I took a call from a new shooter a couple of days ago, someone who is just starting out and yet to actually own any firearms; There were many questions.
Most revolved around equipment: Safe's and storage, range gear, bags, cleaning kits and earpro plus firearms themselves. Now just to be clear I have been shooting for thirty years but it doesn't make me an expert on firearms...I mean, I'm not like those people who play video games then talk a big game around knowing all about the latest weapon systems or anything like that - That level of understanding stupid is hard to match.
Nope, I'm no expert, but I know some stuff about some stuff and feel qualified to have conversations like this one and to help people find clarity and make informed decisions.
Can you guess what these rounds are, the calibres? See below for a little competition I thought could be fun.
Considerations
The conversation turned towards which firearms may be suitable; A very important consideration and one that must be carefully measured well-prior to making an actual purchase to ensure the right decision is made.
What type of shooting will be done? Mainly range shooting at this stage as she doesn't have access to private properties to shoot on and, of course, her budget were discussed.
We also talked about whether she'll be reloading, [making her own ammunition like I do] and that was a resounding no, not yet Which is smart to be honest, it's a whole other thing and isn't cheap to set up - There's enough to know about firearms when starting up that I think this is something that can wait.
We talked about handguns, shotguns, rifles and the various types of rifles meaning centre fire or rim fire and how they may work for her, or not; Not every firearm is going to suit every person.
As part of that discussion was the various disciplines she may be able, or want to, shoot; Will she hunt, compete or shoot just for for fun? We discussed recoil issues, cost of ammunition and her frame in respect of what she may be able to handle as far as firearms go; She isn't a big person so there's little point in buying a firearm she simply cannot lift like my own long range guns - Just far too heavy for her.
There's actually a lot of considerations and no simple answers; It is all a compromise to be honest however the more it is thought over the better the choices will be when one is handing over the money.
I had let Mikayla shoot a lot of my guns when she was at the range with me a couple months ago and based on that she feels a handgun and rifle will start her off nicely. So there was a start and we began to narrow it down from there.
She won't be hunting, at least not initially and probably never, and is looking for shooting disciplines that are a little dynamic rather than simply standing on the shooting line popping rounds off at paper. Boring. She wants to run and gun. It was narrowing down.
The options
Eventually we came up with some possible options:
- 9mm handgun, probably CZ SP-01, a good all-round handgun that will allow her to shoot several different disciplines including run and gun IPSC matches.
or - .22 handgun also allowing her to shoot competitive disciplines but would means she can't run and gun in IPSC matches.
or - .22LR rifle which again would permit her to shoot a few competitions including a series I am personally involved in as an event organiser - A run and gun/precision shooting event. It's loads of fun and a very nice social environment rather than super-competitive.
or - .223 rifle which would mean she can shoot a match or two and possibly do a little hunting for small game should she decide that's what she wants to do.
Considering she wants a handgun and rifle we have to choose a combination that's going to match her needs plus keep her interested, provide different disciplines to shoot and room to grow. A decision hasn't been made just yet however I feel it's close and that the 9mm handgun and .22LR rifle will be the winning combination. I would agree with those being the right choices for her too, and most shooters starting out to be honest.
The rifle choice is because she likes the flexibility of being able to shoot static competitions from a shooting line plus the run and gun competition I host. It is a great calibre to learn the basics on through low noise and recoil, the ammunition is super-cheap and she will have the ability to hunt small game should she wish to - I don't think she'll do the latter, but the rifle will handle it if she does.
The 9mm handgun because she will be able to pick up a decent second hand unit, probably with the holster rig and additional magazines also, from someone upgrading or exiting the sport. There's always SP-01's on the used market. It provides more scope for usage than the .22 handgun also.
The cost
The .22LR rifle, assuming a new purchase, will cost about $650-$850 plus a scope at about the same cost. A bipod, a few extra magazines and gun bag might be another $300-$400 so around $2000 for a basic scoped rifle system. I would rather see her buy a slightly better scope so I'd say $2000-$2200 should cover it all.
The 9mm [SP-01] handgun, assuming a second hand purchase, will be about $1500 which should [may] include the holster rig and some additional magazines [I run six]. The CZ Shadow 2 like mine plus the holster rig and so on, would be about $3,200 so the second hand option is the way to go for a new shooter I think. She will almost certainly be able to sell it for close to what she has spent in time to come if she wants to upgrade.
There is a myriad of choices when it comes to selecting firearms and a lot of consideration needs to be taken to ensure money isn't wasted; I have seen so many buy on emotion only to find out they purchased the wrong thing - That's a very costly way to go, especially when buying new.
