An old police trade in 38 special would be a good starter gun too.
Help me spend $30,000
- Thread starter HoleCarder
- Start date
And a.....
And a Hound Dawg Howdy to you from SC.
First WE ARE REALLY glad that you want to get into guns and shooting. Hold on! This a huge world for that hobby and it would really benefit to study and think about what you want and NEED. Coming out and saying you want to learn is a good start.
Yes, there is a mind boggling array of guns. I'd start a dialogue here with members that can help. One thing I can say about revolvers is that they are simple, rugged and dependable. There is more emphasis on making each shot count than a semi auto anything. I started with a model 10 .38 special that I wish I still had, but not having a lot of money had to trade it in for my grail gun, the mod 686 .357 magnum. I like being able to reload mouse poot target loads to some real barn burners. Old West style guns are single action (cock and pull trigger). Modern guns are usually double/single action meaning you can just pull the trigger or cock and shoot. I'd start out with a modern style gun, but Cowboy shooting is very popular now.
Rifles can be bolt action, lever action or semi auto (full auto is obtainable with special licenses in some states). The type of shooting you do will tell you what style you need. Very generally speaking bolt actions are good for slow, easy distant shooting, semis are better at close in fun.
Are good shooting ranges available to you? Outdoor/indoor? If you are limited to indoors a sniper rifle probably isn't top priority.
Light recoiling, smaller caliber guns are the easiest to learn on. The venerable .22 is a great gun to start with in any style pistol or rifle. Ammo was scarce for a while but I believe it's more available now.
I have a hunting style Browning shotgun, but I don't hunt, so I'm going to trade it for a home defense style gun. Even if I don't have to blast intruders, it will still be fun to practice with at close range.
I would study reloading, get a good reloading manual and watch some videos on youtube to see if you want to get into it.
And a Hound Dawg Howdy to you from SC.
First WE ARE REALLY glad that you want to get into guns and shooting. Hold on! This a huge world for that hobby and it would really benefit to study and think about what you want and NEED. Coming out and saying you want to learn is a good start.
Yes, there is a mind boggling array of guns. I'd start a dialogue here with members that can help. One thing I can say about revolvers is that they are simple, rugged and dependable. There is more emphasis on making each shot count than a semi auto anything. I started with a model 10 .38 special that I wish I still had, but not having a lot of money had to trade it in for my grail gun, the mod 686 .357 magnum. I like being able to reload mouse poot target loads to some real barn burners. Old West style guns are single action (cock and pull trigger). Modern guns are usually double/single action meaning you can just pull the trigger or cock and shoot. I'd start out with a modern style gun, but Cowboy shooting is very popular now.
Rifles can be bolt action, lever action or semi auto (full auto is obtainable with special licenses in some states). The type of shooting you do will tell you what style you need. Very generally speaking bolt actions are good for slow, easy distant shooting, semis are better at close in fun.
Are good shooting ranges available to you? Outdoor/indoor? If you are limited to indoors a sniper rifle probably isn't top priority.
Light recoiling, smaller caliber guns are the easiest to learn on. The venerable .22 is a great gun to start with in any style pistol or rifle. Ammo was scarce for a while but I believe it's more available now.
I have a hunting style Browning shotgun, but I don't hunt, so I'm going to trade it for a home defense style gun. Even if I don't have to blast intruders, it will still be fun to practice with at close range.
I would study reloading, get a good reloading manual and watch some videos on youtube to see if you want to get into it.
CATI1835
US Veteran
As others have said, get an AR or AK now. Also buy ammo and" high capacity" magazines. Gotta feeling next year may be too late.
F75gunslinger
Member
I don't think that's necessarily true. I bought a pair of Howard Leight Impact Sport muffs for less than $40. If he's going to go spend the $20-25 for a set of decent earmuffs, why not spend a bit more and get something a bit better ?
Double-O-Dave
US Veteran
Hi:
Welcome to the Forum - you're going to love it here. Bobby-Sixkiller beat me to it, I'd recommend buying a really good safe to start with. I wish I had followed the advice from some of the Forum members here and bought a larger safe than I thought I needed. I know buying a safe is probably low on your list of priorities, but the thought of someone getting hold of one of my guns and hurting or killing someone because of me really bothers me a lot.
