New long gun suggestion

[Foothills]

I was going to suggest an octagon-barrel lever gun, but you're already there!

You can get a "tactical" 20-gauge for about $600. I find that petite women are comfortable shooting it, including those not comfortable with the 12 gauge. I worry about over-penetration into my neighbors houses where I live, which makes me cautious about something higher-powered. Not to mention other bedrooms in the house.

https://www.usacarry.com/20-gauge-home-defense/

[larkja]

You don't mention having a 223/5.56 or 9mm carbine of any sort.
You SHOULD get an AR type 223/5.56 or even a 9mm carbine before you get another shotgun or a lever gun.
A Ruger PC9 is a more friendly setup than most featureless AR's.

Have had many ARs and really like the platform, but hate the hoops to jump through here in CA. So, I'll wait to get another until I move to a free state.

Regarding the Ruger, I had one last year and sold it. First off, IMHO, they are Fugly. Secondly, I didn't like the way it shot. If they can design something that is more visually appealing, I will be all over it.

Thanks

[theLBC]

seems like you already have home defense covered. jmo.

why not add something you don't have, like long range precision?
for one thing, the california restrictions aren't really a handicap for shooting small things far far away.

[larkja]

I was going to suggest an octagon-barrel lever gun, but you're already there!

Regarding the shotgun, I might end up purchasing one too. Went down to our LGS and they had a Winchester SXP (the wood variant) and it was quite smooth. They also had a Browning BPS which I really liked due to the bottom eject (I'm a leftie). But they only had it in camo. Would prefer the wood so will keep looking.

Thanks

[larkja]

seems like you already have home defense covered. jmo.

why not add something you don't have, like long range precision?
for one thing, the california restrictions aren't really a handicap for shooting small things far far away.

Trying to stay with the calibers that I have or aren't too expensive right now. When things calm down a bit, I will probably pick up a bolt in .223. I'll have to wait on this though.

Thanks

[SloChicken]

You could always look for an old Marlin 336 in 35 remington.
It is a potent round and while finding ammo on the usual is not as easy as 357mag (whixh would be the exonomical decision), but it is a much harder hitting round and uses lower pressures to do so.

You can get into a good 50s era one for about $500 or so.

[theLBC]

Trying to stay with the calibers that I have or aren't too expensive right now. When things calm down a bit, I will probably pick up a bolt in .223. I'll have to wait on this though.

Thanks

this makes complete sense, but since you have $2k now, and that is just enough to get started, not counting things like bipod, bag, spotting scope, range finder...you may as well keep saving for when you can get 7.62 m80 for $0.42/rd again.

[edgerly779]

16 gauge ammo expensive . I was just in Texas 12 and 20 gauge 25 bucks per hundred pack. Lots on pallets. Here just have to watch on ammo seek.

[BigPimping]

16 gauge ammo expensive . I was just in Texas 12 and 20 gauge 25 bucks per hundred pack. Lots on pallets. Here just have to watch on ammo seek.

God bless Texas. I love it there.

[Jimi Jah]

Get a Henry Golden Boy for the .22's. It's a special rifle. Much more fun than my AR-22 but less accurate, but not much.

[EWastigmatism]

1-Lever
2-20ga
3-Lever and 20ga

Enjoy!

[Epaphroditus]

The answer to your questions is yes. Make a plan and make it happen. You can do it!