Now's the time to go gun shopping! (Non-Valk)

[Serk]

While we all know the election of President Trump has been a great boon to the country as a whole, in the short term at least it's hurting the gun industry pretty badly.

If there are any higher end guns you've always wanted but didn't like the price, go check out some gun shows, bring cash, and try bargaining; the dealers are wanting to move inventory, even at a loss...

In the last week, I picked up a brand new Springfield Armory M1A SOCOM CQB in .308 (Modernized version of the M14, usually close to a $2000 gun) for $1100 out the door. (They even ate the sales tax!)




And then I got a brand new IWI Tavor SAR in 5.56 for $1200 out the door (Normally $1700+)



I'm full up on AR15s but I saw decent quality not-plastic receiver AR15s starting around $300, Ruger and other name brand ones for $400-$500...

So yeah, if you've had your eye on any fun guns but been holding back, now is the time to go wave some cash around and do some wheelin' and dealin' before the next political scare comes (And it WILL come. It always does.)

[Patrick]

Nice. You think they are NYS compliant ?      A local fella just went to jail for 3.5 years for a SAFE Act noncompliant AR.

[The emperor has no clothes]

While we all know the election of President Trump has been a great boon to the country as a whole

You might reconsider your definition of "all" 

[MarkT]

AR15's, costs twice that plus to build them. I like the bullpup.  Like to have a Smith .50 revolver but just as a toy.  We just had the big gunshow last weekend but they will be back in a month.  I have the Springfield M1A I bought when Clinton did the anti-assault rifle I think in '94.  Plastic folding stock. It was about $1500 even then.  Recently I put it in a M14 surplus used walnut stock for nostalgia and added a BDC 800yd Nikon scope. Already has a good trigger. Hoping to take a deer with it this season.  I'm pretty much all stocked up on guns but might visit the next gun show.  Or otherwise look into the win 50. Also considering the Magnum Research 45-70.  Good value I think, and more in line with my use - hunting.  A bit intimidated though, my .45-70 Henry is BRUTAL on recoil.  Thanks for the headsup.  I guess I knew that but hadn't seen any figures.

[Jess from VA]

Nice catch on the SOCOM.   

I keep my eyes open for the 18" bbl Scout (which I would prefer).  Already have a 16" 7.62 AR, and 22" M1A.

You gonna stick a LER scope, or red dot, or Eotech on that thing?

http://m14forum.com/modern-m14/116078-scope-suggestions-socom-16-a.html

http://www.sniperforums.com/forum/optics/17696-what-scope-m1a-socom-16-a.html

https://www.ar15.com/forums/armory/Best_optic_for_Socom_16_/6-469091/

http://www.opticstalk.com/socom-16-scoope-options_topic19353.html

[Serk]

While we all know the election of President Trump has been a great boon to the country as a whole

You might reconsider your definition of "all" 

I'm trying to remain within the reasonable confines of the Rules of the Road, so I'll just let William F. Buckley Jr. respond for me:

AR15's, costs twice that plus to build them. I like the bullpup.  Like to have a Smith .50 revolver but just as a toy.  ... Thanks for the headsup.  I guess I knew that but hadn't seen any figures.

Yeah, I've built more than my fair share of AR15s, couldn't get over how inexpensive they are right now as factory guns. Love that bullpup, I've always loved the idea of bullpups but none felt right to me, the Tavor was the first that just felt... right... (The recently acquired one is my second, and now that they've announced they're working on a .308 version of it I might be getting a third at some point.)
The REALLY good deals I had to work at a bit to get, but even the marked prices were very reasonable...

I've got a S&W 500 Magnum, and yeah, it's a toy, but it's a hell of a fun toy!

Nice catch on the SOCOM.   

You gonna stick a LER scope, or red dot, or Eotech on that thing?

