buy/sell guns, but lately I have not sold many because I pretty much have every gun that was on my "must have" list. I will give you guys a list of my current guns, then a list of a few that I have been thinking about choosing, but can't decide. Any comments on my suggestions, or any new suggestions would be appreciated. Also, I am trying to fill any voids on my firearms that would be a good fit in my collection if shtf...Also, I have 5 people in my family. Wife, 3 teens aged 14-17 and they all shoot.
MY GUNS
1. Norinco M14 18.5" bbl shorty 308 (project gun, that will have a bedded pistol grip stock/chassis, but not sure to get a 1-4x scope for a cqb to 300 yards or high magnification scope for long range shooting)
2. CZ858 7.62x39 (my go to gun if shtf, thats accurate to 100 yards & gong shots 200 yards away.
3. Ruger American bolt action .270 with Vortex diamondback 3.5x10x50...Taken yotes at 400 yards with this rifle, and is my deer rifle up north..very accurate for the cost (likely a sniper rifle if shtf)
4. Ruger SR-22 .22lr rifle, very tacticool with a Vortex diamondback 2x7x32 with archangel AR15sleeve 25 round mags, & several BC 25 round mags, vertical grip/bipod, laser & light...very accurate med heavy barrel/trigger job.
5. Baikal MP153 12g semi shotgun, 26" bbl..Holds 5 in mag +1 in chamber +1 ghost load = 7rounds total. Gun has never jammed or ftf.
6. H&R survival 410 single shotgun that fires 45 colt also. (grouse gun)
7. CZ75 SP01 Shadow 9mm with laser/light, trigger job, lots of mags, and several holders (both shoulder, hip, and a tactical vest with a cross draw chest holster.
8. Ruger MKII .22lr target 5.5" bull barrel, trigger job, and very accurate & reliable.
I also have 3 other guns that Im probably selling, which are 2 Lee Enfield 303s and a Winchester semi auto 308, that are not used & pretty old rifles.
GUNS Thinking about getting ( not sure, no special order)
1. Ruger SR1911 ...always wanted a 45 1911, and I think they look great & from what I hear, they rival a Kimber but much less money
2. A varmint/target heavy barrel 308 bolt action, to do some accurate long range shooting
3. A bolt action 300 win mag or 338lapua (338 will be a little over budget, but if I sell those 3 guns I can get a entry level lapua(This gun would be also a long, long, long range rifle, and if shtf could be used to stop vehicles by shooting the egine block.
4. Glock G22 40sw...if shtf 40sw is used by police & ammo could be found maybe.
5. Remington 870 tactical or a 3 barrel combo, for back up 12 g and rifled barrel for deer in shotgun only zones
6. O/U 12G shotgun or skeet/backup shotgun
7. A 10/22 compact & SKS...backup guns/cheap target practise
8. A semi auto 223 like a norinco type 97, SA VZ58, or mini 14
9. A mossberg MVP 223 bolt action..takes AR15 mags including 10 round LAR15 mags...Itbwont be scary looking if shtf & I need to walk around with it, and wont draw attention like a "black gun"
-Note...I reload ammo, so its much cheaper to shoot expensive ammo like 300 win mag & especially 338 lapua, although lapuabis still expensive to reload, just not as bad as factory ammo...I also have alot of ammo for each gun I currently own, and I have enough 22lr ammo that I probably would never run out if I never bought another brick ever.
That is really nice list of guns I must say. I'm also very surprised that you don't own pump action 12G. If I was you i would pick that 870 3 barrel pack. I have MP153 as well but find it very heavy for cary all day ( walking the fields ). Recently i picked up Winchester SXP field and camp combo (18" and 26" barrels) . Must say it makes a huge difference in hunting rabbit all day since is so light and perfect for smaller shot size. It kicks bad with Winchester slugs (1400 velocity if i'm not mistaken) but
2.3/4" 000 buck and everything smaller was great to shoot.
