+1. A firearm is a tool like any other. Figure out what problem you need to solve, then find the tool that fits.

Not only this but I see Firearms as sporting equipment aswell for target shooting.

If the problem to be solved is (or includes) entertainment, then IMO you've already solved it by buying a .22.

You've got a good list there. Each firearm being unique from the others (in terms of purpose). Add a .357mag revolver and a pneumatic air rifle and you're all set IMHO.

If you don't currently hunt, and don't really plan to except during some emergency disaster situation, for that .308 you could substitute something simpler and a whole lot cheaper. Like a Mosin Nagant in 7.62x54R. Just as powerful as a .308, but not as sexy (unless you go ga-ga over military surplus rifles - as I do). If you want a visual primer on Mosin Nagants, watch "Enemy At The Gates" or "Defiance". Good movies. Those Mosins can run less than $100 and ammo is around $75 for 440 rounds (and it's plentiful). Very accurate, powerful, bolt action. Stick the bayonet on there and it's probably as long as you are tall. A hoot to shoot! Lots of chioces in the "large game hunting" class: .30-06, .270, .308, 7.62x54R, 8x57, and on and on. A surplus German Mauser or Russian Mosin will serve the purpose just as well as an expensive rifle. And face it, you're just NOT going to be buying .308 ammo at 440 rounds for $75.

But I digress... By the time you get to this point, you will already own five .22's, multiple mid-range calibers, a dozen handguns, and you'll be buying these guns just because you WANT them. You won't be trying to JUSTIFY why you need them anymore. It gets real expensive at this point. Ask me how I know!

But but but! Then thats like playing the same video game over and over and over and over again!




I thought about it but Every Surplus rifle for around that price I seen looks like its been ran over by a tank a few times. If you could point me in the direction of a good dealer with rifles in which the wood is in decent shape as well as the metal that would be wonderful. Till then a 300$ Hunting rifle will have to do.

I bought my Mosin locally. I was able to inspect it and pick the best from the batch the dealer had. Not everyone is as lucky.

Buy from a place with a good reputation. Here are a few:

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?groupid=256&name=Russian+1891%2f30+7.62x54R+Mosin+Nagant+Rifles

http://www.jgsales.com/product_info.php/c/c-r-guns/p/mosin-nagant-91-30-round-receiver-rifle%2C-7-62x54r-caliber-/cPath/290/products_id/1041

http://www.wideners.com/itemdetail.cfm?item_id=8970&dir=700|701|1029

http://www.classicarms.us/firearms.htm

Omg the One in the pictures in aimsurplus is beautiful! I never seen one for sale in such good condition locally. I LOVE the light color of the wood around here the wood is always a awefull dark discolored rough color and usually missing alot of the finnish. I think imma look into getting one from Aimsurplus! many many thanks!

Also What is the best way of storing 22 ammunition? Ive heard many methods but none are as organized as I prefer often just filling containers. The best I have heard is filling mason jars but Im looking for a way to store them more arranged and aligned. At the most I may store the box's as is in Tupperware or Drybox's.

The most important thing with ammo is storing it in a cool, dry, place. With that said, ammo is amazingly resilient. I've shot rimfire ammo that's been left outside (in the rain and snow) for weeks and it still functioned just fine.

Anyway, I store my ammunition in ammo cans or dry-boxes. Make sure the seals are good on the can/box, toss in a desiccant pack with it, and the stuff will outlive you no problem.

Ammo cans sold locally here are rusted out dirt laden junk even at gander mountain sad. Looks like imma go with dry boxs tho they are almost just a modern form of ammo cans.