There's no real reason to rush into a purchase, in fact I often try to slow people down. They can use the [shitty] club guns and in Mikayla's case one of mine as I know her fairly well. It's a good way to go also as one will often get to shoot various guns at the range, try things on for size, so to speak. There's many out there who do not have that chance though and that's probably why the second hand market is so strong - One person's mistake is another person's gain!
If you're a shooter [I know, not many around here] what considerations did you take when thinking about your first, or any, firearms purchase? Did you buy on emotion, get hand-me-down firearms and so no choice, or did you put some careful consideration into it?
Also, there's bragging rights to be won if you can correctly name the calibres in the picture I took above. Start left to right and name them all for a big round of applause, and a little hive prize probably too. I mean the top image of the ammunition lined up here, not the firearms image.
Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default - Tomorrow isn't promised so be humble and kind
Discord: galenkp#9209
Track: A girl is a gun
Here's a couple of posts that explain the lead up to the conversation as above if you want perspective.
EDIT: 30 April 2021
Thanks to those who commented and had a guess at the calibres in the top image. No one got it 100 percent correct but there were some very good guesses...Clearly y'all know your calibres. I have transferred a little thank you for getting involved to @cmplxty, @bashadow, @smithlabs, @bdmillergallery, @ksteem and @prairiemtnman13 - Thanks for being good sports.
The calibres are: .50, .303, 6.5 creedmoor, .308, .243, .223, 9mm and .22LR
Reblog your posting dear friend
Thank you, I appreciate it.
Saw this the other day and thought of you. Does this sound dumb?
The rifles i don’t know too much but are you using .308 in the one with the bullet near the trigger? It looks a little too small to be .223. It could be 7.62x54 but I don’t know. The black gun with the small scope looks like my dads AR-15 which fires .223 so that could be for .223. I found a cool picture online with the different bullet types and sizes so I kept it, I try to keep those types of things as a way for me to slowly learn and get more familiar with them. The handguns, I think the first 2 are 9mm and the last one is that a .45? I don’t know if I’ve seen a .22 handgun so I don’t know how bulky it is but the last handgun looks like it packs a better punch than the 9mm does.
I suspected it was mikayla. That’s cool! She’s really getting into it which I think is cool. We need more like her honestly. The prices are a bit more than I thought but quality does cost more so that’s how that goes.
The gun I bought was off the secondary market. I don’t know if I’ll buy a brand new one until I get a lot more familiar with the things but the shop owner just got it in and wanted to sell it. I think I might have paid 300 for it? I don’t know. I’m not even sure how accurate it is, I hit the target quite a few times when I was using it and I felt it was pretty decent. The secondary market is where I’ll be though, I can’t afford brand new prices lol
Hmm...I'd need to see more data to agree or disagree with the details in that snap...I'm dubious but without more information it's difficult to say. I'm not sure how stable a projectile like that would be though, in flight.
Anyway...
No man, the image of the ammunition, not the guns...I'll edit the post and clarify.
I'm a buy once cry once sort of dude...Buying cheap anything will often result in repurchasing and that's costly. Yeah, Mikayla is getting into it...Quite funny really. I'm persuasive though. :)
There's nothing wrong with second hand guns provided they check out. It's a good way to go.
Anyway, see the image of the ammunition lined up...See if you can work them out.
First off my guess, and guess they are:
.50
.308
.30-30
.30-06
.270
.223
.9mm
.22
My favorite and most thought about gun purchase was my S&W 625 .45 ACP round. It had one purpose, shooting bowling pins off a table. I liked how fast it was to reload and how easy it was to pick the spent cartridges back up. I had a blast with that gun.
.45ACP is a legit calibre, an easy choice I think...Although, again, one that needs to be carefully considered.
OK, so you got five right but I'll not say which ones and which order yet.
Five is more than I expected, it has been a very long time since bullet hunting and making and shooting.
A good effort...Order was out a little, but still a good effort.
Thanks for the funds, it was fun trying to figure it out, .243 never even entered my head.
You're welcome...Just a little thank you is all. It was fun actually and I was really impressed with people's guesses. There's so many calibres, and projectiles, that calling them out like this can be hard. Everyone did great!
Thanks for the funds, it was fun trying to figure it out, .243 never even entered my head.
