How do you decide which gun to buy?

[Kevin]

Over In the revolver section. There is a thread about having two guns and which one to sell. On the other side of the coin, how do you choose which gun to buy? How does a gun make it to the top of your "short list" ???

It's tax return season, always a good time to hunt for something new. I love Ruger single actions but a few weeks ago someone else had a thread going for Cimarron Arms. I ordered the catalog.... or should I get the Browning Hi Power I've luster after for years....

I know some of you guys just go buy one of each... but how do the rest of you narrow down the list?

 

[GunnyGene]

Over In the revolver section. There is a thread about having two guns and which one to sell. On the other side of the coin, how do you choose which gun to buy? How does a gun make it to the top of your "short list" ???

It's tax return season, always a good time to hunt for something new. I love Ruger single actions but a few weeks ago someone else had a thread going for Cimarron Arms. I ordered the catalog.... or should I get the Browning Hi Power I've luster after for years....

I know some of you guys just go buy one of each... but how do the rest of you narrow down the list?

Several factors. Does the wife approve? Do I have the cash? Is ammo readily available? Is it a quality gun? Does it fit my hand? and so on.

 

[ruger randy]

Kevin
theres no guarantees in this old world for our expiration date; get the one you lust after now;
Cimarrons /uberti's will still be made & maybe you can find a deal later.


--------------------

ruger randy

 

[gramps]

Kevin
theres no guarantees in this old world for our expiration date; get the one you lust after now;
Cimarrons /uberti's will still be made & maybe you can find a deal later.


--------------------

ruger randy

Kevin, listen to Randy. He does as he says. I doubt there are many Rugers out there made, that Randy hasn't owned for awhile. :shock: 8)
gramps

 

[WAYNO]

A long time ago...Wasn't much I could afford to buy. I bought the Shooters Bible every year, and studied it cover to cover, day after day, til the next years Shooters Bible was released. There were so many bigger than life offerings in that book and I drooled for most of them. I also continually studied all the catalogues of the firearms manufacturers.

My wish-list was long. Did I want a Model 27? A 1911? A Blackhawk? When a wish list is long, it's easier to find a good deal. Then no matter what deal presented itself first, I quickly found my list was never satisfied and I found myself always shopping for the other guns that were still on the list.

So, keep your list long and one at a time buy whatever you can from that list, but never forget you will never be totally satisfied ever.

My list is now shorter than it's ever been in my life. In spite of that, I now find guns available to me that I never considered to be on my list, but as soon as I see them or handle them, I've gotta have one.

Don't saddle yourself with just one or two wants. It takes too long to build a collection that way.

WAYNO.

 

[Kevin]

Wayno that isn't bad advice about a long list. I have always tried to narrow down the list first, sort of the opposite of what you are saying.

I actually have a couple different lists in different price points depending on the money situation in any give year. For example an Anschutz target rifle or Freedom Arms something or other are for a really good year. Right now the internal debate is a revolver.

I think Randy is right about the Cimarron Arms also... I've also thought buying a gun is a lot like getting intimate with a pretty lady or my wife but that isn't an appropriate conversation here. (And sweetie that is a joke...)

Edit: apologies for my humor....

 

[Pal Val]

This is what I do... I stretch out my empty hand and pretend I'm shooting a gun. Then, I close my eyes and visualize what gun I was shooting in my daydream. That's the one I'll buy. This is, if I can afford it.

 

[6gun]

If you have to ask this question your not currently in need of a new gun right now, save your money till that feeling of having to have that gun right now comes over, when that happens your question is answered on it own.

 

[rugerguy211]

I start with what the gun is to be used for.
For me, different uses means different criteria are used to make a final selection.

 

[JPGLSG]

Kevin...what Wayno said is correct....You just have to buy and buy and buy to satisfy your list !!!!!

 

[dreamer]

The ones that start haunting you.

 

[gtxmonte]

There are so many things that appeal to me, that I never just get a mind set of "I want that, NOW". I think if you do that, you tend to pay too much. So with a long list, I just tend to buy what comes along at a good deal.

You mentioned an Anschutz.............I also wanted one and had looked at those, Kimber Govt models, Winchester 52s and some other "target" rifles. Just nothing came around and then one day, I caught a deal on a Match 64 Anschutz on GB for $350. Point is, you never know what will come around

 

[Kevin]

6gun and Pal Val your approach is pretty zen. Sort of: think the gun ~ be the gun. I like it.

Perhaps I should start with the gun I wouldn't buy. Like a glock or 1911. Narrow it down from that end. That would be easy to start.... just when you get to one that's close is when it gets hard. Like a Sharps rifle. Not high on my list but I wouldn't delete it altogether.