Anyway back to your question. I would pick 12G pump just because it gives you the biggest variety for the smallest price ( home defence, regular hunting, riffled barrel). Hope this helps you make a decision. Let us know what you decided to buy
I second the 12 ga pump!
You can never go wrong with a Rem 870 or 10/22. (Or a Mossberg 500, which just came out with a takedown model, but I'm an 870 girl.)
The availability and duration of the runs for all 3 mean there are parts galore available, inexpensively, and both are pretty versatile. Here they're not controlled, which makes them even nicer, and the future trade/sell value is incredible for all the same reasons (at least here, where in good condition used is only $50 USD less than new even for 1980s *versions of those guns).
Have you ever considered a long-barrel revolver in .22LR so you can shoot subsonics for hunting small game (assuming that's an option for you) or break-action or pump airguns that can hunt small game without as much of a boom? They make some doosies that will hit plenty of velocity and and impact levels for squirrels and small birds, and a well-placed .177 will take a small rabbit. A .22 or .25 pellet does even more, with the right gun.
I'd also say a backup to one/some of those handguns, but I'm a fan of shared magazines/magazine compatibility. The Ruger 1911 full frame, full barrel is a honey, but I had a trigger job for it and the ParaOrd 1911 (about $70 each *for the trigger jobs). Neither is wearing any faster or shooting less accurately than the 4" Springfield "little" brother. Both are tanks, put up with some solid stress tests for function and accuracy, just like the Springfield 1911, although I like that Ruger is known for overmanufacturing since I reload and am not without human flaws. Plus, Mr. Murphy and bad luck like to sit on my shoulders.
If you're into hunting, you might also want to add a crossbow to the consideration list. Here there is increased opportunity for takes with crossbows, plus there's the noise (lack of) factor. I don't have the strength or consistency for one of the fancy-schmancy sling shot bows that have come on the market or for a compound bow, but I can do a crossbow. It doesn't "reload" as fast as somebody with a good recurve or compound bow, but it can also sport optics more similar to those I use for firearms.
*Edits in italics - thought some clarification was needed
I'm not usually into giving suggestions, but for the sake of discussion, here's my thought.
You have a nice collection to start, with many varied calibers for different functions. That said, and even with you reloading, there might be a point where having too many different calibers will be a hinderance, may it be bulk ammo purchasing, storage of ammo or even commonality of parts between guns (should one break down). I would think that your next gun should share a common caliber with one of your current gun.
I've also noticed that you only have one defence pistol (I don't consider the MkII a "combat" pistol). With 4 shooters in your family, having another pistol, or more, might be useful if you needed some protection. Handguns are a pain to own in our current situations, but in a long term disaster situation, they would be easier to keep around 24/7 than a long gun.
So, since you have a Glock as part of your list, I would consider that a good option. But instead, I would go for the G17 to retain the 9mm caliber you currently have with your CZ. Police dept not only use .40, 9mm is also common. That way, you could capitalize on bulk ammo purchases on 9mm and literally get more bang for your buck.
Very good point Hell. I also think having more firearms with a same caliber is beneficial. If buying a pistol I would stick with 9mm as well. Price is the best out of pistol ammo and it is a most common round. 4 calibers are all that you might need and are always available I think (.223 rem, 9mm , 12G , 308)
Also one more thing that crossed my mind is a pellet gun. Not sure if you have one in your arsenal but high power .22 is a great gun IMO. Something that shoots around 1000 fps is great for hunting small game and you can't spend ammo 🙂
I second the 12 ga pump!
You can never go wrong with a Rem 870 or 10/22. (Or a Mossberg 500, which just came out with a takedown model, but I'm an 870 girl.)
The availability and duration of the runs for all 3 mean there are parts galore available, inexpensively, and both are pretty versatile. Here they're not controlled, which makes them even nicer, and the future trade/sell value is incredible for all the same reasons (at least here, where in good condition used is only $50 USD less than new even for 1980s *versions of those guns).Have you ever considered a long-barrel revolver in .22LR so you can shoot subsonics for hunting small game (assuming that's an option for you) or break-action or pump airguns that can hunt small game without as much of a boom? They make some doosies that will hit plenty of velocity and and impact levels for squirrels and small birds, and a well-placed .177 will take a small rabbit. A .22 or .25 pellet does even more, with the right gun.
