New-ish to the hobby — not sure where to go next

[Gawernator]

Also, dump the P320 beofre it shoots you in the butt.

The Echelon is supposed to be an excellent gun. Take that as backup to class.

Dump that Glock before you get Glock leg!

 

[tomrkba]

Dump that Glock before you get Glock leg!

Glocks don’t go off by themselves.

 

[Gawernator]

Glocks don’t go off by themselves.

Maybe one day Glock will stop making an inferior gun and actually beat Sig in a defense contract ;p

Anyways no need to fear monger. If you don't have the skill to run a P320 like service members do just say that bro

 

[Enthused]

Welcome to the rabbit hole. Everyone's journey is different, but the destination is the same.... you must own everything. Lever guns, revolvers, 1911s, DA/SA, etc.

Slowly work your day up to 44 Magnum and it will blow your mind when you first shoot it. Even 357 can't compare to it. And of course you need a good lever action like a Marlin 1894 in your favorite barrel length and finish... Marlin has you covered.

Let's not forget about tactical shotguns either. The Italians have you covered on this front. Benelli Nova 3 922r, Benelli M4/H2O, and Beretta 1301 Tactical. You must own one, but preferably own all of them.

Good luck.

 

[Gawernator]

Welcome to the rabbit hole. Everyone's journey is different, but the destination is the same.... you must own everything. Lever guns, revolvers, 1911s, DA/SA, etc.

Slowly work your day up to 44 Magnum and it will blow your mind when you first shoot it. Even 357 can't compare to it. And of course you need a good lever action like a Marlin 1894 in your favorite barrel length and finish... Marlin has you covered.

Let's not forget about tactical shotguns either. The Italians have you covered on this front. Benelli Nova 3 922r, Benelli M4/H2O, and Beretta 1301 Tactical. You must own one, but preferably own all of them.

Good luck.

How did you fail to mention the Beretta M9?!!

 

[Enthused]

How did you fail to mention the Beretta M9?!!

Lumped it in with DA/SA. 92FS, P220, P226, are all must buys.

 

[chiroken007]

How did you fail to mention the Beretta M9?!!

He was trying not to be overtly biased. Naturally the young padawan would find his way to the Beretta.

 

[Gawernator]

He was trying not to be overtly biased. Naturally the young padawan would find his way to the Beretta.

Right after the Walther PDP

 

[BubbaLa88]

Reloading....

 

[Enthused]

Right after the Walther PDP

I kinda feel bad for OP's bank account. We all know how this is going to go.

 

[Gawernator]

I kinda feel bad for OP's bank account. We all know how this is going to go.

Could be worse. At least he's not racing cars or bikes

 

[Trapper]

Buy a reloading press. You avoid additional taxes, background check fees, and get to shoot more often for less money. Loads can be developed to maximize accuracy in your rifles, handguns can be loaded to reduce recoil, meet power factor, or for reliable feeding in autos.

 

[findoutcoolbb]

Stretch the .308 until you hit its limits. If you get the itch you will know which 6mm cartridge you want. I take no responsibility for what happens to your bank account if the long range bug bites you.

I agree, that's probably what I am gonna do next.

I was anticipating less but for a "start" this is fantastic. Maybe add a revolver if interested but no critique here.

I'm no Sommelier (french for uppity) but I'd imagine it's the same as wine - you start with the basics and find your way into a niche. I noticed that I enjoy different mechanics/operations of each piece. What about guns do you enjoy?

A easy start but each listed could be broken down further:
Pistol Actions - Single-Action (SA), Double-Action Only (DAO), Double-Action/Single-Action (DA/SA), and Striker-Fired
Platforms - AR, AK, 870, etc
Manual Action - bolt-action, lever-action, pump-action, and break-action
Self-Loading Actions (Semi-automatic) - blowback, direct impingement, gas piston, recoil-operated
Caliber/Cartridge

I enjoy shooting flatter handguns. Now I will probably try more long distance precision shooting.

