Sounds like you have a long shopping list of "want to get" guns.

How Unusual. None of the rest of us have such a list, we're perfectly content with what we have. What's wrong with you?

 

lol ... no kidding ...

I got nothing to add that hasn't been said already. Just thought it was kinda funny that post no. 2 in a thead said it all! :

 

The pistol may indeed have been a bad choice just because of the ammo availability... but there is nothing wrong with your choice of the WASR or the 20ga 870.

If it were me, and my budget was severely limited, I would keep both the wasr and the 870 and save up for a glock in 9mm... then start stocking ammo for each.

 

ROBBIEC is right ... you've got 2 great guns already... fo waht ya need to.. get yourself a glock.. ammo and be happy!

 

dump the WASR and get a m1 garand, or mini-14 or ar

learn to reload - you can make 9 x 18 brass from

8 lbs of promo will set you back maybe 100 - thats enough powder for about 15,000 rounds of 9x18 ...

 

I know the feeling, sometimes I wonder what I was thinkin' when I was stocking up on guns and ammo. Finally, about a year ago, I started concentrating on specific calibers.

Chrismas I got the wife a Rossi Taurus lever action 357 magnum to go with her Taurus and Smith and Wesson 357 magnums. She can practice with 38 special (cheaper), and then have her 357 rifle and revolver for real life scenarios.

Then I concentrated on 5.56 55 gr FMJ weapons, Ruger Mini 14's for the men to carry, and then 357 magnum pistols on there hips. This way I only need to stock up on 5.56 and 357 magnum, makes it easier. If someone is canvassing your location and see everyone in the community carrying a Mini 14 with a sidearm it says, "don't go there" better than anything else.

Note: If you have wide open spaces to defend, you might want to throw in a long shooter....Remington 308, or other. Mini 14's are not good long shooters.

Shotguns, we have 20 gage, but the stockpiling is all 12 gage.

Re-assess your situation, you can trade easily and readjust your plan. If you can't find anyone to trade with then just load the gun and put it somewhere as a emergency stach location. Inside the chicken coup, somewhere in the barn, inside the rv, etc.

Then start concentrating on same caliber and common calibers. The most popular and common would be best, i.e. Rifles: Nato 5.56 55 gr FMJ and Handguns: 357/38 special. I am saying with revolvers because they are built like bricks and have less problems.

 

I am saying with revolvers because they are built like bricks and have less problems.

I'm going to have to disagree with this statement. While you personally might believe revolvers such as the Taurus or S&W offerings are more durable than a good auto, I could prove that false in just a couple of minutes.

If you were talking about a Ruger revolver, perhaps. But I can knock a S&W revolver out of time simply by dropping it on a hard surface. If you're running and drop the revolver and it skips across pavement and the cylinder takes the brunt of the force... You could do far more than knock it out of time. Ruger revolvers are built far more ruggedly than S&W or Taurus revolvers which are actual quite frail in comparison. Many years ago my buddy took an old Security Six Ruger and skipped it across the pavement several times which knocked the grips off but the gun held up pretty well. He did the same with a S&W Model 19 and it broke the cylinder stop on the first drop. He too was a revolver guy until he conducted his own tests and back then settled on the 1911 which was impervious to anything he could do to it.

I've also had two revolvers bind on me (both S&W) while shooting on the range. In both cases debris from heavy use found it's way into the action via the pawl opening which rendered the handguns totally inoperable. One for only a few minutes and the other until I popped the side plate. I found this to be particularly alarming because most revolver owners never clean their pistols lock work outside of spaying oil in there and hitting what they can with a Q-Tip. These are issues you will never have with an auto such as a Glock.

Perhaps your experiences are different but to others reading this, don't believe a revolver is the end all in durability. Generally speaking, the opposite is true and at the very least the best revolver is no more durable than a good auto.

 

Ruger makes fine revolvers, but I personally would not buy a pistol from them.

If you are on a budget, go for a Glock in 9mm (9mm is very common and therefore offers a very good variety of ammunition @ reasonable costs). If you prefer full steel: CZ75. They are reliable, proven and ugly. But hey, you are not looking for a BBQ gun to show off.

With 12-gauge VS 20-gauge it is similar: 12-gauge you just have a better variety on ammo @ better prices. 12-gauge I can go into the store and buy what I need, no matter what bird shot, buck shot or slugs. Try this with 20-gauge, most stuff has to be ordered.

And before buying a Kel-Tec SU-16, save up and buy something of more quality. It's stupid to make the same mistakes twice.

 

Dont feel bad about what youve got!!! The polish 'makarovs' are excellent CCW and general defense pistols. Yeah, the caliber is wierd- you will have to stock up. BUT ammo is cheap! Dont regret that. Or the WASR. Or the 20 ga!! You have all bases covered now though.