I think you are wise to do your research. Take your time and be selective.
Best of luck,
Dave
Welcome to the Forum - you're going to love it here. Bobby-Sixkiller beat me to it, I'd recommend buying a really good safe to start with. I wish I had followed the advice from some of the Forum members here and bought a larger safe than I thought I needed. I know buying a safe is probably low on your list of priorities, but the thought of someone getting hold of one of my guns and hurting or killing someone because of me really bothers me a lot.
I think you are wise to do your research. Take your time and be selective.
Best of luck,
Dave
RobertJ.
Member
Greetings from the Oregon Coast!
I like your list, and I like your plan.
You'll like this forum. It's very civil, and everyone is eager to share what they know.
I like your list, and I like your plan.
You'll like this forum. It's very civil, and everyone is eager to share what they know.
If you are starting out with 30k to spend I would start with a good reloading press.
As others have said I would also focus on items that are or may be subject to a ban in the future. I'd pick up at a minimum 12 magazines for every gun I bought with a standard capacity over 10 rounds.
I'd also make a point of picking up a good purpose designed gun belt and a quality fitted holster for any gun I intended to carry.
Finally I'd concentrate on uniformity, for instance if I bought a .357 revolver I'd also get a Henry Lever action in .357 or at least I wouldn't get one in .44. If I were looking at Glocks I'd stay in one caliber like I'd buy a Glock 26/19/17 before I'd get a Glock 27/19/37. So I'd only have to stock the one kind of magazine.
As others have said I would also focus on items that are or may be subject to a ban in the future. I'd pick up at a minimum 12 magazines for every gun I bought with a standard capacity over 10 rounds.
I'd also make a point of picking up a good purpose designed gun belt and a quality fitted holster for any gun I intended to carry.
Finally I'd concentrate on uniformity, for instance if I bought a .357 revolver I'd also get a Henry Lever action in .357 or at least I wouldn't get one in .44. If I were looking at Glocks I'd stay in one caliber like I'd buy a Glock 26/19/17 before I'd get a Glock 27/19/37. So I'd only have to stock the one kind of magazine.
Ok, you're 49, an avid investor and have been retired for 7 yrs
now? If this is true you're obviously very financially secure.
And you have $30,000 burning a hole in your pocket that you
feel the need to spend on guns. Why?? You've never even
fired any gun before in your whole life? If you feel insecure in
your current location, move. Take your 30 grand plus your
current home value and relocate to a peaceful rural location
and acquire a few basic firearms like 22 rifles and shotguns
and a few handguns and get some instruction in safe usage
and kick back and enjoy life in the slow lane.
First is safety. Many of us on this forum always had firearms on our homes and were shooting in the woods with our dads before we can remember. We might take things for granted that people who have not been around firearms do not already have instilled in their brain.
For someone who has not fired a gun, I very much recommend training. With your bank account, you can afford quality formal training. Until you are comfortable shooting in a controlled environment, a rule to follow is that you should never load a firearm indoors (except at a range). Another rule is that unless disassembled or open, a firearm should be treated as if it is loaded. The firearm loaded part will come into play at a range and you will need to train yourself safety and etiquette as to always be aware of where the barrel is pointing and always have it pointed in a safe direction, loaded or not. Reading online pet peeves of range behavior will give you an idea of what is expected. The rule loosens up slightly when as to the obvious condition of the firearm (obvious and visible open action/cylinder or plastic chamber flag) and your experience increases.
You will also need to think about a storage method for ammo and firearms. Kids in the house? If you are set on getting into firearms a full-size safe might be an early purchase.
You have a lot of fun "work" ahead of you - don't rush the training and learning part.
As for the grocery list, my advice would be to begin slow to see what you like and avoid buying a lot of stuff that you don't yet know if you'll really want or use. For the actual firearms themselves, I recommend buying "keepers".