Have you done a post about the process of making your own ammunition? I'd love to see that set up. I'm not much of a gun guy but I've fired plenty and listened to friends show and talk about their guns until I start falling asleep haha
I've done several over the last four years actually...It's a very interesting process. I'll see if I can find something for you...Scrolling back through 2000 posts doesn't sound like a lot of fun though. Lol.
Hahahah no worries. That’s not up to you. If I want to find it, I gotta put in the work. I’ll take a look!
I did videos of each stage and all. Explanations of the process.
What platform did you use to upload the videos? That might make them easier for me to find
An old dead YouTube account. I still have them somewhere though.
Have her get an AR15 in .223 and she can get a 22lr bolt to use in the same gun, for less expdnsive practice. I like the 9mm.
You have a 50 bmg, 303 enfield. 6.5 grendel, 308, 22-250, .223, 9mm, and 22lr in the picture.
I am unhappy I don't have them all, LOL!
♡♡♡♡The AR15 isn't legal here.
Hmm, time will tell how close you were with the rounds. 😉
You need to fire more politicians! The AR-15 Is the most common rifle here. I have cad drawings for a 50 bmg bolt action rifle. Still collecting the steel needed to build it
Yeah, those buggers need addressing for sure...Running rampant like in other countries. We used to be able to have the AR15 and other semi-auto stuff until some dude shot and killed 35 people and wounded another 23 down in Port Arthur, Tasmania. It was on the 28–29 April 1996 as it turns out. 25 years ago today. And that's when firearm ownership changed in this country...Forever I'd say.
Your .50BMG...I'll buy one if you make two! Lol.
They provide the violence used to attack firearms from their cadre of unbalanced minions. With their ownership of the media, they then attack our Right to bear arms. Oddly enough, the reaction here is opposite of what they want; each time they pull this crap, gun sales go up!
We had an 'event' at a grade school that was totally staged. Thankfully, not a single child was harmed, evrn though they claimed many died! One of the 'murdered' children was seen on camera a few weeks later at a signing ceremony intended to 'protect' the children! It then Turned out that her Parents were hired actors, who cried on cue. When people began to demand to see the forensic evidence inside the school, they bulldozed the entire building
Originally, I intended to buy an AR15 every time they pulled feces like this, but I can't afford that many....
Three of these actors from the elementary school, showed up months later at the equally faked Boston bombing, used to violate Constututional guarantees against unreasonsble search!
A significant number of these attack are now being stopped by armed citizens, and with record gun sales, this trend will likely continue. People in general, no longer believe the new media, knowing that everything they say is propoganda.
Sadly, I don't believe this media taint is a local phenomenon, SMH!
>:(Wolfgang Halbig is an awesome man, I'll leave it at that if you know what I'm talking about!
Anyone who does not zgree with the MSM, is attacked and canceled these days.
I saw two males leave the back of the school, armed with hsndguns from a news helicopter feed when thus began. They claimed One only perp, and AR15 as the weapon. The second male was removed in the front seat of a police car, and they swore he never existed! I saw him removed on camera....
Then I saw empty ambulances turned away, and Zero bodies removed; it became an obvious false flag.
When the 'murdered' girl showed up in a group of children while Obama was signing an Executive order to 'protect the children', that didn't go anywhere, it was assured! What most people don't know is that Adolph Hitler had an almost identical picture taken in the 1930s, that resulted in firearm confiscation shortly after....
They worked very hard to paint Mr. Halbig out as a kook; a standard liberal response to different opinions!
But the facts are illuminating, and expose their lies by the light of truth.
:)>There is much will never know, and much that will change because of the behaviour of our governments. I just wonder if the changes will come in time.
I'm headed to the country to wait it out. ..and hope civilization survives! I plan too.
Meanwhile, I intend to push my politicians, very hard!!!!
>:(Nice collection G-Dog. I can't pass up an opportunity to guess at something like this. I love trying my eye at such things.. like guessing how many of whatever is in a jar. lol.
Okay.. here we go!
.22
9mm
.223
.220
.308
.338
30-06
.50
I no I don't have them all right, but hoping for a few at least.
Amen to this statement! If anyone reading this hears at least this much, the whole post was worth it.
Five right mate, pretty good effort.
Thanks yeah so many buy the wrong thing because they read it in a magazine or want a big gun because it will make them feel manly or whatever. Six months later it's on the used market and they've lost 35% of the outlay.
I kept going back and forth with a few..
.380 or 9mm
.300 or 30-06
.338, 7mm .. then my mind went to mush. You have the experience and training to name just about anything you see I bet.
I have something to share, for you to guess about. I will take a photo of it next to a 30-30 shell and see what you think. I am at work now, so it will have to wait till later on.
