Need to replace some firearms...thoughts.
 

Hope to replace recently stolen firearms with a more cohesive 'arsenal':wink:

Would like to buy two revolvers in the same caliber and would like the same model as well,makes it easy for either of us to pick up each others weapon.
I like Taurus,I know some people do not but they worked well enough for us.

I would like 7 shot,medium or heavy frame and no more than a 4'' barrel.
Could go shorter barrel length I guess as pistols are for close in work afterall.

I will probably buy another Remington 870,nothing fancy as it would be a utility shotgun.I have a 26'' barrel from the one just stolen so it makes sense to keep with a Remington.

Finally another rifle...
Perhaps an AR15,20'' barrel would work well...

Thoughts, advice...

Re: Need to replace some firearms...thoughts.
 

I've been trying for some time to come up with the "essential" list of firearms. My criteria are as follows:

1. Only 2 calibers: one pistol caliber and one rifle caliber (plus .22LR)
2. All firearms must accept high capacity magazines (more than 10 rounds)
3. Must be black/blued - no shiny guns
4. Pistol must have traditional rifling (sorry, Glock) so I can cast lead bullets in things get REAL bad
5. Rifle must be capable of hunting large game AND serve as a battle rifle

I settled on 9mm for a pistol round because it offers the best "value" (combination of availability, price, and power).

My home defense / concealed carry pistol of choice is the CZ P-01 because of its rigorous testing in NATO certification (only NATO certified pistol), EXCELLENT balance and ergonomics, relatively compact format, and 14+1 capacity (I also like the SA/DA with decocker). Cost about $500.

My vehicle gun is currently a Kel-Tec SUB-2000 in 9mm (Glock 17 mags). I like the fact that I have a 17-rd mag in the gun plus a 33-rd mag velcroed to the front stock. I also like the fact that folded up it fits perfectly over my parking brake handle next to my seat. However, it really spits in my face because I'm left handed. I'm considering switching to the Calico pistol with 100-rd magazine because it drops brass out the bottom. This could also be nice so that passengers aren't getting slapped by brass bouncing around in the vehicle. Kel-Tec = $300, Calico =$700, both are hard to find.

I had originally decided on .30-06 for my rifle round, but it has too much recoil for my liking. I've decided to drop the recoil by 30% just by switching to .308, and it will drop even more because I'm looking at a semi-auto platform. My current plans are to get a DPMS LR-308b w/18" bull barrel. 0.5 MOA (with trigger work), is great for hunting out to 400-500 yards, and is reasonably portable as a battle rifle (weighing 10 pounds -- can be fitted with collapsible stock also). LR-308b = $950.

I wish someone made a traditional magazined .22LR pistol that had a capacity greater than 10. I wonder if doublestacking is difficult due to the cartridge rim?

For "extra" guns I have a NAA 5-shot .22LR revolver with folding "holster grip". It fits in the match-book pocket of my jeans. I also have a CZ-52 (1953 - parkerized) that I have put about $75 into by upgrading the firing pin, recoil spring, and rollers. I keep it in my prospecting truck and wear it when I'm in the Colorado woods.

Regarding those guns mentioned in your post...

I had a stainless 7-shot Taurus .357 w/4". It was our first home-defense gun as well as my woods gun. I think 9mm offers more capacity, faster shooting, faster recovery, faster reloading, and it is easier for my wife to handle. I know some people like the fact that wheel guns are simple. Get a Glock, then. Nothing but a trigger on it.

The 870 express is a fine shotgun, but it is kinda long. I could see someone being easily disarmed in a house while trying to round a corner or go through a doorway. A pistol is really best in the house (and be sure to use the right kind of ammo so you don't risk hitting something beyond your target). If you want a shotgun for home defense get a 16" Saiga 12 conversion from Tromix.

If you are out in the country have a good 30 caliber rifle cartridge capable of one-shot kills at 300 yards. I wouldn't put 7.62x39 in this category. If you live in a residential neighborhood then get an AK-47 over an AR-15.

JMNSVHO

Re: Need to replace some firearms...thoughts.
 

Given the recent theft, have you given thought to lojacking your weapons?

I'm looking at this... http://www.anytrack.com/gps100.html

maybe to hide in the foam of a gun case.

Re: Need to replace some firearms...thoughts.
 

Based upon FerFal's (he's in Argentina) writings why revolvers?
FerFal said high capacity magazine semi-auto pistols are the only way to go.
Rem 870 good choice.
AR15 or AK or Fal good choice. I have AR's and Fal's. (never personally cared for AK's)(Also have an M1A)
You should read some of FerFal's writings on what has occurred in Argentina when their economy broke down. He said he was out in the countryside one day viisting someone and has his Para Fal under a full length coat. Someone was by his car. FerFal went over to His vehicle and the guy said He was going to take it. FerFal pulled out His Fal and said No, you're not".
The guy left.

Re: Need to replace some firearms...thoughts.
 

I corresponded with FerFal a while back when looking land in Argentina.
I like the simplicity of revolvers, and to be honest I doubt the need for hi-cap mags will come up in day to day life.
At least prior to the collapse.

