View Full Version : Luxury or necessity? Put another way, “need to have” vs. “nice to have.”
Know-nothing noob, here.
Carried an A2 in the service but that was all. Never went anywhere, didn’t do anything. But it was a nice rifle, and so here I am. Current interests:
Bought a LE6920 HBPW I have yet to shoot.
Working on creating/assembling a C8 SFW clone with BCM upper/lower/BCG.
Am saving up for a LMT CQB MLC ... might get piston version, not sure yet.
Have an A2 upper NIW for which I’d like a suitable lower, not sure what to use.
Would like a Brownell’s clone of M16A1 for my admittedly pathetic Viet Nam collection.
Would like an A4 of some kind that I could scope.
Was thinking on these things when suddenly it occurred to me: how many ARs do I really need?
Some of these would make good self-defense rifles. Others not so much, which makes them luxury items, I guess.
Wanted the A2 “‘caus that’s what I had,” but since it won’t take optics, I wonder if I oughta’ “let go of sentimental.”
The C8 SFW is one I love but since it isn’t really a Diemaco, how “cool” is it, really? Maybe it’s just another BCM carbine.
Maybe I don’t “need” a 20” at all, given advances in ammunition.
Just wondering what others think about how much might be too much, or neccessity vs. luxury. Can’t shoot them all in an emergency and besides, at some point, our possessions possess us. That is to say, at some point, they become a burden.
Build/buy a rifle for dedicated defense use.
Same for wife if you have one.
Do you hunt? Fill hunting niche.
Everything else is a range gun or backup.
Do you want a bunch of ars?
Do you want nfa stuff?
Other guns?
Other hobbies?
Decide and prioritize. Use and purpose gets priority over fun (mostly).
Do you want to go to the theatre or buy a few more mags?
Eat out or get a lower/other part?
LowSpeed_HighDrag
03-01-19, 23:44
I have guns that serve a purpose, and I prefer they serve multiple roles. Those give me peace of mind.
I have others that are cool to own, those I could sell tomorrow and be okay.
But most of my guns must have a purpose to me, maybe that helps me rationalize buying a few every year.
I probably have five guns that I “need” and the other few dozen are for redundancy or fun.
- CCW: G27
- S&W M29 4”
- 16” LMT
- Sako A7 .30-06
- 10/22
I'm somewhere north of 250+, possibly 300 firearms with more than 20 AR variants.
There are ones I still need.
I'm somewhere north of 250+, possibly 300 firearms with more than 20 AR variants.
There are ones I still need.
*like*
I have two ARs. One SBR, one 16" "Recce" type. Sometimes I think that's too much, but I have two suppressors, so I keep both.
If I could have one, it would be a suppressed 12.5".
Diamondback
03-02-19, 03:55
How many does one person need? If gun-grabbers don't keel over with aneurysms after hearing about your personal armory... It's Not Enough.
"Enough" is when your armory and ammo magazine look like this...
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aCfofeitgEM/TaD381n5tRI/AAAAAAAACDw/XH0v9PYcQh8/s1600/indiana-jones-raiders-warehouse.jpg
:D
I've currently got nine ARs (including one SBR), with most of those actually being guns with A1 or A2 fixed carry handles. Although I'm going to have a 10th short barreled upper here shortly that's going to be used on my existing SBR lower until I get around to getting another one Form 1'd. If you shoot irons only periodically,
and stay reasonably proficient with them, an iron-sighted AR still has plenty of life in it as a "practical" gun. An iron-sighted AR is actually what I most commonly cart around in my vehicle with me when I'm out and about.
*If* I were going to limit my collection of ARs to the barest minimum of what is "practical" only though, I'd probably consider three a good number.
In this hypothetical scenario I'd probably avoid NFA entanglement as well.
So probably two 16" carbine or midlength guns kitted out more or less identically with Aimpoints and lights, and a third AR probably geared more toward somewhat extended range.
I think that would cover "need".
"Want" is a different story entirely, and what is what I *actually* base my gun acquisitions on.
While the practical reasons behind gun ownership are important to me, it is also pretty much my only real *hobby* and the only thing I really dump a lot of money into because I enjoy it.