 

If we lived close enough to meet, I'd discuss taking them off your hands.:

 

Everything that USMC7411 said above!

Go with any cheap 5.56/.223 like a Ruger Mini-14, get a .22LR for small game and at least one double action revolver in .32/.38/.357 to keep in the nightstand and on your hip.

You can add a cheap SKS or Mosin Nagent later, or even a lever action in the same caliber as your pistol (.357).

 

Don't EVER feel like you're under gunned with that 20 guage. KEEP it and add a 12 later if you just HAVE to.

 

Trade in your 20 and get a 12. Take that money and buy a mossberg. Trade in your makarov and get a 9mm, not that much of a money difference. Yeah if you can get a glock 17 or 19. Keep the Wasr. Get a .22 semi-auto for about 100 bucks then you'll be all set.

 

Sell the handgun and shotgun and all the ammo

Get
9mm hand gun
12 gauge shotgun

...and ammo



Sell the WASR and get an Arsenal - keep your ammo


Then you'll be cooking :


IMO

 

Reload!
There will always be 9X19 available - pshtf just trim the case down to 9X18.

 

I have a Maverick 88 by Mossberg. I traded a Taurus PT-22 and $50 for it. It's 12GA. and It holds 8+1. It was Marked $210 at the Fun Show, where 12GA. Slugs and '00' Buck were in abundance as well. I Have a Model 26 Glock, which I can carry year round quite comfortably, and once again, 9x19mm is in abundance everywhere. I have others but these are my "Go To" Tools for SD/HD right now. Your 870 should trade up easily for a Mossberg 12 and some ammo. 2 Polish "Makarovs", should trade with the WASR for a Gen 3, Model 26,19, or 17. plus Ammo and a few 33 Rounders if you get the right dealer at the right time.

 

I agree with robbiec, you have not done anything drastically off target.

The pair of Makarovs will serve you and your wife well for now until you save up to buy a 9x19. They are also more concealable, than most 9x19s. You won't get much in a trade, so keep them for their strengths. Inexpensive, reliable and durable, easily concealed, controllable and you already have them... Buy a few boxes of ammo and spare mags and plan to make them your back up/spare sidearms when you can afford to replace them.

The 20 ga Shotgun-- The only thing wrong with a 20ga is that for a SHTF situation, 12ga will usually be easier to find.
However, look at this as your wifes primary long gun for now. She should be able to handle the 20ga with buckshot easier than she would a 12 ga with even recoil reduced buck. Again when the opportunity presents itself pick up an 870 express or a Moss 500 either new or used. But don't worry about getting rid of the 20ga it will serve her well.
If at some point you can afford a second AK, and she has decided she would like one, then it might make sense to trade the 870 on an AK for her.

The WASR, is a good basic AK, if you have made sure it is reliable and combat accurate then whats the problem. Don't let the peanut gallery talk you into dumping it for whatever they happen to be fond of. The AK platform has much going for it. It is arguably the most reliable of the battle rifle platforms, ammo is very reasonable currently, its intermediate cartridge is controllable by most anybody male female or youngster, and it is has reasonable ballistics. The AK is not noted for Minute of angle accuracy, but it is certainly capable of acceptable combat accuracy.
They are often better shooters than the armchair commandos that talk them down.

I would recommend that you think about a cpl of good 22lrs, for inexpensive practice. A rifle and a pistol both. For the bargain minded the Ruger 10-22 or the Rem 597 are great guns. For pistols the Ruger Mk series, Browning Buckmark, and in Revolvers the Taurus are all good reliable pistols that are not too highly priced.

Hope this helps, Best of luck...

 

I'll take the wasr off your hands for the right price

 

I don't see anything wrong with the WASR if it shoots some what accurate. As for the twenty gauge I wouldn't bother getting rid of it if your wife does shoot it. The handgun I might be tempted to trade for a 9mm glock. You have yet to buy anything to stupid yet. From now on just think a little more before you go out and buy another gun so you don't doubt yourself agian (you will probably still second guess yourself no matter what guns you buy).

I sometimes kick my self for buy a bolt action 30-06 with a built in magazine instead of a semiauto or a rifle with a removable magazine. I hate unloading and loading my gun when deer hunting.

 

I have two Polish P-64 9x18 pistols (lighter hammer springs are in the mail), a WASR-10 and a 20 gauge Remington 870.

What the hell was I thinking? (SIGH)

I don't think you've done all that bad. If your WASR functions OK, then it's a good choice. The 20 gauge is a good choice because your wife can handle it. I think I'd sell or trade in the pistols and get the Ruger you mentioned. It'll be as durable and reliable as anything on the market and more so than most.

