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

[aardvark9]

A quality SA/DA would complement the collection nicely--Beretta 92, CZ 75/Shadow, Sig P226, etc. On the 22lr, I recently shot a Volquartsen Black Mamba, now I can't get that out of my head. As others have suggested, a .357 wheel gun would be great.

 

[chiroken007]

like 92fs?

Yes that is a great gun . Some don’t like that the decocker/safety are on the slide for ergonomics. Other options could be Sig 226, 229, CZ’s such as 75BD, PCR, P-01, Shadow 2 Carry, and HK pistols like P2000 and P30

 

[CadeH]

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.

 

[socalgunowner909]

Also, I'm thinking of getting a .357 hand cannon in the next few years, maybe saving up for a S&W performance center edition.

I’d get an older one if you can find one. Just saying. Performance center are nice. But not what it used to be in my opinion.

 

[john_marsten_1873]

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.

 

[Sheepdog1968]

You have plenty of pistols at this point. I’d suggest taking some proper firearms training classes such as Thunder Ranch, Gunsite, ITTS Tactical, etc. They will give you good solid skills. After that, I’d find some USPSA classes where you get to move and shoot. That type of shooting is fun. Of all the other shooting stuff I do, getting a shotgun (did it for many many years with just a boring Mossberg 500 and 28” barrel) and shooting either trap or sporting clays is the most fun I’ve had of all of the shooting things I’ve done. You yell pull, the clay goes flying by (or rolling on the ground), you swing your shotgun pull trigger. Bam. Clay gets smashed. Instant satisfaction.

 

[Gawernator]

Definitely need a sexy German compact for your CCW like the Walther PDP Compact or a HK VP9A1 K. They have a $250 rebate right now

Can't go wrong with a Sig P226 and the MK25 is on roster and the scorpion. One of the best handguns all around ever made.

 

[chiroken007]

 

[Joker67]

Maybe instead of buying more guns, you could take classes to get proficient and make the guns you have even more fun to shoot. Shotgun classes are a hoot, competition and defensive pistol classes are a hoot. You may enjoy that even more than buying more guns. Shooting guns is fun, getting good at shooting guns is also fun.

 

[treelogger]

My suggestion is less about what gun to buy next, but what to do with them. I would suggest competing a little bit. Shooting with other people, learning from them, comparing how good you are, getting better.

• A good starting point is a static (line at the benches of a shooting range) competition.
• There are various disciplines there, but the one I participated in was not too formal (Monday Night Shooting League at Reed's Indoor Range in San Jose): From 7 to 25 yards, rimfire or centerfire, optic or not, two courses of fire (slow-fire and rapid).
• The next logical step is more formal and difficult competition, like PPC, Steel, and the various "run and shoot" disciplines like IPSC and USPSA.
• There is also olympic style (air pistol and rimfire) shooting, which uses bizarre looking guns, and seems (to my limited skill) extremely difficult.
• Cowboy action shooting: Dress up like a cowboy, get some single-action pistols (usually a pair) and a lever-action rifle, get a really nice hat, and go out there pretending to be from the Wild West of 150 years ago. I've never even watched or attended a match, but the people who are into this stuff love it. Like cosplay with like ammo.
• In rifle shooting, the sky is the limit, there are so many options. Ranging from a bunch of old guys with bad eyes shooting at a 100 yard range (that would be my speed) to long-range and super accurate competitions (hit a dime with a 22 and 200 yards kind of stuff).
• And the most fun (but also the most time-consuming and expensive) is clay shooting. Only works if you can find a nice clay range with a good bunch of people nearby.
• There are other bizarre disciplines. A friend with a serious horse hobby does "cowboy mounted shooting" competitions: To protect the hearing of the horses and the health of spectators, they use single-action 45 pistols (loaded with powderpuff loads and wax bullets?), and shoot at balloons, WHILE MOVING AT HIGH SPEED. Seems insane, but might be fun.

Have fun!

 

[Deleted member 25187]

A few years ago I bought a Glock 19 during the pandemic and only took it to an indoor range twice. At the time I thought the recoil was pretty strong and everything was just loud, so I never really got into shooting.

That changed around March this year. I went to a shooting experience where I got to try more than 10 different guns, and that was when I really started getting interested in firearms as a hobby.

At first I was actually most interested in .22s. The P322 was probably my favorite because it had the feel of a regular handgun, almost no recoil, and was just really fun to shoot. After that I started wanting to try and own different types of guns instead of just sticking with one category. My first few were all bought new, then I found CAguns and started picking up some used guns through PPT as well.

Right now I have:

• SIG P322
• Browning Buck Mark
• SIG P365XL
• Springfield Echelon 4.5F
• SIG P320 X5 Legion
• Fusion XP Pro
• Ruger 10/22
• Maverick 88
• Anderson AR15
• Ruger American .308

At this point I feel like I have most of the basic guns/categories covered, and now I'm not really sure what direction to go next.