I'd also say a backup to one/some of those handguns, but I'm a fan of shared magazines/magazine compatibility. The Ruger 1911 full frame, full barrel is a honey, but I had a trigger job for it and the ParaOrd 1911 (about $70 each *for the trigger jobs). Neither is wearing any faster or shooting less accurately than the 4" Springfield "little" brother. Both are tanks, put up with some solid stress tests for function and accuracy, just like the Springfield 1911, although I like that Ruger is known for overmanufacturing since I reload and am not without human flaws. Plus, Mr. Murphy and bad luck like to sit on my shoulders.
If you're into hunting, you might also want to add a crossbow to the consideration list. Here there is increased opportunity for takes with crossbows, plus there's the noise (lack of) factor. I don't have the strength or consistency for one of the fancy-schmancy sling shot bows that have come on the market or for a compound bow, but I can do a crossbow. It doesn't "reload" as fast as somebody with a good recurve or compound bow, but it can also sport optics more similar to those I use for firearms.
*Edits in italics - thought some clarification was needed
Sorry Mrs, didn't see your post about pellet guns before i posted mine 🙂
Sorry Mrs, didn't see your post about pellet guns before i posted mine 🙂
No worries. It's easy to read over stuff, especially long stuff. I will someday learn to be less wordy and embrace the mighty bullet point so stuff doesn't get lost as easily. It was very sweet to apologize but totally unnecessary. Plus, we agree. Had it been a NOT-agreement... 😉
Very good point Hell. I also think having more firearms with a same caliber is beneficial. If buying a pistol I would stick with 9mm as well. Price is the best out of pistol ammo and it is a most common round. 4 calibers are all that you might need and are always available I think (.223 rem, 9mm , 12G , 308)
Or 7.62x39... Very affordable ammo, has more punch and the guns are affordable. As in this case, the OP already has a CZ858. So maybe an SKS may also be in order? Heck, a G17 and a Norinco SKS can probably be had just under $1,000 if shopping around.
very nice collection you have there. I am quite jealous. here are a few of my suggestions you might be interested in.
-A bolt action 30-06 would be one of my top suggestions. Ammo can be found everywhere and with many big game loads to choose from. Also it's a great re-loading calibre. I do recommend a scope for sure on this rifle.
-Next I think a good long or even tactical for that matter pump shot gun, maybe a mossberg 500 rolling thunder, I love the one I have. It's more of a home defence gun if anything, but I do use it a lot for bear defence while out and about in the bush. takes both the 2 3/4 and 3inch rounds. I recommend 00buck shot for sure in the 2 3/4 as the 3inch is pretty painful. But shooting a lot you might wanna do you hand a favour and use a waterfowl load or target load.
- Noticed you had a few handguns so thought you might want to look at a Russican Tokarev TT-33; they are great, feel good, the grip can be a little uncomfortable, affordable for sure; and you can still find bulk surplus ammo for these as well 7.62/25 in crate of 2280 rounds. it should come with two mags
- I would also recommend a 22mag, great rifle, paired with cci hollow point maxi mags it does some major damage to beavers and even yotes. But the 223 deferentially has it beat on distance and power, but still. a good shooting rifle for the kids and small game.
- perhaps a good 30-30 bolt action for the fun of it. I shot a few good deer with that kind of rifle.
I also love my win 300 mag, shot all my big game with that one rifle, no longer use anything but. Hope yours and your 338 have been treating you as well as mine has. 🙂
Never underestimate the power of free! If someone has deemed something valueless, yet U see value in it; Then you've already made a profit and savings!
I would suggest you stick to a common calibre and manual at arms with your kit. To this end, look into getting a second Czech Carbine, perhaps a CSA 18.6"bbl rifle which will also share magazine commonality with the Cz858, as well as a common manual at arms.
