Ok, I have been a AR15/M16 guy my whole life. Learned it in military and just stayed. Now, I am venturing into handguns. Want to build a collection. My goal - 7 weapons.

1 - AR - Diamondback
Good solid, midlevel and it has worked well for me

2 - Shotgun - Looking .20 Gauge as I live in a city and mostly home defense

3- 9mm Duty

4 - 9mm Conceal

5 - .22 Plinker

6 - Carbine - Typically would be a bolt action, but I live in a city. If in COL, I would want to be able and reach out and touch something. But, don't seem much mover than 100 yard need in my life...

7 - Single action - FN High Power
Already have what I want identified, saving up...


So, my ask. Discuss... Mostly the handguns. Do you:
Like - FN, HK, SW, GLOCK, CZ???
Do you stay one manufacturer and build on a frame? Or spread it out?
Wife? Recoil or Knuckle pain an issue in your experience?

Figured I would get a whole range here - even the Russian makes from our red leaning posters... : )

Bought my first AR-15 with Covid stimulus money. How sweet is that?

My sidearm of choice is a Remington M-1911 .45 caliber that my uncle carried in WWII. It is 82 years old but a spectacular weapon.

RD2WINAGNBEAR86 said:

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Bought my first AR-15 with Covid stimulus money. How sweet is that?

My sidearm of choice is a Remington M-1911 .45 caliber that my uncle carried in WWII. It is 82 years old but a spectacular weapon.

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Love it.

At 35, .45 was great. As 62, 9MM is just fine!

I am leaning FM 509 and 502.

I love my AR, been using since the M16A1, there is something to be said for familiarity.

Does a Remington 721 in 300H&H qualify for a collection?

Congratulations on the AR. I have one, but am not nearly as familiar with it as you are.

Manual of arms matters. I can operate (well, up to the point of aiming anyway) a 1911 with my eyes closed. I tend to prefer traditional hammer fired pistols with external/thumb safeties and have been pretty happy with my Sigs and Berettas. The step daughter carries a S&W Shield with a grip safety which I don't like at all.

One nice combination is the Beretta 92 in 9mm combined with the CX4 storm in 9mm. Both accept the same mags.

As far as recoil, really compact 9mms can kick just based on the lack of mass of the gun. I can shoot my 9mm concealed carry weapon accurately, but wouldn't want to spend a long day at the range with it. 380 is a much smoother caliber for really small/light guns.

I'd probably skip the 502. I like the 22LR round for plinking, but varmint rounds just don't have the kinetic energy to deal with a bad day.

This is an interesting article:

https://www.tierthreetactical.com/analyzing-1800-shootings-which-caliber-has-the-best-stopping-power/

Realitybites said:

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Congratulations on the AR. I have one, but am not nearly as familiar with it as you are.

Manual of arms matters. I can operate (well, up to the point of aiming anyway) a 1911 with my eyes closed. I tend to prefer traditional hammer fired pistols with external/thumb safeties and have been pretty happy with my Sigs and Berettas. The step daughter carries a S&W Shield with a grip safety which I don't like at all.

One nice combination is the Beretta 92 in 9mm combined with the CX4 storm in 9mm. Both accept the same mags.

As far as recoil, really compact 9mms can kick just based on the lack of mass of the gun. I can shoot my 9mm concealed carry weapon accurately, but wouldn't want to spend a long day at the range with it. 380 is a much smoother caliber for really small/light guns.

I'd probably skip the 502. I like the 22LR round for plinking, but varmint rounds just don't have the kinetic energy to deal with a bad day.

This is an interesting article:

https://www.tierthreetactical.com/analyzing-1800-shootings-which-caliber-has-the-best-stopping-power/

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Thanks for the insights! Also, I am a lefty so that plays into my choices. My brother, a righty, loves coming to gun store because he said he would never think of what gives me trouble. For example, locking the slide back. Canick, CZ, FN all great guns. But, give me a hard time on slide lock back. I have to do gymnastics with them!

I have a .45 1911, but .45 ammo is so expensive I don't use often.

My latest is Springfield Echelon, which impressed the hell out of me. I literally had the Walther PDP (which is what I came for) on the counter and couldn't do it, that Echelon shot so nice I switched! I also picked up a Mark IV on sale for $320. I always wanted a target pistol. I need to stay out of that place!

I am finding age becoming a factor (factor, not issue yet!). Arthritis in hands and eyesight.

I tried a Walther CCP M2 that has the gas delayed blowback and that is so easy on the hands. I may add for a carry gun or for my wife.

I also am adding reflex sights and VIS (Echelon came with it mounted)

Thanks for the fun conversation...