You did pretty well indeed. I'm not sure if I'd do better...Picking calibres can be so difficult. I'll give it a go but I'll probably get it wrong. I'll probably reveal the calibres tomorrow afternoon.
It is tough. But fun to try. Can't wait for the big reveal!!! lol
See the post, reveal made.
Wow.. Cool, I never would have guessed a couple of them. It's hard to see the slight differences.
I told you I had one to share with you, so here it is.. Promise not to laugh. I found it at a yard sale of all places! (Molly was a champ and posed next to the shell. She wasn't all that bothered by it either, surprisingly.)
First, A 30-30 Silver Tip next to a tube of ChapStick
Ready For It??? ..
What do you think?
Hehehahaha
Lol, good one. I agree good choices for a noob!
Here's my guesses, some are easy, a few may catch me.
... edit - and one of those should probably be a .243 since I know you have those laying around...
I'm not sure if I should call it five or six right Kris. Based on your list it's five. Based on the whole comment six, the most yet.
I'll reveal it tomorrow.
I think the two firearms I feel will be selected are pretty suitable. Sure, the SP-01 may end up being some other handgun, a Tanfoglio perhaps, depending on what may be available at time of purchase but I think the calibre choices are right.
I don't know about over there, but over here firearms are almost as scarce as ammo. I went through 3 different choices on my .22-250 that I bought, and it took me months of trying. Yes, I suppose I was a bit picky on my options, but still. Yes, first decision for me is always caliber, and then I have my favorite weapons in each caliber category.
Looking forward to the reveal!
I've not looked to purchase for a while myself but yes, there is a lot of sorry can't supply that going around. Maybe not as much as up your way though I think. You folks would have demands for different things than we do due to our restrictions.
Reveal today. 😊
.50
.30-06
6.5
308
.243
.223
9mm
22lr
See the post, reveal made.:)
dang only got 1 wrong the 303
You did very well indeed! Yeah, that .303 got you.
Are Ruger 10/22's illegal in your country? $2K for a beginner 22LR seems super expensive to me. A price tag like that would have kept me out of the hobby. If I was making a recommendation to a friend, I'd recommend the 10/22 takedown. That's usually around $400-600 online.
For my first purchase I went cheap. I wasn't sure if it was going to be a hobby that I'd enjoy. The Taurus G2C was my first gun. I spent a lot of time checking reviews, but price was one of my biggest considerations. I stepped things up a little bit after my first purchase, but I mostly went for bargains on /r/gundeals.
For a 22LR pistol, the Taurus TX-22 Competition is looking sweet. My standard TX-22 is my favorite range toy. It's so much fun to shoot! The optics-ready version with improved barrel looks great!
The 10/22 is regulated here and this shooter will not have the ability to purchase one. As far as price goes for a .22LR, I don't know where you are and what the exchange rates may be but here that's what it is. The $2000 covers the rifle, scope, bipod, bag, additional magazine or two etc. as per the post text. The rifle itself will only be $600-$850 and the scope that much again. Keep in mind this is AUD so in USD for instance the total price of $2000AUD is $1556 at todays rate.
Ahhh, the .303 ! I knew I had seen that round and it was familiar, just couldn't quite place it. First thought .375 but knew it wasn't big enough. Great selection and enjoyed the game.
It's not one people see a lot I guess. Was a bit of fun anyway and and I reckon people did pretty well.
My Dad had an old bolt action British Enfield .303. It was good a shooter, but heavy with a full surround wooden forearm. My brother ended up with it, and still in good shape. Many days playing with those old rounds in my younger days.
I have an SMLE from WWI...Still shoots although I sort of squint a little...Just in case it blows up and takes my face of...Squinting will make all the difference you know. Lol.
I have the bayonet too...Evil combination, fun to shoot.
The 303 Enfield is one if my Son's favorite rifles. They are easy to find over here, shoot well, and are ballistically like a 30-30, or 7.62 x 39.
♡♡♡♡I just like the feel of their bolt. Longer than many of the current ones, but had a good feel to it. A great short to mid-range rifle. My first rifle to take deer hunting as a youngster. I think maybe my Dad just wanted to wear me out lugging that thing around!
Always good to wear kids out, LOL! It is smooth in operation, and you always know where the bolt is in it's cycle. I have picked up several that have been abused by people with little talent for forearm modification, for free. I'm thinking of restoration but one may just be parts, they deserve better!
They are a classic firearm, and a good hunting rifle.
♡♡♡♡