Just be honest with yourself and enjoy collecting some if you want. If you enjoy minimizing your collection to two each identical G19's and 6920's, go for it.
From a strictly practical view, any gun you buy that keeps you from getting some training or practice is a questionable choice. If you have not, consider getting some training. If you carry a pistol, consider spending way more time training with it rather than your carbine.
I’m future proofing myself. Total monogamy and homogeneity of my gun ecosystem.
The only autopistols I mess with are Glocks and Berettas. I have only one or two FSB ARs. No more “toys”. Everything else is optics based.
Keep metal mags. Keep ammo.
Hide my power level.
I have enough and will just rebarrel as needed.
The old axiom "You can' t take it with you" has slowly begun to dawn on me. I'm only 53 but I've lived well over half my life and don't have any kids. Where is all this cool stuff gonna go some day? I've given thought to downsizing, but just can't quite bring myself to do it yet!
What I have done is to cap the total number of long guns (well, that is due to safe and rack space). If I want something else, something current has to go. Even that new "policy" hasn't been followed to the letter, as I bought a Brownells XM177E2 upper and plopped it on a 6720 lower, and now have a 6720 upper sitting crosswise in my safe. :rolleyes: Hey, it's an addiction that one must wean one's self off of slowly!
A single 16" AR-15 with an ACOG or LPVO, buis, light, sling, and 22lr conversion bolt is all I would need for 95% of my rifle uses.
I have 4 ARs and I still want an A1 or A2.
It's a sickness...
The old axiom "You can' t take it with you" has slowly begun to dawn on me. I'm only 53 but I've lived well over half my life and don't have any kids. Where is all this cool stuff gonna go some day? I've given thought to downsizing, but just can't quite bring myself to do it yet!
What I have done is to cap the total number of long guns (well, that is due to safe and rack space). If I want something else, something current has to go. Even that new "policy" hasn't been followed to the letter, as I bought a Brownells XM177E2 upper and plopped it on a 6720 lower, and now have a 6720 upper sitting crosswise in my safe. :rolleyes: Hey, it's an addiction that one must wean one's self off of slowly!
We are very much alike.
Just be honest with yourself and enjoy collecting some if you want. If you enjoy minimizing your collection to two each identical G19's and 6920's, go for it.
From a strictly practical view, any gun you buy that keeps you from getting some training or practice is a questionable choice. If you have not, consider getting some training. If you carry a pistol, consider spending way more time training with it rather than your carbine.
That's where I ended up years ago. Do I really need another gun, or should I use the money for a class? I started taking classes and shooting more.
How many does one person need? If gun-grabbers don't keel over with aneurysms after hearing about your personal armory... It's Not Enough.
"Enough" is when your armory and ammo magazine look like this...
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aCfofeitgEM/TaD381n5tRI/AAAAAAAACDw/XH0v9PYcQh8/s1600/indiana-jones-raiders-warehouse.jpg
:D
How did you get a picture of my storage shed? ;)
All of my stuff is practical and reliable.
How many do you need? How many people are going to end up at your house if the SHTF? You'll need at least one for each plus mags and ammo. Plus a few backups in case one or more goes down, plus a few extras just in case the party gets bigger than you expected.
Needs vs. wants are always hard. Need could be one Glock. To an avid hunter, ourdoorsman, competitor, or someone serious about self defense it could be 20 or 30. For me I've spent lots on ammo, training, and weapons. One is one until two is one, so a third of any serious pistol or rifles is my short answer. I don't hunt or compete anymore and rarely if ever shoot long range or play with .22's so my real needs are somewhat mimimal. Really just work/self defense. However I still have 4 times what I need.
I really like the idea of a pair of Glock 19's, a pair of BCM carbines and maybe a Glock 43. But then there's the DMR, SBR, 7.62, 590...........
grizzlyblake
03-02-19, 16:22
G19 with tritium sights and a 67/6920 with a TA44. Then duplicate that, plenty of mags and ammo for both.
The old axiom "You can' t take it with you" has slowly begun to dawn on me. I'm only 53 but I've lived well over half my life and don't have any kids. Where is all this cool stuff gonna go some day? I've given thought to downsizing, but just can't quite bring myself to do it yet!
