What should gun #2 be?

J

Jasper616

New member
So I have been shooting for about a year now. My 1st gun was a S&W 686P. I love that thing and am pretty good with it. I'm starting to think about #2. Since I don't know much I am looking for recommendations. Should I get another revolver or should I try a semi automatic? In addition I am thinking about a Remington 870 to add to my home protection equipment list....

Let me know your thoughts and what models to look at.
 
The 870 for HD isnt a bad choice,but needn't be top priority since you have a handgun if needed.
If you shoot alot and go to the range often you have to own a .22lr its a law in 23 states.
I suggest Browning Buckmark .22 or a S&W .22a if money is an issue.
Add a $30 red dot sight and my S&W is doing 2" groups with 10 rounds at 75' and thats with bulk ammo.
My only wish is i can someday soon go into the woods and be able to shoot at anything besides paper,i miss living in the country where i could shoot out my back door.
 
442?

Did you think about the S&W 442 or 438 (exchange a 6xx if you like it in chrome) good J frame pistol and the backup weapon of choice for a lot of current and former cops. Great at short range and a light pocket pistol.
 
It depends on what function you want gun #2 to perform. If you would like to carry it, then you need to go small. If you are comfortable with revolvers, a Smith 642 may be good. I carry mine everyday. If you are not going to carry, and want a fun range gun, I agree with the above; a 22 is the answer - perhaps a Ruger 22/45 or traditional Mk III.

Agreed, an 870 is cool. I own one myself. But I would probably get another handgun first - but that's just me.
 
One cannot be a gun aficionado without a 1911 in their collection. A fair amount of people that buy a 1911 enjoy it so much, they usually buy more 1911's and, there are more than just a few web sites and forums dedicated to the 1911 platform. Even 'revolver guys' have at least one 1911 in their collection (at least everyone that I know.)
 
Handguns in general, are bought in matching pairs. Gun number two should be an exact copy of gun number one.

Now gun number three should be what ever tickles your fancy right now, at this moment in time. If its another handgun, see above, as it will now be three and four.

This really is a very vicious disease, and will only get worse, and you will never be satisfied, so you might as well get used to it now, and get it out of the way. Hey, its only the kids college fund, and they're still young yet. Oh, screw it, let them fend for themselves! (trust me on that part, they will actually come out for the better in the long run if you dont cater to them, and you'll save bunches of money for more guns) Go for the SMG's next! Talk about addiction!! :)

While the above sounds a little silly, its really not all that far from the truth, and I do really buy my handguns in pairs, so I have an exact spare to practice with and rotate out, but thats me. Since you have the revolver, I'd look at one of the better brand name autos that catches your eye and feels good in your hand. Then double them up. :)

Personally, I think handguns are better than shotguns for use indoors. They are a lot easier to maneuver with and hold onto in close quarters and you tend to practice with them more too. Nothing wrong with one in a static, hold out location along with your handgun though. A nice little AK or AR is even better yet.

See, I told you it was an addiction. :)
 
You mention the S&W 1911,still consider a .22 and you will know why after just 1 range trip.
Back to the 1911,S&W make a nice 1911.But for the money look at a Dan Wesson 1911.They are about the same price and quality even,but a DW has a look ive not seen from guns in its price range.
 
My #1 a ruger security six 4 in 357 mag .In 1976 still have it # 2 ruger blackhawk 357.mag .
 
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So I have been shooting for about a year now. My 1st gun was a S&W 686P. I love that thing and am pretty good with it. I'm starting to think about #2. Since I don't know much I am looking for recommendations. Should I get another revolver or should I try a semi automatic?
Click to expand...

Wherever you want to go, bud. Nothing says you have to have a "balanced collection".

What needs do you have to cover? What do you want to do?
 
Given that you already own a revolver, I would recommend picking up a semi-auto pistol. In addition, if you've fired off enough .357 Mag rounds through your current weapon (and feel good about the results), I might consider stepping in to the .45ACP.

Now, if your primary concern is for HD, well...IMHO the 12 gauge shotgun is hard to beat. However, if you plan on shooting quite often then the .45ACP might be the best bet.

But again, if you are strictly concerned about HD duty for your next gun, the 12 gauge shotgun might be the best choice; particularly if you do not intend on bothering with CC when it comes to your next gun.
 
Get a .22

Revolver or semi auto, your choice. You already have a defensive handgun, so that's covered for now. Get a .22. .22LR is still the cheapest ammo, and so you will be able to shoot a lot more (and get more practice shooting) for the cost of a single box of centerfire ammo.

I would look at a used gun, as an even further cost savings. It takes a lot to wear a gun out (although they do sometimes break), so if it hasn't been abused, a used gun is usually a pretty good deal. Look at things like the overall finish, the screw heads (buggered up screws are a clear indication somebody was taking it apart without the right tools, and if they did that, who knows what else they did inside it!)

Honest wear is not a deal killer, but an abused gun isn't usually worth the trouble.
 
You have a big-bore revolver. Now you need:
  • A .22 cal revolver. I recommend the Ruger Single Six, without reservation. Comes with both .22 and .22 WMR cylinders. A riot to shoot. I should shoot mine more often.
  • A big-bore auto-loader. I'm partial to Sig Sauer and Glock. Hard to make a recommendation here, tho few have gone wrong with the Glock G19 or Sig P229
  • A 22 cal. auto-loader. I'm partial to the Ruger Mk. II. Many are happy with their Browning Buck Marks. I've read good things about the Beretta 87 Cheetah if you want to go top drawer.
  • A big-bore rifle. Can't make model recommendation. List is too long. But I am partial to the .308 Winchester round.
  • A .22 cal. rifle. Can't beat either the Ruger 10/22 if you want an auto-loader, or the Ruger 10/77 if you want a bolt gun.
  • A shotgun. Hard to say, here. Get a pump if you want capacity and reliability. The Remington 870 kind of rules, here. Get a semi-auto if you want capacity and speed. Can't make a recommendation. Get an over/under or side-by-side if you're going to be shooting clays. SKB is a good value.
That ought to give you something to think about :)
 
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