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The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
Shotgun or rifle?
- Thread starter Asha'man
- Start date
it means that a remington 700 bolt action is a long-range, high powered rifle for hunting or sniping. it is not intended for quick follow-ups or defensive purposes.
a tricked-out 870 is a short range, very intimidating defensive weapon w/ very limited sporting and extended range utility.
a bushmaster shorty is a medium range, not terribly accurate, defensive weapon in a caliber capable of hunting application but not the best choice.
the latter two are used for entirely different purposes than the former.
a tricked-out 870 is a short range, very intimidating defensive weapon w/ very limited sporting and extended range utility.
a bushmaster shorty is a medium range, not terribly accurate, defensive weapon in a caliber capable of hunting application but not the best choice.
the latter two are used for entirely different purposes than the former.
Add to this the fact that you WILL NEED good optics to eek out the accuracy potential of the 700... these can easily cost as much as the rifle. Then you need to consider that for the best groups you will want to use match grade ammo (read: $$$) or roll your own.
Even then... will you want to keep the rifle stock or add a good glass bedding job... a trigger tune up? How about replacing the stock?
A long way from your original choices is right. The 700 is a great rifle in the hands of an experienced rifleman, but not necessarily something you would want to start out with as a first rifle.
I would actually recommend a good .22 LR plinker as a starter rifle but a Bushmaster would be 'close enough'and very cool to boot.
Even then... will you want to keep the rifle stock or add a good glass bedding job... a trigger tune up? How about replacing the stock?
A long way from your original choices is right. The 700 is a great rifle in the hands of an experienced rifleman, but not necessarily something you would want to start out with as a first rifle.
I would actually recommend a good .22 LR plinker as a starter rifle but a Bushmaster would be 'close enough'and very cool to boot.
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- Jan 22, 2001
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Good job, fellas - you talked me out of it in two posts. 
Not that it took much...I was merely considering it as an option I hadn't thought of before.
Now, though, it looks like I might be replacing my current car, so the gun would wait for at least a month for consideration anyway.
I've pretty much decided that a Bushmaster would be awesome, if I could find one for the right price, and if not then possibly the shotgun.
What are the benefits of buying a weapon at a gunstore, rather than someplace like Wal-Mart? Do they usually offer service and stuff on firearms that they sell?
Ash
Not that it took much...I was merely considering it as an option I hadn't thought of before. Now, though, it looks like I might be replacing my current car, so the gun would wait for at least a month for consideration anyway.
I've pretty much decided that a Bushmaster would be awesome, if I could find one for the right price, and if not then possibly the shotgun.What are the benefits of buying a weapon at a gunstore, rather than someplace like Wal-Mart? Do they usually offer service and stuff on firearms that they sell?
Ash
- Joined
- Dec 16, 2000
- Messages
- 2,044
The benefits of a gunshop are that they will have more selection, more parts and accessories, and might do some work for free if you buy from them, like scope mounting, etc. Major retailers will be cheaper, because they buy direct from the manufacturer, a gunshop has to buy from a distributer, so they have an extra step and expense. Also, you won't be finding a Bushmaster at Walmart.
If you buy an AR, try and get a Colt and whatever you get, make it a flat top upper. Before I get flamed, I know people have had good luck with others, but Colts are generally more reliable. As for putting one together, all parts are technically the same spec; but, parts guns can be problematic. Unless you know an armorer to solve any problems, just buy a complete rifle or at least an assembled upper and lower.
As for shotguns, my advice would be don't bother, just keep saving for a rifle. Yes, shotguns can use different ammo, yes they are intimidating and can cause massive damage. They also don't hold much ammo, regular slugs aren't terribly accurate at less than 100 yds and totally inaccurate beyond that, and you can miss your target with a shot load. You'll shoot an AR a lot more than you'll want to shoot that 12ga.
If you buy an AR, try and get a Colt and whatever you get, make it a flat top upper. Before I get flamed, I know people have had good luck with others, but Colts are generally more reliable. As for putting one together, all parts are technically the same spec; but, parts guns can be problematic. Unless you know an armorer to solve any problems, just buy a complete rifle or at least an assembled upper and lower.
