Help me spend $30,000

Whoa! Dude, slow down! Shooting is a skill. Skills take time, practice, dedication and patience to develop. Its not like you can just go out and buy it.
Ok, I get it. You've got the bug and the money, so now you want to jump in head first. It don't work that way. You have to start small and slowly work your way up.
First of all take a beginner's shooting class. Learn the basics. Find out if you even like it. Who knows, it may not be your thing after all.
Do NOT go out and spend a bunch of money on fancy, expensive firearms. At this point you'll only be missing with a better class of gun.
Start out with a good quality mid-priced .22 rifle and maybe a .22 handgun if you're so inclined. Now spend the next several months learning to shoot them properly. And while you're at it, learn to clean and care for them.
FUNDAMENTALS FIRST! Learn those and everything else is secondary.
Join a local shooting club, make friends, ask questions and don't be a jerk. You'll be surprised at how much other shooters want to help newbies learn. Most will let you try their guns and you will get a taste of what you like or don't like.
Shooting is a life long learning process. It never ends.
Patience Grasshopper, all good things will come in time. ;)
 
First, get a 10-22 send it to Clark Custom for their $145 tune-up and you will have a rifle that will let you know when you are shooting properly. The rifle will be extremely accurate and makes a great warm up rifle before you shoot the center fire rifles. If you are not having a good day shooting for accuracy, the 10-22 will let you know before you chase groups with your center fire rifles.
 
Since you have the money you may wanna get into old pre lock revolvers. They are fun and collectible. After you get the carry and home defense guns covered
 
1. Join the NRA and the Buckeye Firearms Association (since you're in Ohio).
2. Go to a local range that rents guns and offers basic firearms classes and take them.
3. Shoot as many types of guns as you can. People at ranges are usually more than happy to let you try theirs. You'll soon find out what you like best.
4. Buy a good safe, and fill it up with what you like!
5. Learn to reload.
6. Get your Ohio Concealed Carry License.

My guns are investments in security (professional, personal, familial, and food). I have some heirlooms, but I don't have any "safe queens" that I won't shoot. Personally, I am a revolver guy and don't carry anything smaller than a .38.

Welcome to the community.
 
Plus one on taking a class.

Learning some laws of your state will likely be part of the class.

Just in what manner you transport your firearms and ammo can become a issue. If you live by state lines even more.

Good luck. Hope its a fun ride.
 
Philadelphia Patriot said:
9) Bolt action rifles - I can't help you on that. I'm not really up to date on quality bolt action rifles.
Click to expand...

Two Bolt Actions I've had success with are the Browning X-Bolt,

and the Ruger M77 MKII. They both come in wood or synthetic

stocks, and most common calibers. (I prefer 30.06.) There are

many other good bolties, with which I have no experience.
 
HoleCarder said:
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.
Click to expand...

May I ask what part of ohio you're from?
 
I like your plan and training and lots of range time are the key. Than after you have been shooting for a while and get familiar with more guns you will be better positioned to make your choices.

You don't want to hunt so rifles except for maybe a AR-15 and a 12 gauge shotgun are all you would need if you like the concept of a high capacity rifle for protection. The shotgun is also a great close quarter gun if needed.

If you are looking at this as a long term investment the money can be invested to bring a much better long term returns after you buy the guns you want.
 
OP here. Thanks for all the advice, comments, suggestions.

Many of you mentioned that I should look at purchasing an AR-15 soon, since they may be be banned in the near future.

This sounds like wonderful advice and I plan to acquire one very soon.

I guess it seems reasonable to buy an M&P 15 Sport II as a 1st rifle. Or maybe not?

I have the funds to buy something of higher quality. Perhaps a Larue OBR 5.56, or even a Noveske 16" Gen III 5.56. Indeed, if these rifles are someday banned, I'd be pissed if I passed on the opportunity to acquire one now.

Not sure what to do, and looking for some more advice. Thanks.
 
HoleCarder said:
OP here. Thanks for all the advice, comments, suggestions.

Many of you mentioned that I should look at purchasing an AR-15 soon, since they may be be banned in the near future.

This sounds like wonderful advice and I plan to acquire one very soon.

I guess it seems reasonable to buy an M&P 15 Sport II as a 1st rifle. Or maybe not?

I have the funds to buy something of higher quality. Perhaps a Larue OBR 5.56, or even a Noveske 16" Gen III 5.56. Indeed, if these rifles are someday banned, I'd be pissed if I passed on the opportunity to acquire one now.

Not sure what to do, and looking for some more advice. Thanks.
Click to expand...

No worries, I don't think they will get banned anytime soon. Might the prices go up? Thats a greater possibility.

For a starter AR I'd definitely go Sport II. You won't be fretting over every single scuff or scratch on it and it's a 100% reliable and accurate rifle. If you love the platform (which most do) then you can look at a more expensive rifle.

Good luck!
 
Sailfish 40 said:
Join the NRA.
Click to expand...

That'll do it :rolleyes::D.

Don't get me wrong, I'm a life member and support their cause, but there won't be two days in a row you won't get solicited for donations. $30K will disappear pretty fast.

Take a basic firearms course first. Then advance to a handgun course. Practice. Practice some more. Read, such as here and other similar forums. ask questions. Put your hands on as many different handguns as you can, by visiting reputable gun shops with knowledgeable owners. Some ranges have rentals, so you can try out different guns. Then buy what fits your hand, has recoil you are happy with and will conceal well, and get a good holster with it. Did I mention practice?

Everything else will follow: rifles, reloading, more gun purchases, shotguns, defensive shooting courses, CQB, three-gun. Don't try to spend it all at once.
 
HoleCarder said:
OP here. Thanks for all the advice, comments, suggestions.

