Recommendations for next firearm selection

[LeavingBabylon]

Hi folks,

I am writing because as of now, the only firearms I have are my 1982 Winchester 94 .30-30 (first gun) and my recently acquired New Model Super Blackhawk .44 mag. Until recently, I had taken about a year and a half off from shooting due to financial and time constraints, during which time I parted with my Ruger Mark III .22LR. I have been getting back into shooting quite a bit lately, and after a full day at the range with those two guns over the weekend, my shoulder is wrecked from ~100 rds out of the .30-30, and the .44 doesn't make a great standalone range gun either (though I did have a blast with it). I've realized that I am in need of something better for extended use at the range, which can be satisfied by any of the top 3 guns on my wish list. I am curious as to what others recommendations would be and why (out of the three I list or something similar). Budget is definitely under $1000, and the lower the better.

.22LR Rifle - I'm thinking either something cheap like a model 60, or a nice lever to serve as an understudy to the Win 94 like a Marlin 39A; wouldn't mind a bolt either

Glock 19 - This is a gun that I know I will want at some point, but not sure if it's the highest priority item missing from my arsenal

.357Mag DA Revolver - I've wanted something like this for a long time, but I'm not in love with the GP100 or the 686 (though I would certainly still be happy with either); I like the security six or similar old style ruger DA's, or Colt Pythons but not at the price they're goin for

Thanks in advance!

[Steve_In_29]

For $1000 you can buy all three of those, so go for it.

[LeavingBabylon]

For $1000 you can buy all three of those, so go for it.

Haha this is the response I was hoping to avoid. I set the budget somewhat arbitrarily so that if someone thought it would be better to get the Marlin 60 + one of the handguns rather than a nicer .22 they could recommend so. I definitely don't want to buy all three at the moment but could potentially justify two of the three, even though I would rather get just one gun at a time.

[Steve_In_29]

Marlin 60 = $160ish
Ruger 22/45 = $300ish
Glock 19 = $500ish

GO FOR IT!

Ruger's are dropping off the list almost daily. There is a nice 22/45 that drops on the 25th of this month.

[MAC USMC]

I have been shooting since I about 12 and I am fast approaching 80 years old. Spent some time in the USMC as ground pounder and firearms instructor, then went into police work for a little over 40 years. I provide this background so you can see that I have been around firearms most of my life.

First, the ammunition made today is simply outstanding with even the smaller calibers capable of being man stoppers with the right bullets. The modern firearms are better engineered, function better and last longer than in the past. Further, the sights or optics are far superior to previously manufactured.

RECOMMENDATION: I prefer the SIG SAUER Model 226 in 9mm. I bought the .22 conversion kit which is outstanding. I can shoot .22's cheaply until my group improves - then switch over to the 9mm. This pistol combination is a great buy and actually saves you money.

I also shoot a .45 which I carry via a CCW permit. That weapon is an HK .45 Model C (compact) which is double action on the first shot, has night sights, de-cocker and other neat features. I reload most of my ammo as it saves me about 2/3 of the cost and keeps me on the range longer.

Have fun - that's what it is all about.

[6114DAVE]

I have been shooting since I about 12 and I am fast approaching 80 years old. Spent some time in the USMC as ground pounder and firearms instructor, then went into police work for a little over 40 years. I provide this background so you can see that I have been around firearms most of my life.

First, the ammunition made today is simply outstanding with even the smaller calibers capable of being man stoppers with the right bullets. The modern firearms are better engineered, function better and last longer than in the past. Further, the sights or optics are far superior to previously manufactured.

RECOMMENDATION: I prefer the SIG SAUER Model 226 in 9mm. I bought the .22 conversion kit which is outstanding. I can shoot .22's cheaply until my group improves - then switch over to the 9mm. This pistol combination is a great buy and actually saves you money.

I also shoot a .45 which I carry via a CCW permit. That weapon is an HK .45 Model C (compact) which is double action on the first shot, has night sights, de-cocker and other neat features. I reload most of my ammo as it saves me about 2/3 of the cost and keeps me on the range longer.

Have fun - that's what it is all about.

Semper Fi!

[Sutcliffe]

Ruger 10-22

Not perfect, but aftermarket parts are readily available.

GP-100 and 686 are kind of the top two in double action revolvers today. If neither interest you all that much then maybe you don't need a .357

If you need the Glock that badly, get it sooner, rather than later.

[steel30]

+1 on buying that Ruger Mark lll back!