Lost all mine in a tragic boating accident

Seriously, Always been interested in an AR but never actually pulled the trigger on one

4th and Inches said:

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Lost all mine in a tragic boating accident

Seriously, Always been interested in an AR but never actually pulled the trigger on one

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Lots of choices under 1000.00.

It is a fun platform. Lots of options. Check out a guy called Honest Outlaw does good pod casts. He has several on ARs and practically every other gun.

On YouTube...

Anyone with arthritis, check out the Walther CCP M2. Just got one, nice little CC gun easy on hands

Just read up on that. Seems like a really nice concealed carry gun.

Realitybites said:

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Just read up on that. Seems like a really nice concealed carry gun.

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Yeah, I like it. It is only an 8+1, but I don't even want to fire the 1 in real life. Even if I am in the right the pain in the ass that would follow would be horrific and expensive!

I am finding joints being the limiting factor as I age...

Always wanted a Desert Eagle when I used to own guns. But never pulled the trigger...

Had a beautiful little Ithica (Spanish) double barrel 20 guage back in college to go dove hunting. Great gun but I mistreated it. Sold it for cheap

Assassin said:

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Always wanted a Desert Eagle when I used to own guns. But never pulled the trigger...

Had a beautiful little Ithica (Spanish) double barrel 20 guage back in college to go dove hunting. Great gun but I mistreated it. Sold it for cheap

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Forgot about a Walther PPK I used to carry when I was managing nightclubs (we had to deposit large amounts of cash) or in the occasional time that I would bodyguard.

To be honest, I hated carrying it, but the job required it. If you are armed, you must be ready to use it. Cant say I ever was

My carry is a Sig P238 (.380). I have 9mm glock , springfield .45, but I tend not to carry those as much due to weight and size. 380 is so easy to throw in the pocket. Defintely doesn't have the stopping power as the others, but will still do damage.

AR-15 I have a Primary Weapons Systems. It's alright, but I don't seem to be very accurate with it.

AR10 is a FN. Heavy and nice kick. I don't use it much due to the weight

Most of my hunting rifles now are Christensen Arms. Really like the 7mm-08 for white tail. No kick, super light and extremely accurate. Also have it in 270, 308 and 300 win mag

20 gauge is a Benneli SS

12 gauge no idea, passed down from grandfather. I believe it is a Remington

Keltec KSG 12 gauge for home defense.

Several more, but those are the one's I recall off the top of my head.

30aBear said:

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My carry is a Sig P238 (.380). I have 9mm glock , springfield .45, but I tend not to carry those as much due to weight and size. 380 is so easy to throw in the pocket. Defintely doesn't have the stopping power as the others, but will still do damage.

AR-15 I have a Primary Weapons Systems. It's alright, but I don't seem to be very accurate with it.

AR10 is a FN. Heavy and nice kick. I don't use it much due to the weight

Most of my hunting rifles now are Christensen Arms. Really like the 7mm-08 for white tail. No kick, super light and extremely accurate. Also have it in 270, 308 and 300 win mag

20 gauge is a Benneli SS

12 gauge no idea, passed down from grandfather. I believe it is a Remington

Keltec KSG 12 gauge for home defense.

Several more, but those are the one's I recall off the top of my head.

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Benneli makes a nice shot gun.

FLBear5630 said:

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30aBear said:

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My carry is a Sig P238 (.380). I have 9mm glock , springfield .45, but I tend not to carry those as much due to weight and size. 380 is so easy to throw in the pocket. Defintely doesn't have the stopping power as the others, but will still do damage.

AR-15 I have a Primary Weapons Systems. It's alright, but I don't seem to be very accurate with it.

AR10 is a FN. Heavy and nice kick. I don't use it much due to the weight

Most of my hunting rifles now are Christensen Arms. Really like the 7mm-08 for white tail. No kick, super light and extremely accurate. Also have it in 270, 308 and 300 win mag

20 gauge is a Benneli SS

12 gauge no idea, passed down from grandfather. I believe it is a Remington

Keltec KSG 12 gauge for home defense.

Several more, but those are the one's I recall off the top of my head.

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Benneli makes a nice shot gun.

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love it. I could shoot clays for days without any issues with the shoulder. Very smooth firing and light

Tactical - A/R Style - Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 5.56

Pistol - Glock 19

Home Defense Shotgun - Mossberg pump 20 - redone with a 2mm over the legal limit barrel, tactical laser and heads-up site, 8 in the pipe, loaded buckshot. Both my wife and I can handle it easily, and it makes a wicked noise when you rack it.