The first two purchases for me would be a quality .22 bolt-action repeating rifle and a quality .22 revolver. Get your initial instruction on these two firearms. Become proficient at using iron sights on the rifle and maybe later you can put a scope on it. Shooting with irons skillfully is important. I love being able to hit with iron sights. Don't think of these .22 firearms as "beginner guns". In a real world, they do have a purpose. You will never regret or want to sell a nice wooden-stock full-size bolt-action .22 or a .22 revolver. Learn to safely hit the bullseye every time with these - it will be a foundation for everything else.
Some have mentioning getting some sort of semiautomatic rifle or carbine that uses detachable magazines like an AR or AK type firearm. I don't disagree. But it is real easy to give into the urge to jump into this end of the swimming pool and buy every accessory under the sun.
Which? AK or AR? It's what you prefer and you probably don't know what you prefer yet. You many end up wanting both. A good range will let you rent and offer instruction on their operation. Learn what's good and bad about each type. There's really no hurry at the present moment but I can foresee a distant future where firearms of this type might be heavily regulated. After you gain a bit of experience, deciding what you want, maybe buying the semiautomatic firearm and some quality magazines to put back for later after you have mastered the .22.
As far as these weapons systems and accessories, I personally prefer a keep-it-simple approach. Opinions and tastes differ. Anything you want to hang on these is available, scopes, red dots, flashlights, flare launchers, bipods, magazine pouches, cigarette holders, coffee makers, you name it. My own favorite rifle for decades of this type is a 90's Colt with built-in carry handle (iron sights) and sliding stock. No optic, no flashlight, no rails, no nothin'.
As for other firearms - 9mm/.40/.45 pistols, .38/.357/.44 revolvers, concealed-carry pieces, holsters - there will be time for all of that. They will be available after you learn to handle, shoot, and hit with your .22's.
This is just my take and my initial advice. Enjoy this! Go slow and be safe.
For someone who has not fired a gun, I very much recommend training. With your bank account, you can afford quality formal training. Until you are comfortable shooting in a controlled environment, a rule to follow is that you should never load a firearm indoors (except at a range). Another rule is that unless disassembled or open, a firearm should be treated as if it is loaded. The firearm loaded part will come into play at a range and you will need to train yourself safety and etiquette as to always be aware of where the barrel is pointing and always have it pointed in a safe direction, loaded or not. Reading online pet peeves of range behavior will give you an idea of what is expected. The rule loosens up slightly when as to the obvious condition of the firearm (obvious and visible open action/cylinder or plastic chamber flag) and your experience increases.
You will also need to think about a storage method for ammo and firearms. Kids in the house? If you are set on getting into firearms a full-size safe might be an early purchase.
You have a lot of fun "work" ahead of you - don't rush the training and learning part.
As for the grocery list, my advice would be to begin slow to see what you like and avoid buying a lot of stuff that you don't yet know if you'll really want or use. For the actual firearms themselves, I recommend buying "keepers".
The first two purchases for me would be a quality .22 bolt-action repeating rifle and a quality .22 revolver. Get your initial instruction on these two firearms. Become proficient at using iron sights on the rifle and maybe later you can put a scope on it. Shooting with irons skillfully is important. I love being able to hit with iron sights. Don't think of these .22 firearms as "beginner guns". In a real world, they do have a purpose. You will never regret or want to sell a nice wooden-stock full-size bolt-action .22 or a .22 revolver. Learn to safely hit the bullseye every time with these - it will be a foundation for everything else.
Some have mentioning getting some sort of semiautomatic rifle or carbine that uses detachable magazines like an AR or AK type firearm. I don't disagree. But it is real easy to give into the urge to jump into this end of the swimming pool and buy every accessory under the sun.
Which? AK or AR? It's what you prefer and you probably don't know what you prefer yet. You many end up wanting both. A good range will let you rent and offer instruction on their operation. Learn what's good and bad about each type. There's really no hurry at the present moment but I can foresee a distant future where firearms of this type might be heavily regulated. After you gain a bit of experience, deciding what you want, maybe buying the semiautomatic firearm and some quality magazines to put back for later after you have mastered the .22.
