Guns and Ammo on Budget

[Kcaro81]

I have been doing research on different types of guns (both hand guns/revolvers and shotguns/Rifles). So far I have mainly been interested in Revolvers. In particularly the Ruger Gp100 in a 357 (I am not opposed to other calibers, but I am planning to buy a rifle with similar caliber (simplify ammo purchasing/organizing in the future). I have liked the idea of a revolver/handgun purchased first due to being able to store it in my small safe that I already have.
I have heard good recommendations on Glocks in the 45 caliber (mainly due to the knockdown power and cost of ammo).

As for rifles I have been leaning towards the lever action type, but mainly because of the noise that it creates when cocking it. And the idea that I can use similar ammo as I would in my revolver/handgun.
I am also planning to have some sort of smaller rifle for emergency/camping situations. The one I have taken a liking to is the Henry US ar7.
As for shotguns, I just know they are good for defense and it is basically a must have. I do know that I like having eight rounds or so to shoot when needed.

The main thing I am looking for is some direction on where to get started on this so that I can have my emergency protection plan started. Do I start with a shotgun and then buy the others? Or start with the emergency rifle and then build up from there? Handgun first since I won't have to buy extra safety locks or safe to store it?, Etc... I have a budget of $750 for me to get started. Which doesn't leave me too much, but I figure with all of your(s) superior knowledge I can at least get started in the right direction.
I'd prefer to buy the gun I really like, rather than just a junk gun to get me by. However, I know that if I don't budget for enough ammo to protect myself with, then I will just end up with a stub bludgering tool. I'd also like to hear opinions about calibers. I feel the 357 should be enough to have knockdown power in fairly close range (maybe up to 40yards? I don't know so go easy) but would still be very manageable on recoil and in the event I had to try and aim for something a little farther away the close range.

Thank you for your help.

[G21Shooter]

I would start with a handgun, a Ruger GP101 revolver in .357 mag is a great option. Easy to use, and you can shoot lighter .38 special loads for practice.

If you want a semiauto pistol, Glocks are the best you can get in the price range.

Also, a pump shotgun is a great home defense gun, that's a must have in any collection.

[sandmanx408]

i personally own a s&w m&p9, and just recently purchased a s&w 686+

the m&p is awesome i sleep with it by my bed, once iget more proficient with the 686+, that will be my main nightstand gun.

9 mm is available for the most part, and so far havent run into availability problems with 357 or 38 (only been buying jhp for home use), striker pistols from what ive seen are more afgirdable easy to maintain, my 686+, was almosy 1000 out the door with fees and everything.

im not a glock person myself but everything ive read and seen people say the glock 19 is arguably one of the best handguns on the market, and accesories are readily available. you got a budget but dont sacrifice cost when buying a firearm, if you need to ever use it you want it to work the way its supposed to....good luck in the search

i personally like revolvers better they are just sooooo pretty looking

[sandmanx408]

also i know you mentioned 45, but i think with a 9 mm or 38, they are great for protection and more affordable to buy ammo and practice

[rich451]

I have a prelock 686 and have always wanted a lever action. If you want to go semi automatic there are a few pistol caliber carbines that have interchangeable magazines with their handgun counter parts. This would be another good option.

[Kcaro81]

Thanks for all the info already, this is really helpful, so I hope to hear some more.

G21: what would be the advantage of the GP101 over the Gp100? Both shoot the same 357/38 rounds correct?

AACX22: that's pretty much the initial picture of what I hope to end up with over the next year or so. Nice pic.

Sandman: Sounds like you have some nice guns. I know that 686, was the one I originally wanted, but I think it is out of my range. Plus, most of the stuff I had heard was that people liked the smith over the ruger, but when it was time to take out into the mountain, they would take their ruger instead (probably just cause they had more appreciation for their Smith?).

Centennial: I completely agree with you. Thanks for suggestion on the bans. I'll keep that in mind.

Any suggestions on the type of ammo? Seems to be so many different types of the same ammo. Does one manufacturer make a better product than the other? Or have you experienced that most are pretty comparable to each other?

[Kcaro81]

Rich, when you talk about the semi autos what do you mean about the magazines? Are you talking about the same brand at times uses the same type of magazine through out a few different models? For example, I noticed when i was on Glocks website (only using them as reference because I have not researched too far into the handguns) I got rather overwhelmed with the amount of different models that all seemed to be the same gun except for some minor differences.

[rich451]

For instance, a keltec sub 2000 uses glock19 mags or Kriss super v uses glock21 mags. Granted these offerings may not be as potent as the 357 but you could use same mags in your carbine and your pistol.

[rich451]

The keltec sub2000 and the glock19 in 9mm is probably the least expensive. The problem is the keltec is hard to find. I admit overpaid for mine but it has been a joy to shoot.

[mag360]

A concealable handgun is the most important piece you can own for emergency self protection. Beg, cheat, steal your way into an m&p 40c or 9c. They are fantastic. Once you have something like that then follow it up with a used remington 870.

[mag360]

For ammo, look no further than HST 147gr 9mm or 180gr .40 and 230gr .45acp. Same with gold dot and ranger-t ( Not sxt).

If you meed to carry in san fran you can always swap out the hst for golden saber bonded which is what I do.

[Squidward]

A Ruger Gp100 4 inch in 357 magnum and a rifle in the same caliber is a good combo for many reasons. And .38/357 ammo is easy to reload, if your so inclined.

If you have a .357 handgun (and shoot .357 in it) a 45 acp probably isn't a necessity. Yes, you could buy a Glock in .45 acp but with today's ammo the advantage (if any) is negligable except for ammo capacity.

As for shotguns, they are versitile and powerful and good out to 100 yards with practice using slugs. Remington 870 or Mossberg 500/590; either will take care of you.

IMO, unless you have a CCW get a shotgun first, followed by the GP100. The .357 lever action comes third. Don't overlook used firearms. Buying them may get you where you want to be quicker.

[23 Blast]

Rich, when you talk about the semi autos what do you mean about the magazines? Are you talking about the same brand at times uses the same type of magazine through out a few different models? For example, I noticed when i was on Glocks website (only using them as reference because I have not researched too far into the handguns) I got rather overwhelmed with the amount of different models that all seemed to be the same gun except for some minor differences.

Hahaha. Welcome to the wonderful world of guns.

Glock pistols are all more or less alike in terms of how they look. However, the primary differences are of course in their caliber, and their size. Glocks come in most popular semi-auto calibers, and within each caliber, there is a full-size, a compact, and a subcompact.

As far as what is a good, all-around gun, my recommendation is a good, double-action revolver. I personally prefer Smith&Wesson, but the Ruger GP100 is a fine weapon. The Ruger SP101 also shoots .357, but is smaller framed and has a 5-round cylinder compared to the 6-round cylinder of the GP100. If that extra round is important to you, the Smith&Wesson 686+ has a seven-round cylinder.

[Nrai2020]

For $750ish you could buy a glock and a pump shotgun.. That's my rec..

[Kcaro81]

This all very good info. Squidward and mag360, very good info for me to research and think about.
23 Blast, not only humor but also info. I appreciate that tremendously. I haven't held a SP101, so I wasn't aware it was smaller (although that clears up why it has one less shot).
Which the number of shots is a thought process for me and is also why I was lured towards the smith.

Nrai2020, that is the type of info I am also looking for....