Looking at possible first guns.
 

Alright, I've finally got the paperwork done for my firearms purchasers card and I'm submitting that on break in November. The thing is though, my parents are anti-gun and anti-hunting, so this will be the first time I own a gun. I've been looking around a few websites (Remington, Winchester, Mossberg, Benelli) to see what's available. The paperwork will probably take until February to go through based on what I've heard from other people and from hunting stores, so I have time yet. This also gives me generous time to save up some money, as I can make a reasonable amount if I go back to the company I interned with over the summer. Judging by my schedule, I should be able to save up at least 1200 dollars. If I wait until later in spring break or the beginning of summer to get a gun, I could have 1800 dollars available.

I'm looking into getting both a shotgun and a rifle if possible. I'd even consider getting an over/under shotgun/rifle such as the Remington SPR94. If it means only getting one gun, then I'd prefer to get a rifle as I usually hunt in Jersey with my friends that have a couple old shotguns. I'd like to get a rifle so I can hunt in New York next season when I get an apartment off-campus. I'm open to recommendations for rifles, as my firearm shooting is limited to .22 rimfires and 12-gauge shotguns. Also, if anyone knows of any good, moderately inexpensive shotguns beside the Remington 870 or Mossberg 500, I'd like to hear about those too. Thanks.

-Garrett

RE: Looking at possible first guns.
 

Garret, I suggest that you locate a local person who has a Federal Firearms License, and who is willing to receive shipments for customers and do the paperwork for a reasonable fee. Then go on some of these auction sites and find what you want. You can often get some real values this way, and some of the sellers list new guns at prices considerably below retail. In addition, you sometimes find some of the older guns, many no longer made, that are actually of higher quality than anything on the current retail market! An example of this is the Mannlicher-Schoenauer, a rifle whose quality has not been equalled since they stopped making them! (By all means, avoid those Russian-made Remington combo guns! Their prices reflect their quality! LOW!!)

Look at CZ, Savage, and Ruger for good quality rifles, as well as the makers you listed.

A number of NJ and NY dealers/sellers list on these sites, and most show pictures of their offerings.

Auction Arms www.auctionarms.com Gunbroker www.gunbroker.com

GunsAmerica http://216.219.244.51/

RE: Looking at possible first guns.
 

eldequello has given you excellent advice. Don't forget to also check the local classified ads in the "sporting goods" or "firearms" section. The buys are there if you do a little research and go check out the guns in person.
I once bought a Mossberg Model 500 in 20 ga with 3 barrels for $75.00 and it was in EXCELLENT shape. It had a vent rib with the screw in choke system (only had 2 chokes) a 18 inch "home defense" barrel and a 22" rifled barrel. I practically stole it! You never know, used guns can be a real buy.

RE: Looking at possible first guns.
 

Aye, I know the drill of incessantly checking the classifieds after spending the summer looking for a canoe. Found a seventeen footer in good shape for two hundred dollars, but my cursed parents told me buying something so expensive was irresponsible and wouldn't give me access to the safe. Now though, I have a bank account so they don't get to say **** about my decisions.

RE: Looking at possible first guns.
 

Always great to see someone new entering the hunting fraturnity. Especially good to see someone winning at an uphill battle coming from a no shooting/hunting background. Good on ya!

As mentioned a good used firearm is good value for the $ and will start you on the way nicely. Then in a few years when you have more recreation $ you will be able to fall in love with a gun and get it.

Robin down under

RE: Looking at possible first guns.
 

Just a thought...
As a first gun, a T/C Encore wouldnt be a bad idea at all. You could outfit yourself with several barrels as well for $1800...Maybe a;
-.204 Ruger
-.30-06 Spr.
-.50 ML
-.12 Ga.

Just a thought...Good luck!

RE: Looking at possible first guns.
 

Hard to beat a good 12 gauge pump shotgun for beginning toshotgun: the Remington 870 can be had inexpensively(under 300)and is one of the toughest guns out there. That leaves a bunch for a real nice rifle and scope! Not that you have to spend it all there ;)My personal favorite is the Remington 700; I favor the CDL. Also up there with good rifles are the Ruger 77, Winchester 70, and the Savage 111g. They're all going to run about 400-600. Asfar as scoping the rifle, a trusty 3-9x40 isa real all-around scope, and from makers like bushnell, burris, nikon and leupold you'll be set.I'm guessing by location you're dealing with black bears and whitetails? What better cartridge to suit than the 30-06. From antelope to moose and everything in between, you will have the gun that will do the job.