Hunting Rifle - Weatherby 7Mag

Hunting Shotgun (big birds) - Benelli Super Vinci 12

Hunting Shotgun (upland birds) - Winchester Pigeon Grade 20/20 O/U

Plunker - Winchester 30-30 lever action. Will take out anything from a hog to a white tail.

anybody use rpgs???

PA.

- UL

william said:

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anybody use rpgs???

PA.

- UL

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Does tannerite count?

OsoCoreyell said:

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Tactical - A/R Style - Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 5.56

Pistol - Glock 19

Home Defense Shotgun - Mossberg pump 20 - redone with a 2mm over the legal limit barrel, tactical laser and heads-up site, 8 in the pipe, loaded buckshot. Both my wife and I can handle it easily, and it makes a wicked noise when you rack it.

Hunting Rifle - Weatherby 7Mag

Hunting Shotgun (big birds) - Benelli Super Vinci 12

Hunting Shotgun (upland birds) - Winchester Pigeon Grade 20/20 O/U

Plunker - Winchester 30-30 lever action. Will take out anything from a hog to a white tail.

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Love the 30/30.

I am looking for an entry level over/under. My wife wants to shoot clays. I am going 20 gauge.

FLBear5630 said:

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OsoCoreyell said:

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Tactical - A/R Style - Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 5.56

Pistol - Glock 19

Home Defense Shotgun - Mossberg pump 20 - redone with a 2mm over the legal limit barrel, tactical laser and heads-up site, 8 in the pipe, loaded buckshot. Both my wife and I can handle it easily, and it makes a wicked noise when you rack it.

Hunting Rifle - Weatherby 7Mag

Hunting Shotgun (big birds) - Benelli Super Vinci 12

Hunting Shotgun (upland birds) - Winchester Pigeon Grade 20/20 O/U

Plunker - Winchester 30-30 lever action. Will take out anything from a hog to a white tail.

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Love the 30/30.

I am looking for an entry level over/under. My wife wants to shoot clays. I am going 20 gauge.

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for your wife? Definitely 20 gauge. Carbon fiber to make it super light.

30aBear said:

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FLBear5630 said:

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OsoCoreyell said:

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Tactical - A/R Style - Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 5.56

Pistol - Glock 19

Home Defense Shotgun - Mossberg pump 20 - redone with a 2mm over the legal limit barrel, tactical laser and heads-up site, 8 in the pipe, loaded buckshot. Both my wife and I can handle it easily, and it makes a wicked noise when you rack it.

Hunting Rifle - Weatherby 7Mag

Hunting Shotgun (big birds) - Benelli Super Vinci 12

Hunting Shotgun (upland birds) - Winchester Pigeon Grade 20/20 O/U

Plunker - Winchester 30-30 lever action. Will take out anything from a hog to a white tail.

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Love the 30/30.

I am looking for an entry level over/under. My wife wants to shoot clays. I am going 20 gauge.

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for your wife? Definitely 20 gauge. Carbon fiber to make it super light.

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Actually one for each of us. Looking at doing it together.

OsoCoreyell said:

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Tactical - A/R Style - Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 5.56

Pistol - Glock 19

Home Defense Shotgun - Mossberg pump 20 - redone with a 2mm over the legal limit barrel, tactical laser and heads-up site, 8 in the pipe, loaded buckshot. Both my wife and I can handle it easily, and it makes a wicked noise when you rack it.

Hunting Rifle - Weatherby 7Mag

Hunting Shotgun (big birds) - Benelli Super Vinci 12

Hunting Shotgun (upland birds) - Winchester Pigeon Grade 20/20 O/U

Plunker - Winchester 30-30 lever action. Will take out anything from a hog to a white tail.

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I am not a Glock guy. Don't like the blockiness and flat trigger. Know people who love em.

FLBear5630 said:

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30aBear said:

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FLBear5630 said:

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OsoCoreyell said:

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Tactical - A/R Style - Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 5.56

Pistol - Glock 19

Home Defense Shotgun - Mossberg pump 20 - redone with a 2mm over the legal limit barrel, tactical laser and heads-up site, 8 in the pipe, loaded buckshot. Both my wife and I can handle it easily, and it makes a wicked noise when you rack it.

Hunting Rifle - Weatherby 7Mag

Hunting Shotgun (big birds) - Benelli Super Vinci 12

Hunting Shotgun (upland birds) - Winchester Pigeon Grade 20/20 O/U

Plunker - Winchester 30-30 lever action. Will take out anything from a hog to a white tail.

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Love the 30/30.

I am looking for an entry level over/under. My wife wants to shoot clays. I am going 20 gauge.

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for your wife? Definitely 20 gauge. Carbon fiber to make it super light.

