Went gun shopping today
 

I think I am going to go with a Smith & Wesson 40 VE Sigma I found at the local Gander Mountain for $299 new. This is only for home protection and nothing else. Does anyone have any feedback good or bad?

Also, how much ammo would you recommended keeping on hand for the long haul. This may be a stupid question but I am a newbie for this so also want to ask does ammo go bad if not used within a certain timeframe?

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

I'd try to attain 1000 rounds per weapon.

Ammo will keep 20+ years in a dry cool place easy.

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

Friends who manage a local gun range say the Sigma has problems and wouldn't recommend one. What is your life worth? The lives of your loved ones? Don't buy it just because it is cheaper. Save your money and buy a Glock or Springfield XD or Beretta or Sig Sauer or HK or something with a little better reputation. My suggestion is to visit a local gun range and see what THEY rent the most...

As far as how much ammo...at least one more round than you will ever need. Properly stored ammo will probably outlast you.

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

I wouldn't buy a SW auto, maybe a revolver, but not an auto

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

I was trying to find a SIG 226 ($279) for ya but everyone is sold out right now.

I did manage to locate a Glock 22 Police trade-in for $389 !!!

http://www.militarygunsupply.com/sho...roducts_id=334

I have one and it's AWESOME ~ very reliable and easy to shoot. :coolbeer: :wink:

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

If I can piggyback into this thread, I'm going gun shopping on Saturday. There's an estate auction in my area, and they are selling these firearms. I'm just looking to add to my meager arsenal, nothing in particular, just a quality firearm at a good price. I'm not very knowledgable outside of the .22 world. Anything jump out at you as being exceptional?

Beretta 21A 25 caliber
Dan Wesson 357
Ruger 22 caliber rifle
Colt Anaconda 44 magnum revolver
Ruger M10/22 22 long rifle
Browning 30.06 rifle with Simmons 3-10X44 scope
Browning A bolt 30.06 rifle with Redfield 6X-18X scope
Ruger Mini 14 223 caliber rifle, collapsible stock
Remington 11-87 12 gauge shotgun

Thanks.

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

i have some experience with the M&p line by smith and think its pretty solid. no issues so far and fits very well in hand. clean up, breakdown is a breeze. priced slightly under glocks and the xd's. i have heard though that smith has had some issues with there semi auto line but they really tried to name it with the m&p line.

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

Excellent revolver here bud.

Quote:

Ruger M10/22 22 long rifle

Most versatile 22 rifle on the planet.

Quote:

Browning 30.06 rifle with Simmons 3-10X44 scope

Both good hunting rifles.

Quote:

Ruger Mini 14 223 caliber rifle, collapsible stock

Another good versatile rifle !

I'd try to snag as many as I could if they're priced right. :wink:

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

Good info and thanks to those who contributed.

I didnt mention it, but probably should. The gun area of Gander Mountain was fairly busy for being 2:00 in the afternoon. I overhead one salesperson say they are getting low on stock so that seems to echo the news reports we are hearing from the MSM about gun sales going way up.

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

Major Bump.

Whatever you do DONT GO CHEAP ON YOUR FIREARM.

I dont know who said it but I never forgot it: QUALITY DOSE NOT COST.......IT PAYS.

T

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

LIKE THIS ?!?!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27598947/

Democrats' victory leads to boom in gun sales

Gun owners fear tough new laws; one shop criticized for 'Obama sale'


MIDLOTHIAN, Va. - When 10-year-old Austin Smith heard Barack Obama had been elected president, he had one question: Does this mean I won't get a new gun for Christmas?

That brought his mother, the camouflage-clad Rachel Smith, to Bob Moates Sports Shop on Thursday, where she was picking out that special 20-gauge shotgun � one of at least five weapons she plans to buy before Obama takes office in January.

Like Smith, gun enthusiasts nationwide are stocking up on firearms out of fears that the combination of an Obama administration and a Democrat-dominated Congress will result in tough new gun laws.

"I think they're going to really try to crack down on guns and make it harder for people to try to purchase them," said Smith, 32, who taught all five of her children � ages 4 to 10 � to shoot because the family relies on game for food.