Afterwards we would simply have a rifle with us as well as a pistol.
Also wife has small hands,the Ruger we had before was too big but then they are big guns....

Reason for the AR is also it is the firearm of choice of the 'good guys', something that could come in handy in bad times,being armed with a 'bad rifle' like an AK might lead to more problems.

Re: Need to replace some firearms...thoughts.
 

If both of you are not practiced shooters, the .357 Magnum revolver makes more sense than a semi-auto. My preference would be a pair of used S&W M686+ revolvers. Seven shot, stainless, and durable. The used S&W should cost about what a new Taurus does and is a lot more revolver for the money. If you shoot a lot, the S&W will prove its worth while the Taurus is back in Florida for yet another warranty claim. Ask me how I know. Other good choices are the Ruger GP-100, even though it is a six-shooter, the older Ruger Service-Six, and the five-shot Ruger SP-101. The latter is the smallest .357 that can take a lot of full-power loads.

If you decide to go with semi-autos, there are a lot more choices. While I despise them, the polymer-framed pistols from Glock, S&W, etc. are all pretty decent. I would suggest sticking to either 9x19 or .45 ACP. I like the .40 S&W as well, but I like a better supported chamber than what is available in the drastic plastic in .40 S&W. The chamber pressures are high in this round. In .40 S&W, I would look at the S&W M4006 or the M402x-series. The first is all steel and the second use an alloy frame. Lots of police trade-ins with cosmetic wear but perfect innards. I prefer the all-steel pistols. No matter your choice, shoot it. Strive for 100 rounds per week every week.

You will be surprised at what breaks and what does not. I have seen revolvers lock up, Glocks jam, and Berettas break locking blocks. I have seen 1911s break magazine catches, Glock magazine bottoms detach dropping the ammo on the ground, and live rounds fired out of battery in more guns than I care to remember. I even had an H&K P7M8 break a trigger return spring about ten years ago, creating a very expensive paperweight. I once got stuck at a class using a CZ-75B, and the gun locked up out of battery. That gun was out of the fight. I am sure it was a fluke as every other CZ-75 I have tried has run flat out.

In case you cannot tell, I am partial to used guns. Most guns are never shot enough to be worn in yet alone worn out, so used makes sense as you get more gun for the money. My go-to gun is a 1976-vintage Colt Government Model that I bought used. It now has around 20,000 rounds through it. In that time, I had to replace the rear sight I damaged at a class, the grips, and some springs. Other than that, it has run like a top. Of course, it has been refinished three times. I also have spare 1911s in the same caliber. Two is one and one is none. One platform to learn and use. All of my serious handguns are now 1911s because that is what I use to train. They are modified to fit my experience, and they are fundamentally identical. Good for me. For you? Only you can tell and only after you practice.

As far as a shotgun for HD, there is nothing better than the Remington 870. Buy an 870 Express or Wingmaster for $250 or less, buy lots of ammo, and head to the range. Do not add anything (no butt cuffs, no fancy stocks, no side saddles, no extended magazine tubes) to it. Just shoot it. After 500 or so rounds, you will have a better idea of what accessories you want or need. Once again, choose a platform and run with it. Shoot as much with it as you can.

For rifles, I am fond of the .308 Win in a bolt or in a semi-auto like the M1A. That being said, I get along just fine with a much cheaper lever Marlin 336 in .35 Remington or a .243 Win in a single-shot Browning 1885. I prefer steel sights as optics tend to get damaged when the gun is needed. Learn to shoot iron sights. Ignore magazine capacity and learn to reload the guns. It is the Indian, not the arrow that makes the difference. You will not rise to the occasion; you will default to your training.

In any case, take some classes. It is a lot harder than it looks. It is an eye-opener to use a pistol in the confines of a vehicle or to clear a house. I only fired a .357 Magnum once in a car; the blast disoriented me so much I was out of the fight. Thank the heavens it was a class. For a car, the .38 Special makes a lot more sense as the muzzle blast is much reduced. I highly recommend Thunder Ranch in Oregon or Lethal Force Institute (may travel near to you). Try to attend at least one class per year; the payoff is worth the time and expense.

Re: Need to replace some firearms...thoughts.
 

Handgun:
Ruger Security Six in .357 mag (stainless)

Shotgun:
Remington 870 Remington 870 Synthetic 7-Round in 12ga

Rifle:
Loaded Springfield MIA (7.62x51 mm)

Re: Need to replace some firearms...thoughts.
 

Re: Need to replace some firearms...thoughts.
 

It is how it is done....unless you don't want to sell your house.

Open houses oftentimes have ONE person there,the house is wide open.

But I understand your point,I guess we were naive and really should have simply removed the firearms....

However they were hidden,obviously not well enough.:banghead:

Re: Need to replace some firearms...thoughts.
 

oz is right. your supposed to leave when the house is shown.

Re: Need to replace some firearms...thoughts.
 

In that case you must take the guns with you.

Anyhow, here are some suggestions for re-arming :

1. FAL rifle
2. Ruger Redhawk revolvers (caliber of preferred choice)
3. Have you thought of a Shotgun addition ?

Re: Need to replace some firearms...thoughts.
 