Wasn't planning on getting a SOCOM anytime soon, so hadn't really thought out sights for one. For now I'll stick with the factory iron sights. The first big mods I've done was to replace the gas plug ring and some other adapters at the muzzle so I could get a suppressor on it. I've heard M14 pattern rifles can be tricky suppressed, I'll see how it goes tomorrow, planning on heading out to my land for some trigger therapy now that it's mostly under 90 degrees...

[MarkT]

Have a look at Nikon's BDC scopes if you haven't already.  Great value I have 3 of them. They make BDC cams to order for your ballistics.  And a huge selection of stock ones off the shelf.  The M1A is rough on scopes & mounts so they say - so I got the mount Springfield makes.  Also check out Nikon's ballistics computer for your phone - SpotOn.  

[RP#62]

I'm full up on AR15s ...

pffft  like that's even possible.

-RP

[Serk]

I'm full up on AR15s ...

pffft  like that's even possible.

-RP

2 7.62x39
2 300 blackout
2 5.56 pistol
10 5.56 rifles in various configurations

At this point all I'd want in AR pattern rifles are either 500 Beowulf or some to sock away to make a few bucks when the next scare comes... (Or maybe a 6.5 grendel, or 6.8, or .458 SOCOM, or.... but I really don't wanna add new calibers that I gotta get ammo for, reloading dies for, etc...)

And most of the joy I get from AR's is in building 'em, when you can buy 'em cheaper than you can build 'em it kinda sucks most of the fun out of it for me...

[Jess from VA]

Gee, I like cans too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exrcnq6Uac4



(I've waited this long, I'm going to see if they can get them off NFA requirements)

(If so, I bet the prices go down.) 

[Serk]

(I've waited this long, I'm going to see if they can get them off NFA requirements)

(If so, I bet the prices go down.) 

Basic economics, if we manage to get the Hearing Protection Act passed through the congress that can't even repeal Obamacare, that they've been campaigning on doing for the last 8 years, I expect suppressor prices to skyrocket for at least the first few years. At least from the reputable manufacturers. (And availability to dwindle and wait times to get even worse than they are now waiting on your stamp)

Seriously, make a trust (You're a lawyer, make one yourself! ) and start the paperwork. They're worth it. So nice to shoot without dealing with hearing protection, I can't stand to shoot without a can now.

It's funny, if this were any other item, suppressors would be required. Imagine a law saying no cars or motorcycles can have mufflers on them without extreme paperwork and extra fees and waiting times put on 'em...

(Bonus fact - the same guy that invented the first firearm suppressor, Hiram Percy Maxim, the son of Maxim gun inventor Hiram Stevens Maxim, also invented the first car muffler.)

[Jess from VA]

That makes complete sense on the prices. 

I've been using muffs forever.  And now with electronics, I can hear my opponent's discussion and still not hurt my ears.  Old dog, new tricks I guess.

I have really slowed down on the collecting; at some point you cannot do justice with the stuff you already have.  There's always a few things I look for, but my tactical billet (the most important part) is filled.  You have a whole family army to arm up, I can only shoot one or two at a time. 

[Serk]

That makes complete sense on the prices. 

I've been using muffs forever.  And now with electronics, I can hear my opponent's discussion and still not hurt my ears.  Old dog, new tricks I guess.

I have really slowed down on the collecting; at some point you cannot do justice with the stuff you already have.  There's always a few things I look for, but my tactical billet (the most important part) is filled.  You have a whole family army to arm up, I can only shoot one or two at a time. 

Oh yeah, suppressors also reduce recoil by about 30%...

I know what ya' mean about slowing down, I've currently got 5 mostly full safes, I'm good from any tactical practical perspective (Especially for someone who doesn't even hunt), I'm just adding guns that I want for S&G now... Or when I wander by a deal that's just too good to walk away from.

[RP#62]

I'm full up on AR15s ...

pffft  like that's even possible.

