Starting out?

[RecreationalBoom]

Long time lurker, first time poster....

I started shooting a couple years ago, totally recreationally. I just like to put holes in paper and challenge myself to improve. I took some training classes, got a handgun, got the CHL, and visit the range when I get the chance, which is not nearly enough. Same story as a lot of other guys probably. My one gun purchase so far was an XDM in 9mm. I really love that gun, though at the time, my girlfriend gave me a little hassle over how much it cost.

Well, she just an engagement ring put on her finger and when she found out how much *that* cost. Well, now she's saying I might want to think about getting something else that goes boom for my upcoming birthday, or Christmas, or whatever. She's basically promised not to complain until my *collection* of guns and weapons reaches the same value as the *one* ring. I guess she sees all my hardware as protecting her hardware.

Problem is I have no idea what I actually want. I look longingly at the PPS, at the PX4, at Sigs, at Glocks, at 1911's. I drool over pump shotguns. I admire the AR-15, the SIG556, the PS90, the FS2000, and even the high end ACR and SCAR types aren't completely out of my price range. There are a lot of fun "toys" out there that would be great to shoot at the range, and would be mighty handy in the eventual zombie apocalypse. I prefer things that are easy to clean, but that's not really narrowing it down much. I can't decide. So, I thought I'd send a shout out and solicit random opinions on the internet. :-)

If you had no collection but had a few grand to use to start one, what would you buy?

[boredelmo]

Can you carry the XDM comfortably? If so, I don't think you "need" another handgun.

I would look at a rifle for the next purchase. But again....so many options. Seems like with your budget you could get a run of the mill AR15 + any pump. If you don't go to the range as much but want to extend time enjoying your firearms hobby you could piece together an AR that perfectly suits your needs.

Spend weeks researching about barrel lengths, twist, material, lowers/uppers, assembly tools, stock/forearm considerations. Wait for each package like it were Christmas, assemble, and enjoy!

[DONT TREAD ON ME]

First off welcome

Springfield PRO (1911)
M1 Garand
M21
AR-15 with toys
Browning/Remington bolt action 30.06 with a nice Leupold scope
Pump/Semi-auto shotgun (one for hunting and one for home defense)
1873 Winchester or good replica
Colt 45 Peacemaker or replica

[mctowalot]

Congratulations on your engagement! Sounds like a keeper.

Have you considered a gatling gun? It should come in handy when the zombies start marching.

If I had the chance I would definitely get both a M1 Garand and Carbine, since they are so rich in history and supplies are dwindling. Then you'll have some nifty pieces to pass on to your grandchildren.

[KFP]

I vote for getting guns, not just A gun. I think everyone should own the following (brands are just what I would choose):

Springfield/Kimber .45 1911 ~$850
Mossberg/Remington Pump Shotgun 12 gauge ~$350
CMMG/Smith and Wesson AR-15 .223/5.56 ~$850
Smith and Wesson 642/442 .38 Revolver ~$450
Glock/XD/M&P/HK/Sig Pistol 9/40/45 ~ Purchased

So, getting four more guns, that give you a lot of variety would be around $2600 depending on what you selected.

[terryg]

Welcome to the forum. I wish I had your problem ...

(where is the green with envy smiley)

[eddieconcarne]

If you just have money to burn on a gun, why not get something beautiful: Model 27 revolver from Smith & Wesson (a classic, not a modern remake).



Another option might be to get a rather plain gun but then pay to have someone engrave it.

[dicion]

Another option might be to get a rather plain gun but then pay to have someone engrave it.

My dream, (well, one of them) is to someday own a matched pair of 1911's (left hand/right hand) custom engraved for Zombie Hunting.

[smyrna]

If you had no collection but had a few grand to use to start one, what would you buy?

Everyone will have their own ideas about this, but I'll take a shot at answering...

Since you have a center fire pistol, I would suggest the following to round out or begin your collection...
1. .22 rifle of your choice (semi auto, bolt...doesn't really matter, just get one you like)
2. .22 pistol (ruger, browning buckmark, or whatever floats your boat)
3. A decent center rifle rifle in .30-06 (whatever action floats your boat)
4. 12 ga. pump shotgun (or semi auto).

These along with your XDm pretty much covers all the bases from concealed carry, paper punching, small game, wing shooting, sporting clays, or taking any big game on the North American continent. Everything else is just gravy. Pass the gravy please!

[CC Italian]

Well, as long as you can carry the XD concealed with no problems I vote pump action. My brother had his truck broken into a few years back in the middle of the night and you know what his first instinct was? To grab his 12 guage pump action!! A 12 guage or 20 guage pump action is the ultimate for home protection followed by a good rifle. If someone broke into my house I wouldn't go for a handgun unless thats all I had. One round of buckshot from a 12 or 20 gauge will end a threat quick!

[DONT TREAD ON ME]

I tell you what, it seems that you have a lot of thinking and researching to do. Sounds like a LOT of WORK. I will make it simple for you...just buy me some of the below listed items and call it a day

First off welcome

Springfield PRO (1911)
M1 Garand
M21
AR-15 with toys
Browning/Remington bolt action 30.06 with a nice Leupold scope
Pump/Semi-auto shotgun (one for hunting and one for home defense)
1873 Winchester or good replica
Colt 45 Peacemaker or replica

[A-R]

I think anyone with a CHL should have a minimum of two handguns, preferably with two different carrying styles - not only to fit different styles of dress, but also as a backup - both literaly a backup carried on body with the main gun, but also a backup in case one gun has to go in for repairs, new sights, whatever.

With that as my underlying reasoning, I'll suggest a snub-nose revolver. Perfect pocket gun. Perfect BUG. Challenging to learn to shoot well and rewarding when you do learn how to make small groups on paper with it. Ammo in .38 loads is relatively inexpensive.

Choices (I recommend bobbed or shrouded hammer or hammerless):
S&W J-frame (obviously)
Ruger LCR
Ruger SP-series
Taurus 85
Charter Arms Undercover
Even some of the Rossis aren't bad if you want to go really inexpensive

If you just loath the idea of a wheelgun, take a close look at the Walther PPS you mentioned in your OP. $569 + tax at GT Distributors in Austin. I've been very happy with mine going on one year old. Can carry in pocket, but travels best in a quality IWB holster.

After that, toss up between a good pump-action shotgun or an AR-type weapon for next choice.

[texjames]

I Think the pistol ya have should fill that need for a while.A AR15 is a ton of fun i have 4 of them. One is a Short barreled Rifle (SBR) with a $200
BATFE tax stamp. One AR that would be fun and cheap and i built one is a Tactical Solutions 22LR AR.It go's right on top of a AR15 lower reciever.
Fun and cheap to shoot. A revolver is a lot of fun to and you can pick up some real accurate make one big hole shooters. My favorite is my
S&W 686 .357 magnum, but 148 gr 38 spl wadcutters through it is great too. I don't even own a shot-gun anymore and don't bird hunt or feel a need
to have one . A 1911 45acp Semi Auto is a lot of fun.Everybody should have Glock say a G19 9mm...or maybe a G26 compact. Ya need to get your
girl interested in going to the range and shooting.If they don't support your gun interests it might cause home front troubles.Some guys hide the toys
from the old ladies, don't even know what they have. They might even keep a cash stash for those little off the radar purchases.
I can't believe i left off Ruger Mark 3 semi-auto 22LR...fun and chaep too.

[glbedd53]

I see it kinda like Andy. Make a few gun shows and it will come to you.