The Gun Owner’s thread

[Fat Bastard 600]

Discussion of home defense above got me thinking. Clearly, most of us own guns and *hopefully* keep a vast majority of them locked up in a safe. So, in the event of a home invasion, those are not reliably accessible in time, IMO. What do y’all keep at the ready for just that reason?

 

mine is a Sig P365x that I have in a small 4 digit password guarded safe in the drawer of my nightstand. Obviously, I’d like to keep either my honey badger or sp5 on standby for such an event, but with 3 little kids running around, not very practical

Edited September 2, 2022 by Fat Bastard

[Bozo_Casanova 26443]

47 minutes ago, Fat Bastard said:

What do y’all keep at the ready for just that reason?

Dogs. But if I had a reason to keep a gun handy for some reason, I’d keep the Governor in my nightstand in a biometric safe, and stash the Glock 19 in the master closet. 

[Fat Bastard 600]

A) I still crate my dog at night

B) If a would be intruder entered and my dog wasn’t crated, fucker would grab a tennis ball and beg thief to play with him. 

[fattyflattie 4639]

Dog, but she snores like crazy and is lazy at night. Daytime she’ll kill herself trying to intimidate the Amazon guy. 
 

I keep a LC9 (that I hate), a Mark II .22, and a 38 revolver in a biometric/4 digit coded safe in nightstand.  I put them in one of the bigger safes if we leave for the weekend, etc as bolted to the night stand wouldn’t last long. 

[fattyflattie 4639]

1 hour ago, Armybrat said:

Am considering the purchase of one more AR (my S&W & Colt were gifted to sons several years ago). 

To fill the home defense rifle void in my safe, I picked up a Ruger PCC 9mm takedown carbine. It is an interesting little gun and certainly would serve the purpose, but somehow it seems “not enough”. 
So, being a frugal type and don’t want to spend $$$ unnecessarily, I’m thinking of a Ruger AR556 with Magpul furniture. It would remain stock, but a simple Vortex red dot will be added.

What say you Surly, are they an adequate product?
My S&W Sport was a nice little shooter for a cheap basic AR. The Ruger appears to be one step up from that to rival the Colt LE6920 I gave away. Am not interested in dumping thousands into a top quality product like LaRue (a relative worked for them), DD, or LMT.

There is one available locally for $829 that is on my radar.

 

You might be able to piece together an Aero for around that price?  Don’t know how that compares, though. I know a lot of people really like the Colts, but I’ve never handled one. 
 

I really want one of those little 9mm or 40 carbines, but I think I’m going to grab that new 5.7 when it comes available.  That’s a cool little round.  

[Handcruser 2805]

You might be able to piece together an Aero for around that price?  Don’t know how that compares, though. I know a lot of people really like the Colts, but I’ve never handled one. 
 
I really want one of those little 9mm or 40 carbines, but I think I’m going to grab that new 5.7 when it comes available.  That’s a cool little round.  

They’re out. And fantastic. Sold one today.

Get it.

[fattyflattie 4639]

1 minute ago, Handcruser said:

They’re out. And fantastic. Sold one today.

Get it.

I will. Saw all ammo at academy has gone up since I was in a few weeks ago. 5.7 is 54/50 now.  Not terrible. I bought some 300 subs tonight. Been awhile since I’ve seen any on the shelves. 

[Handcruser 2805]

Am considering the purchase of one more AR (my S&W & Colt were gifted to sons several years ago). 

To fill the home defense rifle void in my safe, I picked up a Ruger PCC 9mm takedown carbine. It is an interesting little gun and certainly would serve the purpose, but somehow it seems “not enough”. 
So, being a frugal type and don’t want to spend $$$ unnecessarily, I’m thinking of a Ruger AR556 with Magpul furniture. It would remain stock, but a simple Vortex red dot will be added.
What say you Surly, are they an adequate product?
My S&W Sport was a nice little shooter for a cheap basic AR. The Ruger appears to be one step up from that to rival the Colt LE6920 I gave away. Am not interested in dumping thousands into a top quality product like LaRue (a relative worked for them), DD, or LMT.
There is one available locally for $829 that is on my radar.
 

Let me know what you want and I’ll get it for you.

Larue is over priced.

Aero is great - I sell them all day.

DD is the tits. We get them in used often and usually they’re a great deal.

Pm me. I can do better than that Ruger. I’m not a huge fan of their shit. But that 5.7 is the tits.