-RP

2 7.62x39
2 300 blackout
2 5.56 pistol
10 5.56 rifles in various configurations

At this point all I'd want in AR pattern rifles are either 500 Beowulf or some to sock away to make a few bucks when the next scare comes... (Or maybe a 6.5 grendel, or 6.8, or .458 SOCOM, or.... but I really don't wanna add new calibers that I gotta get ammo for, reloading dies for, etc...)

And most of the joy I get from AR's is in building 'em, when you can buy 'em cheaper than you can build 'em it kinda sucks most of the gun out of it for me...

That's a good start.  Grendel is scary accurate.  My son has started building .458s.  I don't know if he's planning to start hunting engine blocks or what.  He's been loading 405 gr rounds.  We had to go to 1/2' AR 500 plate for targets.

-RP

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

It is indeed a great time to buy firearms. Wholesale prices have been going down for a while now on both firearms and ammo. A retailer could easily buy inventory and find that in a month or two the price has dropped enough that he will have to sell below his original cost or keep them.

I've also been seeing some 6.5 Creedmoor barrels for AR 10 builds for sale. Those would make an interesting gun. I'd like to hear all about it from anybody that's built one since I think one will be in my future.

The low end ARs are good if saving money is your primary objective but I haven't heard many good comments about them from experienced shooters. They are a good way to get in the game though. I think the number of low cost bolt guns out there is amazing.

Firearms are a funny thing. It's easy to have all you need and impossible to have all you want!

When you consider that if things had gone the other way last November the individual rights reading of the 2nd Amendment might have already been overturned life is sweet indeed for those who put freedom first.

Man I love America!

[solo1]

As for me, retirement has put a hindrance on my collection. Don't own an AR platform, donated my M1, Have two Hipoint .40 cal carbines, a Boyd's stocked Savage .308 Scout rifle, various pistols for carry and home defense , and a shotgun.

If I had my own place to shoot, might have more. The range that I belong to is 15 miles and it's quite busy.

oh yeah, I still have my Winchester model 75 .22 which got me started.  That was many squirrels ago.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Firearms are a funny thing. It's easy to have all you need and impossible to have all you want!

I've never understood this sentiment. For me guns are tools. If I have the tools I need, I'm content. I've been around many who feel the way you do. It seems almost that guns take on some mythical powers for them. And they desire more of this mojo. I'm not denigrating it, I've just never understood it.

[Gavin_Sons]

Firearms are a funny thing. It's easy to have all you need and impossible to have all you want!

I've never understood this sentiment. For me guns are tools. If I have the tools I need, I'm content. I've been around many who feel the way you do. It seems almost that guns take on some mythical powers for them. And they desire more of this mojo. I'm not denigrating it, I've just never understood it.

Some guys require more tools to get the job done. And you're completly wrong in your thinking. Only liberals think guns take on mythical powers. Conservatives know guns are mechanical and takes a human hand to make them work. Good try though.   

[MP]

Firearms are a funny thing. It's easy to have all you need and impossible to have all you want!

I've never understood this sentiment. For me guns are tools. If I have the tools I need, I'm content. I've been around many who feel the way you do. It seems almost that guns take on some mythical powers for them. And they desire more of this mojo. I'm not denigrating it, I've just never understood it.

Same thing as a collector of any item. Who NEEDS 1500 Beenie Babies?
One thing, buy quality guns, over long haul, go up in value.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Firearms are a funny thing. It's easy to have all you need and impossible to have all you want!

I've never understood this sentiment. For me guns are tools. If I have the tools I need, I'm content. I've been around many who feel the way you do. It seems almost that guns take on some mythical powers for them. And they desire more of this mojo. I'm not denigrating it, I've just never understood it.

Same thing as a collector of any item. Who NEEDS 1500 Beenie Babies?
One thing, buy quality guns, over long haul, go up in value.

Point taken.  I guess I'm not into any collections.

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

I love the mechanics, science and art of firearms. The history, known or only guessed of a firearm.