If you're not concerned with Restricted/Non-Restricted guidelines the same rifle can be had with 11.5"bbls and 7.5"bbls respectively.
When it comes to walking about with a rifle, it won't matter if it is a black rifle, a bolt action rifle or a musket, the response will be the same from the local population.
-S.
"It's not what you have, but what you have done".
-S.
Just to clarify, I have a excalibur exomax crossbow ( with scope, extra string, quiver, couple dozen bolts,etc), a bowtech compound bow (with a couple dozen arrows, & stuff used for hunting with it), and I have 2 different 22cal pellet guns (one break action rifle 700fps & one pumping type pistol 495fps), and a few .177 pellet guns that are low & high powered, so I hsve several ways of hunting big & small game quietly..not to mention over 10,000 rounds of various .22lr ammo (sub sonics, high velocity, and alot of regular rn & hp .22lr)...I also have several crates of surplus ammo for my "go to guns" which are my M14 & VZ58, and usually have anywere between 3-5,000 rounds of various types of 9mm on hand since I reload & shoot 9mm quite a bit. I do agree that its important to have a few popular calibers of guns for your main "go to guns" and keep alot of ammo for each of them in your current posession, so that way if shtf your not going to go looking for the same ammo that everyone else is looking for....I have a difference in opinion however on different caliber of guns...I believe its a good idea to have several other caliber of guns (aside from your go to guns) because if shtf, extra ammo will be hard to find anywere so if you do find some ammo, you have a better chance of being able to use it if you have a large selection of caliber guns in your possesion....but with that being said, I personally have alot of ammo already for every caliber of gun I own. Anyways, I plan on waiting until boxing week to buy a gun now because I will get a better deal I think, and I am getting either a 45acp 1911 or a 40sw glock g22....I also plan on getting 3 other inexpensive guns aside from the new handgun. I want to pick up a extra SKS rifle, a extra inexpensive .22lr rifle, and a inexpensive no frills 12 gauge pump...I sold a snowblower that I dont use now because I have a plow on my ATV, and with the extra money I can get those 3 inexpensive guns...but those are just for back ups really...The new handgun is what Im excited to get my hands on, and the more I look at the ruger SR1911 the more I like it. They come with 2 8 round mags, but I will buy another half dozen mags including a couple extended 10 round mags, and I will get the 45acp dies for reloading also...Ive been reading the reloading data and I want to make a few boxes of the 230gr JHP @ 1050 fps...thats what I call stopping power !!!
Bty...anyone in the Southern Ontario area looking for boxing week deals, Bass Pro in Toronto has the ruger 10/22 on sale that Im getting (camo carbine stainless barrel), and a 870 pump (defender 20" bbl)...and while Im in Toronto (2 hrs away) I will swing by Lebarons to grab a extra SKS because they usually are 20% off or no tax boxing week...I will be going up to Ellwood Epps in Orillia to get my pistol, which they both have lots of each in stock...leaning towards the 45acp Ruger SR1911(stainless/wood grips) or the 40 s&w glock G22 RTF2...I'm sure they will be on sale boxing week also, but I also know of a couple other places with both that might have better deals.
I just love Ruger SR1911. It's a beautiful gun. I would love to have one one day
For $869 you could get a 5 pack of SKS rifles: http://frontierfirearms.ca/firearms/sks-rifles/russian-surplus-sks-silver-bolt-2.html
For $179 a piece you can get a Tokarev pistol complete with holster, cleaning rod, and 2 mags. It's the best Tokatev deal I've found: http://www.tradeexcanada.com/content/post-war-russian-tokarev-tt33-pistol-762x25
Capt A,
This is a great deal if you want to take guns, grease them up real good and put them in a tube underground somewhere. I think that bringing a Tokarev to a gun club is a bit like parking your moped at your workplace. 😉 They both work and are cheap to own and operate but lack the sexy look that makes the owner proud to show them off. I think that the OP has his sights on the SR1911 so a Tokarev wouldn't compare.