When that day comes, if there is no suitable heir, I will have the mother of all online scavenger hunts and will leave cryptic clues and riddles to be solved in order to find and obtain firearms. It should provide some fine enjoyment in my final years.
Diamondback
03-02-19, 18:12
How did you get a picture of my storage shed? ;)
Why does YOUR storage shed look so much like MY old storage bunker from my wargaming days? :p LOL
vicious_cb
03-02-19, 18:46
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbSXE55k_P4&t=189s
All I need is my slutty Colt. Old popo 692o with a KAC FF RIS. I have fed it Soviet ammo that would choke any AK and am still on same barrel after 15 years or so. It may need rebarreling but it has been through the ringer.
By far my favorite gun ever
Outlander Systems
03-02-19, 19:49
This thread will age poorly in 2020...
That's where I ended up years ago. Do I really need another gun, or should I use the money for a class? I started taking classes and shooting more.
I haven’t had an training per se; my experiences trying to get sound instruction have been poor. For example:
Tactical trainer A: very well-known US SpecOps military veteran and high profile YouTube personality. E-mailed him directly about his class requirements as he encourages folks to do on his website. Never heard back, despite multiple attempts at contact.
Tactical trainer B - a conversation which went as follows:
Tactical trainer: “do you have any military experience?”
Me: “8 years US Air Force.”
Tactical Trainer: (laughing aloud) “the CHAIR force!? Oh I’m sorry, forgive me - did you mean the Air Farce? I’ll ask you again - do you have any military experience?”
Tactical trainer C (a millennial “regular guy”) - conversation went as follows:
Tactical trainer: “how old are you?”
Me: “I remember Richard Nixon pretty well.”
Tactical trainer: “well look, this is a go-fast class, ok? This is a class for warriors. I think you’d do better in a class more geared toward elderly. Sorry.”
_______
So, I’ve given up on “training,” you could say. Those experiences were enough for me to drop the notion.
These days I practice, but I don’t train.
LowSpeed_HighDrag
03-02-19, 23:40
I haven’t had an training per se; my experiences trying to get sound instruction have been poor. For example:
Tactical trainer A: very well-known US SpecOps military veteran and high profile YouTube personality. E-mailed him directly about his class requirements as he encourages folks to do on his website. Never heard back, despite multiple attempts at contact.
Tactical trainer B - a conversation which went as follows:
Tactical trainer: “do you have any military experience?”
Me: “8 years US Air Force.”
Tactical Trainer: (laughing aloud) “the CHAIR force!? Oh I’m sorry, forgive me - did you mean the Air Farce? I’ll ask you again - do you have any military experience?”
Tactical trainer C (a millennial “regular guy”) - conversation went as follows:
Tactical trainer: “how old are you?”
Me: “I remember Richard Nixon pretty well.”
Tactical trainer: “well look, this is a go-fast class, ok? This is a class for warriors. I think you’d do better in a class more geared toward elderly. Sorry.”
_______
So, I’ve given up on “training,” you could say. Three bad experiences were enough for me.
These days I practice, but I don’t train.
So you can't hang it in a class FOR warriors, but need it to be taught BY warriors? Which is it?
Maybe just SIGN UP for a class then....
https://www.aztectrainingservices.com/courses-by-location
https://www.sigsaueracademy.com/course/enhanced-training
https://www.gunsite.com/
https://thunderranchinc.com/
To name a few easy few.
I'm somewhere north of 250+, possibly 300 firearms with more than 20 AR variants.
There are ones I still need.
And I thought I was cock of the walk with my 64 firearms and three safes. My AR collection is a paltry 9, including two SBR's. Lot's of pre 1989 AK's and an assortment of hunting and lever action rifles (Some 19th century) and a fine collection of all kinds of handguns, including my oldest made in 1877. Family heirlooms in the old west are nice, especially the shooting kind.
Now we should talk about my stash of ammunition.......:)
And I thought I was cock of the walk with my 64 firearms and three safes. My AR collection is a paltry 9, including two SBR's. Lot's of pre 1989 AK's and an assortment of hunting and lever action rifles (Some 19th century) and a fine collection of all kinds of handguns, including my oldest made in 1877. Family heirlooms in the old west are nice, especially the shooting kind.