Last month, as an Obama win looked increasingly inevitable, there were more than 108,000 more background checks for gun purchases than in October 2007, a 15 percent increase. And they were up about 8 percent for the year as of Oct. 26, according to the FBI.

No data was available for gun purchases this week, but gun shops from suburban Virginia to the Rockies report record sales since Tuesday's election.

'Scared to death'
"They're scared to death of losing their rights," said David Hancock, manager of Bob Moates, where sales have nearly doubled in the past week and are up 15 percent for the year. On Election Day, salespeople were called in on their day off because of the crowd.
Obama has said he respects Americans' Second Amendment right to bear arms, but that he favors "common sense" gun laws. Gun rights advocates interpret that as meaning he'll at least enact curbs on ownership of assault and concealed weapons.

As a U.S. senator, Obama voted to leave gun-makers and dealers open to lawsuits; and as an Illinois state legislator, he supported a ban on semiautomatic weapons and tighter restrictions on all firearms.
During an October appearance in Ohio, Obama sought to reassure gun owners. "I will not take your shotgun away," he said. "I will not take your rifle away. I won't take your handgun away."

Gun advocates take some solace in the current makeup of the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled 5-4 this summer to strike down the District of Columbia's 32-year ban on handguns. For now, gun rights supporters hold a narrow edge on the court, but Obama could appoint justices who would swing it the other way.

Single-day sales records

Franklin Gun Shop outside Nashville, Tenn., sold more than 70 guns on Tuesday, making it the biggest sales day since the shop opened eight years ago. Guns & Gear in Cheyenne, Wyo., also set a one-day sales record on Tuesday, only to break that mark on Wednesday.

Stewart Wallin, owner of Get Some Guns in the Salt Lake City suburb of Murray, Utah, said he sold nine assault weapons the day after Obama was elected. That same day, the gun store Cheaper Than Dirt! in Fort Worth, Texas, sold $101,000 worth of merchandise, shattering its single-day sales record, store owner DeWayne Irwin said.

One Georgia gun shop advertised an "Obama sale" on an outdoor sign, but the owner took it down after people complained that the shop appeared to be issuing a call to violence against the country's first black leader.
The president of a Montana gun manufacturer stepped down last month after word that he supported Obama led to calls for a boycott of the company.

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

I like my Ruger P89. Cheap, fairly accurate, decent trigger, high cap mags, decent fit to the hands, definitely not a looker, but did I mention cheap?

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

The Colt Anaconda is a great revolver.

Also, cant go wrong with a ruger p89. A friend of mine has one, and its pretty nice.

Ultimately I have to say if you have the money, just buy a glock. You can get a used glock 19 for 400-450. Its the AK of handguns.

If you are hard up for cash, get a Hi-Point. People complain about them, but I have one and its great, plus its cheap and has a great warranty.

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

Love my P-89 also. First handgun I ever owned.

:bear_wub:

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

I think they look pretty good. But I'm
partial to blued.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1360/...c4cdfe.jpg?v=0

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

Looks nice........

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

P90 is nice, But its a little shorter that the P89. I think
the P89 has better balance. But thats JMO

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

I love my P89, but everytime I go to a public range with it I feel like I need to put a bag over her head.bancha

I replaced the grips on mine, that helped a little.

Extremely reliable though.:s1:

I've heard a lot of negatives on the Sigma. The local gun shop had them on sale for $249 with mail in rebate about a month ago. It was hard not to buy at that price.

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

Skip the Sigma. There's reason why they are cheap. I think they stopped making them a while ago and they're still trying to sell them.

Beretta, Glock, H&K, SIG, or Springfield. I've heard good about CZ but haven't shot one.

Edited to add:
I'd stick with the more common ones and make sure there's extra mags available for it.

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

that ruger p90 looks awesome

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

S&W used to have a very bad reputation for their auto loading pistols, it was mainly because of the second generation Sigma series(and a few other lemons). First generation was reliable but it had that nasty trigger pull, so S&W lightened the trigger on the second generation. That's when the problems started with Sigma series. The third generation(they dropped the Sigma name) and went back to the stiffer trigger and the reliablity came back. Right now, I personally wouldn't own a new S&W revolver because of the trigger/hammer lock they put on them. S&W has grown by leaps and bounds the last five years or so with their auto loaders.

