Guns on a budget

[Cruznegao]

Whenever my wife and I see someone with an old beatup motorhome, boat, motorcycle, snowboard... We just say: at least he is having fun.

I am a strong believer on this and rather have several "ok" or entry level toys than just one really expensive one. If all I want is to blow steam off by shooting a piece if paper that is sitting 10yds from me or some clay birds, do I really need to have a $2000 gun? Not really.

I'd rather have a cheaper gun, bike, kayak, dirt bike, snowboard, Disney passes ... And just have fun

[russ69]

When I was younger shooting was too much money to just bang away all day. So I bought a Ruger Single-Six and I would take one 50 round box of 22LR to the range. Back then a box of 22LR was about 99 cents. I would take my time and the box would last about an hour and a half. Later I bought a nice 22 rifle and that was also cheap shooting.
I would see guys blast 100 rounds of centerfire ammo in about 15 minutes and think about how much money that costs. I think I learned more about shooting and making each shot count, with my single box of 22s than the other guys were learning just shooting round after round.

[kcheung2]

Yeah, everyone has a budget, some tighter than others, but it's still possible to make if work. You mentioned a glock, those are about $525 new but the ex-LEO guns are $100 less. The outsides have holster wear but the insides are generally very clean. I picked up a G19 this spring in the middle of the panic for less than $500 after all fees, it's been completely trouble free.

A 10/22 is $300 but a Marlin 795 is about half that. I'd love to get a SCAR 17 but at $3200 it's not happening soon. The M&P 10 is half that price, and a PTR 91 is $1000. The cheaper alternatives have compromises. But they all go bang when you pull the trigger.

And yeah, milsurps. A $150 type 53 and 30cent x54r has a lot of fun far beyond the price.

[Percenter3]

I see im not the only one feeling it. Well, I have picked up a milsurp Mosin.. which for the history and durability I feel u cant go wrong. The only thing is finding a spam can, and when I do, being able to dish out the cash to buy it. When I get my taxes, I might be in the market for a used Glock 19 if I can find one for a price that doesnt require me to get a rape kit afterwards. Ive managed to store away a couple hundred rounds for just in case, but I feel if a SHTF scenario came, I wouldnt have enuf ammo. Between bills and rent, I just dont have too much leftover for guns and ammo

[Swagman00]

Can't go wrong with subsonic lead in an old model 10 or 64.

You wouldn't believe how many 38's with Trail Boss and 124 gr cast made from wheel weights and 50/50 alox/beeswax can get you.

Initial cost is equipment, but if you get it all used then you can go to the range for pennies after the inital startup.

[lewdogg21]

Try hunting in California. Pour thousands of dollars into something that you get nothing out of except a walk in the woods. lol.

[bender152]

The cost of the gun itself usually isn't too bad, it's the cost of feeding it that hurts. Like someone else said, a typical range day can easily exceed $200 in gas, ammo and admission fees.

If you're on a budget, I'd say opt to buy more ammo over buying more guns. No point in buying another car if you can't afford gas.

[bsg]

^^^ the cost of the gun is just the price of admission. the rides are paid for separately.

[JackRydden224]

Imagine if we can use normal capacity magazine without a bullet button. I know I would blow through so much more ammo if I don't live in CA.

[bsg]

the bullet button surely slows the economy down.

[golfish]

^ Be nice... he already said he wasn't broke... and a $150 Mosin with a $75 can of ammo can make for dozens of fun range trips...

this and a Henry H001, a bulk box of LR and your set for a nice weekend camping trip on BLM land..

[Percenter3]

The cost of the gun itself usually isn't too bad, it's the cost of feeding it that hurts. Like someone else said, a typical range day can easily exceed $200 in gas, ammo and admission fees.

If you're on a budget, I'd say opt to buy more ammo over buying more guns. No point in buying another car if you can't afford gas.

I try not to go over 60 or 70 bucks at the range lol. I live close, so thank god gas isnt really an issue.

[uhlan1]

Save your brass and learn to reload.

[ChicoDan]

If shooting stuff is really the reason you want the gun, you should snag an inexpensive but decent .22 bolt rifle. You can shoot all day for thirty bucks--after you buy the rifle for two bills.
ChicoDan

[Fishslayer]

I am a strong believer on this and rather have several "ok" or entry level toys than just one really expensive one. If all I want is to blow steam off by shooting a piece if paper that is sitting 10yds from me or some clay birds, do I really need to have a $2000 gun? Not really.

Yup. It doesn't need to be new or high speed low drag to be fun. Both of my 1911s are "entry level," all my revolvers were bought used. Amazing how a little holster wear and cash in hand will knock down the price. Took my new-to-me 70s vintage M1100 trap gun out for the first time last weekend. Best $300 I've spent in a long time.

About the only real "bling" gun I really lust after is a Dan Wesson 1911. They give me wood.

Try hunting in California. Pour thousands of dollars into something that you get nothing out of except a walk in the woods. lol.

The only hunting I do is for a parking spot at Stater Bros. The meat is cheaper & I don't have to get up early!