 

I went the inexpensive ammo route with my rifles I have 2 10/22 rugers with multiple 30rd magazines, I have my grandfathers 30/06 to reach and touch. Also one might consider a blackpowder rifle or two you can always make your own rounds my 50cal will bring down about any game I want. Handguns I just have an older 22lr and a 38 spec. both revolvers. Sold my Taurus 9mm a few years ago and am still kicking myself. Whatever guns you have the three most important things to know is how to use it, how to clean it and to know that you will be able to pull the trigger when necessary otherwise you have an expensive club.

 

First off, congratulations on your son. Now if I were you who just had a second son and was tight on money... I would make sure what I had runs well and that I had ammo for it. I think hoping to find ammo down the road, no matter how common, is fool hearty. Not saying it can't happen, but I wouldn't bet my life on it. Right now you've got 2 adults with 2 long guns, and 2 handguns. If you sell them you won't be able to replace them for same money.

That said, if you feel the need to upgrade I don't blame you. The 64s aren't bad little pistols, but they are little pistols. Of limited use beyond last ditch personal defense. The WASR isn't my favorite, but I like AKs

I'd sell the pistols on your local gun classified and get that P95 or a used 3" SP101 or 4"GP100. Upgrade to a better defensive carbine when you can.

 

I don't think the 9 X 18 caliber is bad, it just depends on what you plan to do with it. Ammo can be stocked-up relatively cheaply by ordering in bulk online. We bought two CZ82's and a couple K rounds to make sure we had something to feed them. I don't know about the Polish pistol, other than it's a little small and light, but that can be a plus and a nice carry piece if you don't mind the sharp recoil.

The AK is a great choice if you want an absolutely reliable rifle that can hit the enemy effectively out to 3 or 400 yds and not cost a fortune.

The 870 is my fave shotty, although a 20 wouldn't be how I would go. The 20 does have uses though and it can be effective in its own right as well.

I'd keep 'em all and just start fresh with new additions. :

 

First off, there is nothing wrong with 20 ga. Depending on the actual shotshell, the velocity is about the same, but with fewer pieces of shot. That is to say, you may not be putting as many lumps of lead into the air, but each one is approximately just as dangerous as if it were fired from a 12 ga. When you then factor in the ability to recover your sight picture faster, and the fact that your better half can use it, I'd say you picked a winner.

If you have your heart set on 12 ga, save up the $175 to $200 to buy a used pump action. Then you'll have both.

As far as the WASR, I agree that it is not the best assault rifle possible, but it is the one you have, and will be valuable to arm others with when you find a replacement for it.

As far as the pistols go, having the extra sidearms is valuable, especially at a bargain. I would recommend further purchases to be in 9x19, as you have suggested. If you are taking in others when SHTF, you will want to control the issue and collection of not only the guns, but also the ammo, very carefully. From that perspective, the P-64's are not as bad an investment as you may believe.

The point is to grow your arsenal in the direction that you want it to go, and to retain those that are enough of a value to justify.

 

#1. Keep what you already have in the arsenal.
#2. Add more stuff into the arsenal and then get rid of the stuff you don't like or want.
#3. Look at it like this, if SHTF then any surplus weaponry you can use for trading goods or to hand out to friends and relatives for emergency purposes.
#4. Do some more research into what firearms you do want and go to a range to test them out. Google firearms ranges in your neighborhood that rent guns then test some there.
#5. Think ahead, not behind, the 20 gauge shotgun is never a bad decision. When you compare the 20 ga. to the 12 ga., there is less recoil and it will stop a bad guy. While the 12 ga. is impressive, the 20 ga does everything a 12 will do. Various police departments went to 20 gauge shotguns and replaced their 12 gauge shotguns because of too many complaints about the 12 gauges. What you probably need to do is research tactical shotguns. Any good shotgun, 12, 16 or 20 gauge bore, in a tactical form will work for home defense and personal protection. You probably need to practice a bit with your shotgun and maybe re-configure it.

 

I don't see the 9x18 or the 20 gauge as a bad thing. Look at the recent ammo run and shortage. What was the first things off the shelf? 9mm, .45, .38, .357, .380 auto etc etc. All the "popular stuff". I bet if another run happened you would still be able to find the 9x18. Same with 20. You don't have the same selection as the 12 guage, but there are waaaay more 12's out there.

Like others have said. Learn to Reload and spend the money on that instead.

 

Keep the 20 gauge shotgun, and simply stock up on ammo for it.

Sell the WASR and buy an Arsenal or Saiga.

The 9X18 is not a bad choice - just stock up on ammo and magazines.

I really don't think you did all that bad, although I would consider upgrading the 9X18s to a 9X19 if/when you have the extra cash to spend on it.

 

If the pistols you have are accurate and reliable just stock up on ammo!
lots of ammo!
and do the same for your longarms!

When the SHTF you will only use a few rounds in anger out of those pistols!
you may use more ammo in the longguns for hunting etc!

Other than all out war how many encounters are you going to have????
How many rounds are you going to fire?????

In most encounters you win you will get the losers weapons and ammo!