 

[findoutcoolbb]

That's like asking an automotive forum what kind of car you should buy. There's lots of fun to be had, limited only by your imagination. I don't see any hand cannon on your list. How about something like a .357 Magnum or .44 Magnum? If you want to be OG, how about a .45 Long Colt? It makes a big hole, but recoil is modest. Or maybe you'll want to load it hot and go crazy with it.

For me, though, it's not as much about what I shoot as where I shoot and what I'm shooting at. Paper targets are boring as all get out. That pretty much wrecks all Indoors ranges for me. Outdoor ranges are only a little better. Wilderness is the best. Aluminum cans are the great. I like to start with them close, then blast them further and further away until they're hard to see. They're reactive, so sometimes you get to take follow-up shots on a moving target.

Dueling Trees and other armor-plate targets are nice, but they're heavy to haul round and set up.

I personally don't like revolvers. But to complete the collection, I am aiming at a SW686.

 

[findoutcoolbb]

Nice collection!

I like my PCC. Also, I put a linear compensator/blast diverter on it. Helps the ol' jello between the ears and...the ears. It's fun to shoot, especially with subsonic ammo.

I like handguns, too. I want to get a full-sized 9mm. Looking at you, Kimber! Maybe not easy on the eyes for me (maybe Robocop?), but I care more about function. I really like my EMP 3, a 1911 in 9mm.

Kimber is the one to go!

 

[findoutcoolbb]

Since you already have the categories covered, consider upgrading from the cheaper stuff you currently have. For example, replace the Maverick 88 with a Mossberg 590 or 590A1. The Anderson AR-15 can be replaced with a lot higher quality parts from companies like BCM or Geissele as well. Ruger American can replaced with a Bergara B-14 then built out to something really nice. Fusion XP Pro can be replaced with something like the Kimber 2K11 or Stealth Arms Platypus/Staccato HD P4 if you want to retain Glock mag compatibility.

Totally agree! Right now I have spend so much and pretty much done spending more this year. But I will definitely start upgrading! I don't like shotguns. But I am thinking of a better AR and kimber 2k11.

 

[esv_joker]

I’m actually looking at a S&W 686. For a 1911, is .45 really worth it, or is 9mm fine too?

Turners has a discontinued sale going on right now. I saw a couple of S&W 686 SSR's being listed for $750: https://www.turners.com/discontinued-firearms-list

 

[findoutcoolbb]

I'm ~1.5 years into my shooting journey and had similar questions.

If you can narrow down a purpose and/or context that might help you decide as there are just unlimited options for the next gun.

For example, I had the thought that if needed I'd want to be able pickup almost any gun and be able to quickly use it and diagnose issues, so train with the common actions and calibers.
That makes the case for DA/SA and revolver, have the most common calibers as well .22, 9mm, .40 (but it's nearly dead), .45, 10mm, Magnum calibers
For DA/SA, CZ Shadow 2 would be top notch, otherwise CZ 75 SP-01

Since, I've started defense training and also competition; dynamic shooting. Now every firearm has a purpose with the exception of a few "show" pieces, and I mostly buy ammo.

Maybe try out competition (if you don't already) which will change your perspective a bit and ultimately be more fun. Steel Challenge is perhaps the easiest barrier to entry.

Yes I am trying to narrow down a purpose. I enjoy trying new guns. So far the most I enjoy is shooting flatter handguns. I may try long precision shooting in the near future. TBH because of my schedule I may never enter competition.

 

[treelogger]

Buy a reloading press. You avoid additional taxes, background check fees, and get to shoot more often for less money.

For really common calibers like 9mm, 45 and .223, how many rounds does one have to shoot to save money with a reloading setup? And how many hours is one going to spend? One of our neighbors used to reload, but not for the savings (he was very wealthy), for the fun.

 

[Darqhelmet]

For really common calibers like 9mm, 45 and .223, how many rounds does one have to shoot to save money with a reloading setup? And how many hours is one going to spend? One of our neighbors used to reload, but not for the savings (he was very wealthy), for the fun.

So so so much. I’ve gotten into it twice over the years. The costs, plus time, plus quality never washed out for me. Only thing I find worthwhile is match centerfire and magnum rounds 44/357

Also prices of powder and finding primers can be an absolute nightmare at times.