I think I am fated to not own a FAL rifle....:wink:

Ruger Redhawks,how large pistol are they?
We would be buying two postols of the same caliber and preferably same model.

We will pick up another Reomington 870,it was a good shotgun,straightforward and easy to get used to.
From now on the remaining firearms will be going with us.

Re: Need to replace some firearms...thoughts.
 

How about a pair of Glock 19's and a 16" AR15 with a collapsible stock? :wink: If you get revolvers I would stick with S&W or Ruger. Best of luck!

Re: Need to replace some firearms...thoughts.
 

Wife doesn't want a semi at this time although we had a talk and when we get whatever we get we are going to train and get proficient with the weapon.

I liked the Ruger semi-autos I had,big and heavy but worked well...

Re: Need to replace some firearms...thoughts.
 

As much as your stuff gets stolen, I would get something odd, and then have it machined to take custom rounds that you load yourself. If you design it right, it would "malfunction" when the "proper" ammo was loaded into it. It might even "really malfunction badly enough to hurt someone shooting it" when the thief loads it with the rounds that the markings say on the barrel if you catch my drift.

Re: Need to replace some firearms...thoughts.
 

I like farscott's ideas on picking something and mastering it once you've figured out it works for you. I have also settled on the 1911 frame; my hands know exactly what to expect and to do, the sights align almost automatically when I bring it up. Anything with a different grip angle (like a stupid Glock, or something with a rounded backstrap) just totally screws me up. Learn to inspect / clean / replace simple parts. Breaking in my kids on High Standard Victor and 1911 (exact same geometry, I'm ruining them for life!).

I also agree on learning to shoot with iron sights, but in tactical situations some of the high-quality low-magnification optic sights are interesting. I haven't gone there yet, wouldn't go there with pistol or shotgun.

I agree completely with the idea that practice and building skill are the most important.

Re: Need to replace some firearms...thoughts.
 

If you want a .45 go with the Taurus 24/7 pro series. Thats what I carry CCW and its an awesome pistol

Re: Need to replace some firearms...thoughts.
 

Well just discovered our insurance will only pay out a maximum of $1000....

In other words,we 'might' be able to replace the shotgun and the handgun...I am SOL on the two rifles.:banghead:

Lesson learned,If you own over $1000 worth of firearms,you have to provide documentation(and pay extra) to your insurance co.

Re: Need to replace some firearms...thoughts.
 

Too bad you weren't an NRA member or you'd have an extra $1000 to make it $2k total.

Here's a REDHAWK 357 shown with a 7.5" knife.

http://www.handloads.com/images/Redh..._Sog_01_lg.jpg

Re: Need to replace some firearms...thoughts.
 

Well thanks to Argent Dragon,:applause_ I contacted the NRA and hopefully will also be covered by them up to $1000...

That makes me feel better as I was thinking we were going to end up only being able to replace only one or two of the stolen guns.

Still waiting for the adjuster to call,hopefully that will be relatively easy.

Re: Need to replace some firearms...thoughts.
 

An update,heard from the insurance company yesterday,they are going to pay us around $1800 for the guns stolen.

Also received a letter from the NRA concerning their insurance policy,have to provide documentation and such.

Re: Need to replace some firearms...thoughts.
 

http://www.goldismoney.info/forums/s...d.php?t=294390

I've posted some pix that might interest you. The revolvers are Rossi (2"), Taurus belongs to my wife (4") and the Dan Wesson is mine (6") and was the first pistol I purchased over twenty years ago.

Three calibers (7.62x25, .38/.357, 7.62x39). Four if you count the CZ52's extra 9mm barrels. Five if you add in a 12 gauge.

Not necessarily what you are looking for specifically, but should give you a few ideas. I consider the .38/.357 as ONE caliber. I know, I'm strange like that. The only main difference is the case length. Other than that, you can pretty much load them the same.

Strangely enough, since purchasing the AK pistol (shown in that thread) I don't actually consider a need for the other pistols. it's easily concealable on MY person, but I'm 6'1" about 225. A med jacket and I can hide it easily. It is a GREAT car gun. Louder than doo-dah, but a very potent weapon for sure. And I can put in either five, ten, twenty, thirty or seventyfive round mags. Pretty much can handle any 'high' or 'low' cap mag.

Re: Need to replace some firearms...thoughts.
 

Could you consider the smith and wesson 686+? They are a wonderful firearm. I've always shied away from that Brasilian made stuff.

Re: Need to replace some firearms...thoughts.
 

I will consider any and all makes really.

We currently live in a hot and humid environment,so stainless steel is nice.

We also have exactly ONE pawn shop in town that sells firearms, and the price reflects this fact.He charges almost retail for used guns.

We just missed a gun show in Charleston SC but another is coming up in Savannah GA soon,we can perhaps take a look there.

Re: Need to replace some firearms...thoughts.
 

COOL......I think I need one. :wink:

http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/admi...rmtactical.jpg
AK47 Tactical Pistol , semi auto ,762 x 39 , UTG metal quad rail for mounting all the Tactical goodies ,comes with 1 -30 round mag and all new & Lifetime Warranty
Tactical Pistol $679.00

http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/prog...asp?Prodid=480