Building an arsenal.....

[McE]

The general trend is to acquire numerous firearms, burn out, then decide you'd rather have a really really nice X instead of the three Y's. Then you start to shift toward quality over quantity.


The M&P15 is a very good rifle, but with just how versatile ARs are, it'd be a worthwhile endeavor to have different ARs for different roles instead of a bunch in the same role. Set one up for some long long range plinking, another for barebones lightweight shtf, another for competitive run&guns, then repeat all of those in a different caliber, etc.

 

[RobertJ.]

An arsenal? That's two or more firearms, according to most media sources. Three is a stockpile!

Nothing wrong with that, you'll get a better return on those down the road than you would keeping it in the bank. Half of mine were bought with the notion that they'd be going to the highest bidder, someday.

 

[JaPes]

I've gone from having 1 old shotgun to now having 5 handguns and the SW MP15 Sport II in a matter of a year and a half.

That's nowhere near having an "arsenal". Breathe dude. Breathe.

Is there any reason not to just buy 4 or 5 (or more) of these MP15's just....because??!!

If that's what you want to do, then go for it but give it some thought. Get over the excitement of owning your first AR-15 before going overboard. I think you should build your next AR-15 from a stripped receiver and a stripped upper. There is no better way to truly lean about an AR-15 than building one from parts. You get to research and deliberate over every component in your AR-15. What trigger to use? What lower parts kit? What fore end? What barrel, twist rate, material, rifling type? Do I use an exotic coated BCG, full auto, semi-auto? Do I use an H1, H2, or Hydraulic buffer? Build your own AR-15 twice and either one of two things will happen. You'll either lose the desire to own more AR-15's or you'll build yourself a room full.

Variety is the spice of life man. IMO, don't buy another AR-15 until you've tried something different. Go get yourself a good, made in the U.S.A., AK-47 pattern rifle.

The general trend is to acquire numerous firearms, burn out, then decide you'd rather have a really really nice X instead of the three Y's. Then you start to shift toward quality over quantity.

Bingo. It's the predictable pattern of firearms enthusiasm. I'm no exception. Last year, I had more handguns and long guns than I could shoot. Some guns were only shot once a year. Some were just in the safe so I could say I owned one. Some were just there so I could say I owned Pistol X chambered in Caliber Y. I realized it was pointless to get mired in the constant acquisition phase (buy/sell/trade). I purged out inexpensive and expensive firearms. The overarching requirement for what I kept was that I truly have to enjoy shooting the firearm. The specific requirements:

Handguns:

1. Conceal carry tools: winter carry / summer & deep concealment carry.
2. A single affordable pistol that is stowed in my get home bag.
3. One fully decked out home defense handgun.
4. One range only pistol that is there solely for the pure enjoyment of shooting.
5. One pistol chambered for .22lr.

Long Guns:

1. A single .223/5.56 military pattern rifle that is compatible with AR-15 magazines.
2. A single AK-M in 7.62 x 39.
3. A single rifle chambered for .22lr.
5. A single pistol caliber carbine.

That's it. I debate and ask opinions on possible firearms purchases in the general forum. I have yet to buy anything I'm deliberating, because I already have exactly what I need. Getting out of the constant acquisition phase is like going through nicotine withdrawals. The urge for tobacco is inversely proportionate to the day I quit smoking. That first year going cold turkey was hell. It got better in year two. Even though it's been years since I've smoked, I still have the occasional desire for nicotine and a smoke but I can ignore it.

 

[Kadonny]

I fully agree with JaPes about assembling/building an AR. Nothing is better to help you learn how an AR works with relationship to different parts than building one yourself. I just built my first lower a few weeks ago and I understand a whole lot more now about buffers/tubes and springs. My next project will be to assemble an upper and really get a full grasp on gas systems and barrels.

 

[Muss Muggins]

Bingo. It's the predictable pattern of firearms enthusiasm. I'm no exception. Last year, I had more handguns and long guns than I could shoot. Some guns were only shot once a year. Some were just in the safe so I could say I owned one. Some were just there so I could say I owned Pistol X chambered in Caliber Y. I realized it was pointless to get mired in the constant acquisition phase (buy/sell/trade). I purged out inexpensive and expensive firearms. The overarching requirement for what I kept was that I truly have to enjoy shooting the firearm. The specific requirements:

Handguns:

1. Conceal carry tools: winter carry / summer & deep concealment carry.
2. A single affordable pistol that is stowed in my get home bag.
3. One fully decked out home defense handgun.
4. One range only pistol that is there solely for the pure enjoyment of shooting.
5. One pistol chambered for .22lr.

Long Guns:

1. A single .223/5.56 military pattern rifle that is compatible with AR-15 magazines.
2. A single AK-M in 7.62 x 39.
3. A single rifle chambered for .22lr.
5. A single pistol caliber carbine.

That's it. I debate and ask opinions on possible firearms purchases in the general forum. I have yet to buy anything I'm deliberating, because I already have exactly what I need. Getting out of the constant acquisition phase is like going through nicotine withdrawals. The urge for tobacco is inversely proportionate to the day I quit smoking. That first year going cold turkey was hell. It got better in year two. Even though it's been years since I've smoked, I still have the occasional desire for nicotine and a smoke but I can ignore it.

You still need a shotgun . . .

