Help me spend $30,000

[Brasky]

No reason to spend more than 10k and end up with quality firearms/accessories/safe that suit you (unless you are going the suppressor route).

I would recommend either renting or buying a few lower priced firearms to find out what you want. Spending 3k on a firearm and finding out you can't stand it is a hard lesson to learn

 

[JJEH]

I'd buy a quality gun or two and invest the rest.

 

[hkcavalier]

I too echo getting plenty of quality training. No one ever got to be a good marksman by buying lots of guns. OP, you seem like you have the right mentality.

I'm a firm proponent of working your way up to the most gun you can confidently handle. The citizen-rifleman concept holds that you're almost never going to go on long campaigns or road marches with your weapon, so favor weight and all of its advantages. The SOG guys use short barrel carbines because they're carrying 100lb+ of other gear and typically hoof it for long distances. You're not going to do that. You have the luxury of getting a heavier, more powerful rifle.

So if you can work your way up to a .308 semi, do so. If you cannot work up the strength to handle one with steady off-hand shooting, it's not for you. I have personally shot a 16" AR-10 .308 that was lighter than my 20" AR-15 in 5.56, and it had a muzzle brake that reduced the the recoil to almost nothing. If I didn't already have (and was comfortable with) a longer barreled, heavier .308 I would have built one of these myself!

At least in my neck of the woods there are lots of very good intro and intermediate level courses to take. I'd earmark about a third of that budget for training. Another third for ammo (both to get expended in training and for long term storage...who knows what our likely Presidential candidates will decide to pull in the next couple years). The last third for the hardware.

Ten grand goes surprisingly quickly when buying quality firearms. That Wilson Combat is almost a third of that I don't necessarily agree with one as a concealed carry piece. If you have to use it, that $3k investment might sit in an evidence locker for years, if not forever. A good AR plus a quality optic could be two or three grand, easy e.g. a Rainier Arms RUC + an Aimpoint red dot = over $2k.

My pick for 3 revolvers (knowing zero about your *future* level of comfort with recoil and hand strength/size):

S&W K-frame .22LR (K-22, 17, or 617)
S&W 627 PC 5" or 327 5" .357 Magnum.
S&W J-frame that best fits as a BUG (back up gun)

I'm from the school that says you start with a pump shotgun and move up to a semi later, but this seems to date me as a lot of new shooters are going straight for a Benelli or Mossberg 930.

I really wish you the best of luck and look forward to seeing the results of your training and purchasing decisions!

 

[tlay]

As an NRA pistol instructor I can tell you that training should be first on your list. Take an NRA course then graduate to a concealed carry course.
Don't buy anything first! After your training go to a range that rents guns and rent every gun you can. I can't tell you how many people show up for a course with a firearm that either they have never fired or one that doesn't fit them! Especially the 100 lb woman who shows up with her husband's 357 MAG!! I keep a supply of 22s just for them.
I know its not manly but learn to shoot with a 22. That way you won't learn a flinch.
After you learn to shoot and take as many courses as you can then buy the guns that you like to shoot! Many first time firearms buyers trade in their guns because they can't or won't use them. This keeps the gun stores happy!!

 

[therewolf]

Check out three autoloaders:

S&W 645

S&W 6906

S&W 3913

These may be a little harder to find than your average

plastic, striker fired ***, but they shoot really well.

 

[V0OBWxZS16]

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

These two statements indicate a good mindset. My first two instincts were to remind you set aside some of your budget for training, ammo, and accessories and to start small.

The problem is that "I want to learn to shoot" is a hugely open-ended statement. Are you interested in plinking, benchrest, bullseye, trap, USPSA, 3-gun, cowboy action shooting, military surplus, steel challenge, self-defense, or the zombie apocalypse? Are you willing to get into NFA (suppressors, short barreled rifles and shotguns, and full-auto)? Are you interested in reloading?

Go buy a new Harley.

Ugh, no. Aprillia, Triumph, BMW, Ducati, MV Augusta, ...

 

[crsides]

I added up all my for sale guns and it comes up to $30,000 on the nose.

Charlie

 

[Jessie]

I like chocolate chip cookies. If you will buy $1000
dollars of chocolate cookies for me, I will meet with you anywhere of your choosing and help you shoot any firearm of your choosing and help you decide what to get.
Of course, the firearms and ammo will have to be supplied by you, but my advice will be free.

 

[Bugkiller99]

Hmm. Lots of good advice already. Look at what's been said and come up with a general plan. Think about:
1) What might not be available in the near future based on the winds of politics. With an election approaching this might need to be near the top.
2) What is fun to shoot. That you will have to determine as you shoot. And will change over time. Rent, borrow, shoot before buying.
3)Collecting for investment or fun. As an accomplished investor, you already understand this idea.
4) Train. Train. Train. Get your CC permit.
5) Most important. Support organizations that support the 2nd Amendment. If we don't do that, the first 4 don't matter.