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Actually one for each of us. Looking at doing it together.

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I wish I could do it more. Every time I shoot I have a blast. Have a good time! You'll love it, especially with the fall weather coming

FLBear5630 said:

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OsoCoreyell said:

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Tactical - A/R Style - Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 5.56

Pistol - Glock 19

Home Defense Shotgun - Mossberg pump 20 - redone with a 2mm over the legal limit barrel, tactical laser and heads-up site, 8 in the pipe, loaded buckshot. Both my wife and I can handle it easily, and it makes a wicked noise when you rack it.

Hunting Rifle - Weatherby 7Mag

Hunting Shotgun (big birds) - Benelli Super Vinci 12

Hunting Shotgun (upland birds) - Winchester Pigeon Grade 20/20 O/U

Plunker - Winchester 30-30 lever action. Will take out anything from a hog to a white tail.

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I am not a Glock guy. Don't like the blockiness and flat trigger. Know people who love em.

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Glock isn't a pretty gun, but that gun can go in the mud, water, be dropped, etc and it will work when you need it to. It's an amazingly durable gun. Definitely not one of my favorites either mainly bc of looks and weight.

30aBear said:

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FLBear5630 said:

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OsoCoreyell said:

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Tactical - A/R Style - Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 5.56

Pistol - Glock 19

Home Defense Shotgun - Mossberg pump 20 - redone with a 2mm over the legal limit barrel, tactical laser and heads-up site, 8 in the pipe, loaded buckshot. Both my wife and I can handle it easily, and it makes a wicked noise when you rack it.

Hunting Rifle - Weatherby 7Mag

Hunting Shotgun (big birds) - Benelli Super Vinci 12

Hunting Shotgun (upland birds) - Winchester Pigeon Grade 20/20 O/U

Plunker - Winchester 30-30 lever action. Will take out anything from a hog to a white tail.

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I am not a Glock guy. Don't like the blockiness and flat trigger. Know people who love em.

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Glock isn't a pretty gun, but that gun can go in the mud, water, be dropped, etc and it will work when you need it to. It's an amazingly durable gun. Definitely not one of my favorites either mainly bc of looks and weight.

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Don't get me wrong, if I was looking for a Duty Weapon to carry in the military or LEO, Glock would be up there. For my recreational use and home, I like Walthers. I also have Ruger American 9 mm that shots really nice, it out shoots my Springfield. Surprised me.

While we're on this topic, I'll bring up a tangential one.

What have you found to be the best concealed carry pants/shorts for pocket/cargo pocket carry?

I've never gotten used to the holster inside the belt.

I use 5.11 tactical's cotton canvas pants, which have some reasonable pocket options and a dedicated mag pocket. They seem to work pretty well.

Shorts, however, are another issue. It would be nice to have something similar in a pair of shorts that would let you pocket carry a small glock into wet/humid environments.

Realitybites said:

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While we're on this topic, I'll bring up a tangential one.

What have you found to be the best concealed carry pants/shorts for pocket/cargo pocket carry?

I've never gotten used to the holster inside the belt.

I use 5.11 tactical's cotton canvas pants, which have some reasonable pocket options and a dedicated mag pocket. They seem to work pretty well.

Shorts, however, are another issue. It would be nice to have something similar in a pair of shorts that would let you pocket carry a small glock into wet/humid environments.

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You may want to try Quicksilver Waterman collection, if you are looking for a bit more stylish than the typical tactical.

I find the fishing stuff at West Marine like HUK, Pelagic and others are good performance shorts and have the same type of pockets like plier, phone, cargo, and clips without looking prepper...

FLBear5630 said:

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OsoCoreyell said:

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Tactical - A/R Style - Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 5.56

Pistol - Glock 19

Home Defense Shotgun - Mossberg pump 20 - redone with a 2mm over the legal limit barrel, tactical laser and heads-up site, 8 in the pipe, loaded buckshot. Both my wife and I can handle it easily, and it makes a wicked noise when you rack it.

Hunting Rifle - Weatherby 7Mag

Hunting Shotgun (big birds) - Benelli Super Vinci 12

Hunting Shotgun (upland birds) - Winchester Pigeon Grade 20/20 O/U

Plunker - Winchester 30-30 lever action. Will take out anything from a hog to a white tail.

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Love the 30/30.

I am looking for an entry level over/under. My wife wants to shoot clays. I am going 20 gauge.

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CZ Redhead Premier. I KNOW that the Savage is a couple of hundred less, but trust me on this...the CZ is an incredibly underpriced gun. It really ought to cost $1750-$2K, and it probably will in a few years. Very well balanced and the handwork is first rate. I'd put it up against a Citori anytime. In fact, I sometimes shoot it over my Win Pigeon Grade.