As far as these weapons systems and accessories, I personally prefer a keep-it-simple approach. Opinions and tastes differ. Anything you want to hang on these is available, scopes, red dots, flashlights, flare launchers, bipods, magazine pouches, cigarette holders, coffee makers, you name it. My own favorite rifle for decades of this type is a 90's Colt with built-in carry handle (iron sights) and sliding stock. No optic, no flashlight, no rails, no nothin'.
As for other firearms - 9mm/.40/.45 pistols, .38/.357/.44 revolvers, concealed-carry pieces, holsters - there will be time for all of that. They will be available after you learn to handle, shoot, and hit with your .22's.
This is just my take and my initial advice. Enjoy this! Go slow and be safe.
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First, find a gun savvy and knowledgable friend to help you select a pistol to train with.....shoot with him for a while to get the feel of shooting, see if you really like it. You will!
Next purchase a holster, mag pouch, extra mags, a good belt, good ear and eye protection and sign up for a basic course at a reputable range. This should give you the basics about gun handling, drawing from a holster, malfunctions, etc.
After this sign up for a more "advanced" training course....you're in Ohio so I would highly recommend TDI, they offer a 3 day course and a more advanced 4 day course. I believe the 3 day also meets the requirements for an Ohio CCW....I have taken these courses and they are well worth the money. Book well in advance as these courses fill up quickly.
The 8 hour course required for the Ohio CCW is not really adequate training for a beginner, if you're serious about becoming proficient advanc d training is a must.
I'm also in Ohio and am an NRA certified instructor. Feel free to contact me if I can provide any direction or answer your questions. I won't help you spend your $$$, my advice is free.
Good luck with your new undertaking.
Next purchase a holster, mag pouch, extra mags, a good belt, good ear and eye protection and sign up for a basic course at a reputable range. This should give you the basics about gun handling, drawing from a holster, malfunctions, etc.
After this sign up for a more "advanced" training course....you're in Ohio so I would highly recommend TDI, they offer a 3 day course and a more advanced 4 day course. I believe the 3 day also meets the requirements for an Ohio CCW....I have taken these courses and they are well worth the money. Book well in advance as these courses fill up quickly.
The 8 hour course required for the Ohio CCW is not really adequate training for a beginner, if you're serious about becoming proficient advanc d training is a must.
I'm also in Ohio and am an NRA certified instructor. Feel free to contact me if I can provide any direction or answer your questions. I won't help you spend your $$$, my advice is free.
Good luck with your new undertaking.
LoboGunLeather
US Veteran
49 years old with $30K in ready cash? Never owned a gun before but want to learn to shoot?
Not that hard:
1. Select a good quality .22 rifle. Expect to pay about $400 or so. Pick up 1000 rounds of .22LR ammo, about $400 or so. Join a club with range and instructors. Take the NRA basic firearms course. Pay an instructor for a couple of hours of his time once or twice a week for a couple of months. By then you should know whether or not you like shooting a rifle, and you will have learned some good basic safety and gun handling skills. So far you have spent around $1200.
2. Select a good quality .22 pistol. Expect to pay about $600 or so. Pick up another 1000 rounds of .22LR. Head back to the range for instruction and tutoring. In a couple of months you will know whether or not you like shooting a handgun, and you will have developed pretty good safety and handling skills. So far you have spent about $2500 or so.
3. Select a good quality shotgun (I like Remington 870's, which will set you back about $500 or so). 1000 rounds of target ammo will set you back about $800. Go back to the range for instruction and tutoring. In a couple of months you will know whether or not you like shooting a shotgun. You will then have spent about $3800 or so.
4. I would expect by this time you have developed a strong preference for a particular type of shooting, and have probably set your eyes on the "perfect gun" for what you want to do. Go ahead and blow another $1200 and get after it.
5. You are now down about $5000, leaving you with $25,000 on hand. Hook up with a good financial advisor and get that money invested in some good tax-deferred retirement savings, then watch it grow over the next 12 or 15 years. This will make retirement a lot better and easier, and will probably provide a little income stream in retirement to spend on guns and ammo.
Best regards.
Not that hard:
1. Select a good quality .22 rifle. Expect to pay about $400 or so. Pick up 1000 rounds of .22LR ammo, about $400 or so. Join a club with range and instructors. Take the NRA basic firearms course. Pay an instructor for a couple of hours of his time once or twice a week for a couple of months. By then you should know whether or not you like shooting a rifle, and you will have learned some good basic safety and gun handling skills. So far you have spent around $1200.
