Proper allocation of resources
Firearms for me are first and foremost defensive, or if required, offensive tools. First line is CCW as that's what I'm most likely to have on me at any given moment. For me, it's a Glock 17 with a reload. If things are worse than that (Katrina, etc), I have a suppressed DD MK18 SBR AR15 ready to roll with an Aimpoint, Surefire, etc. Now, I have an identical G17 that sits at home. I like the idea of a backup and it's always at home close to hand for my wife. I do not have an identical backup for my SBR...not sure if I need one. I do have a Smith M&P10 (semi-auto AR-style .308) setup with a Nightforce 2.5-10x32, offset Docter red dot, free-floated, etc. I set this up to basically be a longer-range, more-powerful option to the 5.56 SBR.
Here's where I'm struggling, I don't have anywhere to really shoot beyond 100yds, with most of my shooting being done at 25yd indoor ranges. I have formal training with both pistol and carbine and feel confident using either. Longer-range precision is something I've messed with a bit on and off, but due to the cost of ammo and lack of a place to shoot (nearest range is 2 hrs away and 700 yds) the .308 pretty much sits in the safe. I think I like the idea of it more than the actual use of it. So with that said, I've got a big chunk of money, in fact, probably about equal to my SBR including the suppressor and tax stamps, tied up in a rifle that gets shot once or twice a year. I'm wondering if I would just do better to replace the .308 with another/backup .223 and use the residual funds for ammo/armor/etc. Maybe a 12.5" SBR with a Nightforce 1-4? That way I still have the opportunity to grab a rifle with some magnification for precision if I want, but it uses the same mags, parts, and ammo as my other one. Having 1X on the bottom end of the NF would make it a potential backup to the MK18. I could also use the suppressor I already have.
I suppose the other option would be to keep the .308 and build the 12.5" up slowly over time. I just struggle having that much money in a rifle that I don't use/enjoy that much. On the other hand, I've sold 2 other .308 bolt guns in the past and always found myself still wanting to have one. I think the biggest issue is that I'm best served 99% of the time by an SBR with a red dot. So, is the .308 worth keeping for that 1% or is the money better spent on other, more used things?
And because someone will ask, pic:
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2855/1...63394860_b.jpg
Untitled by ASH556, on Flickr