[Handcruser 2805]

I will. Saw all ammo at academy has gone up since I was in a few weeks ago. 5.7 is 54/50 now.  Not terrible. I bought some 300 subs tonight. Been awhile since I’ve seen any on the shelves. 

They get the 208 amax and 208 bthp in regularly. The amax is the better bullet (sd and bc speaking) but both work fine.

Yes that ammo is pricey. 5.7 isn’t a rifle round nor a pistol round really. We call it a hybrid.

Another 5.7 coming tomorrow prob. I’m in cedar park.

[fattyflattie 4639]

2 minutes ago, Handcruser said:

They get the 208 amax and 208 bthp in regularly. The amax is the better bullet (sd and bc speaking) but both work fine.

Yes that ammo is pricey. 5.7 isn’t a rifle round nor a pistol round really. We call it a hybrid.

Another 5.7 coming tomorrow prob. I’m in cedar park.

Nice. Seeing them right at at thousand online?

[Handcruser 2805]

Nice. Seeing them right at at thousand online?

899

[BabaYaga 15290]

8 hours ago, Handcruser said:

They get the 208 amax and 208 bthp in regularly. The amax is the better bullet (sd and bc speaking) but both work fine.

Yes that ammo is pricey. 5.7 isn’t a rifle round nor a pistol round really. We call it a hybrid.

Another 5.7 coming tomorrow prob. I’m in cedar park.

It's a nasty little round.  As a SD option, and if you go off the FBI ballistic tests on penetration, it's second to none.  Add in the high capacity of the mags, and it's a great carry option in colder weather where it's easier to conceal the larger frame options it comes in (or rock the fanny pack like a boss).  The new FN is slick.  

[Anastasis 23469]

Has anyone worked through the pros/cons of a silencer shop one shot unlimited trust vs. a traditional NFA trust?  Any strong feelings.  The process with the one shot trusts seems easier, docusign no notary, no schedules to keep track up, no updates to ATF with subsequent purchases, etc. Downside appears to be that you then have to keep track of separate trusts.  And the big differentiator in my mind at the moment, the one shots can only be used with SS ecosystem and they do not have a mechanism to process form 1s. Traditional trust would be more flexible in that regard. 

 

 

[USCATX 1078]

I want to buy a 6.5 bolt rifle this year because of largely made up reasons, but nominally because most of my rifles are way overpowered for central Texas whitetail hunting.  I’m definitely set on a bolt vs AR platform and would like something with either a laminate or fiberglass stock, no walnut or crappy plastic.  My brand loyalty is nonexistent and I have Weatherby, Ruger, Howa and Savage bolt guns currently.  Price range in the $1000-$2000 range is what I’m expecting.  Hit me with your best options. 

[Fat Bastard 600]

Q the Fix. Skeletonized stock. Little over 2k tho 

[Jkwellborn 6697]

Has anyone worked through the pros/cons of a silencer shop one shot unlimited trust vs. a traditional NFA trust?  Any strong feelings.  The process with the one shot trusts seems easier, docusign no notary, no schedules to keep track up, no updates to ATF with subsequent purchases, etc. Downside appears to be that you then have to keep track of separate trusts.  And the big differentiator in my mind at the moment, the one shots can only be used with SS ecosystem and they do not have a mechanism to process form 1s. Traditional trust would be more flexible in that regard. 
 
 

I’d only consider the single shot if I was getting one or two NFA items. After that, the cost is going equal a traditional trust. Normally, you get to speak with a lawyer if you have issues too.

[fattyflattie 4639]

2 hours ago, USCATX said:

I want to buy a 6.5 bolt rifle this year because of largely made up reasons, but nominally because most of my rifles are way overpowered for central Texas whitetail hunting.  I’m definitely set on a bolt vs AR platform and would like something with either a laminate or fiberglass stock, no walnut or crappy plastic.  My brand loyalty is nonexistent and I have Weatherby, Ruger, Howa and Savage bolt guns currently.  Price range in the $1000-$2000 range is what I’m expecting.  Hit me with your best options. 

We talking manbun, PRC, or Grendel? 

[USCATX 1078]

4 minutes ago, fattyflattie said:

We talking manbun, PRC, or Grendel? 

I’m about 6 months man bun-free so that opens up all the options. I guess I’d lean Creedmoor because I have plenty of weird chamberings already that make it hard to find ammo.  

[Herbie Hancock 7345]

How good of a shot are you? The Ruger American in 6.5 is more than adequate for me under 500 yards, but because I have a small weener and need to compensate for it I also have this

https://www.savagearms.com/content?p=firearms&a=product_summary&s=57550

[fattyflattie 4639]

49 minutes ago, USCATX said:

I’m about 6 months man bun-free so that opens up all the options. I guess I’d lean Creedmoor because I have plenty of weird chamberings already that make it hard to find ammo.  