 

[chaparrito]

Good luck getting your money back out of all those ARs. You'll need to divest about the same time everyone else decides to. I've watched their resale value bounce around like the price of oil since about 2008.

 

[blues7]

Good luck getting your money back out of all those ARs. You'll need to divest about the same time everyone else decides to. I've watched their resale value bounce around like the price of oil since about 2008.

Agree. In general, collecting anything with the intent of making money down the road is a poor financial decision. Make your money by saving and investing (in stocks, bonds and other financial instruments).

Whether it's firearms, custom and production knives, coins, stamps or what have you...generally collections are more rewarding for the joy they bring than for remuneration down the road. (There will always be exceptions.)

 

[Maddmax]

That's nowhere near having an "arsenal". Breathe dude. Breathe.

I agree. I consider mine a collection dating back and passed down from 3 generations of family. I do have a few Modern Sporting Rifles on my end. Some may be from the same manufacture, but none are the same model. No arsenal here. Just a nice collection.

 

[65-2x2]

I have been divesting myself of modern guns for the last few years. The closest thing I have to a "black" rifle is a '60s SKS, or an SVT-40. I only have a couple of firearms left that would raise Hilary's eyebrows. I shoot at least weekly on my home range, but I rarely shoot anything made before WWII. My modest collection has increased in value by three to four times my original investments. My 401 K has hit the rocks several times in the same time period. Will it hold up? If I knew that I would have been retired a long time ago.

As an investment, having a boat-load of ARs may not do as well, but who knows.

I invest in collectable firearms base on the premise that civilized society will continue somewhat as it does today for my lifetime. I do not believe that it makes sense to be investing based on the collapse of society as we know it.

Look around at countries that are living SHFT today and see how many opportunities the common people have there. Most are risking their lives to get out with the clothes on their backs. I have yet to see a refugee swimming the Med with an armload of Aks.

 

[Muss Muggins]

I don't consider what I own to be a collection, because they're not an investment for me. Any potential increase in value would be offset by the wear I put on them . . .

 

[Leah]

I think I would get at least one Ar with a dust cover and a forward assist in case you ever need to use it for it's deigned purpose. Just my opinion.

 

[cyphertext]

I think I would get at least one Ar with a dust cover and a forward assist in case you ever need to use it for it's deigned purpose. Just my opinion.

The Sport II has both the forward assist and the ejection port cover... not that those items are required...

 

[Leah]

My bad. Thanks cypher text. Good to know.

 

[JaPes]

You still need a shotgun . . .

Not fair. That's just not fair. LOL

 

[cyphertext]

Not fair. That's just not fair. LOL

But he is right... Your collection is incomplete without a shotgun. I would drop the pistol caliber carbine and add the shotgun.

 

[McE]

There's a nice spot at #4 for a shotgun, he must've subconsciously counted 1, 2, 3, 5 for a reason

 

[McE]

My hypothetical collection has a slight focus on variety to introduce new shooters to the shooting sports.

- 22lr Revolver
- 22lr Semi-auto pistol
- 9mm full size metal semi-auto pistol
- 9mm carbine
- .223 AR

That's the intro course for my new shooters.

For myself, I have 3 carry options and 3 decked out fight'n handguns for HD and social breakdown.
My 2 shotguns are for clays and my ARs are range and competition toys, I honestly don't think I'd lug a long gun along in the city if there was a riot. Concealment is always a priority, imo.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Really depends on his disposable income and the number of folks in the family.

If your into it ....... I guess you should have "something" for everyone over 15/16.................a little M-1 carbine or Beretta CX4 carbine in 9mm (to go with your Beretta 92s same ammo and mags) for the wife and or kids....... adds some diversity to the mix and still meets your basic SHTF needs...............

Hope you have an invitation to that "close relative/semi-prepper"! Seen many threads over the years by Preppers basically saying..... "Don't show up at my place when TSHTF"

 

[blues7]

I see the "food groups" more simply than most. Partly for economy and partly to avoid the treacherous slippery slope that is ever present around these parts.

Revolver(s)
Pistol(s)
Shotgun(s)
Rifle(s)

Since I am neither building a vast collection nor an arsenal, having diversity in terms of home defense and enjoyment, (sport, "plinking"), is key. I carried firearms daily for most of my adult life as an LEO, and that included a few years on SRT. Not having lots of firearms does not imply being "new" to shooting. (Though, in my own case I have greatly appreciated all the excellent advice I have received here in regard to the purchase and equipping of my own, (first and probably only), M&P15.)

.357 Magnum: covers .38 Special, .38 +P and .357

9mm: Ammo is common, plentiful and relatively inexpensive.

12 ga. shotgun can fire a variety of loads from shot to slugs and reduced recoil through magnum loads.
Can also accept different barrels in terms of length, smooth bore or rifled.

AR can fire .223, 5.56 and a variety of ammunition from lighter to heavier depending on the attributes of your particular rifle(s)

Going one step further, for home defense purposes, I feel it imperative to have (at a minimum) a good (white) light for any firearms designated for that task. Anything additional in that regard is gravy.

 

[LarryP]

Take a look at LaRue or Wilson Combat. Maybe get one of thier SBRs and a can. I think that makes more sense than buying a bunch of M&P15s.

This I think is exactly correct. Two aphorisms here are (I) buy once, cry once and (ii) quality over quantity. It's applies to everything; cars, houses, spouses, friends, audio, cameras, and guns. Etc.