As for shotguns, my advice would be don't bother, just keep saving for a rifle. Yes, shotguns can use different ammo, yes they are intimidating and can cause massive damage. They also don't hold much ammo, regular slugs aren't terribly accurate at less than 100 yds and totally inaccurate beyond that, and you can miss your target with a shot load. You'll shoot an AR a lot more than you'll want to shoot that 12ga.
I'll second that buying from a local gunshop is a good way to support the good guys, providing that the crew working at the shop is nice. If they are, it's certainly worth spending some extra cash there. Wallyworld has had some... er... inconsistencies in dealing with those who love firearms. And yeah, as mentioned, you are not going to find anything close to an AR there.
The biggest bonus is that the place you buy it from (again, if they are cool folk) will take time out to help you learn about your rifle, give you tips, maybe throw in a box of ammo, stuff like that. Plus, next time you want to buy something, you can go there and check out their selection and they will be more apt to let you oogle over their wares. It's a good idea to build a solid rapport with a local gunshop that has friendly staff. If something goes wrong with your rifle, they might help do a minor fix or they may ship back to manufacturer and not charge a FFL fee (for example).
Just some thoughts. Of course if you find a smoking deal online (read $250 off the local bottom line), you can use them to transfer the weapon and buy all your goodies (sling, bag, AMMO) from them too. The more they get to know you, you will have more negotiation room, etc. as well.
IMO it's a VERY GOOD idea to support the little, nice guy in the world of firearms. Good luck.
The biggest bonus is that the place you buy it from (again, if they are cool folk) will take time out to help you learn about your rifle, give you tips, maybe throw in a box of ammo, stuff like that. Plus, next time you want to buy something, you can go there and check out their selection and they will be more apt to let you oogle over their wares. It's a good idea to build a solid rapport with a local gunshop that has friendly staff. If something goes wrong with your rifle, they might help do a minor fix or they may ship back to manufacturer and not charge a FFL fee (for example).
Just some thoughts. Of course if you find a smoking deal online (read $250 off the local bottom line), you can use them to transfer the weapon and buy all your goodies (sling, bag, AMMO) from them too. The more they get to know you, you will have more negotiation room, etc. as well.
IMO it's a VERY GOOD idea to support the little, nice guy in the world of firearms. Good luck.
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- Jan 22, 2001
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- 897
Those are good points that I hadn't thought of. I wasn't thinking of the AR at Walmart, just a shotgun or bolt rifle.
How well do most dealers appreciate FFL transfers from online? Is the transfer fee worth it, or do they sometimes get kinda pissed that you didn't buy the gun from them?
Ash
How well do most dealers appreciate FFL transfers from online? Is the transfer fee worth it, or do they sometimes get kinda pissed that you didn't buy the gun from them?
Ash
- Joined
- Dec 16, 2000
- Messages
- 2,044
My local guy doesn't seem to mind transferring guns. After all, if he doesn't someone else will and he will lose the transfer fee. I've also been going to his shop for years, so he knows he can count on my business. There is no set fee for transfer, it's whatever the FFL holder wants to charge, but in my area $20 is the most you could expect to pay.
$20 or so is the norm around here as well. Some more, some less if you know them.
The biggest thing is to go in and check them out. Ask them what their fee is to transfer a rifle. If you find a good deal and jump on it, let them know it's coming. They will then have to fax of physically mail a copy of their federal firearms license (FFL) to the other dealer with an FFL. This way the transaction gets recorded in both books that each entity is required to keep to be able to in business dealing firearms.
I'm not sure if individual states vary, for example, if a private seller can sell a rifle across state lines to a buyer without an FFL. I've been told a lot of things but it's best to check laws and make sure you play it by the books (hah).
The bottom line is that the local store will get money for the transaction for essentially recording your name in the book they are required to keep. Plus, if you use the money that you save on gear or ammo from their store, they will be stoked too.
I think the thing is that people are so worried about getting good deals on firearms that the local stores have to be pretty close to each other. I was told by a place I used to frequent that they generally make $15 to $50 per sale, depending. That's not very much considering employee pay, upkeep and insurance unless you move a lot of weapons. The profit is made on more frequent day to day stuff like targets, ammo, stuff like that. At least so I was told.
Don't forget too that you will really want to shoulder the given weapon that you are considering purchasing. This is where the local guy comes in handy.
Just some thoughts. Could be wrong.
