How to avoid price gouging - for those starting out

[10thmtn]

With all the hysteria around possible gun control laws driving up the cost of semi-auto everything, and its associated ammunition, I thought I'd share a bit of advice for anyone just starting their self- and home-defense collection.

First, do not think you HAVE to have a semi-auto military-pattern sidearm or rifle in order to defend yourself. They are nice, but you can defend yourself very well with 19th century technology - at a fraction of the cost.

For your handgun options, do not overlook the revolver. Two of them will cover just about any realistic civilian scenario.

For your rifle, consider a lever gun - possibly in the same caliber as your revolver, or in the harder hitting .30-30. A lever gun hits hard, fires pretty darn quickly, and the magazine tube can be topped off on the fly. It's worked for well over 100 years - and it still does. It also lacks the social stigma attached to military-looking semi-auto rifles. In some areas, that matters.

And finally, a good shotgun is hard to beat. ANY shotgun will do, even a sporting shotgun. Do not think you must have an extended mag tube and other tactical goodies to defend your home. A standard pump action with a 4-shell tube is likely more than enough firepower for home defense - especially when backed up by your handgun(s). Even an old double barrel will do.

Think outside the box, and you can be well defended without getting ripped off. I hate seeing people get ripped off.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Cold Shot]

I roll with two .357 revolvers, my granddad's 1937 Winchester model 12, and a Marlin 30-30. I am comfortable with it.

[tdw63]

Good advice, I have revolvers and a lever gun in my line up.

[RKflorida]

1 revolver, 1 shotgun, 1 small pistol. Plenty of home defense.

[high pockets]

You are absolutely correct in what you have stated above. In addition, it is not necessary to go for the AR copies in order to get a semi-automatic rifle. What the AR style rifle gives you is capacity. Unless you feel an irresistable urge for a high capacity rifle, there are still many traditional stock rifles available in the same calibers. In most cases a 5 to 10 shot magazine will allow one to defend one's home just as well as a rifle with a thirty round magazine, and at the present time, can be had for as much as $1,000 less.

I'm not saying there is anything wrong with wanting an AR style rifle, but since most of us are not made of money, it seems to make as much sense to go for something else.

[Rock and Glock]

I am really fond of the 30-30 Lever, but a Levergun chambered in a handgun caliber I have is some real fondness. Interchangeable ammo is easy to inventory, keep track of, and convenient.

[high pockets]

I am really fond of the 30-30 Lever, but a Levergun chambered in a handgun caliber I have is some real fondness. Interchangeable ammo is easy to inventory, keep track of, and convenient.

And a .45LC has a lot of knockdown power, too!

[vanagonnuts]

shorty lever 30-30 = yummy.

[StarPD45]

shorty lever 30-30 = yummy.

From the TV show.

[Danoh]

[MamaMaria]

shorty lever 30-30 = yummy.

Nice, I gave up looking for these locally a while ago. With the "oh noes, I need a AR, like right now" rush, I see these are available again. For the price hubby spent on his AR, I can have a .357 Ranch Hand, a .45 Colt Carbine, and a rifle of some sort in the .22 flavor. They'll go nicely with my Winchester '94, and should cover all my firearm needs in an "old-timey" way to boot! I always wanted to be Annie Oakley!

[gasmitty]

Some good advice here.

10th, what's your favorite .30-30 load?

[zamboni]

shorty lever 30-30 = yummy.

enough said

[10thmtn]

Some good advice here.

10th, what's your favorite .30-30 load?

I like the 170 gr loads, Winchester Powerpoints seem to group nicely. Just took my Marlin to the range yesterday, and zeroed it in for 50 yards. After that, tight groups were a breeze. I'm not a hunter, so I couldn't tell you what these bullets will do on flesh - but I suspect they would do better than any bitty 5.56 would. And I also suspect the heavier loads will turn most cover into concealment quite nicely as well.

In my area, I cannot see further than 150 yards. However, if you are concerned about needing to go further, the Hornady LeveRevolution ammo extends the range of the old .30-30 rather well. Just don't leave it in the mag tube for extended periods of time, as the plastic tip can deform.

[archer51]

While I don't have a lever action, I have my 30-06 bolt that will work for most cases. Revolvers have always been covered as well as 2 pump shotguns. Good reminder though, I need to stock up on .357/.38 for the revolvers and also for my 30-06.