I'm restoring a 1897 Winchester pump gun for a customer now. It was his Grandfather's who gifted it to him when he was a teen. He has no intention of ever selling it, he want's it to last and be usable for his kids, grand kids and the future generations of his family. So he's not concerned with resale value, he's concerned with making it last. I'm rust bluing it, fixing a few cracks in the rear stock, plugging an old sling swivel hole in the rear stock refinishing the wood.

I treat this firearm with the same reverence he feels for it. I feel proud to be doing this job. The 97's are firearms of many parts, one of Browning's designs of course. Each screw is rust blued after fixing any screwdriver blemishes from the past. All the parts are handled many times. This isn't my first 97 but I feel the same amazement now that I did when I first disassembled one.

For John Browning to have designed this gun without computer software, entirely in his own head and by trial and error is astounding. The machining in this firearm is also astounding. It would have been built during the transition from shops being driving by a single overhead belt drive to each lathe/mill/boring machine having it's own electric motor. To think that these parts were made on primitive machines in undoubtedly poor lighting without digital instruments, CNC machines or the thousand other wonders of modern machining we take for granted today seems nearly impossible. Each and every part is a testament to a skilled craftsman who has long since left this earth. And yet, this firearm, designed by a genius long gone, built by craftsmen long gone, owned by a revered Grandfather long gone remains. And will hopefully remain beautiful and functional for centuries with proper care. This is what I see in firearms.

A person could spend a lifetime understanding and improving the science of what happens inside the firearm upon firing and outside after the bullet leaves the barrel. The knowledge required to build a firearm, the science of how it works, the science of the primers, of the powder, of heat treating, of metal, of wood. The generations of knowledge in many sciences with seceding generations building on the knowledge of those who came before them, that's what I see in firearms. The evolution of machining is there to be seen in firearms.

Chris Kyle's 2nd book which ties America's history with an important firearm of each era, that again is how I see firearms.

As efficient or less efficient tools for the harvest of game is another way to see firearms. When I handle a firearm, these are just some of the thoughts I have. I only wish my hard drive was large enough and my life long enough to absorb and retain everything I'd like to learn about them. But of course, I'm a mere human with a limited life span and memory.

But, what I can do is carefully insert myself in a small way into that line of craftsmen, designers, engineers, hunters, ancestors and protectors and help preserve our country's firearms for future generations. I can do that by helping preserve them for my customers and by acquiring firearms with the knowledge that they will one day belong to my descendants while giving me enjoyment in the mean time.

And of course, I like firearms for the pure joy of ownership and sending lead down range, for the shared time with family and friends, for the feeling of showing a friend or family member a new gun.

And most of all, I like firearms because they represent independence and the unique freedom and safety, we, as Americans possess in a world which does not love us.

[Serk]

Frye - Thank you, sincerely for your words (And your work!).

I love the mechanics, I love disassembling a newly acquired firearm and figuring out how the different parts work together to make it function, the perfect symphony of moving parts that must happen in the blink of an eye every time the trigger is pulled.

I love the history. I love holding my WWII Garand, or my Karabiner 98K (With blood stained stock) and wondering what these rifles have seen, what they did. (I keep those two in separate safes to make sure they don't try to recreate any prior engagements.)

I collect to build something that can be passed down the generations. A motorcycle may last a lifetime, two if you're lucky. A firearm, if properly cared for, only has 2 real enemies, rust and politicians. If those two can be avoided it's tossing a pebble into the well of eternity.

I do mentally segregate my firearms into categories... Those that are tools that I may have need for (I don't hunt, so the only tool usage ones are for social services purposes. A well equipped SHTF semi auto rifle that I know well, an extremely reliable concealed carry pistol that I know extremely well and am most competent with mainly). Then there are the "Because I can" guns. The M1A SOCOM falls into this category, as does the S&W 500 Magnum, the Desert Eagle, and frankly most of the collection.

