Hello all,
I'm thinking about buying a gun from a friend...long story short: I am working on building a little collection, my friend needs the money (living on social security after going bankrupt because his gunshop folded), and I'll get a fair price. *But* I don't just want to buy a "fun gun"...I'd like something with a practical use as well.
The options to choose from are a Mossberg 17hmr, a single-shot 410, a fancy-ish Ruger 10/22 with an expensive stock, and a Ruger Mini-14. I already have an AR, so the Mini doesn't make much sense to me at this point. I'm also not that interested in the 410 at the moment. I have a Marlin Model 60 that shoots as well as I do, so the 10/22 isn't a priority, plus I'd like to have the gun out in the woods with me, and I don't want to worry about getting a squirrel and rabbit gun banged up.
So, that leaves me with the 17hmr. I do have a Model 60 for plinking and small-game hunting, but would the new gun add much that I'm not getting with the 22lr? I assume it'd have more range, but I also don't want to be wasting meat by blowing up half a squirrel if I hit a little far back.
Any feedback greatly appreciated!
I'm thinking about buying a gun from a friend...long story short: I am working on building a little collection, my friend needs the money (living on social security after going bankrupt because his gunshop folded), and I'll get a fair price. *But* I don't just want to buy a "fun gun"...I'd like something with a practical use as well.
The options to choose from are a Mossberg 17hmr, a single-shot 410, a fancy-ish Ruger 10/22 with an expensive stock, and a Ruger Mini-14. I already have an AR, so the Mini doesn't make much sense to me at this point. I'm also not that interested in the 410 at the moment. I have a Marlin Model 60 that shoots as well as I do, so the 10/22 isn't a priority, plus I'd like to have the gun out in the woods with me, and I don't want to worry about getting a squirrel and rabbit gun banged up.
So, that leaves me with the 17hmr. I do have a Model 60 for plinking and small-game hunting, but would the new gun add much that I'm not getting with the 22lr? I assume it'd have more range, but I also don't want to be wasting meat by blowing up half a squirrel if I hit a little far back.
Any feedback greatly appreciated!