So I think I'm wanting to expand my collection. Looking for advice on what to buy on a used/excellent condition market. I have a friend in TX who said he'd pick something up for me and also have family in CO who can do the same. Can't have guns here, so only collecting for when I get home.

I am looking for some sort of Automatic Rifle. Something that's fun to shoot and not too expensive for ammo. Now is not the best time to be looking for these I know. And I don't have to buy now, just need ideas on what to start looking for to check prices.

Also, looking for a larger caliber hand gun that I can still CC. My bro-in-law suggested a 1911 .45 ACP. Any other suggestions? I have a .380, so looking at a .40 +

Thanks!

I use gunbroker.com to research market pricing.

I have been looking at a H&K .45 tactical but would use the standard mag for improved CC.

I have heard H&K make excellent stuff.

I can't say I have shot lots of different models, but I really like my Smith & Wesson M&Ps. I have a couple .40's. One full size, and a compact. CC's well. S&W's lifetime warranty is great, their customer service is awesome. I sent a gun that had build up from cheap ammo, I thought the crown of the barrel was bad. They sent me back a new barrel with a hand polished feed ramp, and 2 new mags, even though the problem was the ammo, not the gun. I've shot a few Glocks, don't like the blocky feel, and a couple XD's but they have a high barrel axis and they kick much harder than the M&P.

If you want an "exotic" rifle, I like my FN Hertsel FS2000. Its a bullpup, takes AR-15 magazines & 223/5.56 ammo (shoots steel Wolf stuff no problem). I bought it because I'm a lefty and like the forward eject, and I already had a bunch of AR mags & ammo. Super fun to shoot, 223 ammo is not too expensive, I love the short bullpup frame. Plus it makes good conversation. The rifle is a little pricey.

Thanks guys! Will do some research.

Chad - probably nothing exotic at this point. I want something to shoot, but also sellable in the future if I decide I want something different.

That FN is really cool. I've never understood why bullpup rifles weren't more common. It seems like the more compact layout would have significant benefits in confined environments.

The FN is fun to shoot, the size & shape make it real comfortable and natural.

AR-15 of any sort is a no brainer starter semi-auto rifle. There will always be a market, and you can customize it & change it with all sorts of interchangable parts.

My favorite CC is the XDS45. Nice, compact and really easy to conceal. I'll second the AR platform since there are so many configurations you can build.

I use a XDs 45 as my CC. Altho there is a current recall on them. I still have to ship mine out.

The difference between an AR platform and AK is like muscle cars. The AK is a 60's muscle car. Violent, packs a punch, sloppy, and can be troublesome. The AR is like a ferrari. Smooth, reliable, lot of bark little bite. With that being said I'll take an AR any day. They are simple and fun to shoot. So many different options out the. I have a 223/556 and an AR10 in 308. Both are a blast to shoot. My dad just bought a new upper for his and chambered it in 300blackout.

I do love me a 1911. Nothing to me shoots as nice as a 1911. Now for a fun pistol that the whole family can shoot look into the Fn FiveSeven. I love mine and it's a blast to shoot. Just a little hard to find ammo for at this time.

Just say the XDS recall so I need to get mine out as well.
I'll second the1911 since it was the first pistol I shot. To bad the military went to the 9mm. Hated going from the 1911 to the Berreta...

I'm a medic on a SWAT team and carry an XD 45. Have shot thousands of rounds through it with never a misfeed. It is the best gun I've ever had. I have two very old 1911's and love them too, but the do not perform as well. We have POF AR 15's and they are excellent to shoot as well. My favorite rifle is the M1, but I guess I'm old fashioned! Peter

Thanks for the feedback. Got some looking around to do and find the best deals. I think I'll be looking for an AR. Then look at what I can find for 1911 and the XD 45.

When you get back come up to the Dumont range on I70. You can shoot my XD and 1911's for a trial. P

I appreciate that! But I am hoping I am already an owner of a couple guns before then. I'll just bring 'em and we'll shoot together!

GUNS!!!!! AHHHH!!!!

Sorry. I got a little excited there. Just a few weeks from getting home and I am looking forward to getting back to my family, my Bronco, and my guns.