The third class is the historically interesting ones. I'm only lacking an Italian and a Japanese rifle to complete my collection of the main battle rifles of the primary belligerent nations of WWII.

My Pre-WWII 1911 also falls into this class, and is a cherished historical piece.

I've got at least one example of the sidearm of most Warsaw-Pact nations of the Cold War (That one started with my fascination of the 9x18mm Makarov round.)

And of course lately I've had to start building a rather large collection of 22 caliber pistols (One for each kid) and 22 caliber rifles (Once again, one for each kid)





And.... above all else, the simple answer as to why I collect is because it brings me joy.

I can find no greater reason to pursue an activity (As long as it doesn't harm another) than that it brings joy.

[Jess from VA]

What you guys said.   

[MarkT]

Great thread and comments.  Wish I had half the toys Serk does.  Mike, I have a Win '97 that survived life on a Kansas farm in the hands of practical farmers who didn't respect guns as art but more like tools or a farm implement to be used and maintained with baling wire and sometimes oiled. Someone tried to remove the barrel with a pipe wrench. Shows plenty of wear. But it still works. Though it sits in a safe, replaced by an 870 for use. It was my grandfather's and my dad's, don't know who else.  Afraid it's beyond being restored to it's original glory.  I'm glad it was you who restored my dad's neglected '95 Mauser.  It's a safe queen; I don't use it.  My tired old eyes need better sights to hit anything and I don't want to mod the rifle. I have other rifles to take up it's purpose.

[Serk]

And now one of my favorite things to do... Loading up the new acquisitions, some of the above .22's and my 4 spawn and headed out to the land for a day of trigger therapy!

[solo1]

Like motorcycles, firearms are not appreciated or understood by some.  I really enjoyed this thread.
All of you really explained the essence of our heritage due to the wisdom of our founders in writing the 2nd Amendment.

My memory goes back to my Dad who put meat on the table in the Great Depression Years using his model 69 Winchester and a Lyman 438 scope.  Dad taught me responsibility at a very early age by giving me a Model 59 Winchester and taking me squirrel hunting at the tender age of 10.  Later on Dad became sick and I took him out for the last time doing the same.

Dad had a very modest collection.  A model 12 Winchester, a Colt Woodsman, the above mentioned .22 rifle, and a 30/40 Krag.(an eight dollar purchase which he never shot.)

Since then I have owned such gems a a Colt Woodsman, A Browning Medalist, Browning Auto five, Series 70 colt 1911, Two flat bolt Ruger 77's, Ruger three screw Super Blackhawk.  I could go on. Some have been traded, sold or gone, some are with my kids.  The only old reminder that I have today is my Model 75 Winchester.

I taught my kids responsibility the same way but I have now lost the arms race to them.

Good memories, all.   Hunting, competititon shooting, plinking, teaching, coaching, etc.

[Serk]

So it turns out there's a gas system shut off screw on the M1A... And it turns out I managed to turn it while I was changing out the muzzle end parts so I could put the suppressor quick detach brake on.

Only took me 1/2 a box of ammo to figure out why my nice new semi auto was functionally operating like a bolt action.

(Whipping out my phone and googling on "M1A not cycling" pointed me to the culprit lickety split.)

Got that sorted, and the M1A SOCOM was shooting great. You do get a lot of gas blow back in your face though when shooting suppressed with an M14 pattern rifle but reliability was excellent. Good thing I was wearing eye protection, but having my noise-averse 6 year old sitting 10 feet away with no hearing protection and not freaking out in the slightest makes it worth it.

The Tavor was boringly reliable. When your tiny country is surrounded by those who wish to see your people wiped from the face of the Earth, you tend to learn to make good guns, or you cease to exist. And our Israeli friends are still around... That's why a Tavor has become my primary social services rifle.

Brian and KK of the triplets like the idea of shooting their guns a lot more than the reality of it, but I let 'em fire off a few rounds each from their Ruger 22/45 MKIII Lites.