 

[RugerHound]

I have more guns than I ever need. Lots of Safe Queens that just won't get shot because they're truly collector-class firearms, but nearly as many that do! I operate on the impulse method - If it rings my chimes, I buy it! Sometimes I find out that it isn't exactly what I want, but do I get rid of it? I do not!

Money in the bank... If I sell the whole lot of 'em for what I paid for 'em down the road somewhere, then I've at least beat inflation. ;)

 

[hittman]

I like double action Rugers, guns from my childhood, and the occasional odd-ball .... like the High Standard nickel snubby ( :oops: ).

A mentor told me years ago to buy what I like and what I can afford ~ nobody else's opinion matters.

So, I look for those type of items in no particular order and try to buy locally and in person. Think I've bought a total of ONE gun off GunBroker and maybe a total of half a dozen on this forum.

 

[contender]

I used to be where I couldn't afford many guns. Just the occasional one, and it was often chosen by my desires AND the deal presented at the time. And, I USED to sell some when I felt I didn't want or need one anymore. Well, I started getting seller remorse, AND SLOWLY got to where I could afford more. My collection grew.
Now, I still lust after a long list, but I also buy what strikes me as a fair deal and when it fits my desires. No real method other than I have to like it!

 

[DA_TriggR4Ruger]

A lot of good posts on the subject here.

I have a list of criteria I follow for gun purchases.

What is the intended purpose of the new firearm I'm wanting to purchase? Carry, recreation, home defense? How well does it measure up to it's intended purpose as opposed to other guns in it's category(s) Is there another gun that does it better?

Now that I have its POU (philosophy of use) out of the way, I start looking at things like.
How does it review? What kind of experiences do other users have with it? How well does it fit my hand? How reliable is it? How accurate is it?

One I'm pretty picky about is... How common is it? How easy will it to be to find replacement parts?

I generally don't buy oddball or rare guns or guns manufactured for oddball or rare calibers.

I generally choose guns from well known manufacturers who enjoy a reputation of high quality and good service.

Lastly I choose a gun if it's one have been interested in for awhile and I find a deal I can't pass on.

Generally cost is the last thing on my list. I don't mind paying for quality.

 

[pawncop]

As others have posted, I now have the sidearms I really need and am obtaining the ones I want. I'm always looking and have discovered patience is my friend.

As I look over the gun cases I will hear my name being called from within the case. Sometimes it is a clear message for me to take them home.

I know it seems weird but it works. :mrgreen:

 

[FastEd]

You work hard for your money.
Go ahead and buy what ever you want.

 

[Kevin]

DA_TriggR4Ruger:
Thanks, You know I was sort of thinking back to your post back in January about what guns will you buy this year. People listed all sorts of different guns. I had a few. It's interesting to hear you say you stick to the more common calibers. For me, part of the love of guns I have is the odd calibers, learning about different ballistics. For example a 218 Bee is on my list, more specifically a 218 Mashburn Bee. I say that but my safe is full of 357's and 22's...pretty common stuff... I agree with your theory though about paying for quality and wanting a gun that if it breaks you can find parts for. I stay away from older military guns for that reason. I know parts can be had but not as readily.

We are going to have to meet up sometime...

This turned out to be very interesting, how you guys make gun buying decisions. Another problem I have is as soon as I buy the gun, before I even shoot it, I question why I didn't buy the other one I considered.

 

[Huhwhat?]

I almost never buy new. I visit the lgs and look for good quality, good condition guns that are under-priced, in certain calibers and styles, especially single action revolvers and black powder weapons.

 

[ruger randy]

Kevin

PM sent


-------------------

ruger randy

 

[DGW1949]

Over In the revolver section. There is a thread about having two guns and which one to sell. On the other side of the coin, how do you choose which gun to buy? How does a gun make it to the top of your "short list" ???

It's tax return season, always a good time to hunt for something new. I love Ruger single actions but a few weeks ago someone else had a thread going for Cimarron Arms. I ordered the catalog.... or should I get the Browning Hi Power I've luster after for years....

I know some of you guys just go buy one of each... but how do the rest of you narrow down the list?

From the FWIW Dept:

I'm not a collector and I've learned the hard way not to let money burn a hole in my pocket, so the first thing I do is to consider whether the gun in question is a "want" or a "need" and then go from there. Doing it that way helps me make a wiser choice....leastways for me.