RE: Looking at possible first guns.
 

If I could only have one gun, it would be a 12ga. shotgun. You can do just about anything with a 12ga. shotgun. You can hunt ducks, squirrels, deer, hogs, birds and just about anything other than elk or something. It's also great for home defense. I used to live in New Jersey for a few years. Their gun laws suck. I think the only place worse is California. Here in Oklahoma, if you have cash, they don't give a crap who you are.

Anyways, I have a Mossberg 500 that I have had for over 10 years. It is a GREAT gun. I also have a Mossberg 935 semi-automatic 12ga. I love it too. Several of my friends have bought a Stoger P-350. I think it's called a P-350. Anyways, it's a pump and is the same thing as a Benelli Nova. Hands down, I think the Stoeger is the best shotgun you can buy for under $300. It's REALLY nice.

For rifles, you gotta have a .22. They're a lot of fun to shoot, they're cheap to buy, and cheap to shoot. You can buy a brick of 550 .22 rounds for less than $9!! You can hunt squirrels and other small critters with them. They don't blow your eardrums out either. I can shoot mine all day and it doesn't bother my ears at all. I own a Marlin 60SB. It's a really pretty gun. Stainless steel barrel with a light colored wood stock. It holds like 18 rounds too. It's a smooth gun too. The trigger is really nice to pull unlike the Ruger. I bought mine at Wal-Mart brand new for $115. That was 10 years ago, but I still think you can get one for under $150. I put a cheap $40 scope from Wal-Mart on it too. This thing is dead on accurate every shot. I love this gun. Marlin 60. That's what you need.

For a bigger rifle, you can't beat a 30-06 for your first high powered rifle. It's a great all around rifle. Good range, penetration and knock down power. There's a lot of nice ones out there. I like the Browning and Remingtons myself. If you want something cheaper, Savage makes a great 30-06 for under $300. So, if you have $1,200, that's more than enough to get yuo started with some great guns.

My family was kind of like yours. We never had guns when I was growing up and nobody in my family hunts besides me. So, I'm pretty much self taught or learned from friends. But once I got out on my own, I started buying guns. Mom never let me have a dirtbike either but I have one now. But she remarried a few years ago and my stepdad is a very avid gun collector and hunts from time to time. My dad even bought a .40 cal pistol. They're coming around.

Anyways, your first gun should definately be a 12ga. Get a pump. They're great. Get a .22 and a 30-06 and you'll be set! You'll fiure it out from there! Matt

RE: Looking at possible first guns.
 

A pawn shop can also be another good avenue for firearms if you know what your looking for and inspect them well before buying.

RE: Looking at possible first guns.
 

I've never heard of Stoeger. From what you say that sounds nice, and under $300 sounds nice too! I'll have to take a look at that.

Haha. I wish I could get a .22. Granted I could buy a .22 rifle cheaply, but the problem is ammunition. In New Jersey .22 is considered handgun ammunition, and as thus I cannot buy that until I am 21. I don't even know if I can carry it while under 21, if I could get someone to buy it for me. Damn this state...

I've been looking at Remington, Ruger, Winchester, and Savage. Still gonna be looking around though as I will probably get one rifle and stick with that one for a few years. I'm considering either .30-06, .300 Winmag, or maybe .300 WSM although I don't know much about that cartridge. .300 Winmag I hear is a kicker, but I've got a good frame and with the retriever club trials I worked I had no problems with shooting a 12-gauge all day. I have even shot one-handed from the hip when I had to, although by the time I was done with that after a box of shells I was happy I was done with that.

RE: Looking at possible first guns.
 

Isn't most of New York a shotgun only area?

RE: Looking at possible first guns.
 

Let's see... You can use rifles in most of the western part of the state. Not much very close to where I am, but I will have my truck up here by the time I have a rifle so that shouldn't be a problem. And I intend to hunt in Pennsylvania on breaks once I have my own firearms, as that must be better than Jersey.