Blake... Blake is my mini-me... The smallest of the triplets, but far and away the most advanced.

He learned the joys of ringing steel, and that was all the motivation he needed to actually LISTEN to me, take his time, line up his shots and GONG... GONG... GONG...

Anyway... All home, guns cleaned (Blake helped. The joys of cleaning my guns, with one of my kids with me paying attention to every detail, was a thing of beauty.)

Allergies are flaring up from a day out in the woods, but I expected that.

Worth it.

Totally worth it.

[The emperor has no clothes]

So it turns out there's a gas system shut off screw on the M1A... And it turns out I managed to turn it while I was changing out the muzzle end parts so I could put the suppressor quick detach brake on.

Only took me 1/2 a box of ammo to figure out why my nice new semi auto was functionally operating like a bolt action.

(Whipping out my phone and googling on "M1A not cycling" pointed me to the culprit lickety split.)

Got that sorted, and the M1A SOCOM was shooting great. You do get a lot of gas blow back in your face though when shooting suppressed with an M14 pattern rifle but reliability was excellent. Good thing I was wearing eye protection, but having my noise-averse 6 year old sitting 10 feet away with no hearing protection and not freaking out in the slightest makes it worth it.

The Tavor was boringly reliable. When your tiny country is surrounded by those who wish to see your people wiped from the face of the Earth, you tend to learn to make good guns, or you cease to exist. And our Israeli friends are still around... That's why a Tavor has become my primary social services rifle.

Brian and KK of the triplets like the idea of shooting their guns a lot more than the reality of it, but I let 'em fire off a few rounds each from their Ruger 22/45 MKIII Lites.

Blake... Blake is my mini-me... The smallest of the triplets, but far and away the most advanced.

He learned the joys of ringing steel, and that was all the motivation he needed to actually LISTEN to me, take his time, line up his shots and GONG... GONG... GONG...

Anyway... All home, guns cleaned (Blake helped. The joys of cleaning my guns, with one of my kids with me paying attention to every detail, was a thing of beauty.)

Allergies are flaring up from a day out in the woods, but I expected that.

Worth it.

Totally worth it.

[Crackerborn]

I've been away from the WWW for a few days so just catching up on the forum. Great topic and yes, there are some great deals out there on both guns and ammo. While not a personal fan of the "black" guns, I can understand the desire to own the several of each that tickle the fancy. An example is the .357 magnum handguns mixed in with a Henry Big Boy in .357 magnum. 30-06 Springfield in bolt and semi-auto, two historical (1917 and 1903) and two hunting (Browning A-bolt and Remington 740). Before I left to see if Tom or Jake wanted to come out and play, I picked up a Howa 1500 in 7mm-08 (.308 wildcat round necked to 7mm) with a so so scope as part of the package for under $350. That scope will now go on the Henry and I have ordered an Osprey Global tactical scope so the 7mm will reach out and touch at the ranges it is capable of. Out of the box and one trip to the range and the Howa is holding 1 inch 3 shot groupings at 200 yards. I already had a Howa 1500 in .308 that is a nail driver. The Savage Model 10 Stealth Precision in .338 Lapua might be my first foray into "modern" guns.

 Yes, I am a bolt action kinda guy that rides on a Valkyrie and I do not want or need intervention.

[Bronxboy]

While we all know the election of President Trump has been a great boon to the country as a whole

You might reconsider your definition of "all" 

I'm trying to remain within the reasonable confines of the Rules of the Road, so I'll just let William F. Buckley Jr. respond for me:

AR15's, costs twice that plus to build them. I like the bullpup.  Like to have a Smith .50 revolver but just as a toy.  ... Thanks for the headsup.  I guess I knew that but hadn't seen any figures.

