Posted on 05/26/2009 4:18:39 AM PDT by randomhero97
Okay, I figure I would start a little gun thread. Here's the deal you your arsenal consists of the following weapon systems:
Bolt action rifle
Semi-auto rifle
Shotgun
Small calibur rifle
Semi-auto handgun
Revolver handgun
Now choose the weapon for each based on the following criteria; usability, affordability (including ammunition) and practicality
Bolt action rifle - Remington 700 LTR
Semi-auto rifle - AR-15 (Colt or LMT)
Shotgun - Remington 870 (Pick the model to suit your tastes. Prices will vary based on your choice. Whatever you choose, you won’t go wrong.)
Small calibur rifle - Remington Model 5.
Semi-auto handgun - 1911 Government Model (Colt, Kimber, Wilson Combat, Les Baer... take your pick)
Revolver handgun - No clue. I suppose that if I had to own a revolver I’d go for something in .22 LR with a four to six inch barrel.
Congrats! This was a fun thought experiment. I often find gun threads rather pointless but I think you’ve got the makings of a somewhat minimalist battery with your list of categories.
Your list is somewhat subjective... Bolt action, I would assume, is a reach-out-and-touch-someone gun (30.06, 7mm, etc...). Semi-auto *could* be that too, but is generally a close to mid-range gun in my mind, where one might need to pop off several rounds quickly...
Considering brush and whatnot, I would prefer a Marlin Cowboy .45/70 lever action for a mid-range saddle/mountain/brush gun over anything else. Lever-action is more reliable, and quicker than a bolt... And .45/70 is a big honkin' chunk of lead at a low velocity - It doesn't bounce, or deflect, and will knock down just about anything you throw it at.
Where would be a good place to look for more bang for the buck. The gun shops around here are high.
I prefer my Colts for a 1911.
The Taurus is a good buy.
If you have unlimited funds, then by all means go for what you want. BUT, if you are on a limited budget and trying to fill niches, quality counts
Bolt action rifle - Remington 700
Semi-auto rifle - SKS
Shotgun - Winchester 1200
Small calibur rifle - Ruger 10/22
Semi-auto handgun - Glock 29
Revolver - S&W 686
Gunbroker
Gunsamerica
However, both will require an FFL dealer to transfer the weapon, and the NICS.
What are you looking for in particular?
How about a Kimber? When looking at a life saving weapon, value is not part of the equation.
Dittos on that, and I think 'Life Saving',' Life Preserver' or 'Life Support' are the best terms we should use for these vital pieces of equipment.
Bolt action rifle- McMillan Tac-50
Semi-auto rifle- M1A NM 24”
Shotgun- Atchison AA-12
Small calibur rifle- DPMS AP-4
Semi-auto handgun- Springfield XD .45 ACP
Revolver handgun- S&W .357. Pretty much any of them.
I have two Kimbers, I know people who have Kimbers, and nary a word about problems.
Taurus? I have heard from many who have had problems with them.
My advice if you shoot: start handloading. Saves a lot of money, it’s fun, and gives you far more flexibility with your weapons. My (entirely hypothetical of course;) battery would be:
Bolt action rifle: Winchester Model 70 .30-06, 2.5-10x scope (.338-06 if sufficient .338 bullets on hand)
Semi-auto rifle: 6.5 Grendel AR M-4 config, 1-4x scope, 20” barrel, spare 5.56 upper
Shotgun: Rem 870 12-gauge with several barrels inc. tactical
Small caliber rifle: Marlin Model 60 .22 LR
Semi-auto handgun: S&W M&P 9mm 18 rd. cap.
Revolver handgun: S&W 629 stainless 5” .44 magnum, dot sight
Bolt action rifle -none- :-(
Semi-auto rifle Used to have a AR Lower Receiver - but I think I lost it in the junk in my garage somewhere
Shotgun - yes maybe somewhere in my messy apartment or condo or....
Small caliber rifle no :-(
Semi-auto handgun M1911?? May have sold to my brother ‘Larry’
Revolver handgun no :-(
Sorry folks, not doing too well here.
Offhand, what are the advantages to a Bolt action and a small caliber rifle?
I have a Taurus PT1911 and it’s as accurate as any Kimber I’ve handled (nice tight shot groups at 15-20 feet), plus I’ve encountered not a single misfeed in over 5000 rounds of various ammo. It’s loaded with features for the price - a fine piece.
Bolt action rifle: savage 110fp .308
Semi-auto rifle: browning buckmark rifle
Shotgun: benelli m2
Small calibur rifle: ruger varmint, 22-250 or .220 swift
Semi-auto handgun: either a sig or an STI, full size in .38 super
Revolver handgun: depends on my mood. probably something .44mag that’s extremely accurized. either a freedom arms or a performance center model 29.
You left out my favorite little lever action. My tricked out Puma 92 Carbine in (you guessed it) .45Colt
I always hear “Taurus is good for the price”. I say Taurus is good at any price. I don’t have one, but my dad has a 1911 and my brother has a 27/7 Pro. They both shoot well, are reliable, and they have the same features as guns that cost 50 percent more. The only people we ever hear rag on Taurus are the ones who wouldn’t wear, drive, or shoot anything without a designer label.
That being said, I love my new Beretta PX4! But, I wouldn’t pay an extra $100 to buy a Beretta M92 over a Taurus M92, nor will I buy anything but a Taurus when I get a .45 ACP. Good experience creates loyalty.
24/7 Pro.
Anyone serious about these questions would be insane not to buy and study “Boston’s Gun Bible”.
I own 4 Taurus handguns, I have had all 4 for years, fired thousands of rounds through them and never a problem with any of them. I know other Taurus owners, and while I know some Taurus firearms breakdown, the guys I know have never had problems with them. I haven't had the pleasure of firing a Taurus 1911, but if they are as good as the models I do have I would have no problem buying one or recommending them to others.
How about some eccentric choices:
Bolt Action Rifle - ‘03 Springfield or ‘98 Mauser
Semi-Auto Rifle - M1 Garand, M 14, or AK 47
Shotgun - Benelli Super 90 12 ga.
Small Caliber Rifle - M1 Carbine .30
Semi-Auto Handgun - H&K USP .45, Sig-Sauer 226 9mm, Wilson Combat Match-Tuned 1911A1 .45
Revolver - Colt Python .357 magnum, Smith & Wesson Model 29 .44 magnum
A bit over budget on some items, but one should never stint on such things; sell your wife if you have to, but never short-change yourself on your choice of weapons.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.