Got a side arm... but what next ?

Discussion in 'Firearms' started by SonOtheSouth, Jan 23, 2013.


  1. SonOtheSouth

    SonOtheSouth Monkey

    I recently got a Springfield XD .40sc, and now on the hunt for the next purchase.
    I have 1,000 rds of .22lr I purchased a couple years ago, in anticipation of buying a .22 in the future for survival reasons... But I also want a 12 gauge.
    Which would you get first, and what specifically ?

    Thanks
     
  2. Mechwolf

    Mechwolf Monkey+

    Depends either choice will be good. If you want home defense go with the shottie. Both serve well as all purpose. The shot gun is better all round in my opinion. Honestly you cannot go wrong either direction. I have a Maverick 88 ,which is made by Mossberg (In Mexico) they run about $129-149 depending where you get it. The barrels can be changed so you can use it for defense or all ranges of hunting. If you look into a .22 ruger 10/22 are popular because there are a lot of accessories for them . I have a Marlin 60 which is tube fed and I love it. I'm sure many more monkeys will weigh in on this ,each with their own opinions. Just make sure you ask all the questions you want and take the advise with a grain of salt because the replies will be varied and may be opinionated :D lol.
     
  3. BTPost

    BTPost Stumpy Old Fart,Deadman Walking, Snow Monkey Moderator

    Shotgun is the better for defense, 22LR is better for stealth Hunting... Most Prep'ers plan for both, but understand, Priorities are individual, and it is what your situation needs that decides....
     
    JABECmfg likes this.
  4. scrapman21009

    scrapman21009 Chupacabra Hunter

    get a Rossi for 100 bucks, 20 ga and .22lr barrels both included
     
  5. SonOtheSouth

    SonOtheSouth Monkey

    yeah, I've seen those scrapman. those are great, and pack up nice. Single shot is fine on the .22, but I'd like a pump or semi for the shotgun. I'd like the shotgun to be able to fill a defense role, as well as hunting if need be.
    You remember those survival .22s that the barrel unscrewed and slid into the stock... and the stock floated ? Can't remember who made those....
     
  6. Minuteman

    Minuteman Chaplain Moderator Founding Member

    Henry AR-7 survival rifle

    Henry Repeating Arms | Fine Rifles Made in America and Priced Right
     
  7. SonOtheSouth

    SonOtheSouth Monkey

    Thanks Minuteman... I haven't seen one in years, and didn't know they still made them. They really upgraded them since the older model I saw.
     
  8. Seacowboys

    Seacowboys Senior Member Founding Member

    The AR7 has changed manufacturers a few times and the quality never quite made it there. I have owned a few of them and never was pleased with the accuracy or reliability, and ended up trading them off. I really don't see much use for a "Tacticool" survival type rifle when a take-down Ruger 1022 or (my favorite) a Winchester model 63 and the Rossi clone.
     
    CATO likes this.
  9. CATO

    CATO Monkey+++

    I would recommend the Ruger 10/22. It is the iPod of .22s (meaning there are many accessories for it). You may want to think about buying a HotLips extended mag for one NOW (just in case there's a ban).

    See this in-depth review of the Henry: Henry U.S. Survival AR-7 Review

    RE: 12 guage
    You want #4 shot, 00 buck, and some Foster-style slugs (learn about the application of these). But, don't buy them 5 at a time at Wal-Mart if you can help (don't shop at Wal-Mart anyway since they don't support the 2nd Amendment). There are places on-line (e.g., AIM Surplus) that sell them 250 rnds at time for much cheaper than a few here and there. I would start with the 00 buck first. You may have to buy the slugs 5 at a time as they're hard to find in bulk.

    The above recommendation is good: if you can, go with a home-defense style shotgun, do it. Look up a Mossberg 500 or Remington 870 on the web to see what the specs are. If you can't afford it, you could probably find a descent pump shotgun at a pawn shop. Check the bore to make sure there's no rust inside the barrel and look at the barrel to make sure it says "cylinder bore" or "improved." This refers to the type of taper on the barrel.

    Welcome to the tree.

    When you get all of this, I would highly recommend getting a Ruger MkIII or Browning Buckmard for practice. It costs a lot to feed that .40 . . . and you need to practice your shooting skills, so, these are great pistols for that.
     
    JABECmfg likes this.
  10. JABECmfg

    JABECmfg multi-useless

    I could not agree more. Ultimately, only you can make the decision of what's right for you and your situation.

    That said, I believe the .22 rifle is the best "first gun" for most people, in most situations. If you are already an experienced shooter, will not be teaching a wife or kids how to shoot with it, and your primary concern is defense, then the 12 gauge might be the way to go. For many shooters, however, a .22 rifle serves a wider range of needs.

    Every specific weapon mentioned so far in this thread is a good one; you can't really go wrong with any of the .22's or shotguns that have been suggested, but if you choose a .22, I'd lean toward the Ruger 10/22. It's one of the best-selling weapons in America, therefore, spare parts and magazines are abundant.
     
  11. fedorthedog

    fedorthedog Monkey+++

    Originally it was the Charter Arms AR7 Explorer got 2 that live in the cars BOB, Henry now makes it.

    I would buy a shotgun now as it is the only ammo I still see on the shelves for sale.
     
  12. Gator 45/70

    Gator 45/70 Monkey+++

    I lean toward's the 10/22..Sight plane is better for me than the Marlin 60's are very good gun's as well...
    Shotgun, Remington 870..Ton's of diff. way's to build it...
     
    CATO likes this.
  13. HK_User

    HK_User A Productive Monkey is a Happy Monkey

    Next is a holster for the pistol and a sling for the shotgun.
     
  14. ghrit

    ghrit Bad company Administrator Founding Member

    Followed VERY closely by practice with both.
     
    JABECmfg likes this.
  15. CATO

    CATO Monkey+++

    In a pinch......

    Universal-Handgun-Sandal-Holster.
    Universal-Handgun-Sandal-Holster.
     
  16. bfayer

    bfayer Keeper Of The Faith

    I was going to say that, and quality training if you don't already have some.
     
  17. bfayer

    bfayer Keeper Of The Faith

    Jeez oh peet, if I saw that I would have to suppress an overwhelming urge to take that shoe and slap him senseless with it.

    Sorry but stupid makes me cringe. You might as well stick it down your shorts if you are going to do that.
    Universal-Handgun-Sandal-Holster.
     
    kellory likes this.
  18. JABECmfg

    JABECmfg multi-useless

    I'm thinking it was more for laughs. At least I hope it was, because I LOL'd for at least a minute or 2...

    Besides, if you seriously wanted to use a sandal holster, you'd want to cut a couple slits in it, to loop your belt through. ;)
     
  19. CATO

    CATO Monkey+++

    Yessss...it was humor (note the added pun b/c of the tight belt)
     
    JABECmfg likes this.
  20. bfayer

    bfayer Keeper Of The Faith

    Wait a sec, I wear my belt just like that, if I don't my sho..I mean my expedient weapon retention device falls off...
     
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