OsoCoreyell said:

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FLBear5630 said:

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OsoCoreyell said:

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Tactical - A/R Style - Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 5.56

Pistol - Glock 19

Home Defense Shotgun - Mossberg pump 20 - redone with a 2mm over the legal limit barrel, tactical laser and heads-up site, 8 in the pipe, loaded buckshot. Both my wife and I can handle it easily, and it makes a wicked noise when you rack it.

Hunting Rifle - Weatherby 7Mag

Hunting Shotgun (big birds) - Benelli Super Vinci 12

Hunting Shotgun (upland birds) - Winchester Pigeon Grade 20/20 O/U

Plunker - Winchester 30-30 lever action. Will take out anything from a hog to a white tail.

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Love the 30/30.

I am looking for an entry level over/under. My wife wants to shoot clays. I am going 20 gauge.

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CZ Redhead Premier. I KNOW that the Savage is a couple of hundred less, but trust me on this...the CZ is an incredibly underpriced gun. It really ought to cost $1750-$2K, and it probably will in a few years. Very well balanced and the handwork is first rate. I'd put it up against a Citori anytime. In fact, I sometimes shoot it over my Win Pigeon Grade.

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Added to my Shooter World wish list...

FLBear5630 said:

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OsoCoreyell said:

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Tactical - A/R Style - Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 5.56

Pistol - Glock 19

Home Defense Shotgun - Mossberg pump 20 - redone with a 2mm over the legal limit barrel, tactical laser and heads-up site, 8 in the pipe, loaded buckshot. Both my wife and I can handle it easily, and it makes a wicked noise when you rack it.

Hunting Rifle - Weatherby 7Mag

Hunting Shotgun (big birds) - Benelli Super Vinci 12

Hunting Shotgun (upland birds) - Winchester Pigeon Grade 20/20 O/U

Plunker - Winchester 30-30 lever action. Will take out anything from a hog to a white tail.

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I am not a Glock guy. Don't like the blockiness and flat trigger. Know people who love em.

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Very fair criticism. I find that people fall into one of four categories on pistols:

- Glock - The ultimate compromise gun - reliable, lightish, decent stopping power
- British or Italian (Walther or Baretta) - Very light, smooth shooter, great accuracy
- Revolver - Totally reliable and the easiest gun to operate where you want to eliminate as many variables so that execution is simple.
- .45ers - Stopping power. If any one of your shots hit, the target is out of the fight.

There's great reasons to be in each camp, but in the end, it comes down to comfort, familiarity and priorities.

OsoCoreyell said:

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FLBear5630 said:

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OsoCoreyell said:

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Tactical - A/R Style - Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 5.56

Pistol - Glock 19

Home Defense Shotgun - Mossberg pump 20 - redone with a 2mm over the legal limit barrel, tactical laser and heads-up site, 8 in the pipe, loaded buckshot. Both my wife and I can handle it easily, and it makes a wicked noise when you rack it.

Hunting Rifle - Weatherby 7Mag

Hunting Shotgun (big birds) - Benelli Super Vinci 12

Hunting Shotgun (upland birds) - Winchester Pigeon Grade 20/20 O/U

Plunker - Winchester 30-30 lever action. Will take out anything from a hog to a white tail.

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I am not a Glock guy. Don't like the blockiness and flat trigger. Know people who love em.

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Very fair criticism. I find that people fall into one of four categories on pistols:

- Glock - The ultimate compromise gun - reliable, lightish, decent stopping power
- British or Italian (Walther or Baretta) - Very light, smooth shooter, great accuracy
- Revolver - Totally reliable and the easiest gun to operate where you want to eliminate as many variables so that execution is simple.
- .45ers - Stopping power. If any one of your shots hit, the target is out of the fight.

There's great reasons to be in each camp, but in the end, it comes down to comfort, familiarity and priorities.

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I based my choices on a great article I read on needing 7 platforms, keep in mind I do not live in an area where I can fire rifles without driving and I don't hunt. (Also, it is all the wife will tolerate.)
So, my list is a bit more handgun-centric.


Pistol - Duty - Springfield Echelon and a Ruger American 9 mm (really surprised me...)

Pistol - Conceal Carry - Walther CCP M2

Pistol - 45 - I have a Rock Island 1911 (who doesn't...), but would love to upgrade.

Target - Ruger Mark IV .22LR (Would love an FN High Power- 9mm).

Tactical - A/R Style Diamondback DB15

Shotgun - I am going with an over/under.

Rifle - Do not really have the need for a bolt action, will be getting a 9 mm plunker or 30/30.