Now we should talk about my stash of ammunition.......:)
So on TOS I invented a game called Gun High Card, a person posts a picture of a firearm they actually own, then somebody tries to top it with something cooler, rarer or otherwise more collectible. Some people had some seriously nice stuff but I don't recall losing very much. I do remember some people with some serious guns such as gyrojets (with ammo), complete Luger collections with Borchardts and vintage Baby Lugers and all of the Swiss Lugers.
I still need to rebuild my ammo inventory. At one time I was maintaining 10,000 rounds of each major caliber as a reserve. Course ammo used to be a lot cheaper.
The_War_Wagon
03-03-19, 05:41
Every time I hear air whistle through a democraps head...
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc305/The_War_Wagon/cortex20_zpsg1ta7dba.jpg
I think - Hmmmm... MIGHT oughta consider getting another....
This thread will age poorly in 2020...
You say that but no. Really of what I have the only guns I shoot are:
-my utter whore of a Colt 6920
-my SR25
-my 22 crap
-my Glock and beretta
Everything else is gravy. I have put more than my fair share of state ammo down range on state time and as I get into my middle age I just don’t care as much. Do I want a ban? No. If one happens it won’t really affect me.
Really I just get mags and barrels now.
Per “training” a lot of it is on par with fantasy camps. On my own personal time, if I cannot do it with what I am carrying or what sits by my bedside then it is very much someone else’s problem.
I would hate to be some gun hoarder. At times I have more respect for people who stockpile naked Chinese cartoon figures and love pillows because at times they seem like they have more of a life.
There comes a point where proof markings and castle nut staking becomes aggravating to listen to and now I think I actually despise FALs more than AKs due to the whole autism over the subject matter.
There are many many many days I think all I really need is my 686 and my Garand because nobody is gonna actually bother me on my own time.
There are many many many days I think all I really need is my 686 and my Garand because nobody is gonna actually bother me on my own time.
I have similar thoughts ^
Took me way too long to kick the AK habit ... but I finally did.
Trying to kick the milsurp collector habit, now.
You say that but no. Really of what I have the only guns I shoot are:
-my utter whore of a Colt 6920
-my SR25
-my 22 crap
-my Glock and beretta
Everything else is gravy. I have put more than my fair share of state ammo down range on state time and as I get into my middle age I just don’t care as much. Do I want a ban? No. If one happens it won’t really affect me.
Really I just get mags and barrels now.
Per “training” a lot of it is on par with fantasy camps. On my own personal time, if I cannot do it with what I am carrying or what sits by my bedside then it is very much someone else’s problem.
I would hate to be some gun hoarder. At times I have more respect for people who stockpile naked Chinese cartoon figures and love pillows because at times they seem like they have more of a life.
There comes a point where proof markings and castle nut staking becomes aggravating to listen to and now I think I actually despise FALs more than AKs due to the whole autism over the subject matter.
There are many many many days I think all I really need is my 686 and my Garand because nobody is gonna actually bother me on my own time.
Yet.
When what you have piques the interest of Big Brother because, well, he doesn't want you to have it and decreed so, then you could very well be "bothered".
So on TOS I invented a game called Gun High Card, a person posts a picture of a firearm they actually own, then somebody tries to top it with something cooler, rarer or otherwise more collectible. Some people had some seriously nice stuff but I don't recall losing very much. I do remember some people with some serious guns such as gyrojets (with ammo), complete Luger collections with Borchardts and vintage Baby Lugers and all of the Swiss Lugers.
I still need to rebuild my ammo inventory. At one time I was maintaining 10,000 rounds of each major caliber as a reserve. Course ammo used to be a lot cheaper.
I am heavy on military rounds like 5.56x45, some in spam cans (5.45x39, 7.62x39). What I am trying to build up are the pistol calibers (9mm, .45 ACP, .357 magnum). Then I have the calibers for the old west stuff like .45 Colt, .45 Schofield, .44-40, .44 Russian, .38 SW, .32 SW. A lot of this has to be black powder loaded because the firearms are pre smokeless ammo builds before 1909.
