Help me spend $30,000

[HoleCarder]

Greetings! Straight to the point- I have $30,000 to spend. Help me spend it.

Some background: I'm 49 years old, and live in the suburbs. I do not own any firearms, and have NEVER even fired one. I do not want to be a hunter. I want to learn to shoot.

I'm not going to spend all $30k at once, but I'm ready to start now. I'll probably spend it gradually over the next 3-5 years as my experience and skills develop.

I plan to start with something simple like an M&P 22 Compact, plus some training just so I can learn to shoot and get comfortable at the range.

Over time, I plan to acquire several QUALITY firearms and learn to shoot them. Maybe when I'm done it will look something like this:

M&P 22 Compact
M&P 9
Wilson Combat CQB
AR-15
Revolver (or 2, maybe 3)
Shotgun (home defense)
And 2-3 pistols that I intend to carry, when I'm ready for that. Perhaps a pocket pistol, an M&P Shield, and a commander size Wilson Combat.

Plus, dollars allocated for training, practice, ammo, a quality safe, accessories, misc. gear, supplies, and everything else.

I want to learn from you, revise my list based on your recommendations and develop a plan of action. Thanks.

 

[bigwheelzip]

Howdy from South Carolina, and welcome to the forum.

Just start getting and shooting the things on you list and you will figure out what floats your boat.

 

[Sailfish 40]

I would quickly focus on items that you think you might want that may be banned in the near future.

Join the NRA.

 

[arjay]

Study up on collectable firearms,but get a few shooters for fun.You can double your money if you're smart about it [emoji106]

 

[murphydog]

Your ideas about a .22 pistol or revolver and training are excellent starting points. If you are in a state in which you can take a concealed carry permit course that is a good introduction to laws you will need to know, and NRA authorized Hunter Safety and basic marksmanship (pistol and rifle) courses would be good for learning the mechanics of shooting. Buying some introductory books on firearms and shooting is also an excellent idea - it has been a few years since I needed these but others will be along with recommendations.

Finally, along the way you will run into other gun owners with opinions (and guns of theirs to try), and once you have some familiarity with yours a trip to a range that rents guns are good ways to find out what works for you. After this "homework" you may not need our help to spend your $30K .

Good luck in your education and welcome to the wonderful world of responsible firearms ownership!

 

[65-2x2]

First, invest in a good gun safety course. You need to be exposed to the right knowledge, skills and attitude before you get on the trigger. It is far easier to learn the correct skills than to later un-learn bad habits. It is especially important because guns are dumb; they don't know the difference in a target and a Thomas.

 

[Slufstuff]

I see nothing wrong with your plan. I would recommend buying an AR15 as soon as you can. Due to the uncertainty with the upcoming election, I think AR15 type rifles are about as cheap as they will ever be right now. I would buy one, even if you waited to shoot it later after your training. Good luck and welcome to the gun owning community!

 

[Krogen]

I plan to start with something simple like an M&P 22 Compact, plus some training just so I can learn to shoot and get comfortable at the range.

IMNHO, this is exactly how you should get started. A 22 and some training will help you decide if the rest of your plans make sense. A lot of us started with a 22, often when we were kids. I'd venture that very few people jumped in with such a complete plan having never fired a gun before.

Start with the 22. Get involved with a range where you can get training and rent a few different guns. Your course will probably change as you get more involved. Interests vary with time and experience. You may find you don't really like shooting after all. Or you may spend more than your budget in less time than you forecast.

Have you considered handloading?

 

[windypoint]

I see nothing wrong with your plan. I would recommend buying an AR15 as soon as you can. Due to the uncertainty with the upcoming election, I think AR15 type rifles are about as cheap as they will ever be right now. I would buy one, even if you waited to shoot it later after your training. Good luck and welcome to the gun owning community!

I agree, but do your homework and get a decent one. There is a large difference in quality and some are much better values.

 

[F75gunslinger]

A good place to start is a simple semi-auto .22 rifle . Ruger makes the 10/22 , and in many different configurations . That will let you get an idea for shooting and sight use , and while not as cheap as they used to be, are still a great way to start . Take your time and remember , it takes practice and patience . Once you get accustomed to a long gun , then move on to a pistol .