I figured, but you mentioned being open to the AR, and there’s a lot to Grendels in the ARs. 

[Bozo_Casanova 26443]

4 hours ago, USCATX said:

I want to buy a 6.5 bolt rifle this year because of largely made up reasons,

What a coincidence this is also why I buy guns*.

 

 

*also watches, pocket knives, flashlights, bourbon, kitchen gadgets and cookbooks.

Edited September 5, 2022 by Bozo_Casanova

[Handcruser 2805]

I want to buy a 6.5 bolt rifle this year because of largely made up reasons, but nominally because most of my rifles are way overpowered for central Texas whitetail hunting.  I’m definitely set on a bolt vs AR platform and would like something with either a laminate or fiberglass stock, no walnut or crappy plastic.  My brand loyalty is nonexistent and I have Weatherby, Ruger, Howa and Savage bolt guns currently.  Price range in the $1000-$2000 range is what I’m expecting.  Hit me with your best options. 

Ruger Americans are great. $500.

Creedmoor is great - 30% less recoil than a 308 and pretty flat shooting. Wind drift is nominal. Terminal capability out to 500 - although 70% (or some close number) of deer in texas are taken under 200 yards. I have one.

Grendel is fantastic. Terminal capability out to 350 or so. 123 pills is what you’ll find usually. Hornady makes the most popular loads. Not as easy to find as creed. I have two.

PRC - avoid.

If you want to eventually utilize the same cartridge in an AR - creedmoor is ar10 and grendel is ar15.

Grendel is such a fantastic round.

Ruger makes the grendel in a bolt as well. I sold one a few weeks ago with an lpvo and it was sweet.

[Handcruser 2805]

Really you should get a grendel upper with a nice scope and start there.

[USCATX 1078]

1 hour ago, Herbie Hancock said:

How good of a shot are you? The Ruger American in 6.5 is more than adequate for me under 500 yards, but because I have a small weener and need to compensate for it I also have this

https://www.savagearms.com/content?p=firearms&a=product_summary&s=57550

I’m ok I guess?  I have a Ruger Ranch in 300 blk and it’s a great little gun for picking off does.  I just want something that feels a bit more satisfying in the hand.  The Q Fix and that Savage Axis Precision look cool, but I’m wanting a more conventional gun vs an AR-mag bolt machine.  

Edited September 5, 2022 by USCATX

[Armybrat 40832]

Interrupting the bolt action talk for a PSA:

Tisas 1911 sale…. $329.99

https://www.sportsmansoutdoorsuperstore.com/products2.cfm/ID/282860

Edited September 5, 2022 by Armybrat

[davidg 4036]

You seem to like the finer things so a Christensen in 6.5PRC unless you find a gunsmith and build one up. He’s aggie but Horizon in college station makes some great precision rifles.

[fattyflattie 4639]

15 minutes ago, davidg said:

You seem to like the finer things so a Christensen in 6.5PRC unless you find a gunsmith and build one up. He’s aggie but Horizon in college station makes some great precision rifles.

I thought about both those but checked real quick on the auction sites and both were closer to 3k.  Can vouch for Horizon, specifically in 6.5cm. The aesthetics aren’t my jam but it shoots jagged hole groups. 
 

@Handcruser why you no like the PRC?  Guy on my lease has a 6.5 and 300 and my in limited time with them, I thought both are pretty tits. Our academy only has 1-2 choices of ammo for each. Not a lot, but as an owner of a few AI’s, it happens. 

[Bozo_Casanova 26443]

At McBride’s this weekend I bought a like-new 10/22 takedown with the backpack and a cheap red dot for $350. 

Neat!

Edited September 5, 2022 by Bozo_Casanova

[USCATX 1078]

53 minutes ago, davidg said:

You seem to like the finer things so a Christensen in 6.5PRC unless you find a gunsmith and build one up. He’s aggie but Horizon in college station makes some great precision rifles.

I do like the finer things, but I don’t trust Aggies.  I’ll check on the Christensens though. 

[Parliament 14255]

21 hours ago, USCATX said:

I want to buy a 6.5 bolt rifle this year because of largely made up reasons, but nominally because most of my rifles are way overpowered for central Texas whitetail hunting.  I’m definitely set on a bolt vs AR platform and would like something with either a laminate or fiberglass stock, no walnut or crappy plastic.  My brand loyalty is nonexistent and I have Weatherby, Ruger, Howa and Savage bolt guns currently.  Price range in the $1000-$2000 range is what I’m expecting.  Hit me with your best options. 