RE: Looking at possible first guns.
 

If I were in the market for my first shotgun, I'd definately go with the Stoeger. Go to a gun shop and compare it to other pumps in the same price range or even pumps that are double the price. You'll fall in love. It's way nicer than my Mossberg 500. My 500 is a great gun though. Plus, the Stoeger P-350 can shoot any shotgun shell. 2-3/4", 3" and 3.5". My 500 can't shoot the 3.5" shells.

For a rifle, you just can't go wring with a 30-06. I've been looking around for one myself. Any time I need a rifle, I borrow my stepdad's gun. But I recently got into hog hunting and am going to get my own rifle. I think that just about any rifle out there will be a good one. Personally, my favorite rifle I've looked at is the Remington 700 BDL. You can hold it and tell that it's a really nice quality gun. I also like the Weatherby. It's so pretty, I'd hate to take it in the woods and scratch it up! Another nice gun is the Browning A-bolt. I don't think it's all that great looking, but on the bolt action, it only has a 60 degree bolt throw as opposed to a 90 degree throw like most other bolt actions. The 60 degree would be great for a gun with a scope. A .300 Win-Mag is a great gun too. Maybe a bit overkill for some things, but it won't kill anything deader than a 30-06 will. Ammo costs more for the .300 and sometimes your selections are less. I'd still say you should buy a 30-06, but you'd be happy with a 300 as well. There's nothing in NJ that you can't hunt with a 30-06.

NJ is one of the worst states for guns and hunting. They sure know how to make everything a real pain in the ass. I grew up in Oklahoma and was used to how relaxed the gun laws are here. I was stationed at McGuire AFB in NJ for a few years and those gun laws drove me crazy! I didn't do any hunting when I was there. Their rule on .22 ammo is rediculous. I forgot about that until you mentioned it. I think that California comes up with some stupid new gun law and New Jersey follows suit. Ugh.

Now I'm stationed in Oklahoma. Gun laws here are great. As long as you're 18, not a felon and you have cash, you can buy anything you want. If you go to a gun show here, nobody asks any questions about anything as long as you have the cash.

RE: Looking at possible first guns.
 

Another vote for the .30-06

RE: Looking at possible first guns.
 

Alright, after looking at the Stoeger P-350 it really looks nice for the price. I wonder though, is a rifled slug barrel available for it? If not, then does anyone know how their autoloader, the Model 2000, is? I figure I'd use this in non-rifle zones in New Jersey and New York, and buckshot just seems really messy and underpowered to me. From my browsing around, these are the guns I'm currently looking at:

Shotguns (12 Gauge)
Benelli: Super Black Eagle II
Mossberg: Model 500 Field
Remington: Model 870 Express Combo, Model 870 Wingmaster, Model 1100 Classic Field, Model 105CTi
Stoeger: Model 2000, P-350

Rifles (.30-06 or .300 Winmag)
Browning: BAR LongTrac
CZ: 550 American, 550 FS
Mauser: K98
Remington: Model 700 CDL, Model 700 SPS, Model 798
Ruger: M77 International, M77 Standard
Savage: 110GXP3
Springfield: M1 Garand, M1903
Winchester: Model 70 Classic

Is there anything there that I shoudln't consider?

RE: Looking at possible first guns.
 

Pickerel....I'd lookinto getting my own place first....youve got troubles son and the GUN is only gonna make things worse..Your folks wont let you bring a GUN in their house..trust this....that $1800 is your way out.
If leaving is not an option...dont get the GUN!! GUNS can ruin a family...Go to CANCUN for spring break and live it up...Dont forget to get your folks something nice....

you can use friends shotgun....shotgun is ok everywhere in
NY except in Bow Only and Closedareas

RE: Looking at possible first guns.
 

I have seen examples of the Neew Savage American Classic Rifle. It is a beautiful walnut stocked rifle with Savages reputation for exceptional accuracy. Should be around 550.
You can also get a Remington 700. Hard to beat a 700.
As for shotguns, I have been very impressed with CZ shotguns. Also check out Franchi and Beretta

RE: Looking at possible first guns.
 