Yeah, I've built more than my fair share of AR15s, couldn't get over how inexpensive they are right now as factory guns. Love that bullpup, I've always loved the idea of bullpups but none felt right to me, the Tavor was the first that just felt... right... (The recently acquired one is my second, and now that they've announced they're working on a .308 version of it I might be getting a third at some point.)
The REALLY good deals I had to work at a bit to get, but even the marked prices were very reasonable...

I've got a S&W 500 Magnum, and yeah, it's a toy, but it's a hell of a fun toy!

Nice catch on the SOCOM.   

You gonna stick a LER scope, or red dot, or Eotech on that thing?

Wasn't planning on getting a SOCOM anytime soon, so hadn't really thought out sights for one. For now I'll stick with the factory iron sights. The first big mods I've done was to replace the gas plug ring and some other adapters at the muzzle so I could get a suppressor on it. I've heard M14 pattern rifles can be tricky suppressed, I'll see how it goes tomorrow, planning on heading out to my land for some trigger therapy now that it's mostly under 90 degrees...

They sell an adjustable Gas Plug, u can dial in certain ammo. I have one on my Socom16, I have over 5000 rds thru it by now and it is a superb Battle Rifle. Had an E-otech Optics on it for awhile but bought a set of National Match Irons for it, this gun was made to be Naked.

[Serk]

They sell an adjustable Gas Plug, u can dial in certain ammo. I have one on my Socom16, I have over 5000 rds thru it by now and it is a superb Battle Rifle. Had an E-otech Optics on it for awhile but bought a set of National Match Irons for it, this gun was made to be Naked.

Yeah, I've been thinking about buying the Schuster Adjustable Gas Plug... Is that the one you have?

[Bronxboy]

They sell an adjustable Gas Plug, u can dial in certain ammo. I have one on my Socom16, I have over 5000 rds thru it by now and it is a superb Battle Rifle. Had an E-otech Optics on it for awhile but bought a set of National Match Irons for it, this gun was made to be Naked.

Yeah, I've been thinking about buying the Schuster Adjustable Gas Plug... Is that the one you have?

Yes got it at Midway for like $50, it also will reduce wear on your operating rod. Turn it clock wise to decrease gas exhaust, counter clock wise to increase gas exhaust. Very definitive clicks, this will really help u if u shoot suppressed.

[MarkT]

Been getting the itch again.  Really thinking seriously about the Magnum Research BFR in .500 S&W.  Been looking at the ballistics.  Pretty impressive.  Reviews on the BFR and Magnum Research are very good.  Ammo cost, until I start reloading them - about the same for .45-70 as .500 S&W. Yeah sure the .500 has way more power than needed.  Thinkin it will be a range toy as well as a hunter.  So lookin at the 10inch. Bulk is not a concern; might even put a scope on it. I wish the Galco Kodiak Hunter holster was made for it. Love that one with my Super Blackhawk. Asking price online hovers around $1k.  Maybe offer cash and get it at the gun show for less. Waddaya think Serk.  Mistake brewing here?  Reports say the BFR is stronger than the S&W in this caliber.

[Serk]

The BFR would, IMHO, be inherently stronger since it's a single action revolver and the S&W iteration is a double action. (That's about the extent of my knowledge of wheel guns however.)

I've long been fascinated with the BFR line, but I figured if I was gonna get something ridiculous, go all the way and get a double action revolver and not just the single action flavor.

(I'll happily defer to our more knowledgeable wheel gun types though! Not my forte by a long shot.)

On the original topic, after the attack in Las Vegas I almost wanna go to the gun shows this weekend and see if prices have jumped back up yet... I figure they will as the drumbeat of gun control goes back up, but we'll see...