I am 59 years old as of last month, and have 3 kids with one still in high school. Some of you in this thread are coming to terms with your own mortality. Are you starting to think the real hard times in the US will happen beyond our lifetimes? Perhaps, but I am seeing things happen at a faster pace than I expected, considering gun control and the socialist moves are happening at the State levels now, not just the predicted federal level.
I have taken the view since the sunset of the AWB in 2004 that guns, ammo and accessories are an investment - like money in the bank or in a jar buried in your backyard. You can always get money out of the sale of a gun. When the supply dries up, the value goes up. I will say like I have done here many times. We will be in an America sometime in the future like the days of Prohibition. The gun economy will be under the radar, operating in the shadows. It will be buying, selling, bartering in one of the many thousands of little enclaves cropping up all over the US, but not out in the open.
Some of you in this thread are coming to terms with your own mortality.
Guilty as charged.
Are you starting to think the real hard times in the US will happen beyond our lifetimes?
Dunno. I thought it was showtime in the early/mid-1990’s, and I was physically faster and stronger, then.
But I do know if/when the time comes that I’m too old/slow to drive a car and get around on my own, I may be too old/slow to defend the family from the angry, gender-fluid disciples of Ocrazio-Kotex. It’s a concern I have. Time doesn’t seem to be slowing down for me.
I haven’t had an training per se; my experiences trying to get sound instruction have been poor. For example:
Tactical trainer A: very well-known US SpecOps military veteran and high profile YouTube personality. E-mailed him directly about his class requirements as he encourages folks to do on his website. Never heard back, despite multiple attempts at contact.
Tactical trainer B - a conversation which went as follows:
Tactical trainer: “do you have any military experience?”
Me: “8 years US Air Force.”
Tactical Trainer: (laughing aloud) “the CHAIR force!? Oh I’m sorry, forgive me - did you mean the Air Farce? I’ll ask you again - do you have any military experience?”
Tactical trainer C (a millennial “regular guy”) - conversation went as follows:
Tactical trainer: “how old are you?”
Me: “I remember Richard Nixon pretty well.”
Tactical trainer: “well look, this is a go-fast class, ok? This is a class for warriors. I think you’d do better in a class more geared toward elderly. Sorry.”
_______
So, I’ve given up on “training,” you could say. Those experiences were enough for me to drop the notion.
These days I practice, but I don’t train.
Not sure why you wouldn’t name the instructors.
ETA - also, what classes? I’ve never heard of instructors saying that for a pistol or rifle one. Usually that’s some type of “combat” or at least intermediate level course.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Avoid controversy.
Others may have different experiences than mine, loyalties, etc. YMMV.
Yet.
When what you have piques the interest of Big Brother because, well, he doesn't want you to have it and decreed so, then you could very well be "bothered".
Really? You think so?
I doubt it. "Big Brother" can barely keep UZIs and Military hardware used by the Cartels moving north of the border. "Big Brother" cannot stop the literal hordes of Islamic and Communist Chinese splinter cells in or near every major capital city.
Are they really going to send in the Marines for one lame ass guy and his SR25?
Really? You think so?
I doubt it. "Big Brother" can barely keep UZIs and Military hardware used by the Cartels moving north of the border. "Big Brother" cannot stop the literal hordes of Islamic and Communist Chinese splinter cells in or near every major capital city.
Are they really going to send in the Marines for one lame ass guy and his SR25?
Not sure to what scale or even if it will get that bad, but with the rise of the socialist/communist wing out there it seems inevitable unfortunately. The one thing they MUST do as early as possible is eliminate the ability to actively resist their policies and "plans" they have for us. We all know what that means eliminating.
I would agree with you on the degree of ineptitude that Big Brother displays. That would, if God forbid it ever came to that, come back to bite them in the ass. However, would a prohibition on guns (at least effective guns) be handled in the same way that the prohibition on weed has? Something tells me it wouldn't, because what we possess can at some point be detrimental to them. Weed? Not so much. I would predict an all-out focus like we've never seen, with folks like us as targets. Sure, their innate ineptitude would make them stumble at times, but make no mistake they'd still come forward even clumsily.
