what gun to get next

[MrExel17]

I suggest you go dry for a month and not buy anything.
During that time, browse for potential new toys.
When the month is over, you will have saved a sizable amount and now can buy two or three or maybe four or even five new toys instead of one right now.

I agree, look at whats out there rather than impulse buy

[voiceofreason]

.308 is still somewhat cheaper than .243, .270 and obscure hunting calibers.

+1
Please don't buy weird stuff, even if it's cheaper up front.

Stick with the common calibers, common manufacturers, common models.

Easier to service, resell, and find parts/ammo for.

Guns are tools. You wouldn't buy a high end Italian rotary saw that uses a different electrical plug and is neigh impossible to get parts/blades for over a brand you can get from Home Depot.

If you are a collector or see the gun as a work of art... that's a different story.