In that price range it's hard to go wrong with a Ruger.

[Handcruser 2805]

I thought about both those but checked real quick on the auction sites and both were closer to 3k.  Can vouch for Horizon, specifically in 6.5cm. The aesthetics aren’t my jam but it shoots jagged hole groups. 
 
[mention=214]Handcruser[/mention] why you no like the PRC?  Guy on my lease has a 6.5 and 300 and my in limited time with them, I thought both are pretty tits. Our academy only has 1-2 choices of ammo for each. Not a lot, but as an owner of a few AI’s, it happens. 

Was just a response to his post.

Prc is a great round. Ammo is hard to find and he doesn’t need that firepower for deer in texas.

[fattyflattie 4639]

20 minutes ago, Handcruser said:

Was just a response to his post.

Prc is a great round. Ammo is hard to find and he doesn’t need that firepower for deer in texas.

Gotcha.  Yeah I agree it’s a stout little round.  I don’t need one. I bet I end up with one at some point because I can’t leave well enough alone. 

[Handcruser 2805]

Gotcha.  Yeah I agree it’s a stout little round.  I don’t need one. I bet I end up with one at some point because I can’t leave well enough alone. 

I’m waiting on a billet upper/lower combo to arrive. I’ll be building a new ar so I’m knee deep in parts selection and coating options.

[Lat22 4010]

On 9/1/2022 at 10:42 PM, Handcruser said:

DD is the tits. We get them in used often and usually they’re a great deal.

Welp, I see that the DD5 SBR is in stores. 

[Handcruser 2805]

Welp, I see that the DD5 SBR is in stores. 

Yeah Andrew (dd rep) was in the other day with his. It’s dope af.

[fattyflattie 4639]

On 9/4/2022 at 9:29 PM, fattyflattie said:

I figured, but you mentioned being open to the AR, and there’s a lot to Grendels in the ARs. 

And I can’t read.   Vs =/= or  

[Reagan1k 3024]

On 9/4/2022 at 10:53 PM, Handcruser said:

Creedmoor is great - 30% less recoil than a 308 and pretty flat shooting. Wind drift is nominal. Terminal capability out to 500 - although 70% (or some close number) of deer in texas are taken under 200 yards. I have one.

Wait a minute here.....I was told on the internet that the CM was a laser beam and I could kill an elk out to 1000 yards with no holdover or adjustment.  (full disclosure - I shoot both the CM and the GR and they are great rounds).

If I was buying a new 6.5 bolt gun for hunting in TX, I'd start my looking at the Howa Mini Action in 6.5 Grendel.  Most TX hunting is a combination of riding in the truck and sitting in a blind and that Mini Action is a sweet little compact rifle that does everything you need and more.  Buy the rifle and spend the rest of the money on a good scope and you're golden for TX whitetail hunting. 

[deadshank 24652]

20 hours ago, USCATX said:

I do like the finer things, but I don’t trust Aggies.  I’ll check on the Christensens though. 

If you are in the Houston area and want a custom build I highly recommend Omar Alonzo.  The man has the chops.  No flash / all results. 

[Speedtrucker 2071]

Wait a minute here.....I was told on the internet that the CM was a laser beam and I could kill an elk out to 1000 yards with no holdover or adjustment.  (full disclosure - I shoot both the CM and the GR and they are great rounds).
If I was buying a new 6.5 bolt gun for hunting in TX, I'd start my looking at the Howa Mini Action in 6.5 Grendel.  Most TX hunting is a combination of riding in the truck and sitting in a blind and that Mini Action is a sweet little compact rifle that does everything you need and more.  Buy the rifle and spend the rest of the money on a good scope and you're golden for TX whitetail hunting. 

I was tempted in a mini action as a poor man’s Q Mini Fix, Jtac makes a $400+ chasis on the howa mini.

Black collar makes a pork sword but that’s on a rem700 which I’m not a fan of.

[Reagan1k 3024]

1 hour ago, Speedtrucker said:

I was tempted in a mini action as a poor man’s Q Mini Fix, Jtac makes a $400+ chasis on the howa mini.

Their rifles in general and the mini action are highly under-appreciated by the general public.  Obviously Ruger, Savage and others have bigger name recognition and marketing budgets.  In that class of rifle, Howa would be my choice every time, and I own all three so I've been able to compare.