I carried a Glock 19 for a few years as my CCW. Great pistol. Absolutely loved it. Wasn't a fan of the caliber.

Switched to a Springfield "Loaded" model 1911 back in 2008 and have been very happy with it since. Great, affordable gun and a pretty good tack driver for the price.

I am actually thinking of picking up a Les Baer .38 Super Stinger as a possible CCW replacement. Haven't decided yet. My other option is to get off my butt and get the work done to my Colt Commander model to turn it into the reliable everyday pistol I am thinking of.

I think the important thing on pistols, if you are planning to collect, is to get a variety of calibers and types. I've owned one wheel gun in the past and I miss it dearly. Additionally, you want a good caliber diversity in the event of the zombie apocalypse. No one wants to be the guy with 100 .45s only to find out there is no more .45 ammo out there.

As far as rifles go, an AR is a definite good choice. With the very light recoil and huge aftermarket, it will be an enjoyable rifle for you and your family to enjoy for years. If you are interested in something a little hotter in that lane, I would definitely recommend a gas piston gun over the direct impingement system. Additionally, you could always invest in a tax stamp and go with an SBR (Short Barreled Rifle, less than 16" barrel) and/or a suppressor. Both stamps can be purchased at the same time, for one price. The SBR is enjoyable in the sense that it is smaller and easier to maneuver on the range/in your home in the event of a home defense situation. The range is reduced, obviously, by the length of the barrel. But to be honest, I haven't found much need for anything beyond 100-150m in a while. You could always maintain your standard 16" or greater barreled upper for hunting. And the suppressor makes for a more pleasant day on the range by reducing your ear's decibel intake for the day.

Other rifles I would be interested in include:
M1 Garand
M1A (very much want to get one of these and put it into a Troy Industries receiver)
Ruger 10/22
Dragonov
AK-47/CZ-53
Thompson (yes, I know. Technically a sub-machine gun and not a rifle)
HK416
1903A3

Hey Zack - good to have you back! Thanks for the info. I haven't been looking much lately, but I will start very soon.

Fun and cheap to shoot lets see ak74 which shoots a 5.45x39 is the cheapest ammo i have ever seen... 1080 rd tins are really cheap i kick myself for selling mine all the time.. very similar ballistic to a 556 as well

So the 5.45x39 is the most common for the AK. What about the AR? .223?

The 47 is shoots a 7.62x39 the 74 is a 5.45x39
military round 556 civilian round .223
if you buy a ar15 get a gun chamber in 556 these shoot either one really well.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/mobi ... 5/redirect

AK74 magazines getting any easier to find? I knew a guy back in the day that hated his because he could only find two, reasonably priced, magazines for it.

Feedback?
1- http://san-antonio.texasguntrader.com/i ... 2&b=457414

2- http://san-antonio.texasguntrader.com/i ... 2&b=457274

3- http://san-antonio.texasguntrader.com/i ... 2&b=457059

I have owned two xm15 bushys and they were the worst gun I have ever owned both had improperly staked BCG so through Allen head screws would back out one had a bent gas tube and would be nearly impossible yo clean. canted front sight block and neither cycled ammo good....

I have built or owned over 50 ar15 and ak47

good experience list.
RRA
STAG
DANIEL DEFENSE
NOVESKE (CURRENT BUILD)
Colt older stuff
cmmg
Any billet lower is tits

middle of road
bushmaster
colt new product a lot of out of spec lowers
delton pretty good built a few but cosmetic issus
palemento armory


bad

hess arms
Olympic arms

Email me I could build you one for cheaper and ship it to your family in Texas

Sorry had to get kids ready

CMT makes lowers for RRA and stag they also make lowers for a lot of other gun companies then all they have to do is logo and finish . If I were doin a build a would buy a stag or RRA lower and a parts kit from stag RRA or double star. you can pick trigger groups that way and add stuff like quad rails and stocks

I would order 556 lower and upper A4 flat top with m4 feed ramps. a 2 stage trigger and a BCG that is magnet partial inspected
Quad rails and stocks can come later..the chrome lined barrel is great for plinker and combat rifle not great for accuracy as it fills rifling in the barrel.