It often comes up here on INGO. The questions: What 3, 5, 10 guns should any gun owner have in their home? What guns does a person need to get them started. Of course this all depends on the intended use of the gun. But basically it breaks down into hunting, sport/recreational shooting, or Personal Protection.
Well I was able to be involved with a real life case study last week. A little background is in order. My sister is getting married this winter. It is safe to assume that I grew up in a firearm friendly family. My sister having access to firearms has never purchased her own. My Brother In Law has developed a recent interest in gun ownership. He also grew up in a gun friendly household. Marriage, talk of kids, current economy, opportunity to shoot with the new family plays into the decision. Being a responsible man my BIL saved his money to make the purchases, did his research and attended an NRA Basic Pistol course.
Question: With a $2500 budget what guns should a person buy to get Started?
Uses:
1) Recreational shooting. plinking, clay pigeons/shotgunning, maybe even USPSA.
2) Personal Protection of a new home and wife/family
3) Possible small game hunting with Father and Brother.
My Suggestions (he did receive others as well):
1) A good pump shotgun with a field and defense barrel
2) A good .22 rimfire rifle
3) A good handgun
4) A .22 pistol (if funds allow)
5) A gun for my sister
Last Sunday he invited me down to make the final selections. Both he and my sister had been to several shops and looked at a lot of guns. They had narrowed their selections. The final step was one last look and to get my opinion on pros/cons/features. Also to help them pick out some cleaning supplies and accessories. I thought I would share what they ended up with.
1) Mossberg 500 - It was decided to go traditional, reliable & affordable. BIL opted for the security/field model. Wood stock, 26" barrel with chokes, 18.5" defense barrel.
2) Ruger 10/22 - but not just any 10/22. BIL/sister fell in love with a Tactical Solutions X-Ring. What a beautiful rifle! Hey he had the cash. UK blue and white stock, leupold mount, Weaver 2x7 rimfire scope. It will be a nice plinker. Next stop is an Appleseed.
3) Smith & Wesson M&P Pro Series - 9mm, 4.25" barrel, night sights. Only slightly larger then my Glock 23. Small enough to carry, big enough for the range, lots of capacity for home defense. Good solid choice.
4) Smith & Wesson M&P 22 - BIL figured with the price of ammunition the .22 will be cheaper to practice with. So now he has the same size/shape gun in 22 and 9mm. Smart choice.
5) Smith & Wesson 642 - My sister grew up shooting snubby revolvers. Ultimately that is what she was comfortable with. Plus they wanted something small that they can carry with them either in a purse, pocket or glove box.
I think the new couple did quite well. Just thought I would share a real life example of people starting their gun collection.
Well I was able to be involved with a real life case study last week. A little background is in order. My sister is getting married this winter. It is safe to assume that I grew up in a firearm friendly family. My sister having access to firearms has never purchased her own. My Brother In Law has developed a recent interest in gun ownership. He also grew up in a gun friendly household. Marriage, talk of kids, current economy, opportunity to shoot with the new family plays into the decision. Being a responsible man my BIL saved his money to make the purchases, did his research and attended an NRA Basic Pistol course.
Question: With a $2500 budget what guns should a person buy to get Started?
Uses:
1) Recreational shooting. plinking, clay pigeons/shotgunning, maybe even USPSA.
2) Personal Protection of a new home and wife/family
3) Possible small game hunting with Father and Brother.
My Suggestions (he did receive others as well):
1) A good pump shotgun with a field and defense barrel
2) A good .22 rimfire rifle
3) A good handgun
4) A .22 pistol (if funds allow)
5) A gun for my sister
Last Sunday he invited me down to make the final selections. Both he and my sister had been to several shops and looked at a lot of guns. They had narrowed their selections. The final step was one last look and to get my opinion on pros/cons/features. Also to help them pick out some cleaning supplies and accessories. I thought I would share what they ended up with.
1) Mossberg 500 - It was decided to go traditional, reliable & affordable. BIL opted for the security/field model. Wood stock, 26" barrel with chokes, 18.5" defense barrel.
2) Ruger 10/22 - but not just any 10/22. BIL/sister fell in love with a Tactical Solutions X-Ring. What a beautiful rifle! Hey he had the cash. UK blue and white stock, leupold mount, Weaver 2x7 rimfire scope. It will be a nice plinker. Next stop is an Appleseed.
3) Smith & Wesson M&P Pro Series - 9mm, 4.25" barrel, night sights. Only slightly larger then my Glock 23. Small enough to carry, big enough for the range, lots of capacity for home defense. Good solid choice.
4) Smith & Wesson M&P 22 - BIL figured with the price of ammunition the .22 will be cheaper to practice with. So now he has the same size/shape gun in 22 and 9mm. Smart choice.
5) Smith & Wesson 642 - My sister grew up shooting snubby revolvers. Ultimately that is what she was comfortable with. Plus they wanted something small that they can carry with them either in a purse, pocket or glove box.
I think the new couple did quite well. Just thought I would share a real life example of people starting their gun collection.
Thinking about Appleseed soon, maybe for my birthday? Of course, as a woman it's kind of a no-brainer!