Edit - Oh, and I ordered a Schuster Adjustable Gas Plug for the SOCOM today... hope to tame it a bit when the can's on it (And I mainly shoot with a can)

(I know slide fire stocks are suddenly out of stock just about everywhere online... )

[MarkT]

On brutal recoil revolvers, I think the recoil is handled better by the hoglegs as they roll up in your hand instead of the web pushing directly against your thumb base.  Such a powerful handgun, I'm not firing in double action anyway.  And I can easily thumb the hammer back while it's recovering from recoil so no time is lost.  Not to mention, with a good SA trigger, both types are much more accurate fired in SA. No doubt good gloves will be needed. My Super Blackhawk is accurized - I get 2" groups with a rest at 50 yds. The BFR is capable of that or better out of the box, per online videos.  Might look at a lower profile red dot for it. Assuming one can take the abuse.  Maybe Eotech?.  Fond of an Aimpoint on a battle rifle. Need more research there.

[Serk]

This is just as accurate as the infamous butt-dynometer for measuring motorcycle horsepower but I find my S&W 500 more comfortable to shoot than my .44 Magnum New Model Super Blackhawk. The Blackhawk rotates as you say, but it rotates right into the webbing of my hand and tends to pinch and smack the more tender parts of my hand whereas the S&W goes more straight back into the meatier part of my hand.

S&W spent a lot of time and thought designing the grip of that gun to be as manageable and comfortable as possible.

(Don't get me wrong, it's still a hand cannon, especially when flinging the 700 grain hand loads out!)

And not trying to necessarily talk you out of the BFR, I've considered one of those myself, just listing some of the thought processes I went through that led me to my decision.

[Gavin_Sons]

On brutal recoil revolvers, I think the recoil is handled better by the hoglegs as they roll up in your hand instead of the web pushing directly against your thumb base.  Such a powerful handgun, I'm not firing in double action anyway.  And I can easily thumb the hammer back while it's recovering from recoil so no time is lost.  Not to mention, with a good SA trigger, both types are much more accurate fired in SA. No doubt good gloves will be needed. My Super Blackhawk is accurized - I get 2" groups with a rest at 50 yds. The BFR is capable of that or better out of the box, per online videos.  Might look at a lower profile red dot for it. Assuming one can take the abuse.  Maybe Eotech?.  Fond of an Aimpoint on a battle rifle. Need more research there.

i put a burris fastfire on my 44 lever action. Only used to deer hunt. Considering getting another for my 44 revolver. It already shoots 3" groups at 100 yards but i think i can bring it into 2" groups at 100 with a red dot. The thing is tiny on my rifle, and the only reason i have not done it to my revolver is the fact that the leather holster i paid 200 bucks for will be of no use with any kind of scope. I'll have to buy the scope model holster. so for now it is rifle with red dot and revolver with open sights.

https://www.burrisoptics.com/sights/fastfire-series/fastfire-3

[MarkT]

Something else - the holster I REALLY like is available for the S&W x frame 500 - not for the BFR: https://www.galcogunleather.com/kodiak-shoulder-holster_8_2_1179.html

Not fond of Magnum Research's holsters. http://www.magnumresearch.com/BFR-Holsters/Magnum-Research-Bandolier-w-Belt-Strap10BFR2513BS.asp 

But then I can likely get one custom made.  Or dig deeper to find one off the shelf.  I'm fond of hoglegs in big calibers.  I do have the ultimate DA revolver already in a mint Python.

[Gavin_Sons]

Something else - the holster I REALLY like is available for the S&W x frame 500 - not for the BFR: https://www.galcogunleather.com/kodiak-shoulder-holster_8_2_1179.html

Not fond of Magnum Research's holsters. http://www.magnumresearch.com/BFR-Holsters/Magnum-Research-Bandolier-w-Belt-Strap10BFR2513BS.asp 

But then I can likely get one custom made.  Or dig deeper to find one off the shelf.  I'm fond of hoglegs in big calibers.  I do have the ultimate DA revolver already in a mint Python.

Thats the exact holster I have. It works great. I'd like to get the band that goes around it for a few extra rounds but my hunting belt holds 20 extra anyway. I have never used more than 5 while in the field and that was 4 deer down and one had to be shot a second time. So kinda over kill but I take them for those just in case scenarios.