In the department of a 22 pistol , a less expensive , small plastic 22 might seem like the way to go, but my advice would be to look at something a little bit more quality. A Ruger MK II or MK III with a bit longer barrel would be more accurate,and would probably give you more use over time as you start to challenge yourself with longer ranges. A S&W Model 41 would also fit that niche, and over time they generally hold value very well. They're more expensive than a M&P22, but are more accurate and either all steel or steel/alloy framed. Also consider a S&W Model 17 or 18 .Both 22 revolvers, but would give you a great gun to learn on.

Another thing to think about is hearing protection. Even with the lowly .22, you can do damage over time. A good set of electronic earmuffs will let you be able to hear instructions and still keep your hearing intact.

 

[varmint243]

Get yourself a Ruger MKii slabside or Government Target pistol
Get yourself a Ruger 10-22 or a S&W 15-22
Get a S&W 686 6" or a model 14 6"
GP100's and Buckmarks are reasonable alternatives
Shoot .22's and 38s for a while, in a year or so you will know what you want.
Each of those guns can be had used in good condition between $400 and $800
Set aside 1k to get your reloading setup for 38's
Join a local club and volunteer to help with shoots and such
You will meet great people who are happy to help you learn safety and basic skills.
Sit on the rest of the funds until your knowledge level gets up to speed.

 

[Rangerpat]

While you are doing your homework on which AR15 to purchase, take a look at the AK-47 choices available.
"Black guns matter" .... before the next election changes your choices.

 

[Pbchucker]

I haven't heard anybody mention ear and eye protection. They probably assumed you already knew this, but just in case.....
Get some good quality foam earplugs, AND good quality over-the-head ear muffs. They are rated by "db" reduction. The bigger the number, the better. I wear both plugs and muffs when shooting at the indoor ranges. You don't need the electronic muffs right now.
Get some good quality eye protection. I have had many empty cases fly right back and hit my glasses.

You don't need to spend a fortune on ear and eye pro, but get a step up from the cheapie junk. It is money well-spent.

 

[scooter123]

First, you'll be retiring in another 15 to 20 years and it might be wiser to take 25 of that 30K and invest it. You would be very surprised at what 25K can yield over a 15 or 20 year span, a LOT more than a small firearms collection.

Second, it sounds like you've come up with a pretty good plan. However I would suggest that to spend some time renting various firearms that interest you before purchasing one. Because at some point you'll probably find that something on your current list just isn't your cup of tea. I would also suggest that you spend time researching what the ammo costs are for a caliber that you find interesting. For example the 44 Magnum sounds like it would be a lot of fun until you find that range ammo in this caliber is both difficult to find and expensive. Note, when I had an itch to try out the 500 Magnum all it took to cool that itch was that the only local gun shop that had this caliber in stock and a rental revolver wanted 6 dollars per round for the ammunition. Yeah, 60 dollars for 1 box of 10 rounds.

Finally, if you want to get serious about shooting revolvers then you should plan on taking up reloading your own ammunition. Because the 38 special costs about 12 cents per round to reload which is just about exactly what it costs to reload a 9mm parabellum. However 38 special commercial range ammo typically costs about 24 dollars per box of 50 while the 9mm costs as little as 11 dollars. Reloading won't really save you any money but it will enable you do shoot a LOT more.

 

[2hawk]

Welcome to the Forum!

A six-pack of Registered Magnums will probably get you close...
Or head over to Rock Island Auctions and see what they've got. You'll have accomplished your goal in no time there!

 

[DevilDog72]

Welcome to the Forum. The idea of starting with a .22 cal pistol or revolver is a very good idea. Quality hearing and eye protection is highly recommended along with patience and determination. Quality instruction and perseverance. You will get there. Weapon choices will come as you find your way. Good luck, be safe and have fun.

 

[shutupdata113]

30k is not enuff....

 

[NAM68]

Invest the Money.....

 

[HoleCarder]

OP here. Thanks for all the responses so far. Great stuff. Much appreciated. I will reread them many times in the coming days. I'm eager to learn. Thanks for helping.

Also, the "invest the money" suggestions are excellent. That's something I say all the time. Indeed, I'm an avid investor and retired at age 42.

 

[Bobbysixkiller]

If you really want to you can pay off my mortgage. That'd spend that 30000. But I guess you probly won't. Just kidding. Buy a few and see what you like. Buy a good safe too. If you want that kind of money in arms. Definitely buy a safe.