Of course as OH58D likes to point out, Prohibition didn't go too swimmingly well, so who knows.
I haven’t had an training per se; my experiences trying to get sound instruction have been poor. For example:
Tactical trainer A: very well-known US SpecOps military veteran and high profile YouTube personality. E-mailed him directly about his class requirements as he encourages folks to do on his website. Never heard back, despite multiple attempts at contact.
Tactical trainer B - a conversation which went as follows:
Tactical trainer: “do you have any military experience?”
Me: “8 years US Air Force.”
Tactical Trainer: (laughing aloud) “the CHAIR force!? Oh I’m sorry, forgive me - did you mean the Air Farce? I’ll ask you again - do you have any military experience?”
Tactical trainer C (a millennial “regular guy”) - conversation went as follows:
Tactical trainer: “how old are you?”
Me: “I remember Richard Nixon pretty well.”
Tactical trainer: “well look, this is a go-fast class, ok? This is a class for warriors. I think you’d do better in a class more geared toward elderly. Sorry.”
_______
So, I’ve given up on “training,” you could say. Those experiences were enough for me to drop the notion.
These days I practice, but I don’t train.
Sorry to hear about your negative experience. There are plenty of instructors that are more than willing to teach folks regardless of skill lever or background. I’ve taken several classes (from instructors local to me and from nationally know instructors)and it has been far and away the best money I’ve spent related firearms. IMHO you just need to pick a class and go.
This thread will age poorly in 2020...
What guns? I don't own any........ ;)
SeriousStudent
03-03-19, 12:49
What guns? I don't own any........ ;)
It was that tragic hot-air ballooning accident, wasn't it?
It was that tragic hot-air ballooning accident, wasn't it?
So you saw that on the news........ tragically sad.
;)
In the context of the OP I think there is a base-line minimum need:
- G-19 or equivalent
- Carbine (w/ optic, light & sling)
- Magazines
- Ammo
- Training
Still falling under “need” it makes sense improve your position and double up on your hardware:
- G-19 x 2
- Carbine x 2
From there it starts to trend slightly more toward luxury, but there are other niches to fill as funds allow:
- SBR or AR Pistol
- Pistol caliber carbine
- DMR 308 Gas Gun
- G43 or equivalent
After that, it’s all “fun” stuff based on totally on desire (1911s, Garands, clones etc).
Excellent info. PM sent ...
In the context of the OP I think there is a base-line minimum need:
- G-19 or equivalent
- Carbine (w/ optic, light & sling)
- Magazines
- Ammo
- Training
Still falling under “need” it makes sense improve your position and double up on your hardware:
- G-19 x 2
- Carbine x 2
From there it starts to trend slightly more toward luxury, but there are other niches to fill as funds allow:
- SBR or AR Pistol
- Pistol caliber carbine
- DMR 308 Gas Gun
- G43 or equivalent
After that, it’s all “fun” stuff based on totally on desire (1911s, Garands, clones etc).
Looks like you're right where I am. It's hard tolet loose of a lone 12 gauge and .22 or two though.
It was that tragic hot-air ballooning accident, wasn't it?
And it was over a large body of water to boot!
All I need is my slutty Colt. Old popo 692o with a KAC FF RIS. I have fed it Soviet ammo that would choke any AK and am still on same barrel after 15 years or so. It may need rebarreling but it has been through the ringer.
By far my favorite gun ever
So kind of “over the pavement” proven. [emoji41]. Reminds me of my grandpa who had a few rifles for his sons but his go to was a Win 94. Back in the Depression days he hunted with one bullet and bought ammo by the piece at the hardware store. Once a deer he shot jumped up when he approached and all he could do was swing it like Davy Crocket and whack it in the head. Lots of mismatched screws, dents and scratches in the stock, finish worn off, but that 102 yr old rifle is still be used by my nephew to hunt deer.
Sometimes one good gun is all you need. But ain’t life grand when we can afford and enjoy more!
Of course as OH58D likes to point out, Prohibition didn't go too swimmingly well, so who knows.