The biggest thing is to go in and check them out. Ask them what their fee is to transfer a rifle. If you find a good deal and jump on it, let them know it's coming. They will then have to fax of physically mail a copy of their federal firearms license (FFL) to the other dealer with an FFL. This way the transaction gets recorded in both books that each entity is required to keep to be able to in business dealing firearms.
I'm not sure if individual states vary, for example, if a private seller can sell a rifle across state lines to a buyer without an FFL. I've been told a lot of things but it's best to check laws and make sure you play it by the books (hah).
The bottom line is that the local store will get money for the transaction for essentially recording your name in the book they are required to keep. Plus, if you use the money that you save on gear or ammo from their store, they will be stoked too.
I think the thing is that people are so worried about getting good deals on firearms that the local stores have to be pretty close to each other. I was told by a place I used to frequent that they generally make $15 to $50 per sale, depending. That's not very much considering employee pay, upkeep and insurance unless you move a lot of weapons. The profit is made on more frequent day to day stuff like targets, ammo, stuff like that. At least so I was told.
Don't forget too that you will really want to shoulder the given weapon that you are considering purchasing. This is where the local guy comes in handy.
Just some thoughts. Could be wrong.
- Joined
- Oct 6, 2000
- Messages
- 567
Mossberg 500 Persuader ($270)
Accessories:
- heat shield ($20)
- 6 shot side saddle carrier ($20)
- mini-mag lite mounted under the barrel ($7)
- red LED light mounted on the right side of the barrel (for sh*ts and giggles)
I LOVE this gun..I've been obessed with shotguns for as long as I can remember. It's raw destructive power is incredible and impressive. There are many things I still want to do to this gun, including adding a pistol grip shoulder stock and a SureFire flashlight.
Everyone says the Remington 870...bah. It's classic, that's for sure, and IMO that's where everyone is getting there opinions from. In order to equal the 7+1 capacity I have in my Mossberg, Remington owners are forced to buy mag. extensions. They are the same price roughly...IMO, Mossberg is higher quality.
Compared to a rifle?
Shotgun is cheaper, that's for sure. Gun is cheaper (even modded), ammo is much cheaper....Just like you, I'm 18 and I also want to get a 'tricked out' Bushmaster someday
. Red dot site, SureFire light, laser sight...booyah.Anymore questions/comments, PM me and I will be happy to answer.
Warthog
SharpBits
Gold Member
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- Apr 26, 2002
- Messages
- 4,666
Hey, don't forget to look at good used guns at the local shops. I bought a used Mossberg that looked new for only $179. In my area I have seen them range from $129 to ~$200 for field guns. Used 590's for around $299. Remingtons are going to be more, but still less than new.
You may also want to consider the new Armalite AR-180B. Looks to be a winner for $650 SRP. If you can find one...
-SB
You may also want to consider the new Armalite AR-180B. Looks to be a winner for $650 SRP. If you can find one...
-SB
- Joined
- Oct 6, 2000
- Messages
- 567
lol Ash
I'm here to help
Yes, that's the same gun but with the shoulder stock and 2 pics of the included pistol grip.
Looking for a used one is a good idea...even if it shows wear, who cares....your pump action will carve straight lines in the blueing from use in a short period of time anyway.
Just incase you get one...
I bought all my stuff from here.
Heat shield
The stock I would get (friend has one for his...great stock, even if it's cheap)
My invented way to cheaply attach my mini-mag and LED light - scope rings
They work VERY well...can't even tell they are scope rings. I put a layer of electrical tape on the inside so it wouldn't scratch the barrel.
Warthog
I'm here to help
Yes, that's the same gun but with the shoulder stock and 2 pics of the included pistol grip.
Looking for a used one is a good idea...even if it shows wear, who cares....your pump action will carve straight lines in the blueing from use in a short period of time anyway.
Just incase you get one...
I bought all my stuff from here.
Heat shield
The stock I would get (friend has one for his...great stock, even if it's cheap)
My invented way to cheaply attach my mini-mag and LED light - scope rings
They work VERY well...can't even tell they are scope rings
. I put a layer of electrical tape on the inside so it wouldn't scratch the barrel.Warthog
- Joined
- Sep 6, 2002
- Messages
- 26
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2001
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- 897
That's a cool site for the shotgun stuff, Warthog. I must admit I hadn't thought of hitting pawn shops. If I wanted to put the pistol grip stock, heat shield, sidesaddle carrier, etc. on a 500 or 870, while keeping the barrel length, I'd still be able to hunt birds with it, right?