I spent quite a bit of time doing research when looking for a 1911, I wound up buying a SW1911PD(mine has the picatinny rail). One of the guys I shoot with has a XD45 and another has a Sig P220, neither of their pistols will shoot semi-wad cutters without jamming. The same can't be said about my S&W 1911, it eats whatever I put through it.

But getting back to the SW40VE; I had one for a few years but traded it to a friend for a Mosin M44, plus some cash and ammo. Aside from my 1911, the SW40VE has to be the most comfortable pistol to hold and shoot I've ever owned. I never had a stovepipe, FTF or a FTE with mine. For the price, they are a great pistol. 100% reliable, I wouldn't hesitate to carry one for a CCW. Those are the good points about the pistol, but there are a few draw backs also.

If you are planning on putting a bunch of rounds through it, you will learn to hate this pistol because of the trigger pull. First pull of the trigger is 12 pounds, the rest are a 10 pound pull. Myself and everyone that shot my SW40VE would shoot low(about 5-6"), because of the trigger pull. Also magazines will run you about $40 new, at least last time I looked. The rail on the front won't accept most lights or lasers, unless either you buy the light from S&W that's made for the Sigma series or use an adapter.

On the S&W forum there a thread on lightening the trigger pull down to 6-7 pounds by removing two springs in the trigger assembly, but then you might wind up with the reliablity issues of the old Simga's. You would be better off looking into other pistols. I'm not slamming the SW40VE, there are good points to them and bad points.

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

My S&W M&P is a heck of a Pistol. I would choose it again.

I went to a Gun Shop yesterday and it was Standing room only. Twenty----twenty-five people and three filling out paper work.

It was nuts. Only Black rifle was Colt AR and S&W 5.46(What is that)

Very Very busy.

E-A

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

Went to my favorite gun store in Phoenix, Legendary guns, about noon yesterday to pick up my Benelli Ultralight. Not very busy. About 5 people working behind the counter. Only about 3 people looking.

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

I'll have to be the second one then. The gun stores and big chain stores like Gander MT and Sportsman's Warehouse in my area aren't any busier than normal. The is plenty of ammo and black rifles on the shelves. Well maybe they are a little bit more busy, but it's mainly because deer hunting season just started about a week ago.

Since I'm known as the "gun guy" at work there are more people at work asking me about buying guns and a few want me to help them build an AKM, but most are going to hold off till after the first of the year. They are more concerned if we will have a job after the first of the year.

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

People are joking at work about our die-hard hippie liberal that went out and bought himself an AR-15. Now he wants to socialize with the gun guys but they still have him pegged as a liberal.
Went to a show a couple weeks ago and there were grey haired granma's browsing the display cases obviously buying a handgun. Very few in the aisles were selling - most were looking to buy. Ammo was going out the door by the dolly, just like in y2k.

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

I have found many gun owners/hobbyists to be more tolerant of political diversity in their ranks than one might think. I'm part of a local social group of ham radio ops, most of whom are gun owners, and there is a wide variety of opinions on the role of government, abortion, and so on. I think people need to get away from the idea that guns are some heueuge problem that needs to be regulated and controlled, and welcoming anyone into the hobby is a smart move.

Best approach is to suggest to the die-hard hippy what his next purchase should be. Grow the base of gun owners beyond the stereotypical gun nut portrayed in the media. In the long run, this helps take guns off the table as a political issue, building a wider perception of them as tools and not badges of whatever side you're on in some cultural struggle.

:RockOn:

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

Ok another newbie question...what is the talk about "black rifles" mean?

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

That's what the VC called them...back in the days of Viet Nam

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

Black rifles usually refer to AR's, AK's, and any rifle who's model is black.

They "look mean" and are usually the first ones on a ban list, for whatever reason a politician can pull out of his/her ass.

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

They also call black rifles EBR's(Evil Black Rifles).

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

Went to five gun shops looking around, big city west coast area, nobody in the shops, sales guy said nobody is buying guns or ammo and havent been for months, prices are dropping on all guns and ammo in the area as dealers are getting desperate because low sales and lack of interest in firearms. I told them everyone is reporting that guns are flying off the shelves and they all pretty much said it was hyperbole and its not really happening and that gun sales are very slow throughout the nation because of the economy and that many dealers are reporting high sales to create fear and generate interest.