We hear a lot about "sellers remorse", and rightfully so. Thing is though, there's a lot "buyers remorse" out there too, and while it often goes unspoken, it seems to be rather prevalent also. We see it present itself when those shiny new guns which were previously (and gleafully) being talked about as being "bought", shortly begin showing up "for sale" by the same buyers. Or perhaps, as you have noted, it's a guy that can't decide what gun he wants to sell, which kinda-sorta tells me that there realy wasn't much "need" there to start with.....just sayin' that you'll often get a more harmonious outcome when ya think with your brain instead with your emotions.

You mentioned a fondness for Ruger SA's, Cimarron's and that you'ved longed for a BHP.
All I can say to that is that based on my own experience, Ruger does indeed make a good SA revolver, Cimarron markets a very-good Colt SAA clone, and that if I was picking out a 9MM semi-auto, it would certainly be a HP of some sort.
Fact is, I own examples of each myself...but....the three are distinctly different guns, each of mine are in different calibers, and each serves an entirely different purpose (for me) than the other.

Just some stuff to chew on........No offense meant to anyone.

DGW

 

[Ale-8(1)]

After I had a .22 Mossberg, a SxS Stevens, and a Single-Six, the "need" aspect disappeared and I admitted it.

From that point on, it was all "want". Fortunately, I have very little resistance to that emotion.

;)

 

[volshooter]

If you need another take advise from a fisherman. Look at only the caliber and buy what feels right. Forget name brands as long it is in the caliber you want. Close your eyes and feel if that one feels right for you.
When buying a fishing rod, for true fishing guys, price is not the object. We choose rods based solely on the feel. You know, the grip and whip while in the isle. It has to feel natural, same with fire arms.

 

[ElToro]

I do know this: the time to buy is when you see it for sale. I have kicked myself so many times becuse I hemmed and hawed and went back and it was gone. Pre war non reg magnum for a song. For example.

I try not to buy anymore for the sake of buying and I'm actively selling and turning over my collection to just a few nice pieces for self defense in commonly available calibers for Hunting and target shooting and plinking. Then lining up duplicates of those so each child will get a similar gun. So far each kid is getting an AR an 870 suitable for SD and hunting glocks sigs and some 1911s.

 

[mistermills357]

I decide the same way that you described; if I like it, that will settle the deal.
I have my favorite calibers, but I have ventured outside of them, any number of times.
As a result I ended up with good guns, like a snub-nose stainless Rossi .38 Special.

My main reason for getting it was, I liked it, it was so handy!
And I would do it again, it made me a fan of the .38 revolver.
I will get a another blued .38 whenever I can afford it. Because they are the most handsome guns of all.

I will get another P97, in a minute. If a Hi Power and a P97 were the choices, it's the Ruger.
I don't really know why I am down on the Hi Power; but I would get a Taurus .357 any day, in preference to it. :twisted:

PS: I don't know anything about Cimarron Arms, but the Navy .45 sounds pretty good.
http://www.cimarron-firearms.com/op...-navy-grip-45-colt-4-3-4-in-model-ca9002.html

These are merely my thoughts, but the Hi Power has an undeserved, vaunted reputation.

 

[375supermag]

Hi...

I just buy whatever I want that I can afford.
My usual purchase plan is to walk into a gunshop and buy something that catches my eye...no real plan, although more often than not it ends up being a SA revolver.
The only person (other than me) who gets any input is my son and then only because they will all be his one day.

My wife couldn't care less what guns I buy....her usual response is "that's nice".
The only gun purchase she has ever been a party to was a couple of guns we bought as gifts for our son and then only because we split the purchase price.

 

[Jeepnik]

I haven't really decided to buy any particular gun in years. I am fortunate that, for the most part, if I see it and want it, I buy it. Gun buying is probably the one impulse driven thing left in life. One tends to think about consequences more and more as one gets older. At least I haven't had to go the emergency room lately, and that's a good thing. :wink:

 

[volshooter]

A shootin iron that you plan to keep has to fit. When I was growing up, either you were a "Smith man" or "Colt man". One of them wheel guns felt like an extension of your body, the other felt like you were holding something that belonged to another feller and it was personal to him.
I have always been a S&W man. Felt natural, like it was part of me. I have bought many Colts, none that felt like a smith does. I would buy them to resale. Only the mighty 1911 crossed that no man's land.
Any firearm will please you, only if it fits you. Glocks are a fine example. They do not feel/point natural for me. They are a favorite cult like following because of their performance. I do not own one. I have bought them to trade off though for something like a single action Ruger..........what do ya know, when I got one of them in my hand, shooting is as natural as pointing my finger... see where I'm going?

Yes look at them all, listen to your friends, read the reviews.... then see if the feel is right. 8)