I guess it seems reasonable to buy an M&P 15 Sport II as a 1st rifle. Or maybe not?
snip
Not sure what to do, and looking for some more advice. Thanks.
Click to expand...

There is a lot of really solid advice in this thread.
IMO if you want to buy the AR platform now go ahead.
I also suggest buying a 10/22 or a 15/22 at the same time and put the AR on the back burner for a while until you learn a bit.
 
I have a few gun suggestions.
1. M1 Carbine
2. S&W Model 10 or Model 64
3. S&W 686 .357 magnum 4 inch barrel 6 shot cylinder
4. Ruger bear cat .22 caliber revolver stainless steel
5. Ruger GP100 .357 Magnum 4 inch barrel
6. Ruger SP101 .357 magnum 2 inch barrel or 3 inch barrel your choice
7. double barrel shotgun caliber your choice
8. Henry mini-bolt .22 caliber bolt action rifle
9. Springfield Armory Milspec .45 caliber pistol parkerized or stainless steel your choice.
10. Glock semi-automatic pistol caliber your choice
 
Haha no shortage of how to spend your money here. It is your cash but I would advise to skip the tippy top tier guns until you are more educated and experienced with the calibers you are comfortable with. Since you haven't shot a firearm I would skip on the reloading ammo equipment. Certainly study up on it but for the meantime stick with factory ammo during your education.
 
Join a nearby gun club or indoor range and take a safety course.
Get ear muffs and safety glasses.
Buy a .22 REVOLVER with a long barrel and target sights.
Shoot and have fun for a few months.

From that point, you can decide what the next step might be.
 
HoleCarder said:
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.
Click to expand...

I just read you post (and some of the replies). Later this evening I will post a comprehensive answer to your goals and plan. Be watching! ;)
 
Iggy said:
Two Registered Magnums and a box of ammo and the job is done.
evil_zps20195143.gif
Click to expand...

Iggy was funnin' but the fact is, there's wisdom in his humor :D
Follow his suggestion and you'll not lose a penny on your 30K :cool:
 
Get 3 or 4 guns and see if you enjoy shooting, cleaning and caring for them. All guns listed below will shoot forever and if bought right, can be sold for what you have in them. They are also guns that will be fun and start a fire in your drawers when you light em up.

My.02

Rem 870 12 gauge
SW 686- shoot .38 or 357 and skip the .22
Glock 9mm or 45acp
AR-15

Have fun and don't forget NRA, as they help us keep these kind of options available.
 
Last edited:
Shooting and taking care of my guns has been fun. I have found however, that going to the range and shooting holes in paper targets is less fun now than it was a few years ago. After you get some training and some practice under your belt, I would look into two things:

A tactical shooting course.

Trap/Skeet.

The point is these shooting sports involve movement. Trap and Skeet involve a moving target and tactical shooting involves moving through a course. Nothing wrong with shooting holes in paper and it can certainly be something that can be done for life with continual improvement, however, give some consideration to some movement. For me, I find trap/skeet shooting with my shotgun more entertaining. I could certainly shoot better, but I have not problem hitting a target with a pistol. Put a clay pigeon in the air and it presents a much harder challenge for me. It's similar to hunting without actually hunting (nothing wrong with hunting, but not for me). Oh, you can buy a really nice shot gun and take care of some of the $30K you're looking to get rid of, but like the pistols, I would start with a good quality over/under which can be had for under $2000.
 
Until you know what you like, how can you set a budget? Imagine saying you had $30K to spend on a wife but you hadn't met her yet? You might want to go on a few dates first before you decide on your budget.
 
My apologies

HoleCarder. For the last two nights I have tried to post a rather lengthy reply as promised, but the post would not go through. I am contacting the administrator as suggested. Just wanted you to know I had not "forgotten" my promise.
 
Last edited:
Protected One- thank you.

I look forward to what you have to say. I bet it'll be good.
 
So much advice all over the place on here.

Do you want to own cool guns, or be a good shot? Or, both? You absolutely have the budget, though becoming a good shot will obviously require more than just hard cash on the barrelhead.

I know of gunsmiths I can out-shoot. But they can do things I cannot.

I know of collectors I can out-shoot. But they have nicer, rarer guns.

I'm not bragging...these are people who have chosen to place their expertise and money in other areas. It sounds like you want to be a shooter.

It's never too late if you're committed enough. I think of Paul Newman and his commitment to racing in late middle age. Most men his age and with his money would have become collectors. But he started at the shallow end of the pool, took his knocks, and worked his way up until people had to take him seriously.

Moral of the story: Don't dabble. Don't get a nice AR and a couple handguns, go to the local range once a month and pop off a box or two and think you're pushing the envelope in any way. Get training, surround yourself with better shooters who will push you, and practice as much as you can, especially early on. Once that good training is ingrained, dry-fire/handle/run scenarios at home. Be a "gun nut" for a while, as long as you can. If you end up drifting into other hobbies/pursuits, fine, but come back around from time to time to maintain your skills. Personal first-hand experience, it SUCKS to take a multi-year break and come to find that your muscle memory is long gone and you're barely faster & more accurate than the people who just got into it.
 
This one is very simple send me $29,900 and you will only have to worry about spending $100. Do you want my address?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Fvernic
This may or may not have already been done
2
Replies
33
Views
1K
Baxter6551
Baxter6551
E
Late intro to the forum from East Tennessee
2
Replies
30
Views
811
dm1215
dm1215
Z
Help me pick a .357
2
Replies
58
Views
3K
Rodfac
Rodfac
CaliMiller
Hey hey, I’m Cali
2
Replies
30
Views
2K
snubbyfan
snubbyfan
Tazman11
4566 New in collection
Replies
6
Views
612
biku324
biku324

Latest posts

Back
Top