 

[Philadelphia Patriot]

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.

Are you looking to adopt an adult male? If so, let me know where to submit my application.

Okay, in all seriousness. If I wanted to purchase some quality firearms (after you learn the basics and safety of shooting)...

1) AR-15, I'd get a Colt or Daniel Defense
2) 9mm, double action pistol - Check out the HK P30 and/or Sig Sauer P226 Legion
3) 9mm, striker pistol - HK VP9, Sig Sauer P320, and/or Glock 19
4) .45ACP 1911 style - Les Baer, Ed Brown, and/or Wilson Combat
5) 12 gauge shotgun (auto) - Benelli M4 Tactical
6) 12 gauge shotgun (pump) - Mossberg 590A1 or Remington 870P Magnum
7) Additional rifle - Springfield Armory M1A
8) AK type rifle - Anything from Arsenal
9) Bolt action rifles - I can't help you on that. I'm not really up to date on quality bolt action rifles.
10) Revolvers - Generally anything Smith and Wesson are always great. I can't really quote specific models, but I am partial to the Model 66.

There are also a ton of historical firearms out there. Anything from WWII and prior is always nice to add to any collection.

 

[1angrycat]

A bunch of good information here and I will only stress two things.
1) Get training with firearms and have the instructor train you on various weapons. This will be educational and will help you decide on what you would like.
2) Join the NRA as they are our best advocates in Washington against the ones who want to destroy the second Amendment.

 

[petemacmahon]

Revolver (or 2, maybe 3)

Dude, be warned. Smith & Wesson revolvers are like crack or potato chips - once you start you can't stop!

 

[old bear]

Hole, first welcome to the forum.
Sir, as a new firearm owner you need a Wilson platform 1911 like you need a hole in the head. Having any new shooter start out with any 1911 platform pistol is like giving a new driver a Ferrari for drivers education. Something is going to go south quickly and someone may get hurt real bad.

Other than the above knock yourself out and have a good time.

 

[Iggy]

Two Registered Magnums and a box of ammo and the job is done.

 

[jimbo728]

Wise decision to learn to shoot. I never caught on to golf but I love to shoot. I think you will enjoy it too!
What ever you do, remember 2 things.
1. Stay safe.
2. you dont need to foooore, before you shoot.
Good Luck on your endeaver.
Jim

 

[Tom_R]

Did anyone mention that with the 30k budget that at some point $2500 - $3000 of that should be used on a top notch safe/vault to protect a nice collection from theft/fire?

A second safe to store ammunition in is also a consideration.

I definitely recommend the safety course and further training is the first step, as many others have as well.

In terms of guns, you really have a few hundred options available to you.

$30k is a lot of money, but you still need to spend it wisely.

The best advice I can offer, is to take your time, and buy quality firearms.

Smith and Wesson, Dan Wesson, Sig Sauer, H&K, FN for handguns.
For Shotguns: Benelli, Mossberg, Remington, Winchester
For Rifles: Winchester, Weatherby, Ruger, Springfield Armory
AR-15s: tons of options, Daniel Defense, Stag, Colt, many many others

In general, I would say look toward a collection that covers the following calibers, initially:

A .22LR rifle - Ruger 10/22 is a great option

A .22LR handgun/Revolver, Ruger and Smith and Wesson are great options here

A 12 Gauge Shotgun - Remington 870, Mossberg 500, Benelli...

A modern Semi Auto Pistol in 9mm - so many options here - Glock, Sig Sauer H&K, I started 20 years ago with a Sig Sauer P226. It is still one of the best guns I own, and I am never getting rid of it, ever.

A .357 Magnum Revolver - Smith and Wesson your only choice here. Get a 4" 19, 66, 586, or 686. You can shoot 38spcl and .357 Magnum with it.

If you want a 1911, you have to have at least one COLT - that is just a must have. A Gold Cup, or Series 70 is nice one to start with. You mentioned a Wilson a Combat, you can't go wrong there. Dan Wessons and Springfield Armory's are real good too. Dozens of options here. I can't say enough good things about Dan Wessons offerings.
I don't recommend 1911s to brand new shooters, but it sounds like you have done a little research there. Just bear in mind, they need a little more care and feeding than newer designs, but ones that run right, are a dream to shoot. Hold off on carrying the 1911 initially, as this really should be carried by experienced shooters. Range duty and target shooting definitely do that and get familiar with it.

So, if you start there, also make sure for your rifles and shot guns you get nice carrying bags for them, get plenty of extra magazines if the rifle is so fed.