[Speedtrucker 2071]

Yeah I have a buddy with a Howa, I’m a believer.

I just meant the “poor man’s Q” as you can build a howa mini with chasis for $1000-1500 vs a Mini Fix for $3000

[Reagan1k 3024]

1 hour ago, Speedtrucker said:

Yeah I have a buddy with a Howa, I’m a believer.

I just meant the “poor man’s Q” as you can build a howa mini with chasis for $1000-1500 vs a Mini Fix for $3000

Understood.  Was making a generalized comment.....not towards your post specifically.

[USCATX 1078]

11 hours ago, Reagan1k said:

Wait a minute here.....I was told on the internet that the CM was a laser beam and I could kill an elk out to 1000 yards with no holdover or adjustment.  (full disclosure - I shoot both the CM and the GR and they are great rounds).

If I was buying a new 6.5 bolt gun for hunting in TX, I'd start my looking at the Howa Mini Action in 6.5 Grendel.  Most TX hunting is a combination of riding in the truck and sitting in a blind and that Mini Action is a sweet little compact rifle that does everything you need and more.  Buy the rifle and spend the rest of the money on a good scope and you're golden for TX whitetail hunting. 

My wife hunts with a Howa 270 win that I bought her for our first anniversary (I’m a hopeless romantic) for like $329 with a scope and I do love their bolt guns.  I’m wanting to go a bit sexier on this one but I’ll check it out. 

[BabaYaga 15290]

Howa makes a great boom-stick.  Last I heard, they make the actions and barrels for the Weatherby vanguard in Japan.  

[Reagan1k 3024]

12 hours ago, USCATX said:

 I’m wanting to go a bit sexier on this one but I’ll check it out. 

Tanks fer nuttin...... Your question and my own answer now have me down a rabbit hole looking at stock and chassis options for building a guest gun (excuse for wife)....which of course I'd want to use.  Bell and Carlson or chassis?  Chassis with brace?  Folder or extendable?  Pistol grip or straight?  LPVO or FP?

This could get complicated.

14 minutes ago, BabaYaga said:

Last I heard, they make the actions and barrels for the Weatherby vanguard in Japan.  

That was true in the past and remains so to the best of my knowledge.

[fattyflattie 4639]

5 hours ago, BabaYaga said:

Howa makes a great boom-stick.  Last I heard, they make the actions and barrels for the Weatherby vanguard in Japan.  

I have one of the Howa/WBY Vanguards.  It compares very favorably to many of my Mark V’s, and is a ragged hole shooter.  I’ve been very impressed with it, and favor it over a few of my V’s. 

[Enchubben 5510]

I’ve only ever been dove hunting and clay shooting, but got the offer to join some friends for a duck hunt in a month or so.

Butttttttt, I only have a browning 20 o/u that doesn’t strike me as a gun to take to the water and mud. 

Any recommendations for something suitable for a beginner hunter in the $200-$500 range that will last me 5 seasons or so? 

[Reagan1k 3024]

28 minutes ago, Enchubben said:

I’ve only ever been dove hunting and clay shooting, but got the offer to join some friends for a duck hunt in a month or so.

Butttttttt, I only have a browning 20 o/u that doesn’t strike me as a gun to take to the water and mud. 

Any recommendations for something suitable for a beginner hunter in the $200-$500 range that will last me 5 seasons or so? 

In Texas - Sounds like you'll be teal hunting right?  If so, no more sporting and classic shotgun to use than a 20ga o/u.

Third shot is always a waste on teal anyway, unless the 1st is a skillet shot.  Take the browning to the blind inside a good soft-sided case and enjoy the hunting.  Then take it home and completely strip/clean it.  Don't worry as much about the gun you take as you do about the mosquitos and gators.

Or, go to the pawn shop and get a used Rem. 870 in 20 or 12.

Have fun either way.

[fattyflattie 4639]

2 hours ago, Enchubben said:

I’ve only ever been dove hunting and clay shooting, but got the offer to join some friends for a duck hunt in a month or so.

Butttttttt, I only have a browning 20 o/u that doesn’t strike me as a gun to take to the water and mud. 

Any recommendations for something suitable for a beginner hunter in the $200-$500 range that will last me 5 seasons or so? 

I’ve hunted with OUs almost exclusively for the last 15+ years.  Anywhere from rice patties, to bay hunting, to sunflower fields.  As long as you’re not using it as a paddle, it’ll be fine. 
 

But to answer your question, try to find an older 870. It’s one everyone should have. 

[4th and 5 4914]

Errybody got clean tonight