2. Select a good quality .22 pistol. Expect to pay about $600 or so. Pick up another 1000 rounds of .22LR. Head back to the range for instruction and tutoring. In a couple of months you will know whether or not you like shooting a handgun, and you will have developed pretty good safety and handling skills. So far you have spent about $2500 or so.
3. Select a good quality shotgun (I like Remington 870's, which will set you back about $500 or so). 1000 rounds of target ammo will set you back about $800. Go back to the range for instruction and tutoring. In a couple of months you will know whether or not you like shooting a shotgun. You will then have spent about $3800 or so.
4. I would expect by this time you have developed a strong preference for a particular type of shooting, and have probably set your eyes on the "perfect gun" for what you want to do. Go ahead and blow another $1200 and get after it.
5. You are now down about $5000, leaving you with $25,000 on hand. Hook up with a good financial advisor and get that money invested in some good tax-deferred retirement savings, then watch it grow over the next 12 or 15 years. This will make retirement a lot better and easier, and will probably provide a little income stream in retirement to spend on guns and ammo.
Best regards.
OP
HoleCarder
Member
I'm a lifelong golfer and unable to play due to recurring golf injury. I need something to occupy my time. I always wanted to own guns and learn to shoot but never had the time. Until now.
Kid44
Member
Buy a nice .22 to get started and invest the rest. Don't be stupid.
Pbchucker
Member
Glad to help
I will teach you everything I know about shooting and reloading, if you teach me about investing.
I will teach you everything I know about shooting and reloading, if you teach me about investing.
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ChattanoogaPhil
Member
- Joined
- Oct 18, 2009
- Messages
- 14,601
- Reaction score
- 20,622
I think you're on the right track with Wilson Combat.
AR15
Wilson SBR Tactical - $2450 with tax stamp.
Wilson Whisper Supressor - $1450 with tax stamp
Aimpoint red dot $750. Or Nightforce 1-4x scope $1500.
1911
Wilson CQB - $2865
Shotgun
Wilson Border Patrol - $1135
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Add slings, holsters, extra magazines and ammo. $1000-$1500.
Of course you'll need a safe. A good Liberty safe of medium size with be $3500 on up.
-----
For inexpensive plinking a .22 pistol and rifle are always a fine addition.
Here are two of mine.
Savage FV-SR and Ruger Mark III. About $3000 outfitted.
A couple cases of standard velocity ammo - About $1000.
-----------------
That will run through about half your funds. Need more help?
AR15
Wilson SBR Tactical - $2450 with tax stamp.
Wilson Whisper Supressor - $1450 with tax stamp
Aimpoint red dot $750. Or Nightforce 1-4x scope $1500.
1911
Wilson CQB - $2865
Shotgun
Wilson Border Patrol - $1135
-------
Add slings, holsters, extra magazines and ammo. $1000-$1500.
Of course you'll need a safe. A good Liberty safe of medium size with be $3500 on up.
-----
For inexpensive plinking a .22 pistol and rifle are always a fine addition.
Here are two of mine.
Savage FV-SR and Ruger Mark III. About $3000 outfitted.
A couple cases of standard velocity ammo - About $1000.
-----------------
That will run through about half your funds. Need more help?
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cbore
Member
Some good answers from other here. My selections would be:
1 join NRA
2 take a "good" safety course
3 buy eye and hearing protection
4 a 22 cal either Ruger 10-22 or Mark 3 pistol
5 read and understand responsibilities of gun ownership
6 don't belief all you read or are told by "gun experts"
7 Being a revolver man get a 38 or 357 model 10 or 19 and learn and enjoy then make a decision what next.
1 join NRA
2 take a "good" safety course
3 buy eye and hearing protection
4 a 22 cal either Ruger 10-22 or Mark 3 pistol
5 read and understand responsibilities of gun ownership
6 don't belief all you read or are told by "gun experts"
7 Being a revolver man get a 38 or 357 model 10 or 19 and learn and enjoy then make a decision what next.