That's the main qualifier in this decision - practicality/versatility. If I get a shotgun and trick it out to the point where I won't be able to hunt with it, it's not gonna do me much good except to "have". The rifle at least I could hunt with, maybe varmints or small game, in addition to plinking somewhere. The shotgun, though, unless it was still practical for bird hunting, would be pretty much useless.
That pistol-grip shoulder stock of yours, Warthog, has really leaned me toward the shotgun.....
More pics, maybe? Someone? Anyone?
Ash
That's the main qualifier in this decision - practicality/versatility. If I get a shotgun and trick it out to the point where I won't be able to hunt with it, it's not gonna do me much good except to "have". The rifle at least I could hunt with, maybe varmints or small game, in addition to plinking somewhere. The shotgun, though, unless it was still practical for bird hunting, would be pretty much useless.
That pistol-grip shoulder stock of yours, Warthog, has really leaned me toward the shotgun.....
More pics, maybe? Someone? Anyone?
Ash
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- Oct 6, 2000
- Messages
- 567
Oh sure you can hunt with it! I don't know about REAL game bird hunting where a long barrel and tight choke are a necessity, though...I don't think I'd shoot a squirrel beyond 20-25 yards or so with #6-7 birdshot. BUT someone I knew had an adjustable choke put on their gun by a gunsmith, adds a couple inchs to your gun obviously but would really tighten up your groupings for hunting. I read somewhere that the shot from a 'tactical shotgun' (like mine) with a 20" barrel and cylinder choke, expands 1" every yard it travels. At 25yds, that's about 2' of spread...#7 shot has...around 350+/- pellets in it...ok I guess you'd be able to kill a squirrel or blue jay size creature at that range, you be the judge. As I said, you can always get an adjustable choke put on it.
Warthog
Warthog
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- Oct 6, 2000
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- 567
Oh, BTW this is the product stw showed above...
http://www.knoxx.com/product/sidewinder.html
I really don't see the point of it...10+1 rounds of 12ga. ammo is slightly overkill. I like overkill but unless you NEED to shoot all 11rnds in one string, there is no point...with my 6 shot carrier (there is also a 4 shot, btw), I can quickly keep feeding rounds into my magazine in between shots. That means I effectively have 14 rnds at my disposal. The "Sidewinder" also adds a ton of weight and will cost you MUCHO $$$.
My ultimate goal for a shotgun is SPAS-12 selectable semi-auto/pump 12ga. I've heard you can get one of these used for $350 or so...It's a very beefy shotgun and requires regular more maintenance to keep it clean and fully operational. The Mossberg requires very little...still a very cool looking shotgun.
http://www.securityarms.com/20010315/galleryfiles/1200/1246.htm
http://www.securityarms.com/20010315/galleryfiles/1100/1121.htm
Warthog
http://www.knoxx.com/product/sidewinder.html
I really don't see the point of it...10+1 rounds of 12ga. ammo is slightly overkill
. I like overkill but unless you NEED to shoot all 11rnds in one string, there is no point...with my 6 shot carrier (there is also a 4 shot, btw), I can quickly keep feeding rounds into my magazine in between shots. That means I effectively have 14 rnds at my disposal. The "Sidewinder" also adds a ton of weight and will cost you MUCHO $$$. My ultimate goal for a shotgun is SPAS-12 selectable semi-auto/pump 12ga. I've heard you can get one of these used for $350 or so...It's a very beefy shotgun and requires regular more maintenance to keep it clean and fully operational. The Mossberg requires very little
...still a very cool looking shotgun.http://www.securityarms.com/20010315/galleryfiles/1200/1246.htm
http://www.securityarms.com/20010315/galleryfiles/1100/1121.htm
Warthog
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- Feb 7, 2000
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For maximum cool factor, save up about $1,200. Then buy an 870. Now use the remaining money to take a once-in-a-lifetime hunting trip, whether it's a visit to some fancy private hunting area, or just a trip across the country to hunt ducks, quail, deer, pheasants, or whatever, in an area you've always wanted to visit. Pursue passion, not possessions ... esp. at 18 when you have the freedom to do so. Just OWNING cool stuff will not make you cool. 