I don't really have anything else I can use it for. I am definitely getting an apartment off campus next year, which should only coast me at most $350 per month as I'll be splitting it at least one way. There's no way I could get one in Jersey, though. It'd cost me eight hundred dollars for a crappy apartment in downtown Trenton. And if I spent my money on an apartment there, then I would have needed that money to get a gun for self defense! As for the spring break idea, that isn't my idea of one. I am not one for partying or drinking or anything of that sort. I'm one to just be in the woods or on a river or lake. Also, I wouldn't get my folks something nice, as I won't do something for them they wouldn't do for me, which isn't all that much.

RE: Looking at possible first guns.
 

Used guns can be a great value. If you're buying new, tell me what you want and let me quote you a price, I'll treat you right. Check me out on gunbroker.com, I'm usmc1978. Or, e-mail me at corps39@hotmail.

whatever you do, good luck and welcome. Your next job is to get your parents on board!

RE: Looking at possible first guns.
 

I’m with Pickerel. That partying, and all that stuff is a waste of a good spring time. I'm not saying drinking and all that is bad or whatever, just I would rather make a hunting/fishing trip rather then a Cancun trip. At least you will gain more from the hunting/fishing trip. That’s just what I think. As far as you gun selections, here are my thoughts.

Rifle- Remington 700 (ADL or SPS) It will shoot better then you think and I don’t see the reason for super high priced rifles. My ADL in the 7 mag shoots clover groups at 100 and holds sub MOA out to 400, (that’s as far as I have tested it.) Put a good scope on it. I recommend the Nikon Prostaff or Buckmaster. (I have the Prostaff 3-9X40 with the BDC) As for caliber, the 300 win mag is a great all around choice. I personally prefer the 7 mag. That’s just me though.

Shotgun- Either a Remington 870 (3-1/2") or the Mossberg 835. Both very simplistic as far a shotguns go and they both shoulder really nice. That’s what I recommend

RE: Looking at possible first guns.
 

Narrowed down / changed my selection some more after reading some of the responses:

Rifles (.30-06, or 7mm-08 or .300 Win Mag when available)
Savage 110GXP3
Remington 700 SPS
CZ 550 American
Beretta Tikka T3 Hunter
Ruger M77 Standard
Browning BAR LongTrac

Shotguns (12 gauge)
Stoeger P-350 Synthetic
Mossberg 500 Field
Stoeger Model 2000 Synthetic
Remington 870 Express Combo
Franchi I-12 Synthetic
Beretta 3901 American
Remington 1100 Classic Field

Any more suggestions or anything I should add to or remove from this?

[Deleted]
 

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RE: Looking at possible first guns.
 

I say 7mm-08. I'm still in the market for one ,though.
If you like smooth actions, take that Savage off that list! They have an extremely rough action that takes awhile to get used to.(You probably won't get used to it if you go to the shooting range alot.)

RE: Looking at possible first guns.
 

Go with the SPS. Smooth action, free floating stock, great price. You might want to consider a trigger job. Most all guns have "lawyer" triggers (9-10). A lighter trigger will help accuracy, and it is a cheap thing to do. As you may have seen in my earlier post, I'm fixin to do this to my rifle soon. As for caliber, 300 mag!

Shotguns-Again Remington 870- cant beat the performance, especially for the price!

[Deleted]
 

[Deleted by Admins]

RE: Looking at possible first guns.
 

I've fired over twenty shots on my grandpa's Savage, and at some times when feeding and ejecting, the action get pretty darn annoying.
That can be gotten used to though, but one thing a fellow can't get used to is that the magazine is made way to large for the caliber, and if you don't put the cartridge to the front of the magazine, then the action will work, but it won't chamber the cartridge! That would totally stink if you couldn't make any follow-up shots on an elk! You'd just be sitting there trying to get your nails stuck in the magasine in order to move the cartridge forward a bit![:@]

RE: Looking at possible first guns.
 

I went to Dick's the other day and looked at some of the guns they had there. They didn't have the Stoeger P-350, but they had the supposedly similar Benelli Nova. I liked it, and the synthetic version was only $300, so I might get that if I can't find the Stoeger. However, the Mossberg 500 scoped slug barrel/field barrel combo was only $250! As for rifles, I only got to look at the Beretta Tikka, but I liked that.