I really see it going in that direction. Manufacturing or running booze in the 20's and 30's was big business. The future Prohibition days for guns in the future will be even bigger business, considering what is out in private hands already. It'll be a huge underground economy in everything gun related. The Feds and State enforcers will have their hands full -I can see "big busts" like were advertised by the FBI in the 30's showing barrels of illegal booze being busted open with axes for the newsreel cameras, except it will be some shade tree gunsmiths and their wares on display. There was violence in the enforcement of bootleggers; there will be violence in cracking down on the underground gun economy.
How effective the prohibition years on gun ownership will be depends on how much LE has their heart in it. Busting some hillbilly running jugs of 'shine in a Model A Ford is one thing. Kicking down the door of some family to take their firearms is something else.
In the context of the OP I think there is a base-line minimum need:
- G-19 or equivalent
- Carbine (w/ optic, light & sling)
- Magazines
- Ammo
- Training
Still falling under “need” it makes sense improve your position and double up on your hardware:
- G-19 x 2
- Carbine x 2
From there it starts to trend slightly more toward luxury, but there are other niches to fill as funds allow:
- SBR or AR Pistol
- Pistol caliber carbine
- DMR 308 Gas Gun
- G43 or equivalent
After that, it’s all “fun” stuff based on totally on desire (1911s, Garands, clones etc).
I like your thinking, but I'd have to add a 12 gauge to the 2nd need list. I like the Mossbergs myself, but I wouldn't insult anyone choosing an 870 instead.
I haven’t had an training per se; my experiences trying to get sound instruction have been poor. For example: ...
This sounds awful. Don't give up though. May I suggest Gunsite? You won't get that kind of BS from them.
May I suggest Gunsite?
Trying to send you PM for more info, but your Inbox is full.
I haven’t had an training per se; my experiences trying to get sound instruction have been poor. For example:
Tactical trainer A: very well-known US SpecOps military veteran and high profile YouTube personality. E-mailed him directly about his class requirements as he encourages folks to do on his website. Never heard back, despite multiple attempts at contact.
Tactical trainer B - a conversation which went as follows:
Tactical trainer: “do you have any military experience?”
Me: “8 years US Air Force.”
Tactical Trainer: (laughing aloud) “the CHAIR force!? Oh I’m sorry, forgive me - did you mean the Air Farce? I’ll ask you again - do you have any military experience?”
Tactical trainer C (a millennial “regular guy”) - conversation went as follows:
Tactical trainer: “how old are you?”
Me: “I remember Richard Nixon pretty well.”
Tactical trainer: “well look, this is a go-fast class, ok? This is a class for warriors. I think you’d do better in a class more geared toward elderly. Sorry.”
_______
So, I’ve given up on “training,” you could say. Those experiences were enough for me to drop the notion.
These days I practice, but I don’t train.
You are in AZ. There must be literally hundreds of qualified people offer training for all levels. Most won't be famous, they only need to be qualified and actually know what the hell they are talking about.
The "big names" often have image / reputation issues and as a result end up "playing a role" rather than just imparting useful information that is useful to you.
Interesting observation re: the big names; I will make a note of that and commit to memory.
Thanks much!
I am heavy on military rounds like 5.56x45, some in spam cans (5.45x39, 7.62x39). What I am trying to build up are the pistol calibers (9mm, .45 ACP, .357 magnum). Then I have the calibers for the old west stuff like .45 Colt, .45 Schofield, .44-40, .44 Russian, .38 SW, .32 SW. A lot of this has to be black powder loaded because the firearms are pre smokeless ammo builds before 1909.
I am 59 years old as of last month, and have 3 kids with one still in high school. Some of you in this thread are coming to terms with your own mortality. Are you starting to think the real hard times in the US will happen beyond our lifetimes? Perhaps, but I am seeing things happen at a faster pace than I expected, considering gun control and the socialist moves are happening at the State levels now, not just the predicted federal level.
I have taken the view since the sunset of the AWB in 2004 that guns, ammo and accessories are an investment - like money in the bank or in a jar buried in your backyard. You can always get money out of the sale of a gun. When the supply dries up, the value goes up. I will say like I have done here many times. We will be in an America sometime in the future like the days of Prohibition. The gun economy will be under the radar, operating in the shadows. It will be buying, selling, bartering in one of the many thousands of little enclaves cropping up all over the US, but not out in the open.
