What should I get next?

[madsend81]

So, I'm trying to decide what should be my next addition to my collection. I have enough in the budget to get one more firearm before the end of the year. Here are my options:

A 12 ga. shotgun, an AR or a few AR lowers, or a M&P22.

The shotgun is the only gun that my dad and brother have that I don't have, so when we go shooting together, I always end up using theirs. Most likely I'd end up getting a pump action.

I'm thinking about an AR, or at least some AR lowers, mainly because of the registration requirement that kicks in starting January. Also I like how versatile they are, especially about being able to swap out the action for a 22lr bolt to teach my sons how to shoot when they get older.

Lastly I'm considering a M&P22 to compliment my current M&P40. Good way to practice with inexpensive ammo.

So, any thoughts on which way to go? My budget is about $600, but it can be stretched for a complete AR under $900.

[Whatisthis?]

22lr ammo is no longer inexpensive IMO. If you want a .22 for cheap shooting, I would look into reloading equipment instead. $.08/round for .22 is ridiculous. I'm reloading 9mm for $.10/round and I'm not even going super cheap on everything (it does take time to do, but I enjoy doing it, so I don't count my time in with the cost).

I would, at a minimum, pick up a lower or two before registration kicks in Jan 1. And the registration is for long guns, so personally, I would go Remington 870 and one or two stripped lowers and call it good. That will easily stay under $600.

Edit: .40 cal is a tiny bit more expensive to reload but I think I'm doing it for $.12/round. It's not fantastic but I would much rather be shooting 9 or .40 over .22 if the cost difference isn't that much.

[shooterfpga]

22lr is still relatively cheap. 1600rds for $120 give or take when in stock. Cant say the same for 5.56 anymore. Best i had was 1k rds for $300-350.

Id say, ar lower and shop for a deal on a dedicated 22lr upper.... Itll get you shooting it faster and cheaper for now until you drop on another upper in whatever other caliber you like.

[Subotai]

Shotgun and one lower.

[shooterfpga]

Shotgun and one lower.

I will have to revisit my above post and agree with frankm on this. It will keep you in your budget and youll have something that already functions plus you already admitted youre lacking one and have to borrow.

[Fatgunman]

Vepr 12, DO IT.

[madsend81]

Vepr 12, DO IT.

hmm, very intriguing...

[RaiderNation]

Shotgun and one lower.

That's what I would have voted for if there was an option for it. You might have some money left over for some ammo.

[CreamyFettucini]

Shotgun and one lower.

/thread

[Deimos887]

/thread

+ 2

[SonofWWIIDI]

What do you already have? If you have a small collection, get something you don't already have. If you have a bit of everything, get what you want.

I will say, I am partial to AR's! Especially prior to year end!

[ChrisC]

Assuming you already have a safe big enough to hold everything you have, I like the shotgun and a lower suggestion.

[madsend81]

Currently I have a Marlin 795, a M&P40, and 2 ML rifles, so what I am looking at are not in my current collection.

Good idea about getting the shotgun and an AR lower for future fun. That way neither will be required to be registered. I think I might just go that route.

And yes, my safe is large enough to handle just about 2 more long guns.

[madsend81]

I was reading another thread today and came across the following statement from 2nd Mass:

People always ask for help but never post the end result.

Since I started this thread asking for some advice, I realized that I needed to let everyone know what I decided on doing.

I jailed a 12 Ga Mossberg 500 Field Combo from Ammo Brothers in Cerritos which had a walnut stock, a vent ribbed field barrel, an 18" security barrel and 3 chokes. It also came with a pistol grip which i'm not sure if I'll ever use. Also I found they had a sale on forged LRB lowers for not that much more than a polymer lower so I jailed one at the same time. Friday afternoon I get to pick them up.No pics yet as they are still in jail.

FWIW, for all the 870 Express lovers out there, I did look at that one and I did feel the action was smoother than the 500, but they only had the security lengths to look at, no field lengths. I can see myself comfortably using either the 870 or the 500. The 2nd barrel with the Mossberg, however, was what helped make my final decision.

[socom2shooter]

Instead of m&p 22 get sig 522, there wonderful