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

^^^^ WHAT PART OF THE COUNTRY ARE YOU IN??


IM CURIOUS.


T

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

Ordered another 'black rifle' (AK) earlier this week from Classic Arms and now they're out of stock........whew, that was close. :bear_tongue:

Come to think of it, all my rifles are 'black rifles'.......hmmmmmm

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

You tried to get another one and the cabinet was bare eh???


Dam........ the feeding frenzy is nothing short of astounding.

I want to pick up an few of the 700 rd Tins they got in 7.62 (4 Cent a round is hard to beat.)


T

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

Yeah, makes you wonder how many AK's are built & sold in the US each month............I know they're not Numbered as Limited Editions but you'd think so since the bama election.

:confused_ma:

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

What ever the monthly number is......... The production amount had to at very least Tripple.

As matter of fact the quality of ammo and black rifles may not be as good as others because they where done under break neck conditions.

That is why Milsurp is the way to go Im thinking.


Just something to ponder.


T

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

For someone with no experience, he may need defense before he can get adequate at the range.

Consider this

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...t_category_rn=

A light 5 shot revolver that puts a dot on where your bullet will go, needs no safety or jacking in a round, just grip it and fire. If the trigger pull messes you up, get a gunsmith to make it nice.

Or if you like bigger caliber, one of these

http://www.charterfirearms.com/produ...dog_74420.html

with one of these

http://www.crimsontrace.com/Home/Pro...7/Default.aspx

Charter made decent cheap guns, then had a couple of periods when it didn't. I read they are back to decent. That 44 bruises my hand when I shoot it so if $s are tight maybe the charter 38 and the laser grip for it.

MSRP does not generally apply for guns, but seems to for laser grips. Every company who offered me $100 off on the laser sight stayed out of stock.

Semi autos have a learning curve that could cost him a foot, or an empty chamber or a safety on in that tiny moment that means life or death. Newbys are safer with revolvers, IMO.

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

Every shop I've been to lately has been sold out of AKs. And everyone is asking at least $500 for even the most basic models.

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

Considering the tent cities and neighborhoods with 50% foreclosures, Californians who want guns may have waited too long to have the cash to get one.

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

4 cents/round? Those tins you refer to are 700rds of 7.62x39 right? Their site says $150 for the tin. To find the price per round, you divide the cost ($150+shipping) by the number of rounds (700). That gives 150/700 = 0.214 that is the cost per round in dollars (dollars/round). Multiply by 100 cents/round, which yields 21.4 cents/round.

The way you divided it is 700 rounds / 150 dollars that yields 4.66 rounds/dollar. Which is a relatively useless value.

In summary to find the cost per round:

Cost per round (cents/round) = 100 x (Total cost of ammo / # of rounds)

Don't forget to include shipping in your calculation!

check out this site for a listing of prices. 21.4 cents/round isn't bad, but it isn't the best price out there.

http://gun-deals.com/ammo.php?caliber=7.62x39

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

The site will even calculate shipping costs if you enter your zip code. You may have to hit refresh after entering your zip code though, there is some kind of glitch.

no problem. The trick is to keep track of the units on each value (rounds of ammunition and dollars or cents in this case). If you follow the units, the order in which to divide and multiply values just falls right out.

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

Finally picked up my first fiream, Glock 19. Wife signed herself up for CPL class.

Ammo question, I have some year-old Winchester 9mm ammo that's been in my garage for a year. Looking at it, it doesn't appear to be corroded or anything. Is it safe to use?

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

I have a few tins of 1950's production Albanian 7.62x54r. I shot some last summer and every round worked flawlessly.

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

Good choice on the G19. Your ammo will be okay but in the future, get a GI ammo can to store it in...

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

anyone try a Tp9?

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

Glocks where built to take anything

The only thing you have to do is clean your firearm EVERY SINGLE TIME after use and it will perform flawlessy and can entrust your life with it should the moment of truth ever come

Re: Went gun shopping today
 

Actually, they weren't. Reloaded ammo voids the warranty on them.