55 here besides the faster pace I agree with for sure
one thing I see that bugs me is things I have seen in other countries now happening here ? seeing the parallel with Europe where its been and where its going and the idiocy and hatred pouring out of the people also the blind mindless idiocy of so many
total lack of history across both countries etc..
you me some others saw the fall of the USSR we saw the Berlin wall come down
to think those things and how quick it all really happened I do think if things take that turn and hope they dont how quick will it happen ?
the upside to these are things did turn from bad to better but its the speed it happened that were world changing events
the fact we are going better to bad is what gets me a little on edge
anyone around that 45-50 year old or older era truly remembers more freedom not some stat or something they say we hve cell phones and internet now !
but being able to be on your jetski without a helmet a pdf and this and that
permits to go camping and reservations and so many other idiot things
shooting at the dump and if a cop rolled up most likely says COOL what ya got and plinks with ya for a bit
when your teachers were not trying to rape all the kids and tell you why America sucks and you better not support the president and the race issues were a few folks BUT you knew who they were cause they were free to speak now who knows ?
self absorbed idiocy and narcism that exists today is insane
The "big names" often have image / reputation issues and as a result end up "playing a role" rather than just imparting useful information that is useful to you.
100% agree. The worst class I took was the one with the most-recognized instructor. It wasn’t bad, but wasn’t as good as any of my other classes.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Interesting observation re: the big names; I will make a note of that and commit to memory.
Thanks much!
No prob. Also not always their fault. If you are the fastest gun in town or whatever, a lot of people aren't really there to learn, some are there to see if they are better than you so you have that stupid dynamic and famous names who have to be on guard for that nonsense.
Not sure what you are trying to learn, but if it's competitive shooting then talk to the people at that shoots and there will be a consensus regarding the 6 best people in your zip code, if it tactical / practical find out where they shoot and same thing.
Also keep in mind things like "world champion" often don't mean anything. Mike Tyson would probably be the worst boxing trainer in the world, but the guy who trained him might be worth talking to. I remember a karate school run by a state champion and he was a great fighter but didn't understand the first thing about making someone else a good fighter. He simply couldn't relate what he knew to other people, so he had everyone just trying to copy him and he kept telling them to just do it faster. Pretty much nobody learned anything.
Not trying to be dismissive of the big names, famous schools or anything like that. But if they aren't picking up the phone or returning emails, just keep going down the list until you find a qualified person who is actually interested in training you.
Other than that I'd ask to watch a class before you commit to joining any group.
Doc Safari
03-04-19, 09:36
I keep an iron-sighted fixed carry handle Colt 6520 carbine for nostalgia purposes. It's the closest thing I could find to the first AR I ever owned.
My 6720 is decked out with all the tactical goodies.
That's about it as far as "need". The 6520 is more of a backup in case the 6720 goes down. Some people have a backup iron sight. I have a backup iron sight RIFLE.
And it was over a large body of water to boot!
Hot-Air Ballooning over anything else would be very unsafe and foolhardy. :)
I have a bunch of junk I bought over the years because I was interested in it and want to screw around with it.
This is the list of guns I need, though:
I like your thinking, but I'd have to add a 12 gauge to the 2nd need list. I like the Mossbergs myself, but I wouldn't insult anyone choosing an 870 instead.
Yes, adding a to the stage 2 need list 12 gauge is a good call.
This is one of those topics that I believe there is no real wrong answer per se. If one has the means and the desire to chase things that they desire, then by all means do so, nothing wrong with that. But, I also believe that there is a point where it can become toxic and counter productive. What point that becomes a problem is purely individual and needs to be recognized as such.
These days though I tend to fall into the less is more and quality over quantity in terms of guns. But, when that itch to buy something kicks in, I usually counter it by buying mags and ammo. But even that is becoming less and less of a desire these days. This is just the stage of life that I am at, not trying to sway yours or anyone's choices.
Good luck in your choice.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.5 Copyright © 2024 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.