I've also figured out that I enjoy handguns quite a bit more than shotguns, and I'm not really into antique or historical guns. My budget isn't Atlas-level, but if something is interesting and worth trying, I'm open to it. I also tend to prefer things that aren't too difficult to sell later if I decide they're not for me.

For those of you who have been in the hobby longer, what would you try next from here?

I would suggest instead of spending money on guns spend money on ammo and training. Practice drawing from IWB or OWB with a conceal carry gun of your choice like your Sig P365xl and getting comfortable and proficient in a self defense scenario. Another good place to start is using your 10/22 to take some rifle marksmanship classes. I highly suggest Project Appleseed. It is a two day event through a non-profit organization that is dedicated to teaching the fundamentals of creating riflemen.

 

[Indian valley headhunter]

A few years ago I bought a Glock 19 during the pandemic and only took it to an indoor range twice. At the time I thought the recoil was pretty strong and everything was just loud, so I never really got into shooting.

That changed around March this year. I went to a shooting experience where I got to try more than 10 different guns, and that was when I really started getting interested in firearms as a hobby.

At first I was actually most interested in .22s. The P322 was probably my favorite because it had the feel of a regular handgun, almost no recoil, and was just really fun to shoot. After that I started wanting to try and own different types of guns instead of just sticking with one category. My first few were all bought new, then I found CAguns and started picking up some used guns through PPT as well.

Right now I have:

• SIG P322
• Browning Buck Mark
• SIG P365XL
• Springfield Echelon 4.5F
• SIG P320 X5 Legion
• Fusion XP Pro
• Ruger 10/22
• Maverick 88
• Anderson AR15
• Ruger American .308

At this point I feel like I have most of the basic guns/categories covered, and now I'm not really sure what direction to go next.

I've also figured out that I enjoy handguns quite a bit more than shotguns, and I'm not really into antique or historical guns. My budget isn't Atlas-level, but if something is interesting and worth trying, I'm open to it. I also tend to prefer things that aren't too difficult to sell later if I decide they're not for me.

For those of you who have been in the hobby longer, what would you try next from here?

Stop buying stuff. Get professional instruction. Not YouTube. From professionals. Master the fundamentals. My $.02

 

[cfculler]

I’m actually looking at a S&W 686

nice man! i have a 686 and a colt python, and i love them both. either would be a phenomenal first revolver.

 

[Gawernator]

Stop buying stuff. Get professional instruction. Not YouTube. From professionals. Master the fundamentals. My $.02

Even better, do both!

 

[Colt Collector]

A few years ago I bought a Glock 19 during the pandemic and only took it to an indoor range twice. At the time I thought the recoil was pretty strong and everything was just loud, so I never really got into shooting.

That changed around March this year. I went to a shooting experience where I got to try more than 10 different guns, and that was when I really started getting interested in firearms as a hobby.

At first I was actually most interested in .22s. The P322 was probably my favorite because it had the feel of a regular handgun, almost no recoil, and was just really fun to shoot. After that I started wanting to try and own different types of guns instead of just sticking with one category. My first few were all bought new, then I found CAguns and started picking up some used guns through PPT as well.

Right now I have:

• SIG P322
• Browning Buck Mark
• SIG P365XL
• Springfield Echelon 4.5F
• SIG P320 X5 Legion
• Fusion XP Pro
• Ruger 10/22
• Maverick 88
• Anderson AR15
• Ruger American .308

At this point I feel like I have most of the basic guns/categories covered, and now I'm not really sure what direction to go next.

I've also figured out that I enjoy handguns quite a bit more than shotguns, and I'm not really into antique or historical guns. My budget isn't Atlas-level, but if something is interesting and worth trying, I'm open to it. I also tend to prefer things that aren't too difficult to sell later if I decide they're not for me.

For those of you who have been in the hobby longer, what would you try next from here?

What happened to your Glock 19? There are ways to make it run a lot nicer.
Eventually I suggest you get a Shadow 2. Send it to Cajun Gun Works for a pro package or learn to do it yourself with their parts. I've had some very nice guns that I eventually sold because the Shadow 2 runs so great for the money.

 

[gorgothmog]

If you're competitive and love tinkering and tuning your guns you should get into airsoft.

 

[miles888]

Build an AR from a stripped lower and upper so you have a rifle that truly yours.

 

[RustyIron]

All these responses are interesting. Everyone has a different answer. Not all of them are for me, but it just shows there's always something new to do for those with inquisitive minds.

 

[tomrkba]

Instead of buying “more”, take that SIG P365XL and go to defensive handgun training. Make sure it’s a 1-2 day course.

Go to an Appleseed, which is a low cost way to acquire rifle skills. Then attend Gunsite’s hunting course with your 308.

 

[tomrkba]

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.