WT Forums

Between taxes and some money I've been saving, I've got about $1500 to play with and thinking about a couple of guns.

I don't really have a NEED or MUST HAVE list, just a few I'd really like to add to my small collection.

Mossberg 12ga Silver Reserve, the O/U for shooting sporting clays, if I ever get a chance to go. These go for about $530 hear abouts and while it'd be great for sporting clays, I can't say as I'd have a need for it for anything else.

S&W 586 or 686 .357mag. I had a 6\" 686 a while back and really regret letting that one get away. I found a couple of newer ones, (with the little lock key above the thumb piece), for $740. Do you think that's too much to pay for a lightly used 686? The same place also has a lightly used 6\" 686 in a 7-shot for $760. I'm giving that one some serious thought as well. I'm also considering the Rugers, but haven't found any of late.

I've also been looking at the Taurus Juge line of revolvers. I've found a NIB SS Judge for $540, and a Blued used Public Defender, (same as the Judge but with a 2\" barrel), for $440. These are the snubies that fire either .45LC or 410 Shotgun and have a 5 shot Cyl. What are your feelings about these?

I do have one NEED on the weapons side. I have to get a new upper for my AR as the one I have, well, lets just say I can't really take it out to a Civilian range to shoot. This I figure I can pick up an M-4 style upper for around $300.

So, don't hold back, let me know your opinions about these. The new upper I plan to order next week, but the rest I'm still thinking about. I know with my limited budget, I can't get them all, so I'm just trying to prioritize and plan.

One other thing of note:
I haven't really shopped around for guns in some years and I'm really surprised at howmany of the smaller gun stores have gone under over the past few years. I used to do my shopping and the big box stores but prefered to give my business to the little guys because they really knew their stuff and were willing to work with you on purchases. Most seem to be gone these days. Is this just here in CO, or have you noticed the same trend in your areas?

_________________
Slow is Fast, Fast is Slow
Violence may not be the best option, but it IS an option

My buddy has an 8\" Taurus Judge. I am not sure what, if any, practicality loading buckshot in it really has (muzzle velocity in the 700-800fps range out of a pistol), but it is fun to shoot.

Some suggestions:

Right now you can get HK P7's for very low prices because of the proliferation of German trade in guns right now. $740 will get you a P7 Grade A, plastic case, 2 mags, and all P7 tools at top gun supply.

I just got a Ruger LCP and put a crimson trace laserguard pressure activated laser on it, i think it's a really cool little pistol.

S&W is about to come out with a new .380 pocket pistol with full sized sights, fully functional slide release and integrated laser system. It's called the \"Bodyguard .380\"

I'm not really looking for another auto pistol. I already have a Berretta Vertec, a 1911, Colt Mustang, and a Buckmark. Love them all, but I really would like to have at least one wheel gun and the 686 is one of the better ones out there. The judge, I see as more of a fun gun, just something to play with, though a super short shotgun with buck shot would be devistating up close and personal.

I think, after doing some looking on line yesterday, that I may just buy on line and have it shipped to a small dealer near me. I can get them cheaper that way, and the small dealer still gets a cut. I've ordered this way before and, though it takes a little longer to go through, works out best for me.

_________________
Slow is Fast, Fast is Slow
Violence may not be the best option, but it IS an option

686 is a good weapon.

The problem with the Judge and buckshot is due to the low muzzle velocity, even with the 8\" barrel you only get about 6\" of penetration in ballistics gel.

With .45 colt my buddy's judge is quite accurate.

I think I'll pass on the judge. It'd be more of toy anyway and I don't really have a need for it. Instead, I'm heading out to the Gunsmith today after work and gonna put some money into my Rock Island 1911. New sights and a new barrel bushing for starters.

For a 686 I'm planning to spend some time on the auction sites and find one for a more reasonable price and bring it in through a small shop near me. I really like having the small shops around that are willing to work with you.

_________________
Slow is Fast, Fast is Slow
Violence may not be the best option, but it IS an option

I've been primarily dealing with the same gun shop for 20 years now. It is nice to get 'family' type service from a real, live American small businessman.

My P7 is in the shop right now too, getting upgrades.

Have to agree. I dropped off my Rock Island Armory 1911 yesterday after work. He's gonna mount a set of Novak Fiber Optic sights on it and replace the muzzle bushing. $225 but to me it's more than worth it, and I get to do my part to help out a small business that IMHO is despretly needed in this day and age.

I also spoke with him at length about some possible options for a 1911 build I've been noodleing for the better part of a year now. TJ is a great source of information and really willing to work with me to produce a superior pistol and still stay within my budget.

Gotta love small business.

_________________
Slow is Fast, Fast is Slow
Violence may not be the best option, but it IS an option