For the handguns get good holsters, and gun rugs for each one for storing in your safe, or your range bag. Have a minimum of 5 magazines for each semi auto handgun.

Speaking of range bags, get a good quality bad, with dual zippers that you can out a small lock on. I actually use heavy duty tool bags.

Get two sets of good Shooting glasses. Get two sets of earmuffs meant for shooting. Always use them at the range. The extra set is handy if a friend wants to join you.

Get a set of gun tools, and a cleaning kit. Get good gun cleaning convent like Ballistol or break free CLP.

YouTube is also an excellent informational source. Hickock45 is a must channel. He is into everything from Glocks to Revolvers and gives a history on each gun he does a video on, and is just great to watch.

Other YouTube channels are also excellent, and they are handy for learning on how to disassemble and reassemble guns and clean them.

You have a lot to consider, I hope this helps, and this is a great forum to come to to ask for advice.

Good luck to you!

 

[Rustyt1953]

Hole, first welcome to th4e forum.
Sir, as a new firearm owner you need a Wilson platform 1911 like you need a hole in the head. Having any new shooter start out with any 1911 platform pistol is like giving a new driver a Ferrari for drivers education. Something is going to go south quickly and someone may get hurt real bad.

Other than the above knock yourself out and have a good time.

As Jeremiah Johnson said to Del Gue: "sound wisdom".

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Nobody literally needs a 30,000 dollar firearms cache. You get there over the course of years, buying, trading, selling, buying more, trading and selling less. So the advice on investing is sound.

But, having said that, you do need, as suggested, certain equipment. Eye protection, ear protection, a range bag, cleaning kit, maybe a sighting scope (not a wildly expensive one), maybe binoculars (reasonably priced). Next, I agree, a safety and training class - but you do need a gun for that, too.

A .22 caliber revolver is a great start - you'll keep it forever. Learn to shoot with it. Take that class. Let a certified instructor work with you. Get the 4 basic rules into your head. Never violate them.

So far you haven't spent 1000 bucks. If you have become proficient with the revolver get a .22 caliber automatic pistol. Not a fancy target gun, a basic semi-auto that you learn how to control, clean, hit targets with. Now you spent 1500 bucks or a little more.

Next is a .22 caliber rifle. Get proficient with it. Bolt gun, pump, semi-auto, it doesn't matter.

One you have gun skills, muscle memory, and some training, and have spent maybe $2000, move up to centerfire firearms similar to your .22s. If you buy a .38 caliber revolver, a 9mm pistol, and a .223 rifle (an AR is okay for this) you've spent less than 4 grand and have everything you'll ever really need unless you get seriously into competition, collecting, etc. Meanwhile, your other 25 grand is earning money towards your retirement.

If you want to own 100 guns/100,000 dollars worth of firearms work up to it.

If you're not going to hunt you don't need a larger caliber rifle and despite the fact that the AK-47 is the most ubiquitous rifle on the planet they basically suck as a fun gun. They're not designed for fun. Your AR can be fun and you can customize it so many ways. Just a little side opinion; if I was going to war I wouldn't gainsay an AK-47 because they're extremely reliable. If I'm having fun at the range the AK cannot cut it. Reliable, yes. Accurate, not really. Sure, some folks can take the eye out of a fly at 100 yards with an AK - do you know the amount of practice time that takes? Not worth it. YMMV.

You will haven't spent more than 10 grand and that includes tricking out your AR.

 

[johnbeaver]

Darn, late to the game again.
I could have spent that and more and had a good time doing it.
Did not read all replies so forgive me if I repeat something, but with each new firearm you purchase, learn to disassemble and clean it properly. At least a basic field strip. The more you do you might want to go farther.
Have fun.

 

[wbraswell]

You've already gotten a ton of advice, so I'll try to address something else.
Learn about the different types of firearms, and you might want to focus on a particular type or brand. I wouldn't start with anything too sophisticated, or fancy custom guns. They may work great, but until you feel comfortable spending that much cash, stay with simple, stock guns of famous brands. Learn the proper way to care and clean your guns. It's different for every type. I would start with a good rifle, chambered for .22 long rifle. The Ruger 10-22 is a very good one, that is good value for the money. Guns can be like cars. A Ferrari may look great and run like the Devil, but it is quite a burden to care for financially, and could be very difficult to sell for what it's worth. Important advice: Don't go around telling everybody that you are into guns now. Learn to tell the difference between knowledge and BS. Knowledge is power, and BS just stinks. Good luck, I hope you love your new interest. Lots here will help.
Go to a local gun show. You can see a lot of different stuff, but remember there is plenty of knowledge and BS flying around them. Learn Ohio firearms laws.